Bhubaneswar: The Centre has extended key incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) while easing manufacturing norms, citing energy security concerns and supply chain disruptions linked to the West Asia situation. Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing, Hanif Qureshi said the move aligns with India’s push for clean mobility and the broader vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat. Under the PM…
Bhubaneswar: The Centre is actively working to bring back Formula 1 to India, with efforts underway to resolve taxation and regulatory issues that led to the sport’s exit after 2013. Officials are reportedly streamlining tax-related hurdles that had previously impacted the viability of hosting races at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. At least…
Bhubaneswar: The National Highways Authority of India has launched the ‘Arogya Van’ programme, an initiative aimed at planting medicinal trees along vacant stretches of national highways to enhance ecological sustainability and promote traditional healthcare awareness. In the first phase, more than 67,000 medicinal trees will be planted across 17 identified land parcels spanning approximately 62.8…
Bhubaneswar: Aparajita Sarangi has called on the Odisha government to revisit its recent decision on metro rail projects, terming the initiative crucial for the city’s future mobility needs. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Sarangi made a “humble request” to reconsider the state cabinet’s decision taken on April 4 regarding the…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of India has approved an expanded version of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, with an outlay of ₹28,840 crore over 10 years starting FY 2026–27, aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity across underserved areas. Under the revised scheme, the government plans to develop 100 new airports from unserved airstrips,…
Bhubaneswar: The annual FASTag pass issued by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will become slightly more expensive starting April 1, following a revision in the annual fee. According to NHAI, the cost of the FASTag annual pass will increase from ₹3,000 to ₹3,075. The revised rate will come into effect from the beginning…
Bhubaneswar: The proposed metro rail project between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack may face further delays as the Centre is now exploring the possibility of introducing Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services to strengthen connectivity between the twin cities. Responding to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the government is examining a…
Bhubaneswar: India’s largest airline IndiGo has introduced a fuel surcharge on air tickets following a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel prices linked to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Under the revised structure, passengers will pay an additional ₹425 on domestic and subcontinent routes, while long-haul international sectors such as flights to Europe could…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to replace temporary traffic sheds across the city with permanent structures this summer, citing safety concerns during storms and extreme weather. The decision was taken during a summer preparedness review meeting chaired by Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das. Officials noted that many of the existing temporary sheds used…
Bhubaneswar: Amid growing geopolitical tensions and speculation about disruptions in global energy supplies, India’s energy security remains stable, backed by strong reserves, robust refining capacity, and diversified import sources. Contrary to alarmist narratives circulating in public discourse, data indicates that the country maintains a comfortable buffer to manage temporary shocks in the global oil market….