New Odisha Age

PSBs Collect Over ₹8,000 Crore in Penalties for Minimum Balance Violations in Three Years

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…

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Govt Directly Funds Private Sector Innovation Under ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Fund: Jitendra Singh

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…

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Varanasi to Gift Banarasi Sarees to Families of Indian Cricketers Ahead of T20 World Cup

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…

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India Announces Rare Earth Corridors to Strengthen Critical Mineral Supply Chain

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,…

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Dhurandhar 2: Sequel to ₹1,300-Crore Blockbuster Targets Massive Box Office Run

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…

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India–US Trade Deal Ends 25% Tariff, Markets Rally; Sensex Jumps Over 2,200 Points

Bhubaneswar: India and the United States have reached a major trade agreement that ends a 25 per cent U.S. tariff linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil and immediately reduces a reciprocal tariff to 18 per cent, providing significant relief to Indian exporters. Under the deal, India has agreed to substantially lower trade barriers on…

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Odisha to Provide Uniforms, ID Cards and Smartphones to Mission Shakti Staff from April 1

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced that Mission Shakti community support staff across the state will be provided with uniforms, identity cards, and smartphones starting April 1, in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots implementation of women-centric welfare programmes. The initiative will cover around 46,000 Mission Shakti workers, including Community Resource Persons (CRPs), who play…

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Centre to Support Agar Trees in Assam and North East to Boost Farmer Income and Employment

Bhubaneswar: The Centre has announced targeted support for agarwood cultivation in Assam and other North Eastern states, aiming to diversify farm outputs, enhance productivity, increase farmers’ incomes, and generate new employment opportunities in the region. Making the announcement in her Union Budget speech on Sunday, February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government would…

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MeitY Pushes National AI Literacy Ahead of AI Impact Summit Bharat 2026 with ‘YUVA AI for All’

Bhubaneswar: As India prepares to host the AI Impact Summit Bharat 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has stepped up efforts to promote nationwide artificial intelligence literacy through the “YUVA AI for All” programme. Launched under the IndiaAI Mission, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by equipping over one crore…

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India to Use Entire Solid Waste for Road Construction by 2027: Nitin Gadkari

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that India aims to utilise 100 per cent of its solid waste in road construction by 2027, marking a major push towards sustainable and environmentally responsible infrastructure development. Speaking about ongoing initiatives, Gadkari said that around 80 lakh tonnes of waste have…

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