Bhubaneswar: The Centre has underscored the critical role of cooperative institutions in strengthening rural livelihoods and agricultural development, with a high-level delegation reviewing the functioning of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in Odisha and calling for greater business diversification, stronger infrastructure and expanded services for farmers. Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Cooperation, Pankaj…

New Delhi: In a major push to expand India’s renewable energy capacity and optimise the use of inland water bodies, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY), a ₹5,070-crore scheme to develop 5,000 MW of floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) projects integrated with energy storage systems across the country. Chaired…

Bhubaneswar: The Adani Group on Friday proposed an investment of ₹1.5 lakh crore in Odisha’s clean energy sector, outlining plans to establish large-scale nuclear, thermal and pumped storage power projects aimed at strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure and supporting India’s net-zero ambitions. The proposal was presented to Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan…

Bhubaneswar: More than 200 bonded labour survivors from across Odisha on Thursday urged the State Government to strengthen anti-trafficking measures, ensure speedy prosecution of traffickers and expand rehabilitation support during a programme marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The event also commemorated the golden jubilee of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976….

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Friday signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) to strengthen data-driven energy planning, promote renewable energy adoption and support evidence-based policymaking across the state’s power sector. The agreement between the Energy Department and the Bengaluru-based policy research think tank…

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has strengthened its power transmission infrastructure with the launch of an advanced underground cable fault detection system, a move aimed at ensuring quicker restoration of electricity supply and improving the overall reliability of the state’s transmission network. Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Friday inaugurated the Megger R30…

Bhubaneswar: With several urban areas reeling under waterlogging following heavy rainfall, the Odisha Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department has intensified flood response measures by deploying emergency teams, strengthening field-level monitoring and accelerating drainage operations. The department has also announced plans to prepare a comprehensive drainage master plan to address recurring urban flooding. Housing and…

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Friday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore and Kendujhar districts to assess the extent of inundation and review the ongoing relief and rescue operations. The aerial inspection was undertaken to evaluate the prevailing flood situation and waterlogging in the affected…