Farmers’ Groups Announce Nationwide Protests Over India–US Trade Deal

Bhubaneswar: Several farmers’ organisations, including Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), its non-political breakaway faction, and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), have criticised the interim India–US trade agreement framework and announced nationwide protests next week. In a statement issued on Saturday, the SKM alleged that the proposed deal amounted to a “total surrender” of Indian agriculture…

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India to Host Global ‘Women in Agriculture’ Conference in March

Bhubaneswar: India is set to host a global Women in Agriculture conference in March, bringing international attention to the often under-recognised role of women in farming and agri-food systems. Women constitute nearly half of India’s agricultural workforce, yet their contributions frequently remain invisible in policy, data, and decision-making. The conference will bring together over 500…

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Opposition Targets Farmer Distress, Law-and-Order Issues; BJD Announces Statewide Protests in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday announced a series of statewide protests, culminating in a massive public rally in Bhubaneswar on February 24, alleging farmer distress, delayed paddy procurement, and a breakdown of law and order under the BJP-led Odisha government. Addressing a press conference, senior BJD leaders Debi Prasad Mishra, Sanjay Das…

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India Observes 16th National Voters’ Day, Emphasises Youth Participation and Democratic Values

Bhubaneswar: India marked its 16th National Voters’ Day on January 25, commemorating the founding of the Election Commission of India in 1950, with a renewed focus on strengthening democratic participation. This year’s theme, “My India, My Vote,” highlighted the central role of citizens—especially first-time voters—in shaping the nation’s future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a…

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Mohammed Shami Calls for Public Cooperation in Voter List Verification After SIR Hearing

Bhubaneswar: Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami on Tuesday set a strong example of civic responsibility by appearing before the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing and urging citizens to actively participate in the voter list verification process. After attending the hearing at Swarnamoyee Vidyalaya, Shami dismissed concerns surrounding the exercise and emphasized that voter list correction is…

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India Hosts First Global Conference on Democracy and Election Management

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is hosting the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam, marking a significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen global democratic processes. The three-day conference has brought together nearly 100 delegates from more than 70 countries, creating a…

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PM Modi Cites BJP’s Civic Poll Gains While Launching Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) strong performance in recent civic body elections while inaugurating the ₹6,957-crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project, underscoring what he described as growing public support for the party across states. Referring to Maharashtra’s municipal polls, the Prime Minister said the BJP emerged as the…

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Exit Polls Predict BJP-Led Mahayuti Majority in BMC, Set to Clinch Mumbai Mayor’s Post

Bhubaneswar: Exit polls for the 227-ward Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) indicate a clear edge for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, projecting between 131 and 151 seats—well above the 114 required for a simple majority. If borne out by the final results due on Friday, the mandate would pave the way for Mumbai’s first BJP mayor. According…

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Clash Erupts Around Suvendu Adhikari’s Convoy in Paschim Medinipur, Political Tensions Escalate Ahead of 2026 Polls

Bhubaneswar: Political tensions in West Bengal intensified on January 10 after a clash broke out near Chandrakona Road in Paschim Medinipur involving the convoy of Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, triggering a late-night standoff at a local police station and sharp exchanges between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The incident occurred around 8:20…

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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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