New Odisha Age

ED Conducts Searches at Vigyan Bharati Charitable Trust in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the office of Vigyan Bharati Charitable Trust in Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar, reportedly linked to the Hi-Tech Group of Institutions. The raid was carried out by the Kolkata unit of the central agency following allegations of large-scale financial irregularities. Officials are investigating suspected money laundering, financial mismanagement, and…

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Odisha Launches ‘Aame Padhibaa Aama Bhasare’ for Mother-Tongue Learning in Tribal Areas

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step toward inclusive early education, Odisha has launched the ‘Aame Padhibaa Aama Bhasare’ (We Will Learn in Our Own Language) campaign to provide pre-school education in the mother tongue of tribal children aged three to six years. The programme will initially benefit children from the Saura tribal community in Gajapati district….

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Kerala to Keralam: A Renaming That Has Reignited a National Identity Debate

Bhubaneswar: The Union Cabinet’s approval of the proposal to rename Kerala as “Keralam” has triggered a broader political and cultural debate, with leaders across states renewing long-pending demands for similar changes. The move, which aligns the state’s official English nomenclature with its Malayalam identity, was initially viewed as an administrative correction. However, it has quickly…

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Cabinet Clears Proposal to Rename Kerala as ‘Keralam’

Bhubaneswar: The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to alter the name of the State of “Kerala” to “Keralam”, setting in motion the constitutional process required for a formal name change. Following Cabinet approval, the President of India will refer the proposed legislation — the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 — to the Kerala…

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Bihar Government Proposes Restrictions on Meat and Fish Sales Near Schools and Religious Sites

Bhubaneswar: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha has announced that the state government plans to ban the sale of meat and fish near educational and religious institutions, as well as in crowded public spaces. The proposal, he said, is driven by health concerns and an aim to curb violent tendencies among children. The move is…

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Four New Universities: Odisha’s Bid to Rebalance Higher Education

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s announcement to establish four new universities in Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Jharsuguda marks a significant intervention in the state’s higher education landscape. Unveiled during the 2026–27 budget presentation by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the move signals an intent to decentralise academic opportunities and curb the long-standing migration of students to other states….

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The End of Cash at Toll Plazas: Efficiency at the Cost of Inclusion?

Bhubaneswar: From 1 April 2026, cash payments at National Highway toll plazas are likely to be discontinued, with all transactions shifting to digital modes such as FASTag and UPI. The move fits neatly into India’s broader push towards a technology-driven, high-efficiency highway network. In principle, it promises speed, transparency, and reduced congestion. In practice, it…

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Discipline vs Freedom: Utkal University’s Tightening Grip on Campus Life

Bhubaneswar: Universities are meant to be sanctuaries of learning, debate, and intellectual freedom. Yet, they are also institutions that must ensure safety, discipline, and order. Utkal University’s newly announced stringent campus guidelines reflect this delicate balancing act—tilting firmly toward control in the name of security and academic focus. The mandatory carrying of identity cards and…

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Ekamra Project to Be Completed by 2026–27 with Enhanced Budget and New Features

Bhubaneswar: The Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action Plan, popularly known as the Ekamra Project, will be upgraded with new features and is targeted for completion by the 2026–27 financial year, the Odisha government has said. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan informed that the revised plan will include an interpretation centre and a grand statue…

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Census Coming Soon: What Will Enumerators Ask About Your Household?

Bhubaneswar: In India’s upcoming national Census, enumerators will collect detailed information on household facilities, family structure, and assets. The data will help the government design welfare schemes, infrastructure plans, and policy frameworks. Key Questions Likely to Be Asked 1. Family Details Name of the head of the household Number of family members 2. Housing Structure…

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