Shashi Tharoor Criticises Disruptions in Lok Sabha, Comments on No-Confidence Motion

Bhubaneswar: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday criticised the functioning of the Lok Sabha, alleging that the government and the Speaker were not interested in running the House. “I came to speak on the Budget, but it looks like the government and the Lok Sabha Speaker are not interested in running the House. I will…

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India–US Trade Deal Ends 25% Tariff, Markets Rally; Sensex Jumps Over 2,200 Points

Bhubaneswar: India and the United States have reached a major trade agreement that ends a 25 per cent U.S. tariff linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil and immediately reduces a reciprocal tariff to 18 per cent, providing significant relief to Indian exporters. Under the deal, India has agreed to substantially lower trade barriers on…

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When time stands still: Murshidabad invites the world back to its royal past Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2026 – 6th to 8th February

Bhubaneswar: Once the Nawabi Capital of Bengal and a cradle of power, prosperity and culture, Murshidabad is not merely a place in the map – it is a living inheritance. Its palaces, river ghats, silk looms and age-old rituals continue to echo stories whispered by the Ganga. From 6th to 8th February 2026, this historic place of legacy will…

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‘Shatak’: Film Tracing 100-Year Journey of RSS Sparks Debate Ahead of Release

Bhubaneswar: Shatak, a film chronicling the 100-year journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), explores the organisation’s origins and evolution since its founding in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. Directed by Aashish Mall and subtitled Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Ke 100 Varsh, the film adopts a historical, documentary-style narrative to chart the RSS’s growth into…

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Odisha to Launch Statewide Hearse Service, Strengthen Rural Healthcare Network

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step to improve public healthcare services and citizen support, the Odisha government has announced the launch of a statewide hearse service along with key initiatives to address gaps in rural healthcare delivery. Under the new system, families will be able to access hearse services by dialing a toll-free number 109, ensuring…

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Supreme Court Stays UGC’s 2026 Equity Regulations, Cites Risk of Misuse

Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 2026 regulations on equity committees, observing that the provisions were vague and susceptible to misuse, with the potential to create social divisions. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant put the regulations on hold after noting concerns over their narrow scope. The…

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Calcutta High Court Orders Handover of Border Fencing Land to BSF by March 31, 2026

Bhubaneswar: The Calcutta High Court on January 27 directed the West Bengal government to hand over land already acquired for Indo-Bangladesh border fencing to the Border Security Force (BSF) by March 31, 2026, asserting that national security cannot be subordinated to electoral or administrative delays. The order was passed by a division bench headed by…

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BKTC Proposes Ban on Entry of Non-Hindus at Badrinath, Kedarnath Temples

Bhubaneswar: The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has proposed restricting the entry of non-Hindus into the revered Badrinath and Kedarnath temples, along with other shrines under its jurisdiction, citing the need to protect religious traditions and sanctity. The proposal was discussed during a meeting of temple authorities held on Sunday. BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi said…

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India Observes Parakram Diwas to Commemorate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s 129th Birth Anniversary

Bhubaneswar: India on Thursday observed Parakram Diwas to mark the 129th birth anniversary of legendary freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, remembering his pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and his leadership of the Indian National Army (INA) against British colonial rule. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Netaji, highlighting several initiatives undertaken…

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PCB Offers to Host Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Matches Amid Security Concerns

Bhubaneswar: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has offered to host all of Bangladesh’s matches in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) raised security concerns about playing in India. According to a PCB source quoted by PTI, the Pakistan board conveyed through an email that Bangladesh’s concerns were justified and…

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