Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court’s acceptance of a revised government definition of the Aravalli hills on November 20 has triggered widespread concern among environmental experts and citizen groups, who warn that the move could strip protection from nearly 90 per cent of the ancient hill range. Under the new definition, only landforms rising above 100 metres…
Bhubaneswar: In a major reform aimed at accelerating industrial growth and promoting entrepreneurship, the Odisha government has simplified land-use regulations for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups. Under the new provision, registered MSME and start-up units are now exempt from obtaining Change of Land Use (CLU) permission under the Odisha Land Reforms Act….
Bhubaneswar: The recent Deepam lighting row in Tamil Nadu has once again brought to the surface a long-simmering debate in Indian public life: where does secular governance end and where does the freedom to practise faith begin? The controversy, triggered by the state government’s decision to prevent Hindu devotees from lighting diyas or lamps in…
Bhubaneswar: Cinema has never been a neutral art form. From its earliest days, it has reflected power, politics, pain and patriotism. Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, arrives firmly within this tradition — unapologetic, provocative and deeply polarising. The fierce debate it has ignited says as much about the times we live in as it does…
Bhubaneswar: Director-producer Aditya Dhar’s much-anticipated film Dhurandhar has taken the country by storm since its release, generating enormous buzz across social media, film circles and political commentary alike. With a powerhouse ensemble cast and a politically charged narrative, the film has emerged as one of the most discussed releases of the year. Featuring an impressive…
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar is once again at an inflection point. The Housing and Urban Development Minister and BDA Chairman, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra’s recent inspection of the Town Planning (TP) Schemes in Bijipur, Paikarapur and Sahajpur—and the ambitious New City project—signals the government’s intent to reshape the capital’s future. But behind the confident site visits and…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia informed the Assembly on Friday that 16 polluted stretches have been identified across major rivers in the state, with urban wastewater emerging as the primary contaminant. Responding to a question in the House, the minister said polluted stretches have been reported at Kathajodi…
Bhubaneswar: Delhi woke up to another day of stifling air on Friday, with the capital’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) climbing to 384 at 8:00 am, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, according to real-time data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several regions slid back into the ‘severe’ zone, marking a…
Bhubaneswar: As the marriage season reaches its peak, several arterial roads across the city are choking under the weight of wedding-related traffic. Lavish banquet halls, many of which boast grand dining spaces but lack basic parking facilities, are forcing guests to spill their vehicles onto busy streets. The result: long traffic snarls, frustrated commuters, and…
Bhubaneswar: The hoisting of the saffron Dhwaja atop the newly completed Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple marks far more than the culmination of a monumental construction project. It is the arrival of a moment that blends religion, culture, politics, and national identity—each layered with its own meaning, each carrying its own weight. On Tuesday, when Prime…