New Odisha Age

Category: Welfare

Indian Railways to Operate 400+ Special Trains for Rath Yatra and Onam Festivals

Sarmistha Kabi01 mins

Bhubaneswar: National Institute of Technology Rourkela researchers have developed an innovative smart wound dressing that aims to reduce infection, minimize pain during dressing changes, and accelerate the healing process. The advanced dressing combines chitosan-coated gauze with a nanofibrous layer infused with curcumin, the natural bioactive compound found in turmeric known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory…

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Proposal for National Commission for Men Reaches Parliament Through Private Member’s Bill

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

Bhubaneswar: A proposal to establish a National Commission for Men has reached Parliament after Ashok Kumar Mittal introduced the National Commission for Men Bill in the Rajya Sabha. The proposal cites the recent Ketan Agarwal case as a reminder that men can also become victims of crime and may require dedicated institutional support. According to…

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Hirakud Dam to Release Season’s First Floodwater on July 9; Mahanadi Water Levels Expected to Rise

Sarmistha Kabi01 mins

Bhubaneswar: Authorities at Hirakud Dam have announced that the season’s first floodwater release will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, following a steady rise in the reservoir’s water level due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Mahanadi River basin. The controlled release is part of the dam’s routine monsoon…

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Cooked Food Banned on Puri’s Bada Danda Ahead of Rath Yatra 2026; Only Dry Food Distribution Allowed

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of Rath Yatra 2026, the Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha has prohibited the distribution of cooked food along Bada Danda, permitting only dry and packaged food items to be served to devotees during the festival. The decision has been taken to maintain strict sanitation, hygiene, and public health standards as…

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Odisha to Distribute 1 Crore Copies of Lakshmi Purana, Announces ₹28 Crore Cultural Corridor

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has announced a major cultural initiative to promote the timeless values of the Lakshmi Purana by distributing around one crore copies of the classic text across the state. The initiative is intended to spread its enduring message of women’s empowerment, social equality, and cleanliness while preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich…

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Gold Demand in India Drops Sharply as Households Turn Sellers

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

Bhubaneswar: India’s gold market has witnessed a significant shift, with domestic gold demand reportedly falling by more than 70%, according to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association. The slowdown is being attributed to a combination of policy changes, declining prices, and changing consumer behaviour. One notable trend is that many Indian households are selling old…

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Odisha Mandates 500-Metre Drug-Free Zones Around Colleges

Sarmistha Kabi01 mins

Bhubaneswar: The Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha has directed all colleges across the state to establish a 500-metre drug-free zone around their campuses to promote a safe, healthy and conducive academic environment for students. Issued in accordance with the guidelines of the Narco Coordination Centre, the directive aims to shield students from the influence…

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Kapadaganda and Linga Motifs of Niyamgiri Earn Global Recognition, Preserving Dongria Kondh Heritage

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

Bhubaneswar: The traditional Kapadaganda textile and Linga wall motifs of the Dongria Kondh from the Niyamgiri Hills have gained widespread recognition for preserving one of Odisha’s oldest living tribal artistic traditions. The recognition of Kapadaganda with a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag has helped showcase this indigenous craft on national and international platforms while strengthening efforts…

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Odisha Introduces New School Management Committees to Strengthen School Governance

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

Bhubaneswar: Government of Odisha has directed all government and government-aided schools across the state to constitute new School Management Committees (SMCs) under the SMC Guidelines 2026, with 75% of members comprising parents or guardians of enrolled students. Under the revised framework, the earlier dual system of School Management Committees (SMCs) and School Management & Development…

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Odisha Government Cracks Down on Doctors’ Strike, Orders Salary Withholding and Warns of Contract Terminations

Sarmistha Kabi02 mins

Bhubaneswar: Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha has initiated stringent disciplinary action against medical professionals participating in the ongoing statewide health services boycott. In an official directive issued on July 2, 2026, the department ordered authorities to withhold the salaries of striking government medical officers and warned that contractual doctors who continue to…

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