Bhubaneswar: The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically vital energy chokepoints in the world. Connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, this narrow maritime corridor carries roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies each day. Any disruption — or even credible claims of a temporary closure —…
Bhubaneswar: Indian fuel prices could face upward pressure following reports that Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. The narrow maritime corridor connects the Persian Gulf to global markets and handles a significant share of international crude oil shipments. Any disruption in this passage typically constrains…
Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday announced plans to develop a 1,000-acre industrial hub in Sambalpur, marking a major push to accelerate industrialisation in western Odisha. Pradhan said the proposed industrial cluster aims to attract large-scale investments, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the region’s manufacturing ecosystem. Discussions are underway to earmark land for…
Bhubaneswar: In a major push to enhance transparency and prevent land-related fraud, the Odisha government is set to introduce QR code–enabled land pattas for property transactions, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari announced. Under the proposed system, the Record of Rights (RoR) will carry a unique QR code that can be scanned to instantly access verified land…
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…