Bhubaneswar: The Union Cabinet’s approval of the proposal to rename Kerala as “Keralam” has triggered a broader political and cultural debate, with leaders across states renewing long-pending demands for similar changes. The move, which aligns the state’s official English nomenclature with its Malayalam identity, was initially viewed as an administrative correction. However, it has quickly…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha will roll out the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign on February 28, joining a major public health initiative aimed at preventing cervical cancer among adolescent girls. The programme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to expand immunisation coverage and reduce the long-term burden of cervical cancer, one of the most common…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced the establishment of a dedicated Chandua Bazaar in Pipili to rejuvenate the traditional applique craft sector that has faced setbacks following the construction of the NH-316 bypass. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement during the presentation of the state budget, stating that the new market complex will…
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…
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…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha’s mobility platform Odisha Yatri is accelerating its statewide expansion with a dual focus on improving passenger safety and increasing driver incomes, positioning itself as a public-sector alternative in the ride-hailing ecosystem. Launched as a zero-commission platform, Odisha Yatri has enabled drivers to collectively earn over ₹10 crore, allowing them to…
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…
Bhubaneswar: In the 131st episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence, citing innovations showcased at the New Delhi Summit, including Amul’s animal healthcare technology and the Gyan Bharatam initiative aimed at preserving India’s ancient knowledge systems. He also referred to the New Delhi Declaration, which has…
Bhubaneswar: Tribal women in the remote Kotia region of Odisha have begun cultivating German chamomile, a high-value medicinal crop, to improve their livelihoods and income security. The initiative is being supported by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) and the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), leveraging the region’s favourable climate…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s decision to base admissions to the 4-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) on the National Common Entrance Test (NCET) marks a significant shift in how future educators are selected and trained. By aligning with a national-level entrance mechanism administered by the National Testing Agency, the state is signalling its intent to bring uniformity,…