New Odisha Age

Labour Reforms under Atmanirbhar Bharat: Expanding Social Security and Worker Protection

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…

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Raksha Mantri Commissions ICGS Samudra Pratap, India’s First Indigenously Designed Pollution Control Vessel

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…

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Odisha Unveils ₹1,500–2,000 Crore Plan to Restore and Revitalise Chilika Lake

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…

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IT Companies to Operate from Baramunda Bus Terminal in Odisha

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…

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Odisha Finalises 24 New NACs, Issues Draft Notification for 5 Municipalities

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…

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Odisha Imposes Night-Time Construction Ban in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to Curb Pollution

Bhubaneswar: In response to worsening air quality, the Odisha government has imposed a temporary ban on construction activities in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack during night and early morning hours. The restriction, effective from 6 pm to 10 am, applies to both government and private construction projects. Authorities have also directed builders to…

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NEP Will Free New Generation from ‘Macaulay Mentality’: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said the National Education Policy (NEP) will help India’s new generation break free from the “Macaulay mentality” and reconnect with the country’s civilisational values, knowledge traditions, and cultural roots. Referring to the legacy of British-era education policies, Pradhan recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the lasting…

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State-of-the-Art Indoor Swimming Pool Inaugurated at Tamando

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Monday inaugurated a 25-metre state-of-the-art indoor swimming pool at the Government College of Physical Education (GCPE) in the Tamando area of Bhubaneswar, marking a significant step towards strengthening aquatic sports infrastructure in the state. The facility, constructed by the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC) at a cost…

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Paddy Procurement Begins in 18 Districts with Aadhaar-Based Payment System; Over ₹2,900 Crore Disbursed

Bhubaneswar: The state government has commenced paddy procurement in 18 districts during the ongoing Kharif season, introducing an Aadhaar-based payment system to ensure direct, transparent, and secure transfer of funds to farmers. According to official data, 2,71,318 farmers have sold their paddy at nearby mandis so far. Of these, payments have already been successfully credited…

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Odisha Launches ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ Scheme to Support SC/ST Students’ Global Higher Education

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has launched the ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scheme, a major initiative aimed at expanding global higher education opportunities for meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. Under the scheme, eligible students will receive financial assistance of up to ₹50 lakh to pursue postgraduate and Ph.D. programmes at leading foreign universities….

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