New Odisha Age

Thorium Key to India’s Energy Independence, Says Atomic Energy Scientist

Bhubaneswar: Emphasising the critical role of nuclear energy in India’s future, senior scientist Dr Neelam Goyal from the Department of Atomic Energy highlighted the need to accelerate the country’s civil nuclear programme to ensure long-term energy security. Speaking on the sidelines of an event in Surat, Dr Goyal said India’s economy—anchored in agriculture, industry, and…

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India Eyes Curbs on Chinese Surveillance Firms in Major Digital Security Push

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step toward strengthening national security and safeguarding digital infrastructure, the Government of India is reportedly planning to impose restrictions on Chinese surveillance and networking equipment used across the country. The move is expected to impact major global players such as Hikvision, Dahua Technology, and TP-Link, whose products are widely deployed in…

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India Achieves Milestone as Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam Reaches Criticality

Bhubaneswar: In a major advancement for India’s nuclear energy programme, the indigenously developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has successfully achieved criticality, marking a significant breakthrough in Stage-2 of India’s three-stage nuclear power strategy. The 500 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor represents a crucial technological leap. It operates using mixed oxide (MOX) fuel—a combination…

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India-Bound Saudi Crude Tanker Safely Reaches Mumbai After Hormuz Transit

Bhubaneswar: A Liberian-flagged oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian crude has safely reached Mumbai, becoming the first India-bound vessel to transit the Strait of Hormuz since maritime traffic sharply declined following the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The tanker, identified as Shenlong, was carrying crude loaded from the Saudi port of Ras…

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Russia Ready to Reroute Crude to India as West Asia Tensions Threaten Oil Supply

Bhubaneswar: Russia is prepared to redirect crude oil shipments to India to help offset potential supply disruptions arising from the escalating conflict in West Asia, according to an industry source cited by Reuters. Around 9.5 million barrels of crude oil are currently aboard tankers near Indian waters and could be diverted to Indian refiners within…

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200 Indians Stranded in Jeddah Return on Special Flight to Ahmedabad

Bhubaneswar: Around 200 Indian nationals stranded in Jeddah were repatriated on a special flight that landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport late on Tuesday. Many of the passengers had travelled to Jeddah during the holy month of Ramadan and were unable to return after flight operations were disrupted amid escalating tensions in West Asia…

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Strait of Hormuz: Why This Narrow Passage Shapes Global Energy Markets

Bhubaneswar: The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically vital energy chokepoints in the world. Connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, this narrow maritime corridor carries roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies each day. Any disruption — or even credible claims of a temporary closure —…

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Odisha Govt Assures Support in Missing Merchant Navy Cadet Case

Bhubaneswar: Amid growing concern over the alleged disappearance of merchant navy cadet Sarthak Mohapatra while on duty, Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has assured full support from both the state and central governments to the family. Speaking on the matter, the minister said he had personally spoken to Sarthak’s mother three days ago and that…

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Indian Army Renames 246 Roads, Buildings to Shed Colonial-Era Legacy

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to decolonise military traditions and honour India’s own heroes, the Indian Army has renamed 246 roads, buildings and facilities across the country, replacing British-era names with those of Indian war heroes and icons of valour. The newly renamed infrastructure now commemorates legendary soldiers such as Param Vir Chakra awardees Arun…

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India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR Begins in Assam

Bhubaneswar: The 13th edition of the India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR commenced on February 4 at Missamari, Assam, and will continue until February 17, 2026. Exercise KHANJAR is an annual bilateral training event, conducted alternately in India and Kyrgyzstan. The previous edition of the exercise was held in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025. The Indian…

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