Bhubaneswar: Several farmers’ organisations, including Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), its non-political breakaway faction, and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), have criticised the interim India–US trade agreement framework and announced nationwide protests next week. In a statement issued on Saturday, the SKM alleged that the proposed deal amounted to a “total surrender” of Indian agriculture…
Bhubaneswar: A proposed inter-state economic corridor linking Ranchi, Rourkela and Raipur (RRR) is gaining momentum, with officials highlighting its potential to transform industrial connectivity and trade across Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The corridor is anchored by two major road infrastructure projects — the under-construction Raipur–Ranchi–Dhanbad Expressway and the proposed 156-km Rourkela–Ranchi highway — designed to…
Bhubaneswar: A publicity chariot was flagged off on Thursday to promote the 20th edition of the Toshali Swadeshi Mela, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 26 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. The mela aims to showcase indigenous handlooms, handicrafts and local products under the theme “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar.” The promotional campaign was inaugurated at…
Bhubaneswar: In Bisimatri village of Odisha’s Puri district, a group of nearly 50 rural women has transformed eco-friendly craftsmanship into a sustainable livelihood, building a successful jute-based enterprise that has brought financial independence and social empowerment to their community. The initiative began in 2015, when artisan mentor Amiya Poddar introduced local women—many of whom were…
Bhubaneswar: As India accelerates efforts to secure critical mineral supplies, Odisha has emerged as one of the key states in the country’s expanding rare-earth mineral exploration and value-chain development strategy, the government informed Parliament. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and…
Bhubaneswar: India and the United States have reached a major trade agreement that ends a 25 per cent U.S. tariff linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil and immediately reduces a reciprocal tariff to 18 per cent, providing significant relief to Indian exporters. Under the deal, India has agreed to substantially lower trade barriers on…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced that Mission Shakti community support staff across the state will be provided with uniforms, identity cards, and smartphones starting April 1, in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots implementation of women-centric welfare programmes. The initiative will cover around 46,000 Mission Shakti workers, including Community Resource Persons (CRPs), who play…
Bhubaneswar: The Union Budget 2026-27 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today marks a significant step forward for India’s real estate sector, emphasizing sustainable growth and infrastructure-led development. The increase in public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 trillion for FY2026-27 will undoubtedly accelerate urban infrastructure projects, creating new opportunities in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities…
Bhubaneswar: India has announced the establishment of dedicated rare earth corridors across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, marking a major step towards strengthening domestic capabilities in critical minerals. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made the announcement as part of the government’s broader push for Atmanirbhar Bharat, aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imports in…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s renowned Pattachitra paintings were showcased on the global stage at the International Institute of Democracy and Election Management Conference (IICDEM-2026) held in New Delhi, marking a proud moment for the state’s rich cultural heritage. The high-profile conference witnessed participation from delegations representing over 70 countries. As part of India’s cultural outreach, exquisite Pattachitra…
