Bhubaneswar: The Central Government has announced a temporary exemption of all customs duties on cotton imports from June 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026, to augment the availability of cotton for the domestic textile industry. The decision is aimed at ensuring adequate raw material supply for textile and apparel manufacturers while addressing concerns over cotton…
Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its forecast for the 2026 Southwest Monsoon season, predicting that India is likely to receive rainfall amounting to 90 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA). The forecast was issued as part of the weather agency’s second outlook for the Southwest Monsoon. The revised estimate is…
BHUBANESWAR: The rising cost of fuel and cooking gas is putting additional pressure on household budgets across Odisha, with transportation expenses increasing by nearly 10 percent and triggering a sharp rise in the prices of vegetables and other essential kitchen commodities. Traders said recent increases in petrol, diesel and LPG prices have significantly raised transportation…
BHUBANESWAR: As the scorching summer gradually gives way to the monsoon, Odisha is preparing for two of its most cherished cultural celebrations—Raja Parba and Ratha Yatra—marking the beginning of what many consider the state’s most vibrant and festive period of the year. The season begins with the celebration of Raja Parba, a unique festival that…
Bhubaneswar: Prices of essential commodities may rise further in the coming days, raising concerns for middle-class and lower middle-class households already struggling with inflationary pressure. According to traders’ associations, the prices of daily-use items such as potatoes, sugar, edible oil, and pulses could increase by up to ₹10 per kilogram due to rising supply and…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated plans to establish modern Handloom Hubs and Apparel Parks in multiple districts to strengthen the state’s traditional weaving sector through advanced technology, improved infrastructure, and enhanced market access. As part of the initiative, dedicated projects are being developed in Cuttack, Bargarh, and Jajpur districts with the aim of transforming…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of India has highlighted the progress of the world’s largest cooperative grain storage scheme, launched to strengthen food security, improve agricultural infrastructure and meet the growing food grain requirements of both India and global markets. According to officials, the scheme has not only benefited farmers through improved storage facilities and reduced post-harvest…
Bhubaneswar: A group of women from Balasore who once depended on collecting sal leaves from forests and making traditional leaf plates for their livelihood have achieved a major milestone by securing an international cloth bag order from London. The development has brought recognition to the Navadurga Producers Group based in Dhobashila panchayat under Nilagiri block…
Bhubaneswar: India has eased mandatory inspection requirements for tea imports from Nepal following requests from Nepali authorities, offering significant relief to tea exporters and cross-border traders. Under the revised arrangement, trucks carrying Nepali tea meant for India’s domestic market will no longer be routinely stopped at border points for inspection and testing. The Tea Board…
Bhubaneswar: Fresh concerns have emerged over the future pace of Odisha’s widely recognised millet mission after the proposed budget allocation for the Shree Anna Abhiyan was reduced from ₹600 crore to ₹415 crore for 2026-27, marking a cut of nearly 31 percent. The reduction comes despite the programme reportedly achieving around 93 percent fund utilisation…