Bhubaneswar: Indian fuel prices could face upward pressure following reports that Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. The narrow maritime corridor connects the Persian Gulf to global markets and handles a significant share of international crude oil shipments. Any disruption in this passage typically constrains…
The East India Company, once among the most powerful trading corporations in history, has shut down once again. Originally founded in 1600, the company played a central role in British colonial expansion in India before being formally dissolved in 1874. More than a century later, in 2010, businessman Sanjiv Mehta revived the historic name as…
Bhubaneswar: A toxic ammonia gas leak from a cold storage facility in the Aiginia market area of Bhubaneswar late on February 26, 2026, sparked panic among residents and shopkeepers, leading to swift evacuation and emergency containment measures. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Khandagiri Police Station, where locals reported a strong ammonia smell early…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Wednesday emphasised the need for effective implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme during a state-level approval committee meeting convened to review its progress. Presiding over the meeting, Garg directed the MSME department to ensure convergence of PMFME with other government programmes…
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: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha has announced that the state government plans to ban the sale of meat and fish near educational and religious institutions, as well as in crowded public spaces. The proposal, he said, is driven by health concerns and an aim to curb violent tendencies among children. The move is…
Bhubaneswar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated India’s first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)–based Public Distribution System (PDS), marking a major step towards digitising welfare delivery for nearly 80 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Under the system, programmable e-Rupee tokens will be credited to beneficiaries’ RBI-linked digital wallets. These…
Bhubaneswar: A nationwide Bharat Bandh on February 12 could lead to partial disruptions in banking, transport and local services, though essential services are expected to operate normally. Public sector bank unions have announced participation in the strike, which may affect branch-level banking operations, even as branches remain open. Public transport, including buses and taxis, could…
Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: Residents in several areas of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are likely to face temporary power outages on February 11 as Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) undertakes scheduled mechanical upgrades, repair works, and electrical maintenance. According to TPCODL, electricity supply in Bhubaneswar will be disrupted at different time slots between 6:30 AM and 5:00…