Bhubaneswar: The Government of India is set to introduce a far-reaching overhaul of tax enforcement with the implementation of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which will replace the six-decade-old Income Tax Act of 1961. The new law is scheduled to come into force from April 1, 2026. A key feature of the legislation is the…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening sustainable tourism, the Odisha government has partnered with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Bhubaneswar, to prepare a comprehensive long-term roadmap titled ‘Odisha Eco-Tourism Vision Document 2036’. The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Forest, Environment and Climate Change…
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar’s popular street festival Patha Utsav is set to return on January 18, 2026, transforming Jagamara New Road into a vibrant, car-free cultural zone from 6.00 am onwards. Organised by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Patha Utsav aims to reclaim public streets as inclusive community spaces, encouraging citizens to come together for culture, creativity…
Bhubaneswar: In a move that combines social welfare with the promotion of local livelihoods, the Odisha government’s Women and Child Development Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Utkalika, the state’s apex handicraft and handloom marketing corporation, for the supply of marriage gift items under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana. Under the flagship…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s iconic Chilika Lake has once again transformed into a spectacular natural haven, hosting over 1.1 million migratory birds this winter season and reaffirming its status as one of Asia’s most significant wetland ecosystems. Spread across more than 1,100 square kilometres, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon becomes a seasonal refuge for avian visitors travelling…
Bhubaneswar: Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake, is set for a major ecological and economic revival as the Odisha government rolls out a ₹1,500–2,000 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) aimed at restoring the lake’s fragile ecosystem while enhancing sustainable livelihoods and tourism. Officials said the ambitious plan goes beyond cosmetic intervention and focuses on…
Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Odisha government over its decision to deny petrol and diesel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) and sought the state’s response within two weeks. Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), a division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice…
Bhubaneswar: In a bid to address the rising air pollution levels in the state capital, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to install air purifiers at key locations across the city to help keep the Air Quality Index (AQI) within permissible limits. The initiative will be rolled out in a phased manner, with the…
Bhubaneswar: With air pollution levels rising to alarming levels, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed anti-smog guns at key locations in the city to curb dust and particulate pollution after the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 300 mark, placing the city in the “very poor” category. The mist cannons have been installed at…
Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at strengthening sanitation services and improving solid waste management efficiency, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to levy user fees for door-to-door waste collection across the city, covering both residential and commercial establishments, official sources said on Monday. The decision is part of BMC’s broader effort to enhance service…