New Odisha Age

Supreme Court Recognises Menstrual Health as Fundamental Right Under Article 21

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has recognised menstrual health as an integral part of the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court directed all schools—both government and private—to ensure adequate menstrual hygiene facilities for students. The apex court mandated the provision of separate and functional…

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Dipti Mahapatra Becomes Odisha’s First Transgender PhD Scholar in Odia Language at Utkal University

Bhubaneswar: Dipti Mahapatra has created history by becoming the first transgender individual in Odisha to be selected for a PhD under the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in the Odia language at Utkal University. Her achievement marks a significant milestone for academic inclusion and representation of transgender scholars in higher education. Mahapatra will pursue research focused…

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Assistant Commandant Simran Bala to Lead All-Male CRPF Contingent at Republic Day Parade

Bhubaneswar: Assistant Commandant Simran Bala of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is set to create history at the Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2026, by becoming the first woman officer to lead an all-male CRPF contingent on Kartavya Path. At 26 years of age, Bala will command a contingent of over 140 male…

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India Observes National Girl Child Day, Renewing Focus on Rights, Education and Equality

Bhubaneswar: India marked National Girl Child Day on January 24, reaffirming its commitment to promoting the rights, health, education and overall well-being of girls across the country. Observed annually since 2008, the day aims to raise awareness against gender-based discrimination and highlight the need to ensure equal opportunities for girls. Political leaders across party lines…

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Republic Day Parade to Feature IAF ‘Sindoor’ Formation, Cultural Tributes and Military Pageantry

Bhubaneswar: New Delhi will witness a blend of military strength and cultural heritage during India’s Republic Day parade on January 26 along Kartavya Path, with the Indian Air Force set to showcase a special seven-aircraft flypast formation named “Sindoor.” According to Air Force Chief A.P. Singh, the formation symbolically recreates the Indian Air Force’s 2025…

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Women to Drive ‘Ama Bus’ as Odisha Launches Training Programme in Pune

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards gender inclusion in public transport, women drivers will soon operate the ‘Ama Bus’ service in Odisha. The decision was taken during a review meeting of the Ama Bus service chaired by Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra. As part of the initiative, 20 women will be sent to…

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Assam Showcases Cultural Grandeur as 10,000 Artistes Perform Bagurumba at ‘Bagurumba Dwhou 2026’

Bhubaneswar: Assam witnessed a landmark cultural moment with the grand staging of Bagurumba Dwhou 2026, a historic celebration of the Bodo community’s iconic Bagurumba, or butterfly dance. Held at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium, the event brought together more than 10,000 Bodo artistes from all 81 Assembly constituencies across 23 districts, creating one of the largest synchronised…

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Odisha’s Kanya Bibaha Yojana Ties Up with Utkalika for Marriage Gift Support

Bhubaneswar: In a move that combines social welfare with the promotion of local livelihoods, the Odisha government’s Women and Child Development Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Utkalika, the state’s apex handicraft and handloom marketing corporation, for the supply of marriage gift items under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana. Under the flagship…

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Women Farmers Central to Sustainable Agricultural Transformation: SEWA

Bhubaneswar: Women farmers must play a central role in driving India’s transition towards sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, SEWA Senior Coordinator Mansi Shah has asserted, underscoring that purposeful inclusion of women across agricultural schemes, policies, and value chains is critical for long-term transformation. Drawing on SEWA’s extensive experience working with millions of women farmers across India,…

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Odisha Industry Conclave 2025 Focuses on MSME Innovation, CM Majhi Inaugurates Key Sector Initiatives

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Industry Conclave 2025 kicked off on Sunday with a strong emphasis on accelerating innovation and growth in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the MSME pavilion, calling the sector “the backbone of a developed Odisha and a key driver of Eastern India’s industrial future.”…

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