Odisha Extends Electric Vehicle Policy Till March 2026

Bhubaneswar: In a strong push towards sustainable cities and future-ready mobility, the Odisha government has extended its Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021 till March 31, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to clean transportation, innovation-led growth, and a greener future. The extension aims to accelerate electric vehicle adoption across the state by continuing fiscal incentives, strengthening charging infrastructure,…

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BMC Deploys Anti-Smog Guns as Bhubaneswar’s Air Quality Slips into ‘Very Poor’ Category

Bhubaneswar: With air pollution levels rising to alarming levels, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed anti-smog guns at key locations in the city to curb dust and particulate pollution after the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 300 mark, placing the city in the “very poor” category. The mist cannons have been installed at…

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BMC to Levy User Fee for Door-to-Door Garbage Collection Across Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at strengthening sanitation services and improving solid waste management efficiency, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to levy user fees for door-to-door waste collection across the city, covering both residential and commercial establishments, official sources said on Monday. The decision is part of BMC’s broader effort to enhance service…

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NEP Will Free New Generation from ‘Macaulay Mentality’: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said the National Education Policy (NEP) will help India’s new generation break free from the “Macaulay mentality” and reconnect with the country’s civilisational values, knowledge traditions, and cultural roots. Referring to the legacy of British-era education policies, Pradhan recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the lasting…

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Orissa High Court to Hear PIL on OAS, ORES Strike Violation on January 27

Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has fixed January 27, 2026, for hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging government inaction against members of the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association and the Orissa Revenue Employees Sangha (ORES) who had gone on strike in violation of service conduct rules. The PIL seeks strict enforcement of the Orissa…

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Cuttack IIC Arrested by Odisha Vigilance for Accepting Bribe; ₹5 Lakh Recovered

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Monday apprehended Sri Bijay Kumar Barik, Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of CRRI Police Station, Cuttack, while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹40,000 from a licensed liquor vendor. According to vigilance sources, the bribe was demanded and accepted to allow the liquor business to operate smoothly without interference. The IIC was caught red-handed during…

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BMC to Expand: 26 Revenue Villages Set to Be Included Within Bhubaneswar City Limits

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to expand the urban footprint of the state capital, the Odisha government’s Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department has officially proposed the inclusion of 26 revenue villages from Khordha district within the limits of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). The proposal was notified on December 31, 2025, under the provisions…

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Odisha Government to Install Smart Electricity Meters; Free Power for Consumers Using up to 2 kW

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a major reform in the power distribution sector with the decision to install smart electricity meters across the state. Under the new initiative, consumers using up to 2 kilowatts (kW) of electricity will receive electricity bills free of cost, providing significant relief to small and domestic consumers. The state…

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Congress Launches ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ Against Centre’s New Rural Employment Scheme

Bhubaneswar: Days after the Centre introduced the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Congress on Monday announced a nationwide campaign titled ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ to oppose the move. The party accused the Union government of dismantling a landmark…

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BCCI Asks KKR to Release Mustafizur Rahman Ahead of IPL 2026 Amid Diplomatic Strain

Bhubaneswar: Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who was recently bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, has been asked to be released from the franchise following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Mustafizur, 30, was snapped up by KKR for ₹9.20 crore at…

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