National Recognition of Upendra Giri Highlights the Rising Visibility of Regional Artisans

Bhubaneswar: The national recognition accorded to Odia sculptor Upendra Nath Giri for the Vishwarupa statue at Lok Bhavan underscores a broader shift in how regional and traditional artists are being acknowledged within India’s public and institutional spaces. Presidential appreciation and felicitation at Rashtrapati Bhavan elevate the achievement beyond personal acclaim, placing it within the narrative…

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Apple Pay Likely to Launch in India by Late 2026 After Regulatory Clearances

Bhubaneswar: Apple Inc. is preparing to roll out its digital payments service, Apple Pay, in India by late 2026, ending years of regulatory and operational delays in one of the world’s largest digital payments markets. India remains one of the few major economies where Apple Pay is yet to be officially launched. According to reports,…

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India Bids to Host Two Major World Athletics Events in 2028

Bhubaneswar: India has submitted a dual bid to host two prestigious World Athletics events in 2028, signalling a significant step forward in the country’s international sporting ambitions. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has proposed Bhubaneswar as the host city for the World Athletics Indoor Championships and Ahmedabad for the World Athletics U20 Championships. As…

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Odisha to Introduce AI-Powered Classrooms in Over 5,000 Schools

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to roll out artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled virtual classrooms and a digital assessment system across more than 5,000 secondary and higher secondary schools in the state, marking a major push toward technology-driven education. The initiative, being implemented by the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA), is aimed at bridging learning…

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AIIMS Bhubaneswar Ranked No. 1 Nationally in Health Record Linkage under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

Bhubaneswar: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar has been honoured as the Top Government Facility in the category of Linking Health Records under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). The institute has achieved the No. 1 National Rank in Health Record Linkage, marking a significant milestone in India’s digital health transformation journey. The…

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India Expands Free Digital Learning Through Five Major Government Platforms

Bhubaneswar: India is steadily transforming its education and skill-development landscape through a range of free, government-backed digital learning platforms that cater to students, professionals, and lifelong learners across the country. From school education to advanced technical and professional courses, these initiatives aim to make quality learning accessible, affordable, and inclusive. Among the key platforms driving…

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Odisha Makes Odia Mandatory for Official Government Communication

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has introduced a new rule mandating the use of Odia for all official work carried out by government departments and public offices across the state. The directive covers official files, notices, circulars, letters, and internal communication at the state, district, and local levels. According to the government, the order applies strictly…

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Nuapada Sets Example with Massive Community-Led Drive Against Plastic Pollution

Bhubaneswar: Nuapada district in Odisha witnessed an unprecedented community mobilisation as more than 1.42 lakh people participated in a large-scale cleanliness and plantation drive, turning the spotlight on grassroots-led environmental action. In a coordinated effort lasting just two hours, residents from across the district—including school students, shopkeepers, women self-help group members, volunteers, and non-governmental organisations—joined…

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President Approves Gallantry Awards for 70 Armed Forces Personnel Ahead of Republic Day

Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of gallantry and service awards on 70 personnel of the Indian Armed Forces ahead of India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, recognising acts of exceptional bravery and distinguished service across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Among the honours, the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, has…

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Oil Tanker Used for Cattle Smuggling Intercepted in Odisha’s Bhadrak

Bhubaneswar: An unusual case of illegal cattle smuggling was reported from Odisha’s Bhadrak district on Sunday, where traders allegedly used an oil tanker to transport cattle in an attempt to evade detection. According to local sources, residents intercepted the tanker near Barikpur Chhak on National Highway-16 after suspecting illegal activity. The vehicle, originally meant for…

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