Page 6 - Odisha

VFS Global opens Odisha's first visa application centre in Bhubaneswar

New VFS Global centre in Bhubaneswar cuts travel burden, boosts global access

CAG flags lapses in Odisha's PVTG initiatives, half of population left out

CAG has flagged serious lapses in Odisha's PVTG welfare schemes, with over half the population excluded, projects lying defunct and weak monitoring undermining delivery

Odisha govt withdraws bills for MLAs' salary hike after backlash

Odisha government withdraws controversial Bills proposing steep salary hikes for MLAs and ministers following public criticism and political pressure

Rare earth corridors will reduce import dependence: Jitendra Singh

The dedicated rare earth corridors proposed in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu aim to reduce import dependence and enhance domestic capability in the strategic sector, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Wednesday. In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, the minister said the corridors would focus on mining, processing, research, and manufacturing and help align these initiatives with national priorities, such as becoming self-reliant and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. "India's import reliance on key minerals used for the production of items in strategic sectors such as electronics, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and defence manufacturing can be regulated through the RE corridor by boosting local sourcing enhancing strategic self-reliance," Singh said. The minister also stated that a joint working group (JWG) consisting of members representing all stakeholders had been constituted for formulation of guidelines (SOP) to establish dedicated rare ..

CAG pulls up Odisha govt for PSU dues, flags poor budget utilisation

Audit flags over Rs 5,000 crore unpaid PSU dividends and weak budget utilisation, raising concerns over fiscal oversight and revenue mobilisation in Odisha

Odisha BJP MLA lands in trouble for firing during Ram Navami procession

Titlagarh MLA Nabin Kumar Jain faces legal action after allegedly firing a pistol during a Ram Navami procession, with police booking him under BNS and Arms Act provisions

Odisha seeks nod to divert forest land for Tata Steel iron ore block

The state has sought approval to divert over 216 ha of forest land in Keonjhar for Tata Steel's Gandhalapada iron ore block to support its expansion and captive mining plans

3 killed as Nor'wester wreaks havoc in Odisha's Mayurbhanj, Puri districts

At least three persons died and three others were injured as Nor'westers wreaked havoc in Odisha's Mayurbhanj and Puri districts, police said Saturday. Strong winds followed by thunderstorms lashed the Mayurbhanj district headquarters, Baripada, around 11 pm on Friday, an officer said. "Two people were killed, and three others were injured. The deceased were travelling on motorcycles when the Nor'wester hit the region. Due to the storms, they lost control of their two-wheelers and hit the roadside trees," he said. The deceased have been identified as Ramdas Hansada of Asanayoda and Nagen Murmu of Khunta area in the district. The three injured are undergoing treatment at the Baripada district headquarters. A man, identified as Jagannath Behera of Alis village under the Pipili Police Station limits in Puri, died after a coconut tree fell on him during the storms in the district on Friday night, another officer said. Several houses were damaged by strong winds in Kanas, Delanga and

Pilgrimage turns tragic as 5 die, over 30 hurt in Odisha's Nayagarh

A bus carrying around 60 pilgrims from Berhampur overturned in Odisha's Nayagarh district late on Friday night, leaving five people dead and over 30 injured, many of them critically

Odisha's Subhadra scheme boosts savings 45%, spending 28%: SBI Research

SBI Research finds Odisha's Subhadra DBT scheme has lifted savings and spending among women beneficiaries, with strong gains among financially excluded households

CAG exposes diversion of DMF funds to non-mining areas of Odisha

A CAG audit has flagged diversion of DMF funds, approval violations and project irregularities in Odisha, raising concerns over welfare of mining-affected communities

Odisha unveils new three-year excise policy, adds de-addiction cess

Odisha's new three-year excise policy introduces a 0.5% de-addiction cess, tighter liquor controls, and reforms to improve transparency, compliance and revenue collection

Odisha conviction rate in crimes against women among highest in country: CM

State reports significant rise in convictions with faster investigations and trials; ₹10,786 crore Home budget focuses on policing reforms and infrastructure

Dharmendra Pradhan urges fast-tracking of ₹8,743 cr Chandikhol SPR

Union minister flags energy security risks amid West Asia tensions; project expected to boost reserves and add over seven days of crude cover

West Asia crisis: Jindal Steel doubles Angul complex capacity to 12 MTPA

Jindal Steel doubles Angul complex capacity to 12 MTPA, strengthening domestic production and reducing import dependence amid global supply disruptions

Odisha keeps power tariff unchanged for fifth year despite rising costs

Regulator retains electricity rates for FY27 despite rising procurement costs, offering relief to consumers while introducing incentives for digital payments and efficiency

Odisha to take authentic Odia cuisine nationwide via restaurant chain plan

Odisha plans to promote its culinary heritage nationwide through dedicated restaurant chains across metros and tourist hubs, aiming to boost gastronomy tourism and cultural branding

Coal India plans two washeries, ammonium nitrate plant in Odisha

Coal India plans two washeries and a coal gasification-based ammonium nitrate plant in Odisha to boost value addition and reduce raw coal transport

In a first, Odisha set to auction three gold-bearing mineral blocks

Gold blocks are part of 34 mineral blocks, including 25 major mineral blocks and nine critical blocks

Centre seeks report from Odisha on felling of 2,000 trees at NIT campus

MoEF&CC seeks an action taken report from Odisha over proposal to fell over 2,000 trees at NIT Rourkela, flagging environmental concerns and asking for detailed examination