Bhubaneswar: India’s Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort are set to feature a special addition this year, with “Vande Mataram” scheduled to be played during the national celebrations for the first time. The inclusion of the iconic patriotic song is expected to add a distinctive patriotic touch to the August 15 celebrations at…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has said that India’s Gen Z has a strong desire to contribute to the country’s development and that the nation must align its future with the aspirations of the younger generation. Addressing the role of young Indians in shaping the country’s future, Majhi said Gen Z possesses the…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of India has clarified that UPI payments will remain free for ordinary users, amid growing debate over proposed amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 and the possibility of introducing a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on certain transactions. The government categorically stated that consumers making payments through UPI will not…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is considering a comprehensive census of the LGBT community and exploring the introduction of reservation for transgender individuals in educational institutions as part of a broader effort to strengthen welfare and social inclusion. The proposals were discussed during a meeting of the State Transgender Welfare Board, where officials reviewed a range…
Bhubaneswar: India is preparing to introduce its first polymer (plastic) banknotes, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) planning to roll out ₹10 and ₹20 polymer notes from April 2027, subject to the successful completion of nationwide field trials. For the pilot programme, the government has approved the printing of one billion ₹10 notes and…
Bhubaneswar: Every year on August 7, India observes National Handloom Day to honour the country’s weavers and artisans, whose skills support rural livelihoods while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged citizens, particularly younger social-media users, to share “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) reels featuring their favourite handloom outfits and products using…
Bhubaneswar: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) inaugurated its 5th International Conference 2026 in Mauritius on 3 August 2026, in the august presence of the Chief Guest, Dr the Hon Mrs Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, Republic of Mauritius, and Guest of Honour, Mr Anurag Srivastava, High Commissioner of India, Port Louis, Mauritius. Organised on the…
Bhubaneswar, Aug. 6: Odisha’s iconic Kendrapada Rasabali has received a significant boost after being featured in the Union government’s initiative to strengthen India’s Geographical Indication (GI) ecosystem and promote traditional products on the global stage. The Centre has set an ambitious target of achieving 10,000 GI registrations by 2030, aiming to enhance exports, preserve cultural…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to designate the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) as the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to strengthen the state’s disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities. The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, where plans were discussed to enhance…
Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu has approved the installation of the sacred wheels from the three Rath Yatra chariots at Rashtrapati Bhavan, adding another prominent symbol of Odisha’s cultural and spiritual heritage to the Presidential Estate. The proposal was announced by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, who said one wheel each from…