Bhubaneswar/Puri: Puri has been chosen as the host city for the BRICS 2026 Meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Group (DRRG), highlighting Odisha’s emergence as a global model in disaster preparedness and resilience despite its vulnerability to cyclones and other coastal hazards. The selection of Puri reflects international recognition of Odisha’s sustained efforts in disaster…

Bhubaneswar: South Odisha is set to witness a major boost in railway infrastructure and economic activity with the operationalisation of the Rayagada Railway Division under East Coast Railway from June 1, 2026. The new division is expected to improve railway administration, accelerate infrastructure projects and strengthen freight connectivity across some of the state’s most resource-rich…

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has added a new chapter to its administrative history with the appointment of IPS officer Ananya Awasthi as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati. With this appointment, she becomes the first woman officer to serve in the prestigious role since the formation of the state. A formal ceremony was held at…

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Housing Board (OSHB) is gearing up for a major expansion of affordable housing initiatives across the state, with plans to extend its footprint to all district headquarters while accelerating the implementation of several large residential projects currently underway. The roadmap was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary,…

Bhubaneswar: Higher education institutions must emerge as engines of innovation, research and social transformation if Odisha is to achieve its development aspirations, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati said on Sunday while addressing a conference of Vice-Chancellors of State Public and Private Universities in Bhubaneswar. The Governor stressed that universities have a larger responsibility beyond imparting…

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has intensified efforts to develop an integrated and future-ready transport network for its fastest-growing economic corridor, with the Housing & Urban Development Department reviewing the progress of an Asian Development Bank (ADB)-supported initiative aimed at transforming regional mobility and public transport systems. A high-level review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee…

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has initiated steps to streamline the fixation of construction material prices in a bid to improve transparency, ensure quality standards and facilitate the timely execution of infrastructure projects across the state. A high-level review meeting chaired by Works Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh was held at Lok Seva Bhawan on…

Bhubaneswar: The process of updating Odisha’s electoral rolls gained momentum on Sunday with the commencement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) across all Assembly constituencies, aimed at ensuring a more accurate and updated voter database. Under the exercise, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have begun visiting households to distribute enumeration forms and verify voter information. On…

Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at reducing pendency in urban governance-related cases and ensuring quicker grievance redressal, the Housing & Urban Development Department on Saturday organized a Special Camp Court at UNNATI Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. The initiative was held under the leadership of Additional Chief Secretary Smt. Usha Padhee to expedite the disposal of appeals…

Bhubaneswar: Reaffirming its commitment to the preservation and promotion of Odisha’s cultural heritage, the State Government has announced financial assistance of Rs 1.08 crore for the celebration of the famed Sital Sasthi festival in Sambalpur district. The grant, approved by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department following the direction of Chief Minister Shri Mohan…