Bhubaneswar: The famous Manikapatna curd from Odisha is set to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, with the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) finalising the application process. Officials said the GI recognition would formally acknowledge the unique identity and traditional preparation methods of the curd produced in Manikapatna, a coastal village in the…
Bhubaneswar: The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically vital energy chokepoints in the world. Connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, this narrow maritime corridor carries roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies each day. Any disruption — or even credible claims of a temporary closure —…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) has launched ‘Rangotsav-2026’ in Bhubaneswar, a week-long fair aimed at encouraging safe, eco-friendly Holi celebrations while strengthening women-led rural enterprises. The event showcases herbal abir (colours) prepared by women Self Help Groups (SHGs), alongside a diverse range of rural products including handicrafts, handloom items, and traditional…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced stringent penalties for sanitation agencies to enforce timely waste clearance and improve urban cleanliness. Under the new directive, agencies will be fined ₹3,000 per instance per ward if waste is not cleared from streets by 9 am. Authorities have mandated that all garbage heaps must be lifted…
Bhubaneswar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the office of Vigyan Bharati Charitable Trust in Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar, reportedly linked to the Hi-Tech Group of Institutions. The raid was carried out by the Kolkata unit of the central agency following allegations of large-scale financial irregularities. Officials are investigating suspected money laundering, financial mismanagement, and…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Wednesday emphasised the need for effective implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme during a state-level approval committee meeting convened to review its progress. Presiding over the meeting, Garg directed the MSME department to ensure convergence of PMFME with other government programmes…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced the establishment of a dedicated Chandua Bazaar in Pipili to rejuvenate the traditional applique craft sector that has faced setbacks following the construction of the NH-316 bypass. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement during the presentation of the state budget, stating that the new market complex will…
Bhubaneswar: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s sharp warning to banks against the mis-selling of financial products marks a critical intervention in India’s banking landscape. Her emphasis on prioritising core banking functions—such as lending and strengthening CASA (Current Account Savings Account) deposits—signals growing concern that banks are drifting away from their primary role as financial intermediaries. In…
Bhubaneswar: Tribal women in the remote Kotia region of Odisha have begun cultivating German chamomile, a high-value medicinal crop, to improve their livelihoods and income security. The initiative is being supported by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) and the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), leveraging the region’s favourable climate…
Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday announced that the government will soon launch the ‘Create in India’ mission, calling it an industry-focused, employment-driven and future-oriented initiative. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Vaishnaw said the upcoming mission aims to strengthen domestic innovation, boost industrial growth, and create large-scale job opportunities by promoting…