New Odisha Age

India Builds World’s Largest Solar Kitchen in Mount Abu, Sets Global Benchmark in Sustainable Cooking

Bhubaneswar: Mount Abu, Rajasthan has emerged as a global symbol of clean energy innovation with the establishment of the world’s largest solar-powered kitchen at the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual Headquarters. The state-of-the-art facility is capable of cooking up to 50,000 meals a day without using gas, electricity, or conventional fuels, relying entirely on solar energy. The…

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India Exports Cow Dung Worth ₹400 Crore Annually, Emerging as a Key Input for Desert Agriculture

Bhubaneswar: India is exporting cow dung worth nearly ₹400 crore every year, primarily to desert and arid countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, reflecting the growing global demand for natural and sustainable agricultural inputs. The demand from desert nations is driven by cow dung’s unique properties. Rich in organic matter,…

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Income Tax Bill, 2025 to Expand Digital Search Powers from April 1, 2026

Bhubaneswar: The Government of India is set to introduce a far-reaching overhaul of tax enforcement with the implementation of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which will replace the six-decade-old Income Tax Act of 1961. The new law is scheduled to come into force from April 1, 2026. A key feature of the legislation is the…

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Old LIC Bima Gold Policy Triggers Debate on Low Returns from Traditional Insurance Plans

Bhubaneswar: A social media post by market commentator Piyush Trades has reignited a wider debate on the investment value of traditional life insurance policies sold in the early 2000s. The post shared details of a Bima Gold policy launched in 2006, highlighting modest returns that have drawn sharp reactions online. According to the post, the…

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Odisha Issues Directive to Check Prolonged Absenteeism, Strengthen Child Protection in Schools

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to safeguard child rights and ensure continuity in elementary education, the Directorate of Elementary Education (DEE), Odisha, has issued a fresh directive mandating proactive intervention in cases of prolonged student absenteeism. As per an official notification dated January 8, 2026, all District Education Officers (DEOs) and Block Education Officers (BEOs)…

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Odisha Suspends Pollution Fines at Toll Gates Until April 1

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…

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Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue 2026: Platform Set for Youth-Led Ideas and Innovation

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…

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Odisha Cabinet Approves Three New Skill Campuses to Boost Workforce Readiness

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet has approved the establishment of three new skill development campuses across the state, aimed at strengthening sector-specific training and enhancing employment opportunities for youth. The approved campuses include: Campus II, Bhubaneswar: Focused on advanced sectors such as semiconductors, IT/ITES, and aerospace, catering to emerging technology-driven industries. Campus III, Berhampur: Dedicated to…

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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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ED Raids, Political Rhetoric and a Charged Run-Up to Bengal 2026

Bhubaneswar: The Enforcement Directorate’s raids at the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office in Kolkata have triggered a sharp political escalation in West Bengal, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launching a direct attack on the Centre and the BJP. The development comes at a time when the state is slowly moving into campaign mode ahead…

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