Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s political landscape is witnessing intense speculation following reports that former IAS officer Sujata Karthikeyan may soon join the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The buzz gained momentum after a meeting between BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and senior party leaders at Naveen Niwas. Political observers believe the discussions may be linked…
Bhubaneswar: Residents of Puri will soon be able to avail a special darshan facility at the revered Jagannath Temple (Srimandir) through a new Aadhaar-based entry system designed to provide a more convenient and streamlined temple visit experience. The initiative is being developed in collaboration with the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) and aims to enable…
Bhubaneswar: ETEDUCATION, the education platform of The Economic Times, launched the **ETEducation Outlook 2026** at its Annual Education Summit at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. Backed by over 100 authenticated sources, a national survey of more than 200 senior education practitioners across 15 cities, and original contributions from 11 of India’s foremost education leaders, the Outlook examines…
Bhubaneswar: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to eight food business operators for allegedly using misleading brand names, trade names and product claims that may violate provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and related regulations. The regulator announced the action through its official social media platforms,…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to promote Odisha’s culinary heritage and strengthen food-based tourism, the state government has issued detailed guidelines for Odia cuisine restaurants seeking incentives under the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy, 2026. The new framework outlines eight key eligibility criteria that restaurants must fulfill to qualify for financial assistance and support from the…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at strengthening drug safety and curbing self-medication, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has made it mandatory for consumers to obtain a doctor’s prescription before purchasing syrup-based medicines, including commonly used cough syrups. The decision follows an amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, through the Drugs (Fifth…
Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards expanding educational access and promoting social equity, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that the state government will provide free education from kindergarten (KG) to postgraduate (PG) level for students belonging to economically weaker sections of society. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that financial constraints do…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet has approved a series of significant proposals aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure, promoting industrial growth, supporting affordable housing and improving environmental sustainability across the state. One of the key decisions is the construction of a Working Women’s Hostel at the Kalibeti Industrial Estate in Khordha. The project, estimated at Rs 210…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Odisha Government has decided to introduce 10 ‘bagless days’ every academic year for students of Classes VI to VIII in schools across the state. The initiative is aimed at reducing academic pressure on students while encouraging experiential, activity-based, and skill-oriented learning….
Bhubaneswar: Members of India’s Men’s and Women’s U-18 Hockey teams received a grand welcome at Delhi airport upon their return from Japan following their impressive performances at the U-18 Asia Cup 2026. Players, coaches, officials, and supporters gathered to celebrate the teams’ achievements, with the young athletes being greeted with flowers, applause, and enthusiastic cheers…