Bhubaneswar: State-run Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) has paid one of its largest-ever financial penalties—₹4,364 crore—for illegal and excess mineral production, raising serious concerns over regulatory compliance in Odisha’s mining sector. The penalties arise from violations of key environmental and forest laws, including the Environment Protection Act and the Forest Conservation Act, as well as breaches…
Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized the role of women as a central pillar in building a developed India, with a series of flagship initiatives aimed at strengthening financial inclusion, education, and entrepreneurship among women. Schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana have significantly…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s rising para archer Payal Nag has brought laurels to the state by winning a gold medal at the World Archery Para Series Bangkok 2026. The 18-year-old from Bolangir district defeated India’s Sheetal Devi in a closely contested compound women’s final, securing victory with a score of 139–136. India delivered an impressive overall performance…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to undertake a major illumination project at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, aiming to enhance the visual and spiritual appeal of the iconic temple complex. The project, estimated to cost between ₹17 crore and ₹18 crore, will involve the installation of advanced lighting systems across the परिसर (premises). Officials…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has introduced a new category of high-end liquor outlets—‘Super Premium FL OFF shops’—as part of its latest excise policy, aiming to modernize retail and cater to premium consumers. The outlets will be set up in six major cities, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Puri. According to the policy, these…
Bhubaneswar: The proposed world-class cruise terminal project in Odisha’s coastal city of Puri has gained momentum, with Chief Engineer of Paradip Port Authority, Himanshu Sekhar Rout, conducting a detailed site inspection on Saturday. The ambitious ₹1,000 crore project, announced earlier this year, will be developed at Sipasarubali and includes plans for a sprawling 1,500-acre modern…
Bhubaneswar: In a major advancement for India’s nuclear energy programme, the indigenously developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has successfully achieved criticality, marking a significant breakthrough in Stage-2 of India’s three-stage nuclear power strategy. The 500 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor represents a crucial technological leap. It operates using mixed oxide (MOX) fuel—a combination…
Bhubaneswar: Murshidabad district of West Bengal identified as one of India’s high-priority districts – continues to face significant public health challenges. These include high prevalence of malnutrition, elevated neonatal and infant mortality rates, early marriages, low levels of institutional delivery, a rising burden of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases and high prevalence of tobacco use, respiratory…
Bhubaneswar: A social media post by Manas Muduli on X has gone viral, bringing widespread attention to the eco-conscious initiatives at Nandankanan Zoological Park. The post, which has garnered over 110,000 views, showcases simple yet effective measures adopted by the zoo to curb plastic waste and promote environmental responsibility among visitors. Calling it “one of…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of India is maintaining close surveillance on the country’s food security situation in the backdrop of the ongoing West Asia conflict, assuring that adequate reserves and policy measures are in place to ensure stability. According to C. Shikha, Joint Secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the current foodgrain stock…