New Odisha Age

ORMAS Launches ‘Rangotsav-2026’ to Promote Safe Holi and Women’s Entrepreneurship

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…

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BMC Imposes Strict Penalties to Ensure Clean Streets

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…

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ED Conducts Searches at Vigyan Bharati Charitable Trust in Bhubaneswar

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…

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Odisha Reviews PMFME Scheme Progress, Focus on SHG to MSME Transition

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…

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Odisha to Establish Dedicated Chandua Bazaar in Pipili to Revive Applique Craft Economy

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…

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A Necessary Warning to Banks on Mis-selling Practices

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…

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Chamomile Cultivation Boosts Tribal Economy in Odisha

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…

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‘Create in India’ Mission to Be Launched Soon: Ashwini Vaishnaw

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…

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Union Minister Announces 1,000-Acre Industrial Hub and Development Push in Sambalpur

Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday announced plans to develop a 1,000-acre industrial hub in Sambalpur, marking a major push to accelerate industrialisation in western Odisha. Pradhan said the proposed industrial cluster aims to attract large-scale investments, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the region’s manufacturing ecosystem. Discussions are underway to earmark land for…

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Bhubaneswar to Set Up Waste Processing Plants for Construction and Green Waste

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is establishing two new waste processing facilities to strengthen solid waste management and promote sustainable recycling practices in the city. A construction and demolition (C&D) waste processing plant will be set up at Pandra, with a processing capacity of five tonnes per day. The facility will convert debris into…

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