Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening sustainable tourism, the Odisha government has partnered with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Bhubaneswar, to prepare a comprehensive long-term roadmap titled ‘Odisha Eco-Tourism Vision Document 2036’. The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Forest, Environment and Climate Change…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to revise and fast-track the ambitious Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action (Ekamra) project by adopting a component-wise execution strategy, following the foreclosure of the original ₹280-crore contract by the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited (OBCC). The move comes after OBCC foreclosed the contract citing prolonged delays…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to strengthen passenger safety, the Odisha government has made it mandatory for all sleeper coach buses operating in the state to be equipped with water tanks and functional sprinkler systems to tackle fire emergencies. The directive was issued by State Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena during a meeting…
Bhubaneswar: A social media post by market commentator Piyush Trades has reignited a wider debate on the investment value of traditional life insurance policies sold in the early 2000s. The post shared details of a Bima Gold policy launched in 2006, highlighting modest returns that have drawn sharp reactions online. According to the post, the…
Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline protocol darshan and reinforce discipline within the sacred temple premises, following a recent controversy linked to protocol arrangements. Under the revised SOP, the entire responsibility for managing protocol guests will rest with the SJTA, aimed at ensuring better…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards clean energy adoption and sustainable rural development, Olab and Kandakela Devabhumi villages in Cuttack district have been inaugurated as Odisha’s first fully solar-powered villages under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Implemented by TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL), the project involved the installation of rooftop solar power…
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar’s popular street festival Patha Utsav is set to return on January 18, 2026, transforming Jagamara New Road into a vibrant, car-free cultural zone from 6.00 am onwards. Organised by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Patha Utsav aims to reclaim public streets as inclusive community spaces, encouraging citizens to come together for culture, creativity…
Bhubaneswar: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Saturday cautioned that India’s historical decline stemmed not from aggression but from a failure to adequately safeguard its security, urging young leaders to remain constantly vigilant to protect the nation’s sovereignty and future. Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue at Bharat Mandapam, Doval addressed over 3,000…
Bhubaneswar: A major tragedy was averted on Saturday morning after a state-run Ama Bus caught fire near Kalinga Studio Square in Bhubaneswar, prompting swift evacuation of passengers and a rapid response from fire services. The incident occurred at around 6:40 am when smoke was noticed emanating from the bus while it was on its regular…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to safeguard child rights and ensure continuity in elementary education, the Directorate of Elementary Education (DEE), Odisha, has issued a fresh directive mandating proactive intervention in cases of prolonged student absenteeism. As per an official notification dated January 8, 2026, all District Education Officers (DEOs) and Block Education Officers (BEOs)…