Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched two major rural development initiatives — the Model Village Mission and the Mahapurusha Adarsha Grama Yojana — aimed at transforming villages through improved infrastructure, better public services, and enhanced livelihood opportunities. The initiatives seek to bridge the rural-urban development gap by ensuring the availability of urban-level amenities and integrated…
Bhubaneswar: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday defended the resilience of the Indian economy amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, asserting that criticism surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to conserve foreign exchange was being misrepresented by critics. Responding to concerns over rising global crude oil prices and economic uncertainty linked to geopolitical…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has recorded its highest-ever electricity demand as the ongoing severe heatwave pushed power consumption across the state to an unprecedented 6,739 megawatts (MW), surpassing last year’s peak demand of 6,447 MW. The sharp rise in electricity usage has been primarily driven by increased cooling requirements during extreme summer temperatures affecting large parts of…
Bhubaneswar: Petrol and diesel prices have been increased once again across India, marking the fourth fuel price hike in the last two weeks as state-run oil marketing companies continue revising rates amid rising global crude oil prices and mounting financial pressure. With the latest revision, petrol prices have gone up by ₹2.61 per litre, while…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Forest department has launched caravan tourism facilities at several prominent eco-tourism destinations across the state in a move aimed at promoting sustainable travel while preserving ecological balance. Under the initiative, caravan tourism will be introduced at seven eco-tourism sites, including the Similipal Tiger Reserve and Bhitarkanika National Park, two of the state’s…
Bhubaneswar: Prices of essential commodities may rise further in the coming days, raising concerns for middle-class and lower middle-class households already struggling with inflationary pressure. According to traders’ associations, the prices of daily-use items such as potatoes, sugar, edible oil, and pulses could increase by up to ₹10 per kilogram due to rising supply and…
Bhubaneswar: A Delhi-based startup offering on-demand assistants to carry shoppers’ bags through crowded marketplaces has triggered intense debate online, with opinions sharply divided over whether the idea represents smart urban innovation or the commercialisation of cheap labour. The startup, CarryMen, provides human assistants who accompany customers in busy shopping hubs and carry their purchases while…
Bhubaneswar: The West Bengal government on Saturday removed the controversial football-themed sculpture installed outside Salt Lake Stadium, a structure designed by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee that had sparked debate among football fans and political observers since its installation in 2017. The sculpture, erected near the VVIP gate ahead of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World…
Bhubaneswar: Amit Shah has gifted more than 40 kilograms of special sandalwood to the revered Pashupatinath Temple for use in sacred rituals and worship ceremonies associated with the Shree Yantra. The sandalwood was formally handed over to temple authorities in Kathmandu through officials linked to the Pashupati Area Development Trust. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the…
Bhubaneswar: Amit Shah has announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs will provide extensive technical support to the Border Security Force for establishing a uniform Smart Border system across India’s nearly 6,000-kilometre international borders. Addressing BSF personnel, the Union Home Minister stated that by the 60th anniversary of the force, the government aims to develop…