Odisha Makes Odia Mandatory for Official Government Communication

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has introduced a new rule mandating the use of Odia for all official work carried out by government departments and public offices across the state. The directive covers official files, notices, circulars, letters, and internal communication at the state, district, and local levels. According to the government, the order applies strictly…

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President Approves Gallantry Awards for 70 Armed Forces Personnel Ahead of Republic Day

Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of gallantry and service awards on 70 personnel of the Indian Armed Forces ahead of India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, recognising acts of exceptional bravery and distinguished service across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Among the honours, the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, has…

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Indian Army Personnel’s Participation in Religious Event Sparks Debate

Bhubaneswar: Footage circulating on social media from January 24 has shown Indian Army personnel attending a religious programme at Bageshwar Dham in Madhya Pradesh, where they were seen participating in a katha conducted by religious preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri. The visuals also show soldiers cutting cakes bearing the words “Sita Ram” and interacting with devotees…

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India Observes 16th National Voters’ Day, Emphasises Youth Participation and Democratic Values

Bhubaneswar: India marked its 16th National Voters’ Day on January 25, commemorating the founding of the Election Commission of India in 1950, with a renewed focus on strengthening democratic participation. This year’s theme, “My India, My Vote,” highlighted the central role of citizens—especially first-time voters—in shaping the nation’s future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a…

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GAIL Expands Clean Fuel Access in Bhubaneswar Under National PNG Drive 2.0

Bhubaneswar: State-owned energy major GAIL India Limited has expanded the reach of clean cooking fuel in Bhubaneswar by commissioning Domestic Piped Natural Gas (DPNG) connections at two major residential societies under the National PNG Drive 2.0 initiative. The first phase of commissioning was carried out at Cosmopolis Residential Society in the Khandagiri area, where piped…

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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’s Electronics Ecosystem Ready for Homegrown Mobile Brands: Vaishnaw at WEF

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said India’s rapidly expanding electronics manufacturing ecosystem has created favourable conditions for the emergence of Indian-owned mobile phone brands. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Vaishnaw highlighted the impact of Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes in strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains. The minister noted that…

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Odisha Waives Fees to Encourage Re-enrolment of School Dropouts

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step to address school dropout rates, the Odisha government has announced a complete waiver of admission and examination fees for dropout and out-of-school children aged between 14 and 18 years. The decision aims to encourage students to resume their education through the State Institute of Open Schooling (SIOS). According to officials,…

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BMC and UNICEF Join Hands to Develop Child-Friendly Spaces in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and child-centric urban environment, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and UNICEF Odisha have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop child-friendly public spaces across the city. Under the initiative, 16 locations in different parts of Bhubaneswar will be transformed into safer, greener, and more…

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Odisha Private Bus Owners Withdraw Proposed Statewide Strike After Talks with Government

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Private Bus Owners Association has withdrawn its proposed indefinite statewide bus strike that was scheduled to begin on January 24, following discussions with the state government. The decision was announced on Thursday after association leaders held talks with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, and senior government officials….

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