Bhubaneswar: The Centre has announced targeted support for agarwood cultivation in Assam and other North Eastern states, aiming to diversify farm outputs, enhance productivity, increase farmers’ incomes, and generate new employment opportunities in the region. Making the announcement in her Union Budget speech on Sunday, February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government would…
Bhubaneswar: As India prepares to host the AI Impact Summit Bharat 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has stepped up efforts to promote nationwide artificial intelligence literacy through the “YUVA AI for All” programme. Launched under the IndiaAI Mission, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by equipping over one crore…
Bhubaneswar: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that India aims to utilise 100 per cent of its solid waste in road construction by 2027, marking a major push towards sustainable and environmentally responsible infrastructure development. Speaking about ongoing initiatives, Gadkari said that around 80 lakh tonnes of waste have…
Bhubaneswar: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday responded to Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Union Budget, saying she was unclear about the “course correction” he was referring to and asserting that the Indian economy remains fundamentally strong. “I don’t know what course correction he is referring to. The economy…
Bhubaneswar: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana, a new initiative aimed at expanding skill development and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (divyangjan). The scheme will focus on targeted training programmes, workplace inclusion, and creation of dignified livelihood opportunities, enabling divyangjan to participate more actively in the workforce. The initiative seeks…
Bhubaneswar: Sports received a significant boost in the Union Budget, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, grassroots development, and domestic manufacturing in the sector. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said India has the potential to emerge as a global hub for high-quality and affordable sports goods….
Bhubaneswar: Tourism development officers in Odisha have been directed to carry out regular inspections of wayside amenity centres and report any deficiencies within two weeks to ensure timely corrective action and quality upkeep. The directive was issued during a recent review meeting in Bhubaneswar, where it was decided that all 68 wayside amenity centres currently…
Bhubaneswar: India has announced the establishment of dedicated rare earth corridors across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, marking a major step towards strengthening domestic capabilities in critical minerals. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made the announcement as part of the government’s broader push for Atmanirbhar Bharat, aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imports in…
Bhubaneswar: The Union Budget 2026 has announced a significant expansion of government support for Ayurveda and India’s broader AYUSH ecosystem, signalling a renewed emphasis on traditional medicine systems alongside modern healthcare. As part of the initiative, the Centre has proposed the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, aimed at scaling up education,…
Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park in Odisha has reported a worrying spate of animal deaths, with eight animals dying within a span of just eight days, raising concerns among wildlife experts and animal welfare advocates. According to zoo authorities, the deaths include five crocodiles, two white peacocks, and one mouse deer. Preliminary assessments suggest that the…
