Bhubaneswar: The Government of India has clarified that UPI payments will remain free for ordinary users, amid growing debate over proposed amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 and the possibility of introducing a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on certain transactions. The government categorically stated that consumers making payments through UPI will not…
Bhubaneswar: BDS Legal Services, a leading Intellectual Property (IP), business compliance and regulatory advisory firm, today strengthened its presence in Eastern India with the formal inauguration of its new office in Kolkata. The company marked the occasion by hosting a press conference at its newly established office in Sector V, Salt Lake, where it unveiled…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is considering a comprehensive census of the LGBT community and exploring the introduction of reservation for transgender individuals in educational institutions as part of a broader effort to strengthen welfare and social inclusion. The proposals were discussed during a meeting of the State Transgender Welfare Board, where officials reviewed a range…
Bhubaneswar: India is preparing to introduce its first polymer (plastic) banknotes, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) planning to roll out ₹10 and ₹20 polymer notes from April 2027, subject to the successful completion of nationwide field trials. For the pilot programme, the government has approved the printing of one billion ₹10 notes and…
Bhubaneswar: Every year on August 7, India observes National Handloom Day to honour the country’s weavers and artisans, whose skills support rural livelihoods while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged citizens, particularly younger social-media users, to share “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) reels featuring their favourite handloom outfits and products using…
Bhubaneswar: The Department of Sports Management at iLEAD, Kolkata, successfully organised “United Through Sport – Celebrating the Spirit of the Commonwealth Games 2026,” bringing together leaders from diplomacy, sports administration, and inclusive sport for an engaging and thought-provoking interaction with students. The event was graced by Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner for East…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to designate the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) as the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to strengthen the state’s disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities. The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, where plans were discussed to enhance…
Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu has approved the installation of the sacred wheels from the three Rath Yatra chariots at Rashtrapati Bhavan, adding another prominent symbol of Odisha’s cultural and spiritual heritage to the Presidential Estate. The proposal was announced by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, who said one wheel each from…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has directed that ‘Vande Mataram’ be sung before the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ at all government functions and in government as well as government-aided schools across the state. The directive follows guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on July 9. The School and Mass Education Department has…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has directed that ‘Vande Mataram’ be sung before the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ at all government functions and in government as well as government-aided schools across the state. The directive follows guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on July 9. The School and Mass Education Department has…