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: 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…
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: 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…
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar is set to host the mega rural fair Sisir Saras–2026 from January 10 to January 18, bringing together artisans, weavers and self-help groups (SHGs) from Odisha and nearly 20 other states under one roof. Organised by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) in collaboration with Mission Shakti, the fair aims to…
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: Women farmers must play a central role in driving India’s transition towards sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, SEWA Senior Coordinator Mansi Shah has asserted, underscoring that purposeful inclusion of women across agricultural schemes, policies, and value chains is critical for long-term transformation. Drawing on SEWA’s extensive experience working with millions of women farmers across India,…
Bhubaneswar: India enters 2026 confronting a complex matrix of geopolitical friction, internal security deadlines, and climate-induced economic pressures, marking a decisive shift from the stabilisation-oriented approach of the previous year, according to official data and strategic analysts. While the domestic economy continues to post growth above seven per cent, New Delhi is simultaneously navigating a…
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…