Bhubaneswar: The Central government has highlighted the transformative impact of the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, describing it as a major initiative that has helped street vendors transition from survival to self-reliance through access to formal credit and financial inclusion. According to the government, the scheme has significantly strengthened business sustainability and…
BHUBANESWAR: Fish and seafood prices have witnessed a sharp increase across Odisha as the annual fishing ban imposed during the breeding season continues to restrict marine fishing activities along the state’s coastline. The prohibition, enforced every year from April 15 to June 14, is aimed at protecting fish breeding and ensuring sustainable fish production in…
Bhubaneswar: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has extended the deadline for submission of bank account details for the refund of examination fees paid by candidates of NEET-UG 2026, which was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. According to an official notice, candidates can now submit their bank account details through the NEET (UG)-2026 registration…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched two major rural development initiatives — the Model Village Mission and the Mahapurusha Adarsha Grama Yojana — aimed at transforming villages through improved infrastructure, better public services, and enhanced livelihood opportunities. The initiatives seek to bridge the rural-urban development gap by ensuring the availability of urban-level amenities and integrated…
Bhubaneswar: The Economic Times and ETBrandEquity.com proudly announce the 8th edition of the prestigious ET Shark Awards. Over the years, the ET Shark Awards have emerged as one of India’s most definitive benchmarks for marketing excellence, celebrating transformative campaigns and visionary brand leadership. As the flagship intellectual property of ETBrandEquity.com, the ET Shark Awards recognise…
Bhubaneswar: The Department of Financial Services has reiterated its commitment to promoting accessible and inclusive financial services for all citizens, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), through new accessibility standards for the banking and financial services sector. The department has issued Accessibility Standards and Guidelines aimed at ensuring equitable access to financial services for PwDs across…
Bhubaneswar: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ framework has reportedly stated that simultaneous elections across India could potentially save nearly ₹7 lakh crore and increase the country’s GDP growth rate by around 1.6 percent. According to the JPC leadership, the proposal is aimed at reducing the enormous financial and…
Bhubaneswar: India has eased mandatory inspection requirements for tea imports from Nepal following requests from Nepali authorities, offering significant relief to tea exporters and cross-border traders. Under the revised arrangement, trucks carrying Nepali tea meant for India’s domestic market will no longer be routinely stopped at border points for inspection and testing. The Tea Board…
Bhubaneswar: In a city constantly moving toward the “new,” a vintage Hindustan Ambassador is unexpectedly making people across Bhubaneswar pause, reflect and reconnect with old memories. The moving campaign by Keshav Jewellers has drawn public attention not merely because of the classic car itself, but because of the nostalgia and emotional connection it evokes among…
Bhubaneswar: Fresh concerns have emerged over the future pace of Odisha’s widely recognised millet mission after the proposed budget allocation for the Shree Anna Abhiyan was reduced from ₹600 crore to ₹415 crore for 2026-27, marking a cut of nearly 31 percent. The reduction comes despite the programme reportedly achieving around 93 percent fund utilisation…