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: The Government of Odisha’s mobility platform Odisha Yatri is accelerating its statewide expansion with a dual focus on improving passenger safety and increasing driver incomes, positioning itself as a public-sector alternative in the ride-hailing ecosystem. Launched as a zero-commission platform, Odisha Yatri has enabled drivers to collectively earn over ₹10 crore, allowing them to…
Bhubaneswar: In the 131st episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence, citing innovations showcased at the New Delhi Summit, including Amul’s animal healthcare technology and the Gyan Bharatam initiative aimed at preserving India’s ancient knowledge systems. He also referred to the New Delhi Declaration, which has…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s decision to base admissions to the 4-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) on the National Common Entrance Test (NCET) marks a significant shift in how future educators are selected and trained. By aligning with a national-level entrance mechanism administered by the National Testing Agency, the state is signalling its intent to bring uniformity,…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s announcement to establish four new universities in Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Jharsuguda marks a significant intervention in the state’s higher education landscape. Unveiled during the 2026–27 budget presentation by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the move signals an intent to decentralise academic opportunities and curb the long-standing migration of students to other states….
Bhubaneswar: India’s highways have long symbolised speed, connectivity, and economic progress. But they have also represented ecological disruption—fragmented habitats, declining wildlife populations, and vanishing pollinators. Against this backdrop, the National Highways Authority of India’s proposal to create ‘Bee Corridors’ along national highways is a welcome, if overdue, intervention. Pollinators such as bees are not mere…
Bhubaneswar: The Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action Plan, popularly known as the Ekamra Project, will be upgraded with new features and is targeted for completion by the 2026–27 financial year, the Odisha government has said. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan informed that the revised plan will include an interpretation centre and a grand statue…
Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced biennial elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states, with voting scheduled for March 16. The elections are being held to fill seats of members whose terms will end in April. Maharashtra will see the highest number of vacancies with seven seats, followed by Tamil…
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…