Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline protocol darshan and reinforce discipline within the sacred temple premises, following a recent controversy linked to protocol arrangements. Under the revised SOP, the entire responsibility for managing protocol guests will rest with the SJTA, aimed at ensuring better…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards clean energy adoption and sustainable rural development, Olab and Kandakela Devabhumi villages in Cuttack district have been inaugurated as Odisha’s first fully solar-powered villages under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Implemented by TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL), the project involved the installation of rooftop solar power…
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar’s popular street festival Patha Utsav is set to return on January 18, 2026, transforming Jagamara New Road into a vibrant, car-free cultural zone from 6.00 am onwards. Organised by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Patha Utsav aims to reclaim public streets as inclusive community spaces, encouraging citizens to come together for culture, creativity…
Bhubaneswar: In a relief to vehicle owners, the Odisha government has decided to suspend the imposition of fines for pollution norm violations at toll gates until April 1, acknowledging the practical difficulties faced by motorists in obtaining valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates. Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena has directed the State Transport…
Bhubaneswar: The stage is set for the second edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue 2026, a national initiative aimed at providing a powerful platform to India’s young change-makers to present their vision and innovative ideas for the country’s development. Building on the momentum of its inaugural edition, the Dialogue will bring together dynamic…
Bhubaneswar: As part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat reform agenda, the Government of India has undertaken far-reaching labour reforms aimed at formalising employment, improving working conditions, and extending social security coverage across sectors, including Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). Under the Social Security Code, 2020, MSEs have been brought within the ambit of statutory social security…
Bhubaneswar, India: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap, the first of two Pollution Control Vessels built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), in Goa on January 05, 2026. The commissioning marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of Aatmanirbharta in defence manufacturing and maritime capability development. With over 60…
Bhubaneswar: Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake, is set for a major ecological and economic revival as the Odisha government rolls out a ₹1,500–2,000 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) aimed at restoring the lake’s fragile ecosystem while enhancing sustainable livelihoods and tourism. Officials said the ambitious plan goes beyond cosmetic intervention and focuses on…
Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at optimising urban infrastructure and boosting commercial activity, IT companies will soon begin operations from the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal (BSABT) at Baramunda in Bhubaneswar. The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has decided to rent out space on two floors of the terminal to IT firms, transforming the facility into…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has finalised the establishment of 24 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) across 14 districts and has also issued draft notifications for five new Municipalities, marking a significant step towards strengthening urban governance and planned urbanisation in the state. Officials said the initiative is aimed at extending formal civic administration to rapidly…