New Odisha Age

When time stands still: Murshidabad invites the world back to its royal past Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2026 – 6th to 8th February

Bhubaneswar: Once the Nawabi Capital of Bengal and a cradle of power, prosperity and culture, Murshidabad is not merely a place in the map – it is a living inheritance. Its palaces, river ghats, silk looms and age-old rituals continue to echo stories whispered by the Ganga. From 6th to 8th February 2026, this historic place of legacy will…

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Supreme Court Recognises Menstrual Health as Fundamental Right Under Article 21

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has recognised menstrual health as an integral part of the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court directed all schools—both government and private—to ensure adequate menstrual hygiene facilities for students. The apex court mandated the provision of separate and functional…

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Exide Industries Introduces AGMi – A Future-Ready AGM Battery Range for Advanced Passenger Vehicles

Bhubaneswar:  Exide Industries Limited, India’s leading storage battery manufacturer, today announced the launch of Exide AGMi, an advanced Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery range for the Indian aftermarket, designed to meet the growing power demands of modern, high-tech passenger vehicles. Exide AGMi offers spill-proof AGM-VRLA technology for enhanced safety, higher cranking power, up to 3X cycle life versus conventional…

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Economic Survey 2025–26 Flags Digital Addiction, Recommends Age-Based Curbs for Children

Bhubaneswar: The Economic Survey 2025–26, tabled in Parliament on January 29 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has raised serious concerns over rising digital addiction among children and recommended age-based restrictions on access to online platforms. Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran described digital platforms as “predatory by design,” arguing that their algorithms and features…

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Nayagarh Forest Division Sets Up Salt Licks to Support Blackbuck Population

Bhubaneswar: In a conservation-focused initiative, the Forest Department has installed salt licks across forest areas in Nayagarh to support the health and sustainability of the blackbuck population. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Debarchan Behera said the salt licks are meant to provide essential sodium chloride to wild animals, which is often deficient in their natural diet….

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Odisha to Launch Statewide Hearse Service, Strengthen Rural Healthcare Network

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step to improve public healthcare services and citizen support, the Odisha government has announced the launch of a statewide hearse service along with key initiatives to address gaps in rural healthcare delivery. Under the new system, families will be able to access hearse services by dialing a toll-free number 109, ensuring…

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Sudarsan Pattnaik Creates Sand Art Using 500 kg Plastic Bottles at Gopalpur, Urges End to Single-Use Plastic

Bhubaneswar: Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a powerful sand art installation at Gopalpur beach using 500 kilograms of discarded plastic bottles, delivering a strong message against single-use plastic. Sharing images of the artwork on social media, Pattnaik wrote, “500 kg of plastic bottles transformed into a powerful message from…

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Economic Survey 2025–26 Tabled in Parliament; India Remains Fastest-Growing Major Economy

Bhubaneswar: The Economic Survey 2025–26 was tabled in Parliament on Friday, presenting a comprehensive review of India’s economic performance over the past year and outlining priorities for the road ahead. Against a backdrop of global geopolitical fragmentation and economic uncertainty, the Survey described India as a resilient and stable bright spot in the world economy….

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Supreme Court Stays UGC’s 2026 Equity Regulations, Cites Risk of Misuse

Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 2026 regulations on equity committees, observing that the provisions were vague and susceptible to misuse, with the potential to create social divisions. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant put the regulations on hold after noting concerns over their narrow scope. The…

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Khandagiri Mela 2026 Sees Parking Fee Row, Artist Controversy Amid Heavy Footfall

Bhubaneswar:  The ongoing Khandagiri Magh Mela 2026 has been marked by controversy even as it continues to draw massive crowds for its religious rituals and cultural performances. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a show-cause notice to the leaseholder managing parking facilities at the mela after complaints of overcharging visitors, with fees reportedly almost…

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