New Odisha Age

UGC Renews Autonomous Status of BJB College Till 2031–32

Bhubaneswar: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has extended the autonomous status of Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar College, popularly known as BJB College, for a further 10 years from the academic session 2022–23 to 2031–32. The decision was approved by the UGC’s Standing Committee on Autonomous Colleges and includes ex-post-facto regularisation of the gap years between 2022…

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Kerala to Keralam: A Renaming That Has Reignited a National Identity Debate

Bhubaneswar: The Union Cabinet’s approval of the proposal to rename Kerala as “Keralam” has triggered a broader political and cultural debate, with leaders across states renewing long-pending demands for similar changes. The move, which aligns the state’s official English nomenclature with its Malayalam identity, was initially viewed as an administrative correction. However, it has quickly…

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Odisha to Establish Dedicated Chandua Bazaar in Pipili to Revive Applique Craft Economy

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced the establishment of a dedicated Chandua Bazaar in Pipili to rejuvenate the traditional applique craft sector that has faced setbacks following the construction of the NH-316 bypass. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement during the presentation of the state budget, stating that the new market complex will…

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Cabinet Clears Proposal to Rename Kerala as ‘Keralam’

Bhubaneswar: The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to alter the name of the State of “Kerala” to “Keralam”, setting in motion the constitutional process required for a formal name change. Following Cabinet approval, the President of India will refer the proposed legislation — the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 — to the Kerala…

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Bihar Government Proposes Restrictions on Meat and Fish Sales Near Schools and Religious Sites

Bhubaneswar: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha has announced that the state government plans to ban the sale of meat and fish near educational and religious institutions, as well as in crowded public spaces. The proposal, he said, is driven by health concerns and an aim to curb violent tendencies among children. The move is…

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Four New Universities: Odisha’s Bid to Rebalance Higher Education

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s announcement to establish four new universities in Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Jharsuguda marks a significant intervention in the state’s higher education landscape. Unveiled during the 2026–27 budget presentation by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the move signals an intent to decentralise academic opportunities and curb the long-standing migration of students to other states….

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Ekamra Project to Be Completed by 2026–27 with Enhanced Budget and New Features

Bhubaneswar: The Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action Plan, popularly known as the Ekamra Project, will be upgraded with new features and is targeted for completion by the 2026–27 financial year, the Odisha government has said. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan informed that the revised plan will include an interpretation centre and a grand statue…

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EC Announces Biennial Rajya Sabha Polls for 37 Seats on March 16

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced biennial elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states, with voting scheduled for March 16. The elections are being held to fill seats of members whose terms will end in April. Maharashtra will see the highest number of vacancies with seven seats, followed by Tamil…

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Census Coming Soon: What Will Enumerators Ask About Your Household?

Bhubaneswar: In India’s upcoming national Census, enumerators will collect detailed information on household facilities, family structure, and assets. The data will help the government design welfare schemes, infrastructure plans, and policy frameworks. Key Questions Likely to Be Asked 1. Family Details Name of the head of the household Number of family members 2. Housing Structure…

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Lok Sabha Introduces Digital Attendance, ‘No Show, No Pay’ Rule from 2026 Budget Session

Bhubaneswar: In a major move to enforce discipline and boost participation in Parliament, the Lok Sabha has introduced a strict digital attendance system for Members of Parliament (MPs) starting with the 2026 Budget Session. Under the new system, MPs must mark their attendance through biometric devices installed at their designated seats, replacing the traditional physical…

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