Bhubaneswar: The Calcutta High Court on January 27 directed the West Bengal government to hand over land already acquired for Indo-Bangladesh border fencing to the Border Security Force (BSF) by March 31, 2026, asserting that national security cannot be subordinated to electoral or administrative delays. The order was passed by a division bench headed by…
Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of gallantry and service awards on 70 personnel of the Indian Armed Forces ahead of India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, recognising acts of exceptional bravery and distinguished service across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Among the honours, the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, has…
Bhubaneswar: Assistant Commandant Simran Bala of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is set to create history at the Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2026, by becoming the first woman officer to lead an all-male CRPF contingent on Kartavya Path. At 26 years of age, Bala will command a contingent of over 140 male…
Bhubaneswar: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has offered to host all of Bangladesh’s matches in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) raised security concerns about playing in India. According to a PCB source quoted by PTI, the Pakistan board conveyed through an email that Bangladesh’s concerns were justified and…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will host the three-day Matsya–Pranee Samavesh Odisha (MPSO) 2026 conclave from January 21 to January 23 at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, with a focus on strengthening rural livelihoods through fisheries, animal husbandry, and rural entrepreneurship. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the conclave, which is being organised by the Fisheries…
Bhubaneswar: Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal is set to reprise his popular role of Major Vihaan Shergill in Dhurandhar 2, appearing in an extended cameo that has already sparked excitement among fans. According to recent media reports, the film is set in the 2016 Uri timeline, allowing Kaushal’s character from the acclaimed war drama to be…
Bhubaneswar: Andhra Pradesh is poised to revolutionize emergency medical care by partnering with the Dr. Kalam Advanced UAV Research Centre to develop the world’s first long-range, human-carrying drone ambulance. The initiative marks a significant leap toward achieving “zero-traffic” emergency response, especially in remote and hard-to-reach regions. The drone ambulance is designed to carry a patient…
Bhubaneswar: The annual crocodile census at Bhitarkanika National Park has recorded a steady rise in the population of estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles, reaffirming the region’s status as one of the world’s most significant crocodile habitats. According to the latest census report, 1,858 saltwater crocodiles were found this year in rivers and creeks within and around Bhitarkanika,…
Bhubaneswar: The first Republic Day Parade to be held after Operation Sindoor last year is set to present a powerful display of India’s military strength, indigenisation drive, and cultural heritage, officials said on Saturday. The event assumes added significance following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong endorsement of “Make in India” defence platforms and drones that…
Bhubaneswar: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has withdrawn permission for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Reasi, to admit 50 MBBS students for the 2025–26 academic session, citing serious deficiencies flagged during an inspection conducted in January 2026. According to official sources, the inspection found significant shortfalls in key areas, including inadequate…