India Dominate Final to Win Record Sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup

Bhubaneswar: India stamped their authority on world youth cricket once again, clinching a record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title with a thumping 100-run victory over England U19 in the final at the Harare Sports Club on February 6, 2026. In a final that quickly turned one-sided, India produced a batting masterclass to post a…

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Publicity Chariot Launched Ahead of 20th Toshali Swadeshi Mela in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: A publicity chariot was flagged off on Thursday to promote the 20th edition of the Toshali Swadeshi Mela, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 26 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. The mela aims to showcase indigenous handlooms, handicrafts and local products under the theme “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar.” The promotional campaign was inaugurated at…

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Eco-Friendly Jute Enterprise Empowers Rural Women in Odisha’s Puri District

Bhubaneswar: In Bisimatri village of Odisha’s Puri district, a group of nearly 50 rural women has transformed eco-friendly craftsmanship into a sustainable livelihood, building a successful jute-based enterprise that has brought financial independence and social empowerment to their community. The initiative began in 2015, when artisan mentor Amiya Poddar introduced local women—many of whom were…

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Supreme Court Questions Sharp Cut in NEET-PG Cut-Offs Over Medical Standards

Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned the decision to drastically reduce NEET-PG qualifying cut-offs after thousands of postgraduate medical seats remained vacant following two rounds of counselling. A Bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe expressed concern over the reduction of the cut-off to the 7th percentile (103 marks) for general category candidates…

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Union Budget 2026 Proposes Girls’ Hostels in Every District to Boost Women’s Education

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening women’s empowerment, the Union Budget 2026 has proposed the establishment of girls’ hostels in every district across the country, aimed at improving access to education and ensuring safe accommodation for female students. The initiative is intended to address one of the key barriers to girls’ education—lack of secure…

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Centre Partners with Physics Wallah Foundation for Free Coaching of SC, OBC and PM CARES Children

Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has partnered with the Physics Wallah Foundation to provide free competitive exam coaching to 5,000 students every year from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and PM CARES for Children beneficiaries—children who lost one or both parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nationwide programme will cover…

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Odisha to Provide Uniforms, ID Cards and Smartphones to Mission Shakti Staff from April 1

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced that Mission Shakti community support staff across the state will be provided with uniforms, identity cards, and smartphones starting April 1, in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots implementation of women-centric welfare programmes. The initiative will cover around 46,000 Mission Shakti workers, including Community Resource Persons (CRPs), who play…

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BCCI to Consult ICC on Pakistan’s Boycott Threat: Rajeev Shukla

Bhubaneswar: Amid reports of Pakistan considering a boycott of its match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president and Congress MP Rajeev Shukla said the Indian board would respond only after consultations with the International Cricket Council (ICC). “ICC has issued a big…

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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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