New Odisha Age

Odisha Yatri Expands with Focus on Safety, Driver Earnings and Digital Bus Tickets

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…

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PM Modi Highlights AI Push, Young Organ Donor, Farmers in Mann Ki Baat

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…

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NCET-Based Admissions: A Step Towards Standardising Teacher Education

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,…

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Four New Universities: Odisha’s Bid to Rebalance Higher Education

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….

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Bee Corridors: A Small Step for Highways, A Big Leap for Biodiversity

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…

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Ekamra Project to Be Completed by 2026–27 with Enhanced Budget and New Features

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…

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EC Announces Biennial Rajya Sabha Polls for 37 Seats on March 16

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…

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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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