Sitharaman Responds to Rahul Gandhi’s Budget Criticism, Defends Economic Fundamentals

Bhubaneswar: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday responded to Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Union Budget, saying she was unclear about the “course correction” he was referring to and asserting that the Indian economy remains fundamentally strong. “I don’t know what course correction he is referring to. The economy…

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Budget 2026 Gives Major Push to Ayurveda and AYUSH Ecosystem

Bhubaneswar: The Union Budget 2026 has announced a significant expansion of government support for Ayurveda and India’s broader AYUSH ecosystem, signalling a renewed emphasis on traditional medicine systems alongside modern healthcare. As part of the initiative, the Centre has proposed the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, aimed at scaling up education,…

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When time stands still: Murshidabad invites the world back to its royal past Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2026 – 6th to 8th February

Bhubaneswar: Once the Nawabi Capital of Bengal and a cradle of power, prosperity and culture, Murshidabad is not merely a place in the map – it is a living inheritance. Its palaces, river ghats, silk looms and age-old rituals continue to echo stories whispered by the Ganga. From 6th to 8th February 2026, this historic place of legacy will…

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Exide Industries Introduces AGMi – A Future-Ready AGM Battery Range for Advanced Passenger Vehicles

Bhubaneswar:  Exide Industries Limited, India’s leading storage battery manufacturer, today announced the launch of Exide AGMi, an advanced Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery range for the Indian aftermarket, designed to meet the growing power demands of modern, high-tech passenger vehicles. Exide AGMi offers spill-proof AGM-VRLA technology for enhanced safety, higher cranking power, up to 3X cycle life versus conventional…

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Khandagiri Mela 2026 Sees Parking Fee Row, Artist Controversy Amid Heavy Footfall

Bhubaneswar:  The ongoing Khandagiri Magh Mela 2026 has been marked by controversy even as it continues to draw massive crowds for its religious rituals and cultural performances. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a show-cause notice to the leaseholder managing parking facilities at the mela after complaints of overcharging visitors, with fees reportedly almost…

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Mumbai Bids Farewell to Iconic Parle Products Factory in Vile Parle

Bhubaneswar: Mumbai is set to lose one of its most cherished industrial landmarks as the iconic Parle Products factory in Vile Parle prepares to shut down, bringing an end to nearly 90 years of history. The factory, synonymous with Parle-G biscuits and generations of childhood memories, will make way for commercial redevelopment. Established in the…

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From Saptasajya to Overseas Markets: Dhenkanal Strawberries Exported to London for the First Time

Bhubaneswar: In a major milestone for Odisha’s agricultural sector, fresh strawberries grown in Dhenkanal district have been exported to London for the first time, marking a new chapter in the state’s horticulture history. A total of 52 kilograms of fresh strawberries cultivated in Neelakanthapur village under Bhuban block and Ramei Khamar village under Gandia block…

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India-EU Trade Deal Set to Boost Textile Exports, Create Millions of Jobs: Goyal

Bhubaneswar: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said the recently concluded India-European Union trade agreement could significantly strengthen India’s textile sector and generate millions of new jobs, as the country positions itself to gain a larger share of the European market. Speaking at the India-EU Summit in New Delhi, Goyal noted that the…

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Odisha’s 11-Day Adivasi Mela Begins; CM Calls for Tribal Awareness of Rights

Bhubaneswar: The 11-day Adivasi Mela, one of Odisha’s largest showcases of tribal culture, began in Bhubaneswar on Sunday with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurating the event and urging members of the tribal community to become educated and aware of their constitutional and legal rights. The annual fair highlights the lifestyle, art, craft, cuisine and…

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Apple Pay Likely to Launch in India by Late 2026 After Regulatory Clearances

Bhubaneswar: Apple Inc. is preparing to roll out its digital payments service, Apple Pay, in India by late 2026, ending years of regulatory and operational delays in one of the world’s largest digital payments markets. India remains one of the few major economies where Apple Pay is yet to be officially launched. According to reports,…

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