New Odisha Age

Fuel Prices May Rise in India Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruption

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…

Read More

Odisha Fast-Tracks PM RAHAT Scheme to Tackle Rising Road Fatalities

Bhubaneswar: With an average of 16 people losing their lives daily in road accidents across Odisha, the state government has accelerated the rollout of the Prime Minister’s Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalisation & Assured Treatment Scheme (PM RAHAT). The scheme guarantees free and cashless treatment for road accident victims admitted to a hospital within 24 hours…

Read More

Odisha CM Lays Foundation Stone for New Odisha Bhawan in New Delhi

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone for a new Odisha Bhawan in the national capital, a project estimated to cost ₹93.27 crore. The upcoming Odisha Bhawan in New Delhi is designed to reflect the state’s rich heritage and cultural identity. The proposed structure will include three basements, six floors, 45…

Read More

Cabinet Clears Proposal to Rename Kerala as ‘Keralam’

Bhubaneswar: The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to alter the name of the State of “Kerala” to “Keralam”, setting in motion the constitutional process required for a formal name change. Following Cabinet approval, the President of India will refer the proposed legislation — the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 — to the Kerala…

Read More

A Necessary Warning to Banks on Mis-selling Practices

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…

Read More

Bihar Government Proposes Restrictions on Meat and Fish Sales Near Schools and Religious Sites

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…

Read More

Four New Universities: Odisha’s Bid to Rebalance Higher Education

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s announcement to establish four new universities in Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Jharsuguda marks a significant intervention in the state’s higher education landscape. Unveiled during the 2026–27 budget presentation by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the move signals an intent to decentralise academic opportunities and curb the long-standing migration of students to other states….

Read More

India to Block Excess Ravi Water to Pakistan with Shahpur Kandi Barrage Completion

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of an intense summer, Pakistan’s water situation is expected to worsen as India prepares to block excess water flow from the Ravi River with the completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage by March 31. The development comes at a time when Pakistan is already facing pressure following the suspension of the Indus Waters…

Read More

EC Announces Biennial Rajya Sabha Polls for 37 Seats on March 16

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced biennial elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states, with voting scheduled for March 16. The elections are being held to fill seats of members whose terms will end in April. Maharashtra will see the highest number of vacancies with seven seats, followed by Tamil…

Read More

Census Coming Soon: What Will Enumerators Ask About Your Household?

Bhubaneswar: In India’s upcoming national Census, enumerators will collect detailed information on household facilities, family structure, and assets. The data will help the government design welfare schemes, infrastructure plans, and policy frameworks. Key Questions Likely to Be Asked 1. Family Details Name of the head of the household Number of family members 2. Housing Structure…

Read More