‘Shatak’: Film Tracing 100-Year Journey of RSS Sparks Debate Ahead of Release

Bhubaneswar: Shatak, a film chronicling the 100-year journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), explores the organisation’s origins and evolution since its founding in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. Directed by Aashish Mall and subtitled Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Ke 100 Varsh, the film adopts a historical, documentary-style narrative to chart the RSS’s growth into…

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Supreme Court Recognises Menstrual Health as Fundamental Right Under Article 21

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has recognised menstrual health as an integral part of the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court directed all schools—both government and private—to ensure adequate menstrual hygiene facilities for students. The apex court mandated the provision of separate and functional…

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Economic Survey 2025–26 Flags Digital Addiction, Recommends Age-Based Curbs for Children

Bhubaneswar: The Economic Survey 2025–26, tabled in Parliament on January 29 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has raised serious concerns over rising digital addiction among children and recommended age-based restrictions on access to online platforms. Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran described digital platforms as “predatory by design,” arguing that their algorithms and features…

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Nayagarh Forest Division Sets Up Salt Licks to Support Blackbuck Population

Bhubaneswar: In a conservation-focused initiative, the Forest Department has installed salt licks across forest areas in Nayagarh to support the health and sustainability of the blackbuck population. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Debarchan Behera said the salt licks are meant to provide essential sodium chloride to wild animals, which is often deficient in their natural diet….

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Odisha to Launch Statewide Hearse Service, Strengthen Rural Healthcare Network

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step to improve public healthcare services and citizen support, the Odisha government has announced the launch of a statewide hearse service along with key initiatives to address gaps in rural healthcare delivery. Under the new system, families will be able to access hearse services by dialing a toll-free number 109, ensuring…

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Odisha’s Pattachitra Art Showcased at Global Democracy Conference in New Delhi

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s renowned Pattachitra paintings were showcased on the global stage at the International Institute of Democracy and Election Management Conference (IICDEM-2026) held in New Delhi, marking a proud moment for the state’s rich cultural heritage. The high-profile conference witnessed participation from delegations representing over 70 countries. As part of India’s cultural outreach, exquisite Pattachitra…

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India Sustaining High Growth with Low Inflation: CEA V. Anantha Nageswaran

Bhubaneswar: Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran on Friday said India’s economic performance in recent years marks a clear improvement over the pre-COVID period, with strong growth being achieved alongside moderate inflation. Comparing current trends with the pre-pandemic average, the CEA noted that real GDP growth averaged 6.4 per cent before COVID-19, rose to 6.5…

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Economic Survey 2025–26 Tabled in Parliament; India Remains Fastest-Growing Major Economy

Bhubaneswar: The Economic Survey 2025–26 was tabled in Parliament on Friday, presenting a comprehensive review of India’s economic performance over the past year and outlining priorities for the road ahead. Against a backdrop of global geopolitical fragmentation and economic uncertainty, the Survey described India as a resilient and stable bright spot in the world economy….

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Supreme Court Stays UGC’s 2026 Equity Regulations, Cites Risk of Misuse

Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 2026 regulations on equity committees, observing that the provisions were vague and susceptible to misuse, with the potential to create social divisions. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant put the regulations on hold after noting concerns over their narrow scope. The…

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From Caste Exclusion to Global Recognition: New York Street Named After Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Bhubaneswar: Once denied the basic right to drink water at school, Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’s legacy today resonates far beyond India’s borders. In a symbolic global tribute, a stretch at the intersection of 61st Street and Broadway in Woodside, Queens, New York, has been named “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Way.” Born into a Dalit family,…

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