New Odisha Age

Union Budget Announces Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana for Skill Development and Employment

Bhubaneswar: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana, a new initiative aimed at expanding skill development and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (divyangjan). The scheme will focus on targeted training programmes, workplace inclusion, and creation of dignified livelihood opportunities, enabling divyangjan to participate more actively in the workforce. The initiative seeks…

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BCCI to Consult ICC on Pakistan’s Boycott Threat: Rajeev Shukla

Bhubaneswar: Amid reports of Pakistan considering a boycott of its match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president and Congress MP Rajeev Shukla said the Indian board would respond only after consultations with the International Cricket Council (ICC). “ICC has issued a big…

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Odisha Tourism Directs Regular Inspections of Wayside Amenities; All 68 Centres to Open by Next Month

Bhubaneswar: Tourism development officers in Odisha have been directed to carry out regular inspections of wayside amenity centres and report any deficiencies within two weeks to ensure timely corrective action and quality upkeep. The directive was issued during a recent review meeting in Bhubaneswar, where it was decided that all 68 wayside amenity centres currently…

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When time stands still: Murshidabad invites the world back to its royal past Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2026 – 6th to 8th February

Bhubaneswar: Once the Nawabi Capital of Bengal and a cradle of power, prosperity and culture, Murshidabad is not merely a place in the map – it is a living inheritance. Its palaces, river ghats, silk looms and age-old rituals continue to echo stories whispered by the Ganga. From 6th to 8th February 2026, this historic place of legacy will…

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‘Shatak’: Film Tracing 100-Year Journey of RSS Sparks Debate Ahead of Release

Bhubaneswar: Shatak, a film chronicling the 100-year journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), explores the organisation’s origins and evolution since its founding in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. Directed by Aashish Mall and subtitled Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Ke 100 Varsh, the film adopts a historical, documentary-style narrative to chart the RSS’s growth into…

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Sudarsan Pattnaik Creates Sand Art Using 500 kg Plastic Bottles at Gopalpur, Urges End to Single-Use Plastic

Bhubaneswar: Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a powerful sand art installation at Gopalpur beach using 500 kilograms of discarded plastic bottles, delivering a strong message against single-use plastic. Sharing images of the artwork on social media, Pattnaik wrote, “500 kg of plastic bottles transformed into a powerful message from…

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Khandagiri Mela 2026 Sees Parking Fee Row, Artist Controversy Amid Heavy Footfall

Bhubaneswar:  The ongoing Khandagiri Magh Mela 2026 has been marked by controversy even as it continues to draw massive crowds for its religious rituals and cultural performances. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a show-cause notice to the leaseholder managing parking facilities at the mela after complaints of overcharging visitors, with fees reportedly almost…

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Khandagiri Jatra Shows Capped at 1,800 Seats; Organisers Brace for Losses but Comply

Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police have imposed a cap of 1,800 seats per show at Khandagiri Jatra pandals as part of enhanced safety arrangements for the annual festival. The directive, issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, aims to ensure crowd safety and smoother movement within the venues. As per the new guidelines, Jatra pandals must…

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Farhan Akhtar Puts Don 3 on Back Burner, Revives Jee Le Zaraa

Bhubaneswar: Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar is in no hurry to fast-track Don 3 and has instead turned his attention back to Jee Le Zaraa, the road-trip drama that was announced in 2021 but later stalled. According to sources, fresh discussions are currently underway with the film’s leading ladies to revive the project, which is being developed…

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Odisha’s Republic Day Tableau 2026 Highlights Journey from ‘Soil to Silicon’

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s tableau at the Republic Day Parade 2026 on Kartavya Path offered a vivid portrayal of the state’s transformation, blending its ancient heritage with inclusive growth and modern technological ambition. Presented under the theme “Soil to Silicon: Rooted in Tradition, Rising with Innovation,” the tableau reflected Odisha’s evolving role in India’s journey towards Atmanirbhar…

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