New Odisha Age

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Begins Three-Day Visit to United States

Bhubaneswar: India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has embarked on a three-day official visit to the United States starting today, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. During the visit, Misri is scheduled to hold discussions with senior officials of the US administration on a wide range of issues, including trade, defence cooperation, science and technology, as well…

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India Eyes Curbs on Chinese Surveillance Firms in Major Digital Security Push

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step toward strengthening national security and safeguarding digital infrastructure, the Government of India is reportedly planning to impose restrictions on Chinese surveillance and networking equipment used across the country. The move is expected to impact major global players such as Hikvision, Dahua Technology, and TP-Link, whose products are widely deployed in…

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India Achieves Milestone as Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam Reaches Criticality

Bhubaneswar: In a major advancement for India’s nuclear energy programme, the indigenously developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has successfully achieved criticality, marking a significant breakthrough in Stage-2 of India’s three-stage nuclear power strategy. The 500 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor represents a crucial technological leap. It operates using mixed oxide (MOX) fuel—a combination…

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Government Closely Monitoring Food Security Amid West Asia Tensions; Stocks Well Above Buffer Norms

Bhubaneswar: The Government of India is maintaining close surveillance on the country’s food security situation in the backdrop of the ongoing West Asia conflict, assuring that adequate reserves and policy measures are in place to ensure stability. According to C. Shikha, Joint Secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the current foodgrain stock…

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PNG Rollout Set to Transform Cooking Fuel Access in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are set for a major transition in household energy use, as authorities push for widespread adoption of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) under the City Gas Distribution network. Ambitious Household Coverage In Bhubaneswar, the target is to provide 1.25 lakh household connections, with around 19,000 homes already connected. Meanwhile, Cuttack has made…

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Explosion at Texas Refinery Raises Global Energy Concerns

Bhubaneswar: A massive explosion has been reported at the Valero Port Arthur Refinery, one of the most critical energy facilities in the United States, triggering emergency responses and raising fresh concerns over global fuel supply. Emergency Response and Safety Measures The blast sent thick black smoke into the sky, prompting authorities to issue shelter-in-place orders…

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Iran Imposes $2 Million Transit Fee, Threatens Closure of Strait of Hormuz

Bhubaneswar: Iran has announced a dramatic escalation in its maritime posture, declaring that select vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz will be charged a steep $2 million transit fee (approximately ₹18.7 crore). The move, reportedly already implemented, was confirmed by Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the country’s parliamentary national security committee, in…

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India Sends Emergency Aid to Kabul After Hospital Attack

Bhubaneswar: India on March 16 swiftly dispatched emergency humanitarian assistance to Kabul following reports of an attack on a rehabilitation hospital, underscoring its continued commitment to supporting the Afghan people. The aid package, sent via air, included essential medical supplies aimed at assisting victims and stabilising the immediate healthcare situation in the affected area. Officials…

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PM Modi Addresses Lok Sabha on West Asia Crisis, Assures Support for Indians Abroad

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the Lok Sabha regarding the escalating crisis in West Asia, which began on February 28 following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Concerns Over Global Impact During his address, the Prime Minister said the continued bombings and military actions across the oil-rich…

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Indian LPG Tankers Safely Cross Strait of Hormuz Amid Regional Tensions

Bhubaneswar: Two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers operated by the Shipping Corporation of India have successfully crossed the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz and are now heading towards India, officials said on Sunday. The vessels — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — navigated the narrow sea lane amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region following…

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