Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar has recorded a noticeable improvement in air quality over the past three days, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) returning to the ‘moderate’ category after remaining in the hazardous zone for much of December. Data from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) show the city’s three-day average AQI at 133, with daily readings…
Bhubaneswar: Assam witnessed a landmark cultural moment with the grand staging of Bagurumba Dwhou 2026, a historic celebration of the Bodo community’s iconic Bagurumba, or butterfly dance. Held at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium, the event brought together more than 10,000 Bodo artistes from all 81 Assembly constituencies across 23 districts, creating one of the largest synchronised…
Bhubaneswar: Breaking with long-standing tradition, the Republic Day 2026 celebrations on Kartavya Path will feature parade galleries named after some of India’s most iconic rivers, paying tribute to their central role in the nation’s civilisation, culture and economy. From the Ganga and Ghaghra in the north to the Godavari and Kaveri in the south, and…
Bhubaneswar: The Madras High Court has suggested that the Union government consider introducing an Australia-like legal framework to restrict access to social media platforms for children below the age of 16, citing growing concerns over online safety and exposure to harmful content. The observation was made while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking stronger…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has extended financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh each to 60 faculty members from universities and colleges across the state under the Mukhya Mantri Research and Innovation Fellowship Programme (MRIP) for the academic year 2025–26, reinforcing its push to strengthen the state’s research and innovation ecosystem. Implemented by the Higher…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday led a high-impact Odisha Investors’ Meet roadshow in Kolkata, positioning the state as a key driver of Eastern India’s next phase of industrial expansion and unlocking investment potential exceeding ₹1 lakh crore. The roadshow, attended by over 500 industry leaders, featured four sectoral roundtables and more…
Bhubaneswar: Married couples in India may soon have the option to file a single, joint income tax return instead of two separate filings, as the government considers a significant reform ahead of Budget 2026. The proposal, still under deliberation, would introduce optional joint taxation for spouses—an approach followed in countries such as the United States…
Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the ₹6,950-crore four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway-715, gifting a major infrastructure project to the people of Assam. The project includes a 35-kilometre elevated corridor across Kaziranga National Park, aimed at ensuring safer wildlife movement while significantly improving road connectivity in…
Bhubaneswar: Gangadhar Meher University (GMU) has developed a low-cost, IoT-enabled humidifier aimed at helping small and marginal farmers undertake year-round mushroom cultivation by effectively managing temperature and humidity conditions. The solar-powered, app-controlled device has been designed to address key challenges faced in cultivating button and oyster mushrooms, crops that require precise environmental conditions for optimal…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced the establishment of ‘Nari Adalats’ (women’s courts) at the village level to ensure faster access to justice for women and strengthen legal awareness within communities. The initiative was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who said the women-led forums will function as mediation centres operated by trained volunteers…