New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday unveiled the Next Generation GST reforms, announcing that India will now move to a simplified two-slab structure of 5% and 18%. Addressing the nation via video conferencing on the first day of Navratri, he said the reform marks the beginning of a nationwide ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ (Savings…
Bhubaneswar: Taking Odia cinema to the global stage, Amartya Bhattacharyya’s feature film LAHARI has earned a coveted selection at the 20th Tasveer Film Festival in Seattle, USA—the world’s only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival. The film will be screened on October 8, marking a proud moment for Odisha’s film industry. LAHARI, which hit theaters across…
New Delhi: Renowned Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has been named the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced on Saturday. The 65-year-old actor and filmmaker will be honoured at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23. In its announcement, the Ministry said, “On the recommendation of…
Bhubaneswar: The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment today released 15 new horticultural crop varieties during a meeting of the State Seed Sub-Committee, chaired by Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee. The release marks a significant step in boosting Odisha’s horticultural sector with innovative and farmer-friendly varieties. The varieties recommended by the screening committee include…
Bhubaneswar: Punjab & Sind Bank is set to expand its footprint in Odisha, with plans to open 20 new branches and establish a zonal office in Bhubaneswar during the Financial Year 2025–26. The announcement was made today by Ravi Mehra, Executive Director of the Bank, during a courtesy call on Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja at…
Bhubaneswar: In a major step toward transforming Odisha into a maritime hub, the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and the Odisha Maritime Board (OMB) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a mega shipbuilding cluster in the state. The initiative aligns with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which seeks to position the…
Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on Friday reviewed the fertilizer availability in Odisha and directed strict enforcement against black marketing and smuggling, ensuring that farmers receive timely supplies for the ongoing agricultural season. The high-level meeting was held at Lok Seva Bhawan and attended by senior officials from key departments. During the review, Dr. Arabinda…
Bhubaneswar: The state-wide “NIPUN Week” program, organized by the School & Mass Education Department, concluded on a high note, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and parents across government schools in Odisha. The final day saw schools transform into vibrant hubs of learning, with activities designed to deepen engagement and build awareness around the importance…
Bhubaneswar: Agricultural Producer Clusters (APCs) in Odisha are emerging as a powerful model for rural prosperity, empowering women farmers with modern technology, market linkages, and higher incomes. The impact of this transformation was evident today when a World Bank team, accompanied by the Project Director of OIIPCRA and other officials, visited the Maa Kalijai APC…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has taken another decisive step toward its vision of Samrudha Odisha 2036, with the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) approving 25 new investment proposals worth ₹4,739 crore. Chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, IAS, the 140th SLSWCA meeting cleared projects that are expected to generate 25,200 employment opportunities across multiple districts…
