Madras High Court Suggests Australia-Style Social Media Curbs for Children Under 16

Bhubaneswar: The Madras High Court has suggested that the Union government consider introducing an Australia-like legal framework to restrict access to social media platforms for children below the age of 16, citing growing concerns over online safety and exposure to harmful content. The observation was made while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking stronger…

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Odisha Extends Up to ₹10 Lakh Research Grants to 60 Faculty Members Under MRIP

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has extended financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh each to 60 faculty members from universities and colleges across the state under the Mukhya Mantri Research and Innovation Fellowship Programme (MRIP) for the academic year 2025–26, reinforcing its push to strengthen the state’s research and innovation ecosystem. Implemented by the Higher…

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JSW Group Deepens Odisha Footprint with Third Mega Steel Plant as HLCA Clears ₹55,783-Crore Investments

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s industrial landscape is set for a major expansion with the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA), chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approving seven large-scale projects involving a total investment of ₹55,783 crore. The approvals underscore the state’s growing appeal as a hub for capital-intensive manufacturing across metals, advanced materials, and high-technology sectors. Anchoring…

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Odisha to Get Six New Amrit Bharat Express Trains, Boosting Long-Distance Rail Connectivity

Bhubaneswar: Indian Railways is set to significantly enhance long-distance rail connectivity through Odisha with the introduction of six new Amrit Bharat Express services, taking the total number of such trains operating through the state to seven. Currently, Odisha is served by a single Amrit Bharat Express running between Berhampur and Udhna in Gujarat. According to…

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Republic Day Parade 2026 to Showcase Military Might After Operation Sindoor

Bhubaneswar: The first Republic Day Parade to be held after Operation Sindoor last year is set to present a powerful display of India’s military strength, indigenisation drive, and cultural heritage, officials said on Saturday. The event assumes added significance following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong endorsement of “Make in India” defence platforms and drones that…

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IndiQube Expands to Bhubaneswar, Strengthens Presence in East India

Bhubaneswar: Bengaluru-based tech-enabled workspace solutions provider IndiQube has announced its entry into Bhubaneswar, Odisha, marking its 17th city of operations across India. With this launch, Bhubaneswar becomes IndiQube’s second market in East India after Kolkata, underscoring the company’s strategy to scale in emerging urban centres. The new IndiQube facility spans over 45,000 square feet and…

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New Semi-High-Speed Train Cuts Howrah–Kamakhya Travel Time to 14 Hours

Bhubaneswar: A new semi-high-speed train connecting Howrah in West Bengal with Kamakhya in Assam has been launched, significantly reducing travel time on the over 1,000-kilometre route to around 14 hours. Capable of running at speeds of up to 160 km/h, the service saves nearly 2.5 hours compared to existing trains on the corridor. The train…

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EKA Mobility Deploys 100 Electric Buses for CRUT in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: EKA Mobility has begun deploying electric buses for the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system in Odisha, marking another step in the state’s transition toward clean and sustainable public transport. The rollout features EKA’s 9-metre electric bus model and is being executed in partnership with Travel Time Mobility Pvt. Ltd. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan…

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NMC Withdraws MBBS Admission Approval for SMVD Institute in Reasi Amid Faculty Shortages, Sparks Political Debate

Bhubaneswar: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has withdrawn permission for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Reasi, to admit 50 MBBS students for the 2025–26 academic session, citing serious deficiencies flagged during an inspection conducted in January 2026. According to official sources, the inspection found significant shortfalls in key areas, including inadequate…

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Odisha Cabinet Approves ₹10,000 Crore Integrated Solar Manufacturing Project by TPREL

Bhubaneswar: In a significant push towards strengthening Odisha’s renewable energy ecosystem, the State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved a ₹10,000 crore integrated solar manufacturing project proposed by Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL). The project will be established at the Tata Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and will mark Odisha’s first…

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