Nicco Park to be transformed into a modern urban recreation hub from 2026 Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a major redevelopment plan for the BDA City Centre, popularly known as Nicco Park, in Bhubaneswar. The large-scale project, estimated to cost over ₹600 crore, aims to transform the ageing recreational facility into a modern,…
Policy reforms, mega steel projects and diversification into green energy, IT, textiles and pharma drive industrial momentum Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s industrial sector witnessed a landmark year in 2025, marked by rising investor confidence, faster project execution and a clear shift towards diversification and value-added manufacturing. The state not only attracted large-scale investment proposals but also demonstrated…
State plans structured auctions of major and critical minerals to ensure raw material security for key industries Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is preparing to introduce an annual auction calendar for major, critical, and strategic minerals to ensure a consistent supply of raw materials for industries. The move is aimed at promoting value addition, strengthening domestic…
Chandikhole–Bhadrak NH-16 stretch to be operated for 20 years under ₹3,087 crore concession Bhubaneswar: IRB Infrastructure Trust, backed by IRB Infrastructure Developers, has emerged as the preferred bidder for the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT)-18 concession awarded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Odisha. The project marks a significant expansion of IRB Group’s presence in…
New rules aim to cut delays, reduce disputes, and protect homebuyers Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has rolled out major legal reforms to modernise the state’s real estate sector and bring long-pending relief to homebuyers and developers. By simplifying apartment registration procedures and introducing a transparent stamp duty valuation system, the state aims to end years…
Government partners with global organisations to build AI skills Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has reaffirmed its plan to use artificial intelligence (AI) as a key tool to improve governance and public services, with the welfare of people placed at the centre of all technological efforts. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said AI will not only…
ASD is mandatory under law, linked to usage and refunded with interest, say DISCOMs Bhubaneswar: The Tata Power–run Odisha electricity distribution companies (TP Odisha DISCOMs) have clarified that the levy of Additional Security Deposit (ASD) on electricity bills is a legal and regulatory requirement. The companies said the provision is mandated under the Electricity Act,…
New ‘One Nation One License One Payment’ framework would require OpenAI, Meta, Google, and other AI developers to pay statutory royalties for training models on Indian copyrighted works Bhubaneswar: India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has proposed a groundbreaking copyright framework that would force global AI companies to share revenues generated…
Eight years after landmark verdict, apex court warns State over slow recovery and orders High Court to fast-track stalled cases Bhubaneswar: In a major push for accountability, the Supreme Court has directed the Odisha government to complete the recovery of more than ₹2,700 crore in illegal mining penalties by March 3, 2026. The apex court…
Four bills passed unanimously revise salaries, allowances, and pensions for serving and former legislators, effective retrospectively from June 5, 2024. Bhubaneswar: In a significant decision aimed at restructuring the compensation framework for public representatives, the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed four bills increasing the salaries, allowances, and pensions of ministers, MLAs, and former legislators….
