Bhubaneswar: The Government of India has clarified that UPI payments will remain free for ordinary users, amid growing debate over proposed amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 and the possibility of introducing a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on certain transactions. The government categorically stated that consumers making payments through UPI will not…
Bhubaneswar: BDS Legal Services, a leading Intellectual Property (IP), business compliance and regulatory advisory firm, today strengthened its presence in Eastern India with the formal inauguration of its new office in Kolkata. The company marked the occasion by hosting a press conference at its newly established office in Sector V, Salt Lake, where it unveiled…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is considering a comprehensive census of the LGBT community and exploring the introduction of reservation for transgender individuals in educational institutions as part of a broader effort to strengthen welfare and social inclusion. The proposals were discussed during a meeting of the State Transgender Welfare Board, where officials reviewed a range…
Bhubaneswar: India is preparing to introduce its first polymer (plastic) banknotes, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) planning to roll out ₹10 and ₹20 polymer notes from April 2027, subject to the successful completion of nationwide field trials. For the pilot programme, the government has approved the printing of one billion ₹10 notes and…
Bhubaneswar: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) inaugurated its 5th International Conference 2026 in Mauritius on 3 August 2026, in the august presence of the Chief Guest, Dr the Hon Mrs Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, Republic of Mauritius, and Guest of Honour, Mr Anurag Srivastava, High Commissioner of India, Port Louis, Mauritius. Organised on the…
Bhubaneswar: The Department of Sports Management at iLEAD, Kolkata, successfully organised “United Through Sport – Celebrating the Spirit of the Commonwealth Games 2026,” bringing together leaders from diplomacy, sports administration, and inclusive sport for an engaging and thought-provoking interaction with students. The event was graced by Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner for East…
Bhubaneswar, Aug. 6: Odisha’s iconic Kendrapada Rasabali has received a significant boost after being featured in the Union government’s initiative to strengthen India’s Geographical Indication (GI) ecosystem and promote traditional products on the global stage. The Centre has set an ambitious target of achieving 10,000 GI registrations by 2030, aiming to enhance exports, preserve cultural…
Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu has approved the installation of the sacred wheels from the three Rath Yatra chariots at Rashtrapati Bhavan, adding another prominent symbol of Odisha’s cultural and spiritual heritage to the Presidential Estate. The proposal was announced by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, who said one wheel each from…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has directed that ‘Vande Mataram’ be sung before the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ at all government functions and in government as well as government-aided schools across the state. The directive follows guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on July 9. The School and Mass Education Department has…
Bhubaneswar: The spotlight officially shifted from Glasgow to Ahmedabad as India took charge of preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with the ceremonial handover of the Commonwealth flag at the closing ceremony marking the beginning of the country’s journey towards hosting the centenary edition of the Games. Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, Indian Olympic Association President…