Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has directed the state government to ensure the inclusion of a third gender/transgender option in application forms for examinations conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). The directive followed a petition filed by a third gender candidate, Sony Sil, who pointed out that the online application forms…
Bhubaneswar: Hindalco Industries Limited has announced a major ₹21,000-crore expansion of its aluminium smelter at the Aditya Aluminium Complex in Sambalpur, further cementing Odisha’s status as a critical industrial and manufacturing hub. The expansion will add 3.6 lakh tonnes per annum (LTPA) of aluminium smelting capacity. Alongside the smelter expansion, the company has commissioned a…
Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police have imposed a cap of 1,800 seats per show at Khandagiri Jatra pandals as part of enhanced safety arrangements for the annual festival. The directive, issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, aims to ensure crowd safety and smoother movement within the venues. As per the new guidelines, Jatra pandals must…
Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday announced a series of statewide protests, culminating in a massive public rally in Bhubaneswar on February 24, alleging farmer distress, delayed paddy procurement, and a breakdown of law and order under the BJP-led Odisha government. Addressing a press conference, senior BJD leaders Debi Prasad Mishra, Sanjay Das…
Bhubaneswar: The University Grants Commission (UGC) may cease to exist in its current form as the Union government moves ahead with a sweeping overhaul of India’s higher education regulatory framework. The government has introduced the Developed India Education Foundation Bill, 2025 (also referred to as the VBEA Bill, 2025) in Parliament, proposing to replace existing…
Bhubaneswar: The Central University of Odisha (CUO) and the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in agricultural research, education and extension activities. The agreement aims to promote the exchange of students, scientists and faculty members, along with sharing research methodologies, technologies and scientific…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday inaugurated the Silver Jubilee (25th edition) of Enterprise Odisha 2026, marking a major thrust towards accelerated industrialisation in Western Odisha, which he described as the “core engine” of the state’s economic growth. Emphasising balanced regional development, MSME expansion and large-scale job creation, the Chief Minister said…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s recent ban on the manufacture and sale of pan masala, gutkha, khaini and other food items containing tobacco or nicotine was projected as a strong public health intervention. However, ground realities suggest that the move has exposed a major loophole, allowing other equally harmful smokeless and traditional tobacco products to flourish unchecked, particularly…
Bhubaneswar: The Budget Session of Parliament began on Monday with an address by President Droupadi Murmu to members of both Houses, setting the tone for the government’s policy priorities and legislative agenda for the months ahead. In keeping with parliamentary tradition, the President’s address laid out the broad policy direction and collective resolve guiding India’s…
Bhubaneswar: In a major relief for commuters, the Odisha government has withdrawn its controversial “No PUCC, No Petrol” directive following strong observations by the Orissa High Court, which questioned both the feasibility and legality of the move. In an affidavit submitted before the court, the state clarified that while petrol pumps may ask motorists to…
