Bhubaneswar: The 57th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has recommended a series of measures aimed at simplifying tax compliance, reducing the compliance burden on businesses and improving the ease of doing business in India. The recommendations cover changes to arrest and prosecution provisions, reduction in general penalties, wider input tax credit…
Bhubaneswar: Around 60 acres of land at Sipasarubali in Puri has been identified for the proposed development of an International Cruise Terminal, according to a reply in the Odisha Assembly. The project is being pursued jointly by the Paradip Port Authority and the Odisha Maritime Board, with WAPCOS Limited currently preparing the techno-economic feasibility report….
Bhubaneswar: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has warned of a possible “major food crisis” in the coming months, saying the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, along with disruptions to energy and fertiliser supplies, are placing severe pressure on economies across the Global South. Speaking during a conversation hosted by the Asia Society, Jaishankar said…
Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has strengthened efforts to protect the shrine’s spiritual and cultural identity by securing intellectual property protection for three more names — ‘Shree Mandira’, ‘Ratna Bhandar’ and ‘Shree Nahar’. The applications have been accepted for publication by the Trade Marks Registry, marking the third phase of the temple’s trademark…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant administrative move, retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed as the first full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. The appointment is aimed at strengthening the professional and administrative framework for managing the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and its expanding operations. Mishra…
Bhubaneswar: Devotees visiting the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri can now experience a more comfortable environment during darshan, with the historic Nata Mandap equipped with an air-conditioning facility. The system, installed by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), became fully operational on Monday. The facility is expected to provide relief to devotees, particularly during periods…
Bhubaneswar: A fresh controversy has erupted in Odisha over the upcoming animated film ‘Mahaprabhu Jagannath’, with Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati calling for a ban on the movie ahead of its scheduled release on August 28. The Shankaracharya has raised objections to the animated depiction of Lord Jagannath and other deities, expressing concerns over how…
Bhubaneswar: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s financial inclusion drive since its launch in 2014, significantly expanding access to formal banking and other financial services for underserved communities. According to the latest figures, the number of PMJDY accounts has increased from 14.72 crore in 2015 to 59.09…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said around 14.73 lakh beneficiaries are currently covered under the state government’s Jashoda Yojana, with the number expected to increase as more children are referred to the concerned committees. Parida said the government is committed to ensuring the welfare and protection of children and stressed that there is…
Bhubaneswar: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has sharply criticised the government over the disruptions and loss of business during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, accusing the Centre of avoiding accountability and undermining the functioning of the legislature. Speaking on the issue, Kharge alleged that senior members of the government, including the Prime Minister and Home…