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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OHRC Directs Odisha Govt to Add Third Gender Option in OPSC Exam Forms

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has directed the state government to ensure the inclusion of a third gender/transgender option in application forms for examinations conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). The directive followed a petition filed by a third gender candidate, Sony Sil, who pointed out that the online application forms…

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CUO, OUAT Sign Three-Year MoU to Boost Agricultural Research and Outreach

Bhubaneswar: The Central University of Odisha (CUO) and the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in agricultural research, education and extension activities. The agreement aims to promote the exchange of students, scientists and faculty members, along with sharing research methodologies, technologies and scientific…

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President Approves Gallantry Awards for 70 Armed Forces Personnel Ahead of Republic Day

Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of gallantry and service awards on 70 personnel of the Indian Armed Forces ahead of India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, recognising acts of exceptional bravery and distinguished service across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Among the honours, the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, has…

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Dipti Mahapatra Becomes Odisha’s First Transgender PhD Scholar in Odia Language at Utkal University

Bhubaneswar: Dipti Mahapatra has created history by becoming the first transgender individual in Odisha to be selected for a PhD under the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in the Odia language at Utkal University. Her achievement marks a significant milestone for academic inclusion and representation of transgender scholars in higher education. Mahapatra will pursue research focused…

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Assistant Commandant Simran Bala to Lead All-Male CRPF Contingent at Republic Day Parade

Bhubaneswar: Assistant Commandant Simran Bala of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is set to create history at the Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2026, by becoming the first woman officer to lead an all-male CRPF contingent on Kartavya Path. At 26 years of age, Bala will command a contingent of over 140 male…

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Odisha to Host First Global Meet of Odia-Origin Doctors in Puri

Bhubaneswar: Puri is set to host the first-ever global meeting of doctors of Odia origin from January 24 to 26, marking a significant milestone for the state’s medical fraternity. The three-day international conference, titled UDAAN 1.0, is being organised by the Odia Health Association–Global and will bring together medical professionals from India and across the…

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Odisha Begins Performance Review of College Teachers; Underperformers May Face Compulsory Retirement

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated a process that could lead to the compulsory retirement of college teachers found to be consistently underperforming. The Higher Education Department has directed all government-run and government-aided universities and colleges to review the performance of their teaching staff and submit detailed reports by January 31. According to official instructions,…

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Odisha Government to Reappoint 800 Retired Police Personnel as Special Police Officers

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approved the reappointment of 800 retired police personnel to strengthen policing and internal security across the state. Retired Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI), Sub-Inspectors (SI), and Inspectors will be re-engaged and deployed as Special Police Officers (SPOs). The Home Department on Tuesday formally informed the Director General of Police (DGP) about the…

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