India–US Trade Talks May Face Hurdles Over Pulse Import Duties

Bhubaneswar: Trade negotiations between India and the United States could face fresh challenges amid differences over import duties on pulses, even as two American lawmakers have urged President Donald Trump to push for the withdrawal of India’s 30 per cent import tariff on lentils and peas. According to reports, the lawmakers have written to President…

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Koraput Pepper Finds Growing National and Global Markets

Koraput district, long recognised for its coffee plantations, is fast emerging as a notable centre for high-quality pepper cultivation, with the spice witnessing rising demand in both national and international markets. Pepper is currently grown across nearly 1,550 hectares in the district, where the unique agro-climatic conditions—marked by moderate temperatures, adequate rainfall, and rich soil—have…

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Sisir Saras Mela 2026 Records ₹30 Crore Turnover, Draws Over Five Lakh Visitors

Bhubaneswar: The Sisir Saras Mela-2026 concluded on a high note, registering a record business turnover of ₹30 crore and reaffirming its status as one of Odisha’s most significant platforms for rural and artisanal entrepreneurship. The fair attracted more than five lakh visitors over its duration, with around 400 stalls showcasing a wide range of handicrafts,…

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Markets to Remain Open on Budget Day as Union Budget 2026 Is Tabled

Bhubaneswar: Indian equity markets will remain open for trading on Budget Day, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman scheduled to present the Union Budget 2026 on Sunday, February 1. Both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will conduct a full trading session, marking one of the most closely watched days in…

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Odisha Positions Itself as Eastern India’s Growth Engine at Kolkata Investors’ Meet Roadshow

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday led a high-impact Odisha Investors’ Meet roadshow in Kolkata, positioning the state as a key driver of Eastern India’s next phase of industrial expansion and unlocking investment potential exceeding ₹1 lakh crore. The roadshow, attended by over 500 industry leaders, featured four sectoral roundtables and more…

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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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India Overtakes China to Become World’s Largest Rice Producer

Bhubaneswar: India has emerged as the world’s largest rice producer, surpassing China and underscoring the scale, resilience, and diversity of its agrarian economy. With total rice production estimated at 1,245.04 lakh tonnes, the milestone reflects strong performance by several high-output states supported by favourable agro-climatic conditions and sustained policy backing. Agriculture officials attribute India’s rise…

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Indian Onions Emerge as ‘Red Gold’, Powering India’s Global Export Surge

Bhubaneswar: Indian onions have earned the moniker “Red Gold” in several African nations, underscoring their growing importance as a high-value agricultural export and reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in onion trade. In 2025, India emerged as the world’s largest onion exporter, with shipments crossing 1.1 million tonnes. The demand has been driven by…

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India Exports Cow Dung Worth ₹400 Crore Annually, Emerging as a Key Input for Desert Agriculture

Bhubaneswar: India is exporting cow dung worth nearly ₹400 crore every year, primarily to desert and arid countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, reflecting the growing global demand for natural and sustainable agricultural inputs. The demand from desert nations is driven by cow dung’s unique properties. Rich in organic matter,…

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Bhubaneswar to Host Mega Rural Fair ‘Sisir Saras–2026’ from January 10

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar is set to host the mega rural fair Sisir Saras–2026 from January 10 to January 18, bringing together artisans, weavers and self-help groups (SHGs) from Odisha and nearly 20 other states under one roof. Organised by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) in collaboration with Mission Shakti, the fair aims to…

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