Farmers’ Groups Announce Nationwide Protests Over India–US Trade Deal

Bhubaneswar: Several farmers’ organisations, including Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), its non-political breakaway faction, and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), have criticised the interim India–US trade agreement framework and announced nationwide protests next week. In a statement issued on Saturday, the SKM alleged that the proposed deal amounted to a “total surrender” of Indian agriculture…

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Shashi Tharoor Criticises Disruptions in Lok Sabha, Comments on No-Confidence Motion

Bhubaneswar: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday criticised the functioning of the Lok Sabha, alleging that the government and the Speaker were not interested in running the House. “I came to speak on the Budget, but it looks like the government and the Lok Sabha Speaker are not interested in running the House. I will…

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Sharad Pawar Hospitalised in Pune After Health Issues

Bhubaneswar: Veteran politician and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) supremo Sharad Pawar was admitted to a private hospital in Pune on Monday following health concerns, party sources said. The 85-year-old leader was taken from Baramati to Pune city by his daughter and NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule and son-in-law Sadanand Sule. He has been…

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Bhubaneswar Targets Zero Garbage Points Ahead of Swachh Survekshan

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed field teams to ensure that no garbage-vulnerable points remain in the city from February 14, ahead of the Swachh Survekshan 2025-26 cleanliness survey. BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana instructed sanitary inspectors, Swachh supervisors, and waste collection agencies to intensify cleaning operations and deploy additional manpower and vehicles wherever…

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Bhubaneswar Mandates Four-Bin System to Boost Waste Segregation and Cleanliness

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced a new waste management initiative mandating four separate dustbins for households and establishments to strengthen source-level waste segregation across the city. Under the new system, residents will be required to segregate waste into four categories: Green bin: Wet/biodegradable waste Blue bin: Dry/recyclable waste Red bin: Sanitary waste,…

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Odisha Government Notifies New Motor Cab and Auto Fare Rates for Official Travel

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has notified revised fare rates for motor cabs and three-wheelers across the state, effective February 5, 2026, according to an official order issued by the state authorities. The updated fare structure covers e-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, standard cars, luxury cars, and premium luxury vehicles, specifying per-kilometre charges and minimum base fares for each…

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Odisha Govt Assures Support in Missing Merchant Navy Cadet Case

Bhubaneswar: Amid growing concern over the alleged disappearance of merchant navy cadet Sarthak Mohapatra while on duty, Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has assured full support from both the state and central governments to the family. Speaking on the matter, the minister said he had personally spoken to Sarthak’s mother three days ago and that…

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NHRC Seeks Report from Odisha Government on 34 Unelectrified Villages in Koraput

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report from the Odisha government over allegations that 34 villages in Koraput district continue to live without access to electricity, raising serious concerns about basic human rights and dignity. Taking cognisance of a complaint, the Commission noted that the affected villages are located in…

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Publicity Chariot Launched Ahead of 20th Toshali Swadeshi Mela in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: A publicity chariot was flagged off on Thursday to promote the 20th edition of the Toshali Swadeshi Mela, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 26 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. The mela aims to showcase indigenous handlooms, handicrafts and local products under the theme “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar.” The promotional campaign was inaugurated at…

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Odisha to Observe Odia Pakhya from April 1 to 14

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will celebrate Odia Pakhya for the second consecutive year from April 1 to April 14, coinciding with Odisha Day (Utkal Dibas) and the Odia New Year (Pana Sankranti). The fortnight-long observance is aimed at promoting the Odia language, literature, culture, and traditions through a series of community-driven and government-supported activities across…

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