Bhubaneswar: In response to the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States in the Middle East, the Odisha government has established a dedicated helpline to assist Odia citizens residing in or travelling through the affected region. The decision was taken following a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, aimed at ensuring…
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/ India: In a sharp escalation of cross-border hostilities, Pakistan launched multiple airstrikes on Taliban-ruled Afghanistan during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, targeting areas including Kabul and Kandahar. Islamabad termed the offensive “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,” claiming it struck key military facilities in response to what it described as “unprovoked firing” from across…
Bhubaneswar/Ganjam: The iconic Rushikulya rookery is poised to receive designation as a Biodiversity Heritage Site under the Biological Diversity Act, marking a significant milestone in Odisha’s conservation efforts. Located along Odisha’s southern coastline, the Rushikulya river mouth is globally known as one of the most important mass nesting (arribada) sites for the endangered Olive Ridley…
Bhubaneswar: The Union Cabinet’s approval of the proposal to rename Kerala as “Keralam” has triggered a broader political and cultural debate, with leaders across states renewing long-pending demands for similar changes. The move, which aligns the state’s official English nomenclature with its Malayalam identity, was initially viewed as an administrative correction. However, it has quickly…
Bhubaneswar: India’s highways have long symbolised speed, connectivity, and economic progress. But they have also represented ecological disruption—fragmented habitats, declining wildlife populations, and vanishing pollinators. Against this backdrop, the National Highways Authority of India’s proposal to create ‘Bee Corridors’ along national highways is a welcome, if overdue, intervention. Pollinators such as bees are not mere…
Bhubaneswar: Ahead of an intense summer, Pakistan’s water situation is expected to worsen as India prepares to block excess water flow from the Ravi River with the completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage by March 31. The development comes at a time when Pakistan is already facing pressure following the suspension of the Indus Waters…
Bhubaneswar: Uttar Pradesh is set to establish India’s first National Cow Culture Museum in Mathura, aimed at showcasing the historical, cultural, and scientific significance of cows in Indian society. The proposed museum will feature dedicated galleries on the role of cows in Indian traditions, agriculture, ecology, and rural livelihoods, highlighting how indigenous cattle breeds have…
Bhubaneswar: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday criticised the functioning of the Lok Sabha, alleging that the government and the Speaker were not interested in running the House. “I came to speak on the Budget, but it looks like the government and the Lok Sabha Speaker are not interested in running the House. I will…
Bhubaneswar: The 13th edition of the India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR commenced on February 4 at Missamari, Assam, and will continue until February 17, 2026. Exercise KHANJAR is an annual bilateral training event, conducted alternately in India and Kyrgyzstan. The previous edition of the exercise was held in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025. The Indian…