Sitharaman Responds to Rahul Gandhi’s Budget Criticism, Defends Economic Fundamentals

Bhubaneswar: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday responded to Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Union Budget, saying she was unclear about the “course correction” he was referring to and asserting that the Indian economy remains fundamentally strong. “I don’t know what course correction he is referring to. The economy…

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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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Union Budget Gives Major Push to Sports Infrastructure and Manufacturing

Bhubaneswar: Sports received a significant boost in the Union Budget, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, grassroots development, and domestic manufacturing in the sector. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said India has the potential to emerge as a global hub for high-quality and affordable sports goods….

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India Announces Rare Earth Corridors to Boost Self-Reliance in Critical Minerals

Bhubaneswar: India has announced the establishment of dedicated rare earth corridors across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, marking a major step towards strengthening domestic capabilities in critical minerals. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made the announcement as part of the government’s broader push for Atmanirbhar Bharat, aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imports in…

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Budget Session Begins with President’s Address Outlining Roadmap for Viksit Bharat

Bhubaneswar: The Budget Session of Parliament began on Monday with an address by President Droupadi Murmu to members of both Houses, setting the tone for the government’s policy priorities and legislative agenda for the months ahead. In keeping with parliamentary tradition, the President’s address laid out the broad policy direction and collective resolve guiding India’s…

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Odisha’s 11-Day Adivasi Mela Begins; CM Calls for Tribal Awareness of Rights

Bhubaneswar: The 11-day Adivasi Mela, one of Odisha’s largest showcases of tribal culture, began in Bhubaneswar on Sunday with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurating the event and urging members of the tribal community to become educated and aware of their constitutional and legal rights. The annual fair highlights the lifestyle, art, craft, cuisine and…

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Hindalco’s FRP Unit Marks Odisha’s Shift from Resource Supplier to Manufacturing Powerhouse

Bhubaneswar: The inauguration of India’s first Flat Rolled Products (FRP) aluminium unit at Hindalco’s Aditya Aluminium plant in Lapanga is strategically significant—not just as an industrial milestone, but as a signal of Odisha’s evolving economic model. Traditionally viewed as a mineral-rich but value-exporting state, Odisha has long supplied raw materials while downstream value addition occurred…

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Apple Pay Likely to Launch in India by Late 2026 After Regulatory Clearances

Bhubaneswar: Apple Inc. is preparing to roll out its digital payments service, Apple Pay, in India by late 2026, ending years of regulatory and operational delays in one of the world’s largest digital payments markets. India remains one of the few major economies where Apple Pay is yet to be officially launched. According to reports,…

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India Expands Free Digital Learning Through Five Major Government Platforms

Bhubaneswar: India is steadily transforming its education and skill-development landscape through a range of free, government-backed digital learning platforms that cater to students, professionals, and lifelong learners across the country. From school education to advanced technical and professional courses, these initiatives aim to make quality learning accessible, affordable, and inclusive. Among the key platforms driving…

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Assam and Odisha Surge Ahead as Eastern India’s Growth Dynamics Shift

Bhubaneswar: Economic momentum in eastern India is undergoing a notable shift, with Assam and Odisha emerging as faster-growing states on key economic indicators, outpacing West Bengal in per capita income growth and industrial expansion. According to projections for 2024–25, Odisha’s per capita income is estimated at ₹96,224, while Assam’s stands at ₹85,988—both exceeding West Bengal’s…

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