Bhubaneswar: A devastating fire broke out in the early hours at No. 1 Haat’s Plastic Market in Bhubaneswar, destroying more than 40 shops and causing extensive property damage estimated at several lakhs. The blaze erupted around 1:38 am, spreading rapidly through the congested market area. The fire escalated quickly, fueled by the market’s extensive use…
Bhubaneswar: In a surprising setback to Uttar Pradesh’s ambitious electric mobility plan, six out of eight newly launched AC double-decker electric buses remain unused at the Barabanki bus depot, months after being flagged off by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The buses, procured at a cost of nearly ₹12 crore, were intended to enhance intercity connectivity,…
Bhubaneswar: Trade negotiations between India and the United States could face fresh challenges amid differences over import duties on pulses, even as two American lawmakers have urged President Donald Trump to push for the withdrawal of India’s 30 per cent import tariff on lentils and peas. According to reports, the lawmakers have written to President…
Koraput district, long recognised for its coffee plantations, is fast emerging as a notable centre for high-quality pepper cultivation, with the spice witnessing rising demand in both national and international markets. Pepper is currently grown across nearly 1,550 hectares in the district, where the unique agro-climatic conditions—marked by moderate temperatures, adequate rainfall, and rich soil—have…
Bhubaneswar: Indian consumers are facing record-high silver prices, with the white metal now trading above ₹3 lakh per kilogram amid a sharp surge in global markets. Data shows silver prices have tripled over the past year, rising by nearly 204 per cent, driven by a combination of macroeconomic and geopolitical factors. Silver first breached the…
Bhubaneswar: Indian equity markets will remain open for trading on Budget Day, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman scheduled to present the Union Budget 2026 on Sunday, February 1. Both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will conduct a full trading session, marking one of the most closely watched days in…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday led a high-impact Odisha Investors’ Meet roadshow in Kolkata, positioning the state as a key driver of Eastern India’s next phase of industrial expansion and unlocking investment potential exceeding ₹1 lakh crore. The roadshow, attended by over 500 industry leaders, featured four sectoral roundtables and more…
Bhubaneswar: Married couples in India may soon have the option to file a single, joint income tax return instead of two separate filings, as the government considers a significant reform ahead of Budget 2026. The proposal, still under deliberation, would introduce optional joint taxation for spouses—an approach followed in countries such as the United States…
Bhubaneswar: Gangadhar Meher University (GMU) has developed a low-cost, IoT-enabled humidifier aimed at helping small and marginal farmers undertake year-round mushroom cultivation by effectively managing temperature and humidity conditions. The solar-powered, app-controlled device has been designed to address key challenges faced in cultivating button and oyster mushrooms, crops that require precise environmental conditions for optimal…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s industrial landscape is set for a major expansion with the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA), chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approving seven large-scale projects involving a total investment of ₹55,783 crore. The approvals underscore the state’s growing appeal as a hub for capital-intensive manufacturing across metals, advanced materials, and high-technology sectors. Anchoring…
