New Odisha Age

Odisha Plans AI-Driven Examination System, State Ranking Framework for Higher Education Institutions

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government is set to introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-integrated examination system and develop its own institutional ranking framework as part of a broader strategy to modernise the state’s higher education ecosystem. The proposed AI-enabled examination system is aimed at enhancing transparency, security and efficiency in the conduct of examinations. The initiative comes…

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Odisha to Cultivate Exotic Colourful Coconut Varieties for the First Time

BHUBANESWAR: In a first for Odisha, researchers will cultivate a range of exotic and colourful coconut varieties sourced from different parts of the world as part of a scientific study aimed at evaluating their suitability for the state’s climatic conditions. The research initiative is being undertaken by the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology and…

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Odisha Records 5.3% Agricultural Growth, Surpasses National Average

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha has recorded a growth rate of 5.3 per cent in its agricultural sector during the 2025–26 financial year, significantly higher than the national average growth rate of 3.1 per cent, reflecting the state’s continued focus on farmer welfare, climate resilience and agricultural modernisation. The state government has attributed the performance to a series…

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Orissa High Court Rules Against Dual Educational Privileges in MBBS Admission Case

Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has held that NEET candidates cannot claim “dual educational privileges” by combining academic qualifications from different educational boards to obtain eligibility benefits for MBBS admissions under reserved categories. The court dismissed a petition filed by a candidate who sought to combine marks obtained from the Odisha State Board and the…

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Technical Glitch Delays CUET-UG Exam; NTA Announces Retest for Over 3,700 Candidates

Bhubaneswar: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a retest for more than 3,700 candidates after a technical glitch disrupted the conduct of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate admissions at several examination centres on Saturday. According to the agency, the examination was delayed due to an error in systems operated by Tata…

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PM SVANidhi Drives Economic Empowerment and Improved Living Standards for Street Vendors

Bhubaneswar: The Central government has highlighted the transformative impact of the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, describing it as a major initiative that has helped street vendors transition from survival to self-reliance through access to formal credit and financial inclusion. According to the government, the scheme has significantly strengthened business sustainability and…

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NTA Extends Deadline for NEET-UG 2026 Fee Refund Details Submission Till June 22

Bhubaneswar: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has extended the deadline for submission of bank account details for the refund of examination fees paid by candidates of NEET-UG 2026, which was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. According to an official notice, candidates can now submit their bank account details through the NEET (UG)-2026 registration…

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IMD Revises Monsoon Forecast, Expects 90% of Long-Period Average Rainfall This Year

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its forecast for the 2026 Southwest Monsoon season, predicting that India is likely to receive rainfall amounting to 90 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA). The forecast was issued as part of the weather agency’s second outlook for the Southwest Monsoon. The revised estimate is…

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Centre Considers Using Air Force Aircraft to Transport NEET-UG Retest Question Papers

Bhubaneswar: The Central government is reportedly exploring the possibility of using aircraft of the Indian Air Force to transport question papers for the upcoming NEET-UG retest, as part of efforts to prevent leaks and ensure maximum security during the examination process. The proposal comes in the aftermath of the NEET-UG paper leak controversy that led…

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Vedanta’s Sijimali Bauxite Mining Project in Odisha Gets Conditional Expert Panel Nod

BHUBANESWAR: An expert appraisal panel of the Union Environment Ministry has recommended environmental clearance for Vedanta Limited’s proposed bauxite mining project in the Sijimali region of Odisha, subject to a series of conditions and regulatory approvals. The panel has stipulated that mining activities cannot be undertaken on 709.72 hectares of forest land until Stage-II forest…

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