Centre to Support Agar Trees in Assam and North East to Boost Farmer Income and Employment

Bhubaneswar: The Centre has announced targeted support for agarwood cultivation in Assam and other North Eastern states, aiming to diversify farm outputs, enhance productivity, increase farmers’ incomes, and generate new employment opportunities in the region. Making the announcement in her Union Budget speech on Sunday, February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government would…

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Sitharaman Responds to Rahul Gandhi’s Budget Criticism, Defends Economic Fundamentals

Bhubaneswar: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday responded to Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Union Budget, saying she was unclear about the “course correction” he was referring to and asserting that the Indian economy remains fundamentally strong. “I don’t know what course correction he is referring to. The economy…

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Budget 2026 Gives Major Push to Ayurveda and AYUSH Ecosystem

Bhubaneswar: The Union Budget 2026 has announced a significant expansion of government support for Ayurveda and India’s broader AYUSH ecosystem, signalling a renewed emphasis on traditional medicine systems alongside modern healthcare. As part of the initiative, the Centre has proposed the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, aimed at scaling up education,…

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Odisha’s Pattachitra Art Showcased at Global Democracy Conference in New Delhi

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s renowned Pattachitra paintings were showcased on the global stage at the International Institute of Democracy and Election Management Conference (IICDEM-2026) held in New Delhi, marking a proud moment for the state’s rich cultural heritage. The high-profile conference witnessed participation from delegations representing over 70 countries. As part of India’s cultural outreach, exquisite Pattachitra…

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India Sustaining High Growth with Low Inflation: CEA V. Anantha Nageswaran

Bhubaneswar: Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran on Friday said India’s economic performance in recent years marks a clear improvement over the pre-COVID period, with strong growth being achieved alongside moderate inflation. Comparing current trends with the pre-pandemic average, the CEA noted that real GDP growth averaged 6.4 per cent before COVID-19, rose to 6.5…

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Khandagiri Mela 2026 Sees Parking Fee Row, Artist Controversy Amid Heavy Footfall

Bhubaneswar:  The ongoing Khandagiri Magh Mela 2026 has been marked by controversy even as it continues to draw massive crowds for its religious rituals and cultural performances. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a show-cause notice to the leaseholder managing parking facilities at the mela after complaints of overcharging visitors, with fees reportedly almost…

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Mumbai Bids Farewell to Iconic Parle Products Factory in Vile Parle

Bhubaneswar: Mumbai is set to lose one of its most cherished industrial landmarks as the iconic Parle Products factory in Vile Parle prepares to shut down, bringing an end to nearly 90 years of history. The factory, synonymous with Parle-G biscuits and generations of childhood memories, will make way for commercial redevelopment. Established in the…

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Hindalco Announces ₹21,000-Crore Expansion at Sambalpur, Boosts Aluminium and EV Ecosystem

Bhubaneswar: Hindalco Industries Limited has announced a major ₹21,000-crore expansion of its aluminium smelter at the Aditya Aluminium Complex in Sambalpur, further cementing Odisha’s status as a critical industrial and manufacturing hub. The expansion will add 3.6 lakh tonnes per annum (LTPA) of aluminium smelting capacity. Alongside the smelter expansion, the company has commissioned a…

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Government Extends Deadline for Aluminium Can Quality Norms, Relief for Beverage Makers

Bhubaneswar: In a significant relief to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers, the Centre has extended the implementation timeline of mandatory quality norms for aluminium cans used in food and beverages. The move is expected to ease supply constraints ahead of the peak summer season. The extension has been granted under the Cookware, Utensils and Cans…

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CM Mohan Charan Majhi Inaugurates Silver Jubilee Enterprise Odisha 2026, Announces ₹52,026 Crore Investment Push

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday inaugurated the Silver Jubilee (25th edition) of Enterprise Odisha 2026, marking a major thrust towards accelerated industrialisation in Western Odisha, which he described as the “core engine” of the state’s economic growth. Emphasising balanced regional development, MSME expansion and large-scale job creation, the Chief Minister said…

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