New Odisha Age

NEET To Shift To Computer-Based Format From Next Year, Says Dharmendra Pradhan

Bhubaneswar: The Central Government has announced that the NEET will be conducted in a computer-based test format from next year as part of efforts to strengthen examination security and improve transparency. The move is aimed at addressing concerns related to paper leaks, OMR sheet manipulation and broader issues surrounding the integrity of the examination process….

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Khan Sir Criticises National Testing Agency Over Cancellation Of NEET-UG 2026

Bhubaneswar: Educator Khan Sir sharply criticised the National Testing Agency (NTA) following the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, alleging serious administrative failures and demanding strict accountability. Speaking to reporters in Noida, Khan Sir said that while the examination might appear to be “just a single paper” for the agency, it represents the future and…

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West Bengal To Roll Out Ayushman Bharat, Free Bus Travel Scheme For Women From June 1

Bhubaneswar: The West Bengal government is set to introduce two major public welfare initiatives from June 1, including the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in the state and a free government bus travel programme for women. The government stated that all existing welfare schemes for citizens would continue without interruption but would…

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Experts Warn Against Use of Plastic Sheets Under Hot Food

Bhubaneswar: Health experts have raised concerns over the practice of placing thin plastic sheets beneath hot breakfast and street food items, warning that the materials may release toxic chemicals when exposed to heat. According to experts, many of these plastic sheets are made from recycled or low-grade materials that can contain harmful substances such as…

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Atal Pension Yojana expands financial security net for unorganised workers

Bhubaneswar: The Atal Pension Yojana has completed 11 years of implementation, emerging as one of India’s largest social security initiatives aimed at providing retirement protection to workers in the unorganised sector. Launched to strengthen financial inclusion and pension coverage, the scheme has significantly expanded its reach over the past decade, helping millions of low-income workers…

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Odisha’s Indigenous Mango Varieties Continue to Preserve Rich Agricultural Heritage

Bhubaneswar: While mango varieties such as Alphonso and Dussehri dominate national markets and conversations, Odisha continues to nurture a wide range of indigenous mango varieties that have been preserved through generations of traditional cultivation practices. Among the most widely preferred native varieties is Bombai, especially popular across coastal Odisha for its sweetness, aroma, and juicy…

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NEP 2020 TO DRIVE ODISHA, INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT: GOVERNOR

Bhubaneswar: Hari Babu Kambhampati on Wednesday said the National Education Policy 2020 will play a transformative role in shaping the future of Odisha and the country by aligning education with modern skills and global demands. Addressing a national-level workshop in Bhubaneswar, the Governor described education as the cornerstone of long-term development and said the policy…

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Honeybee Decline in Odisha Raises Alarm; Experts Call for Sustainable Beekeeping

Bhubaneswar: A recent study by wildlife researchers Rajkishore Swain, Sandesh Behera, and Subhani Rath has highlighted growing threats to honeybee diversity in Odisha due to habitat loss, climate change, and excessive pesticide use. The study notes that honeybees contribute to over 70% of pollination in certain crops and ornamental plants in Bhubaneswar, underlining their critical…

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Health Ministry Releases RBSK 2.0 Guidelines with Expanded Child Healthcare Framework

Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released the updated guidelines for Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0, introducing a strengthened and more comprehensive approach to child healthcare. The revised framework expands the existing “4Ds” model—Defects at Birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental Delays—while adopting a lifecycle-based strategy that ensures continuous health monitoring and…

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Andaman & Nicobar Sets Guinness Record with Largest Underwater National Flag

Bhubaneswar: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has set a new Guinness World Records milestone by unfurling the world’s largest underwater national flag at Radhanagar Beach. The massive Tricolour, measuring approximately 60 by 40 metres, was deployed beneath the sea in a highly coordinated operation at Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island). The effort involved over 200…

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