Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is moving ahead with a revamped excise policy focused on discouraging alcohol consumption and tightening regulatory oversight, Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said on Monday. At a high-level review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhavan, the minister underlined that the state has no intention of increasing liquor outlets or boosting sales. Instead,…
Bhubaneswar: With temperatures soaring across the state, the Odisha government has stepped in to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for households, directing power utilities not to disconnect domestic connections over unpaid bills during the summer months. The directive was issued by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who stated that the restriction on disconnections will…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has rolled out a new framework for faculty recruitment in state universities with the implementation of the Odisha State Public Universities (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2026, following approval from Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati. The legislation, which was cleared by the Assembly on March 31 after detailed deliberations, is now in force across…
Bhubaneswar: The capital city of Bhubaneswar on Monday marked its 78th Foundation Day with a blend of tradition and civic pride, as celebrations unfolded across the city with ceremonial events, cultural activities, and a grand parade. Leading the celebrations, Surama Padhi attended as the chief guest, accompanied by Aparajita Sarangi, MLAs Ananta Narayan Jena and…
Bhubaneswar: Amid concerns over global geo-political developments and their potential impact on energy supplies, the Odisha government on Friday conducted a high-level review to assess fuel availability and distribution across the state. The meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhawan, also included a session of the State Crisis Management Group to…
Bhubaneswar: In a seasonal conservation measure, the Odisha government has imposed a ban on sea fishing from April 15 to June 14 to safeguard marine life during the crucial breeding period. The restriction, enforced under the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, will impact thousands of fisherfolk along the state’s coastline, as they will not…
Baripada: A vast deposit of prehistoric marine fossils along the Budha Balanga river near Baripada is drawing renewed attention, as the Mayurbhanj chapter of INTACH has urged the Odisha government to develop the site into a dedicated fossil park. Spread across villages such as Satpautia, Usurudihi, Itamundia, and Mukuramatia, the area—popularly known as the “Baripada…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Friday approved a series of key decisions aimed at strengthening infrastructure and public services across the state. The 38th Cabinet meeting was held at Lok Seva Bhawan, where a total of 11 proposals from five departments were deliberated and cleared. Briefing the media…
Bhubaneswar: In a focused effort to create livelihood opportunities in forest regions, the Odisha government has successfully completed the first phase of a joint skill development initiative in Balangir district, enabling rural youth to secure employment. The programme, implemented by the Odisha Skill Development Authority under the Skill Development and Technical Education Department in collaboration…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha showcased its rising dominance in school sports by emerging as the champion in both boys’ and girls’ Under-14 categories at the 69th National School Games Federation of India (SGFI) Rugby Championship 2025–26, held at Kalinga Stadium. The state secured top honours in both categories, while Bihar finished as runner-up and Maharashtra claimed third…
