India Hosts First Global Conference on Democracy and Election Management

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is hosting the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam, marking a significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen global democratic processes. The three-day conference has brought together nearly 100 delegates from more than 70 countries, creating a…

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Nitin Nabin Set to Become BJP’s Youngest National President at 45

Bhubaneswar: At 45, senior BJP leader Nitin Nabin is set to become the party’s youngest National President, marking a significant generational transition within the organisation. The move is being seen as a reflection of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s emphasis on grassroots leadership development and organisational experience. Party sources said Nabin’s rise has been shaped by…

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Bhubaneswar’s Air Quality Improves, but Questions Remain Over Sustainability

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar has recorded a noticeable improvement in air quality over the past three days, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) returning to the ‘moderate’ category after remaining in the hazardous zone for much of December. Data from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) show the city’s three-day average AQI at 133, with daily readings…

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Assam Showcases Cultural Grandeur as 10,000 Artistes Perform Bagurumba at ‘Bagurumba Dwhou 2026’

Bhubaneswar: Assam witnessed a landmark cultural moment with the grand staging of Bagurumba Dwhou 2026, a historic celebration of the Bodo community’s iconic Bagurumba, or butterfly dance. Held at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium, the event brought together more than 10,000 Bodo artistes from all 81 Assembly constituencies across 23 districts, creating one of the largest synchronised…

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Madras High Court Suggests Australia-Style Social Media Curbs for Children Under 16

Bhubaneswar: The Madras High Court has suggested that the Union government consider introducing an Australia-like legal framework to restrict access to social media platforms for children below the age of 16, citing growing concerns over online safety and exposure to harmful content. The observation was made while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking stronger…

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Odisha Positions Itself as Eastern India’s Growth Engine at Kolkata Investors’ Meet Roadshow

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday led a high-impact Odisha Investors’ Meet roadshow in Kolkata, positioning the state as a key driver of Eastern India’s next phase of industrial expansion and unlocking investment potential exceeding ₹1 lakh crore. The roadshow, attended by over 500 industry leaders, featured four sectoral roundtables and more…

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Budget 2026 May Introduce Optional Joint Tax Returns for Married Couples

Bhubaneswar: Married couples in India may soon have the option to file a single, joint income tax return instead of two separate filings, as the government considers a significant reform ahead of Budget 2026. The proposal, still under deliberation, would introduce optional joint taxation for spouses—an approach followed in countries such as the United States…

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PM Modi Lays Foundation for ₹6,950-Crore NH-715 Project with Elevated Corridor Across Kaziranga

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the ₹6,950-crore four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway-715, gifting a major infrastructure project to the people of Assam. The project includes a 35-kilometre elevated corridor across Kaziranga National Park, aimed at ensuring safer wildlife movement while significantly improving road connectivity in…

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GMU Develops IoT-Enabled Humidifier to Enable Year-Round Mushroom Cultivation

Bhubaneswar: Gangadhar Meher University (GMU) has developed a low-cost, IoT-enabled humidifier aimed at helping small and marginal farmers undertake year-round mushroom cultivation by effectively managing temperature and humidity conditions. The solar-powered, app-controlled device has been designed to address key challenges faced in cultivating button and oyster mushrooms, crops that require precise environmental conditions for optimal…

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New Zealand Clinch Historic ODI Series Win in India with Indore Victory

Bhubaneswar: New Zealand created history in Indore on Sunday by defeating India by 41 runs in the third and series-deciding One Day International, securing their first-ever ODI series victory on Indian soil. Batting first, New Zealand posted a formidable 337 for 8, riding on a magnificent century by Daryl Mitchell, who struck 137, and a…

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