February 11, 2026

Category: Government

Odisha’s Pattachitra Art Showcased at Global Democracy Conference in New Delhi

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s renowned Pattachitra paintings were showcased on the global stage at the International Institute of Democracy and Election Management Conference (IICDEM-2026) held in New Delhi, marking a proud moment for the state’s rich cultural heritage. The high-profile conference witnessed participation from delegations representing over 70 countries. As part of India’s cultural outreach, exquisite Pattachitra…

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India Sustaining High Growth with Low Inflation: CEA V. Anantha Nageswaran

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

Bhubaneswar: Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran on Friday said India’s economic performance in recent years marks a clear improvement over the pre-COVID period, with strong growth being achieved alongside moderate inflation. Comparing current trends with the pre-pandemic average, the CEA noted that real GDP growth averaged 6.4 per cent before COVID-19, rose to 6.5…

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

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

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

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

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

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

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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UGC Likely to Be Merged Under Proposed Higher Education Reforms, Bill Under Parliamentary Review

Sarmistha Kabi03 mins

Bhubaneswar: The University Grants Commission (UGC) may cease to exist in its current form as the Union government moves ahead with a sweeping overhaul of India’s higher education regulatory framework. The government has introduced the Developed India Education Foundation Bill, 2025 (also referred to as the VBEA Bill, 2025) in Parliament, proposing to replace existing…

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Calcutta High Court Orders Handover of Border Fencing Land to BSF by March 31, 2026

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

Bhubaneswar: The Calcutta High Court on January 27 directed the West Bengal government to hand over land already acquired for Indo-Bangladesh border fencing to the Border Security Force (BSF) by March 31, 2026, asserting that national security cannot be subordinated to electoral or administrative delays. The order was passed by a division bench headed by…

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CM Mohan Charan Majhi Inaugurates Silver Jubilee Enterprise Odisha 2026, Announces ₹52,026 Crore Investment Push

Sarmistha Kabi04 mins

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday inaugurated the Silver Jubilee (25th edition) of Enterprise Odisha 2026, marking a major thrust towards accelerated industrialisation in Western Odisha, which he described as the “core engine” of the state’s economic growth. Emphasising balanced regional development, MSME expansion and large-scale job creation, the Chief Minister said…

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

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

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 Govt Withdraws ‘No PUCC, No Petrol’ Rule After High Court Rap

Sarmistha Kabi03 mins

Bhubaneswar: In a major relief for commuters, the Odisha government has withdrawn its controversial “No PUCC, No Petrol” directive following strong observations by the Orissa High Court, which questioned both the feasibility and legality of the move. In an affidavit submitted before the court, the state clarified that while petrol pumps may ask motorists to…

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