Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s iconic dessert Chhena Poda has become the centre of a growing debate over its true origin, with experts warning that conflicting claims could impact its Geographical Indication (GI) recognition and cultural identity. The sweet, closely associated with Nayagarh, is widely believed to have been created by Bidyadhar Sahu of Daspalla. Historical accounts suggest…
Bhubaneswar: Hong Kong-based apparel major Epic Group has chosen Odisha for its first manufacturing facility in India, marking a significant boost to the state’s industrial landscape. The unit will be established at the IDCO Industrial Estate in Khordha and is scheduled to commence operations on April 29. Spread across 40 acres, the project entails an…
Bhubaneswar: Geopolitical developments, economic volatility, rapid digitalisation, cyber threats, evolving regulatory expectations and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are reshaping the global risk landscape for organisations, posing new challenges for traditional governance and control systems. Against this backdrop, internal auditors are playing an increasingly strategic role in helping organisations anticipate risks and strengthen governance frameworks,…
Bhubaneswar: Sanjay Malhotra, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, has said that India’s merchandise exports witnessed a marginal contraction of 0.2% in the first two months of the year on a year-on-year basis, primarily due to weaker demand in key global markets. In contrast, merchandise imports registered a sharp increase of over 22%, largely…
Bhubaneswar: India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has embarked on a three-day official visit to the United States starting today, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. During the visit, Misri is scheduled to hold discussions with senior officials of the US administration on a wide range of issues, including trade, defence cooperation, science and technology, as well…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s rising para archer Payal Nag has brought laurels to the state by winning a gold medal at the World Archery Para Series Bangkok 2026. The 18-year-old from Bolangir district defeated India’s Sheetal Devi in a closely contested compound women’s final, securing victory with a score of 139–136. India delivered an impressive overall performance…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant step toward strengthening national security and safeguarding digital infrastructure, the Government of India is reportedly planning to impose restrictions on Chinese surveillance and networking equipment used across the country. The move is expected to impact major global players such as Hikvision, Dahua Technology, and TP-Link, whose products are widely deployed in…
Bhubaneswar: In a major advancement for India’s nuclear energy programme, the indigenously developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has successfully achieved criticality, marking a significant breakthrough in Stage-2 of India’s three-stage nuclear power strategy. The 500 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor represents a crucial technological leap. It operates using mixed oxide (MOX) fuel—a combination…
Bhubaneswar: A sense of pride, achievement and new beginnings marked the 11th Graduation Congregational Ceremony of J.D. Birla Institute (JDBI), Kolkata, held on 14 February 2026 at the Vidya Mandir Auditorium. The ceremony celebrated the academic accomplishments of the Bachelors’ and Masters’ graduates of the 2024–2025 session. University dignitaries, members of the Vidya Mandir Society,…
Bhubaneswar: In a major step to strengthen public safety, the Government of Odisha has made it mandatory for all institutions and buildings to keep fire safety alert systems operational round-the-clock. The directive aims to ensure immediate emergency response and prevent fire-related disasters, particularly in critical establishments such as hospitals, offices and public facilities. Focus on…