Mohammed Shami Calls for Public Cooperation in Voter List Verification After SIR Hearing

Bhubaneswar: Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami on Tuesday set a strong example of civic responsibility by appearing before the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing and urging citizens to actively participate in the voter list verification process. After attending the hearing at Swarnamoyee Vidyalaya, Shami dismissed concerns surrounding the exercise and emphasized that voter list correction is…

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Vicky Kaushal to Return as Major Vihaan Shergill in Dhurandhar 2 with Extended Cameo

Bhubaneswar: Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal is set to reprise his popular role of Major Vihaan Shergill in Dhurandhar 2, appearing in an extended cameo that has already sparked excitement among fans. According to recent media reports, the film is set in the 2016 Uri timeline, allowing Kaushal’s character from the acclaimed war drama to be…

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Odisha Plans Comprehensive Development of Joranda Mahima Temple

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced plans for a comprehensive redevelopment of the Mahima Temple at Joranda, the principal seat of Mahima Dharma, aimed at enhancing its spiritual, cultural and tourism significance. As part of the proposed makeover, a new grand temple will be constructed over the existing Shunya Mandir, while preserving the core philosophical…

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India Hosts First Global Conference on Democracy and Election Management

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is hosting the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam, marking a significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen global democratic processes. The three-day conference has brought together nearly 100 delegates from more than 70 countries, creating a…

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Naveen Patnaik Suspends Two BJD MLAs for Attending BJP Events

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Thursday suspended two party MLAs—Arvind Mohapatra from Patkura and Sanatan Mahakud from Champua—for attending BJP-led programmes without prior permission from the party. The decision was taken at the BJD headquarters in Bhubaneswar and is being seen as a strong signal to enforce organisational discipline in the…

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Exit Polls Predict BJP-Led Mahayuti Majority in BMC, Set to Clinch Mumbai Mayor’s Post

Bhubaneswar: Exit polls for the 227-ward Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) indicate a clear edge for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, projecting between 131 and 151 seats—well above the 114 required for a simple majority. If borne out by the final results due on Friday, the mandate would pave the way for Mumbai’s first BJP mayor. According…

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India Enforces 15-km Food and Liquor Ban Around Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Triggers Nationwide Debate

Bhubaneswar: Indian authorities on January 9, 2026, enforced a comprehensive ban on the sale and delivery of non-vegetarian food and liquor within a 15-kilometre radius of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, citing concerns over religious sentiments and public order. The directive explicitly applies to online food delivery platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy, in…

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UIDAI Plans Privacy-Focused Redesign of Aadhaar Card, Rollout Expected in December

Bhubaneswar: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is planning a major redesign of the Aadhaar card aimed at significantly enhancing user privacy and data security. The new Aadhaar format, expected to be rolled out from December, will feature only the cardholder’s photograph and a Quick Response (QR) code, with all printed personal details removed….

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SJTA Issues New SOP to Streamline Protocol Darshan, Tightens Discipline at Shree Jagannath Temple

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…

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Clash Erupts Around Suvendu Adhikari’s Convoy in Paschim Medinipur, Political Tensions Escalate Ahead of 2026 Polls

Bhubaneswar: Political tensions in West Bengal intensified on January 10 after a clash broke out near Chandrakona Road in Paschim Medinipur involving the convoy of Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, triggering a late-night standoff at a local police station and sharp exchanges between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The incident occurred around 8:20…

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