Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has notified revised fare rates for motor cabs and three-wheelers across the state, effective February 5, 2026, according to an official order issued by the state authorities. The updated fare structure covers e-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, standard cars, luxury cars, and premium luxury vehicles, specifying per-kilometre charges and minimum base fares for each…
Bhubaneswar: A publicity chariot was flagged off on Thursday to promote the 20th edition of the Toshali Swadeshi Mela, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 26 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. The mela aims to showcase indigenous handlooms, handicrafts and local products under the theme “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar.” The promotional campaign was inaugurated at…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated steps to convert vacant government buildings into affordable rental housing units as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0, aiming to address housing needs of the urban poor and migrant workforce. The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department has directed various state departments to identify unused or…
Bhubaneswar: In Bisimatri village of Odisha’s Puri district, a group of nearly 50 rural women has transformed eco-friendly craftsmanship into a sustainable livelihood, building a successful jute-based enterprise that has brought financial independence and social empowerment to their community. The initiative began in 2015, when artisan mentor Amiya Poddar introduced local women—many of whom were…
Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards transparent and citizen-centric governance, the Odisha Revenue Department is set to launch a 24-hour WhatsApp-based service to address land-related complaints and applications, significantly reducing the need for physical visits to tehsil offices. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari announced that citizens will be able to submit grievances and applications directly through…
Bhubaneswar: Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in India have collectively collected over ₹8,000 crore in penalties from customers for failing to maintain minimum balance requirements over the last three financial years, according to official data. Among the 12 PSBs, Punjab National Bank (PNB) accounted for the highest share, collecting more than ₹1,500 crore, nearly 20% of…
Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday said that the launch of the Technology Development Board (TDB) First Call under the Research Development Innovation (RDI) Fund marks one of the first initiatives of its kind, where the government is directly funding the private sector rather than relying on traditional models of philanthropy or CSR…
Bhubaneswar: In a symbolic gesture of cultural pride and national support, Varanasi will gift traditional Banarasi sarees to the families of Indian cricketers ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The initiative will be facilitated through the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), highlighting India’s rich handloom heritage while extending moral support…
Bhubaneswar: India has announced plans to establish dedicated Rare Earth Corridors across Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s position in the global critical minerals landscape. The corridor-based approach is aimed at building an integrated ecosystem for the exploration, processing, and downstream manufacturing of rare earth elements,…
Bhubaneswar: Following the global success of Dhurandhar (2025), which grossed over ₹1,300 crore worldwide and continues to top Netflix India charts after its digital release, the makers are gearing up for an even bigger theatrical outing with Dhurandhar 2, slated for release on March 19, 2026. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the sequel brings back Ranveer…