India–US Trade Deal Ends 25% Tariff, Markets Rally; Sensex Jumps Over 2,200 Points

Bhubaneswar: India and the United States have reached a major trade agreement that ends a 25 per cent U.S. tariff linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil and immediately reduces a reciprocal tariff to 18 per cent, providing significant relief to Indian exporters. Under the deal, India has agreed to substantially lower trade barriers on…

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MeitY Pushes National AI Literacy Ahead of AI Impact Summit Bharat 2026 with ‘YUVA AI for All’

Bhubaneswar: As India prepares to host the AI Impact Summit Bharat 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has stepped up efforts to promote nationwide artificial intelligence literacy through the “YUVA AI for All” programme. Launched under the IndiaAI Mission, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by equipping over one crore…

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India to Use Entire Solid Waste for Road Construction by 2027: Nitin Gadkari

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that India aims to utilise 100 per cent of its solid waste in road construction by 2027, marking a major push towards sustainable and environmentally responsible infrastructure development. Speaking about ongoing initiatives, Gadkari said that around 80 lakh tonnes of waste have…

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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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Union Budget Announces Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana for Skill Development and Employment

Bhubaneswar: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana, a new initiative aimed at expanding skill development and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (divyangjan). The scheme will focus on targeted training programmes, workplace inclusion, and creation of dignified livelihood opportunities, enabling divyangjan to participate more actively in the workforce. The initiative seeks…

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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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‘Shatak’: Film Tracing 100-Year Journey of RSS Sparks Debate Ahead of Release

Bhubaneswar: Shatak, a film chronicling the 100-year journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), explores the organisation’s origins and evolution since its founding in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. Directed by Aashish Mall and subtitled Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Ke 100 Varsh, the film adopts a historical, documentary-style narrative to chart the RSS’s growth into…

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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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Economic Survey 2025–26 Tabled in Parliament; India Remains Fastest-Growing Major Economy

Bhubaneswar: The Economic Survey 2025–26 was tabled in Parliament on Friday, presenting a comprehensive review of India’s economic performance over the past year and outlining priorities for the road ahead. Against a backdrop of global geopolitical fragmentation and economic uncertainty, the Survey described India as a resilient and stable bright spot in the world economy….

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Supreme Court Stays UGC’s 2026 Equity Regulations, Cites Risk of Misuse

Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 2026 regulations on equity committees, observing that the provisions were vague and susceptible to misuse, with the potential to create social divisions. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant put the regulations on hold after noting concerns over their narrow scope. The…

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