Bhubaneswar: In a unique initiative blending public awareness, correctional education and experiential tourism, Shiv Pratap Shukla on Tuesday inaugurated the “Feel the Jail” experience centre and a new Jail Museum at Chanchalguda Central Jail. The programme, also known as “Jail Anubhavam,” allows ordinary citizens to voluntarily experience simulated prison life within a controlled and supervised…
Bhubaneswar: Petrol and diesel prices have been increased in four major metropolitan cities for the first time in nearly four years amid rising global crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions and increasing fuel import costs. The latest revision also includes a ₹2 per kg increase in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices in Delhi and Mumbai. Officials…
Bhubaneswar: The Central Government has announced that the NEET will be conducted in a computer-based test format from next year as part of efforts to strengthen examination security and improve transparency. The move is aimed at addressing concerns related to paper leaks, OMR sheet manipulation and broader issues surrounding the integrity of the examination process….
BHUBANESWAR: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to establish a dedicated ‘Gupchup Bazaar’ in the city to streamline street food vending and promote a cleaner, more hygienic environment for both vendors and consumers. According to officials, the proposed market will be developed in front of the Regional Institute of Education and is expected to…
Bhubaneswar: Educator Khan Sir sharply criticised the National Testing Agency (NTA) following the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, alleging serious administrative failures and demanding strict accountability. Speaking to reporters in Noida, Khan Sir said that while the examination might appear to be “just a single paper” for the agency, it represents the future and…
Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said the Union Cabinet has taken a “very important and timely decision” to promote coal gasification as part of India’s strategy to strengthen energy self-reliance amid rising gas demand and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. Addressing a Cabinet briefing, the minister said India possesses sufficient coal reserves to meet requirements…
Bhubaneswar: Air India has announced a reduction of nearly 100 international flight services through July 2026 amid mounting operational pressures caused by rising jet fuel prices and extended flight routes linked to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said the airline has been compelled to rationalise several long-haul operations as…
BHUBANESWAR: A report by State Bank of India (SBI) has revealed that nearly 66 per cent of Odisha’s informal sector workforce receives wages below the statutory minimum wage, placing the state among the poorest performers in minimum wage compliance. The findings, based on data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)-2025, point to significant interstate…
BHUBANESWAR: The Empowered Committee on Infrastructure for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects of the Odisha government has approved five new PPP projects with a combined investment of ₹1,130 crore across sectors including healthcare, urban development and animal vaccine production. The committee meeting was chaired by Anu Garg, who emphasized the need for strict adherence to project…
Bhubaneswar: Amid rising global uncertainty linked to the ongoing tensions involving the United States and Iran in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to adopt fuel-saving measures and help conserve India’s foreign exchange reserves. Addressing a public rally in Hyderabad, the Prime Minister said India does not possess large oil reserves and…