Category: News

A recent report has raised serious concerns over the quality of budget planning by the Odisha government, pointing to a significant gap between projected allocations and actual spending.

According to findings by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the state’s budget estimates have not been realistic, leading to consistent underutilization of allocated funds. While the government has been increasing its annual budget size, it has struggled to spend the funds effectively within the financial year.

Pic Credit: Pexel

For the 2024–25 financial year, the state initially proposed a budget of ₹2,75,613.86 crore. This was later increased with a supplementary allocation of ₹12,155.74 crore, taking the total budget to ₹2,87,769.60 crore. However, actual expenditure stood at ₹2,31,613.37 crore, leaving a substantial ₹56,156.23 crore unspent—about 19.5% of the total budget.

The report highlights that such a large gap reflects weaknesses in financial planning, execution, and monitoring. It also noted that departments failed to surrender unspent funds amounting to ₹2,815.91 crore, further indicating lapses in fiscal discipline.

The audit body emphasized that unrealistic projections and poor expenditure management are key reasons behind this trend. Experts suggest that better planning, timely implementation, and stronger oversight mechanisms are essential to ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently and effectively.

Odisha marked its Statehood Day with pride and reflection at a state-level celebration held at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology in Bhubaneswar. The event brought together officials, citizens, and dignitaries to honour the state’s rich history and cultural identity.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted Odisha’s unique legacy as India’s first linguistically formed state. He extended warm greetings to Odias living both within the state and across the globe, acknowledging their contribution to preserving the state’s heritage and identity.

Looking ahead, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming Odisha into a developed and prosperous state by 2036, when it will complete 100 years of its formation. He described the coming decade as a crucial period of determination and collective effort, urging citizens to actively participate in building a stronger and more inclusive Odisha.

He also stressed the importance of balancing development with the preservation of Odia identity and culture, ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of heritage.

As part of the celebrations, a special photo exhibition showcasing Odisha’s journey and achievements was organized by the Information and Public Relations Department. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, who later toured the display and appreciated the visual documentation of the state’s evolution.

The event reflected a blend of pride in the past and a forward-looking vision, reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to growth while staying rooted in its cultural values.

Bhubaneswar has taken a significant step toward improving access to international travel services with the launch of a Global Visa Application Centre in the city. The new facility is set to simplify the visa application process for residents of Odisha, who previously had to travel to metro cities for similar services.

The centre will initially provide visa application support for a wide range of countries, including the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Estonia, Egypt, Morocco, and Malta. By bringing multiple services under one roof, the facility aims to reduce both the time and effort required for applicants.

Officials say the centre is designed with a focus on efficiency and convenience, offering streamlined procedures and quicker processing timelines. Applicants will benefit from organized documentation support, biometric services, and guidance throughout the application process.

The move is being seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen public service infrastructure in Odisha and make global opportunities more accessible to its people. With easier access to visa services, more residents are expected to explore opportunities in education, tourism, and business abroad.

The launch of this centre marks another step in positioning Bhubaneswar as a growing hub for modern services and international connectivity.

This progress reflects a strong collaborative model involving government agencies, scientific institutions, NGOs, local communities and the private sector.

Brij Mohan Gupta, Deputy Conservator of Forest & Wildlife, Jaisalmer, said: “Long-term conservation of the Godawan bird depends on sustained efforts in core habitats like Rajasthan. Partnerships with NGO’s, local organizations and local communities are critical in strengthening implementation and community engagement at the grassroots level.”

 

Devashish Dasgupta, Corporate Relations Director, Diageo India (USL), said: “We are proud to support Gramoday Samajik Sansthan in their sustained conservation efforts of the near extinct Godawan bird. The project has been making steady progress in strengthening conservation efforts over the years. This milestone demonstrates how partnerships and consistent, on-ground action in critical habitats can enable meaningful conservation outcomes beyond regional boundaries.”

 

Shri. Kedar Shrimal, President and Founder, Gramoday Samaajik Sansthan, said: “Our work in Jaisalmer has focused on strengthening the ecosystem required for the long-term survival of the Godawan bird. The recent milestone seen in Gujarat reinforces the importance of sustained, on-ground efforts and collaborative action in enabling conservation outcomes across landscapes.”

La Polo successfully hosted the 5th edition of The Indian Polo Awards (TIPA) at The Taj Palace, New Delhi, bringing together an illustrious gathering of distinguished guests from the world of polo, along with prominent names from business, luxury, culture and diplomacy. The evening witnessed an exceptional confluence of the polo fraternity and influential voices from diverse spheres, highlighting the growing stature & popularity of Polo in India.

 Some of the key guests who attended the evening included Shri Naveen Jindal, Chairman, Jindal Steel and Member of Parliament, accompanied by his wife Mrs Shallu Jindal; Mrs Amanpreet Kaur, IRS; Mr Rajiv Ashok, Managing Director, CCIC; Lt. Gen. Mukesh Chadha, AVSM, SM, VSM; Mr Mudit Paliwal and Mrs Aishwarya Paliwal; Mr Siddharth Nambiar, Marketing Head, La Martina; Mr Puneet Sharma, Head of Operations, La Martina; Mr Dhruv Anandan, Marketing Head, U.S. Polo Assn.; H.E. Mariano Augustine Caucino, Ambassador of Argentina; Mr Daniel Otamendi; Col V.S. Kahlon, Secretary, Indian Polo Association; and distinguished Arjuna Awardee polo players Mr Samir Suhag and Mr Simran Singh Shergill, noted designer Rimple Narula, Leena Singh among other eminent members of the diplomatic, corporate, and sporting fraternity.

Celebrating excellence both on and off the field, the awards honoured outstanding talent, patrons and contributors who continue to shape and elevate the sport in India. The ceremony featured a curated set of categories, recognising achievements across various facets of the polo ecosystem. The evening celebrated excellence across the polo ecosystem, honouring individuals, teams and institutions that have made significant contributions to the sport.  

Full list of Award Categories and Winners:

·Jindal Polo The Best Team High Goal – Achievers Polo Team

·The Best Junior Team – Jindal Panther

·The Best Team – Low Goal – Jindal Panther Polo Team

·La Martina The Most Valuable Polo Player – Syed Shamsheer Ali

·The Promising Polo Player – Sawai Padmanabh Singh

·U.S. POLO ASSN. The International Polo Player – Christopher Mackenzie

·Jammu & Kashmir The Army Polo Player – Lt Col Vishal Chauhan

·The Young Polo Player – Aryaman Singh and Savir Mehraj Godara

·The Lady Polo Player – Dr. Shivangi Jai Singh

·Baroda The Traditional Polo Player – L Atangba Singh

·Contribution to Polo by La Polo – Mrs Parul Rai

·The Polo Patron – Jaipur

·Lexus New Delhi The Emerging Polo Patron – Mayfair

·The Polo Club of the Season – Army polo and riding centre

·The Arena Polo Club of the Season – Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club

·The Polo Commentator of the Season – Col Shakti Singh Rathore

·Bhopal Pataudi The Best Polo Ground – Patrons Polo Club

·Gwalior The Best Polo Pony – 11 14

·Alwar The Polo Trainer (Civil) – Sangram Singh

·Alwar The Polo Trainer (Army) – Risaldar Chandra Mohan Singh of 61st Cavalry

·The Polo Groom – Prem Singh Rathod

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Maninder Sethi, Founder, La Polo, said,

“We are truly overwhelmed by the response to the 5th edition of The Indian Polo Awards. It is incredibly fulfilling to see the polo fraternity come together alongside leaders from diverse industries to celebrate the sport. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the players, patrons, partners and winners who continue to support and elevate polo in India.”

Ms Preeti Singh, Events and Marketing Head, La Polo, added,

“This edition has been a remarkable success, not just in terms of participation but also in the quality of collaborations and support from our partners. We sincerely thank all our sponsors, associates and the extended polo community for their continued trust. Their contribution plays a vital role in strengthening the ecosystem of the sport.”

Now in its fifth year, The Indian Polo Awards have evolved into more than just a recognition platform. The evening stood as a testament to the sport’s enduring legacy and its deep-rooted connection with heritage, excellence and community. The successful edition further highlighted how polo continues to bridge tradition with modern luxury and cultural relevance.

The 5th edition of The Indian Polo Awards was powered by Jindal Polo, with Code Silver and Wedding Asia as Associate Partners, and category partnerships with La Martina, Lexus New Delhi, and U.S. Polo Assn.—whose continued support reinforces the celebration of excellence and legacy within the sport.

With yet another successful edition, La Polo reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the sport, celebrating its champions and inspiring a wider audience to engage with the rich legacy of polo in India.

Odisha has taken a significant step toward a sustainable future by emerging as the first state in India to unveil a dedicated Green Hydrogen Policy. The move highlights the state’s strong commitment to clean energy adoption and reducing industrial carbon emissions.

During a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, along with representatives from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and other key stakeholders, a clear roadmap for renewable energy expansion was discussed. The plan places special emphasis on green hydrogen production, floating solar projects, pumped storage systems, and advanced battery energy storage solutions.

This strategic initiative is expected to draw substantial investments into the state while boosting infrastructure designed to withstand natural disasters. It also aims to position Odisha as a leading destination for clean energy innovation in India.

With growing support from industry leaders, Odisha is steadily shaping its future as a hub for sustainable development and next-generation energy solutions.

Utkal Divas, also known as Odisha Foundation Day, is observed every year on April 1. This special day marks the formation of Odisha as a separate state and celebrates the unique language, culture, and identity of the Odia people.

In 2026, Utkal Divas falls on Wednesday, April 1. The day holds deep historical importance, as Odisha became the first Indian state to be formed on a linguistic basis, even before India gained independence.

The journey toward statehood was not easy. It was achieved through years of persistent efforts, movements, and sacrifices by visionary leaders and the people of the region, who sought recognition for their distinct language and cultural heritage. Their determination ultimately led to the creation of Odisha as a separate province in 1936.

Today, Utkal Divas is celebrated with great pride and enthusiasm across the state. The occasion is marked by cultural programs, traditional music and dance, parades, and various public events that showcase Odisha’s rich heritage.

Beyond celebration, the day serves as a reminder of the state’s inspiring past and encourages people to work towards a brighter future. It is a time to reflect on progress and renew the commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous Odisha.

Bhubaneswar, March 30: In a significant move to strengthen India’s strategic mineral ecosystem, Oil India Limited (OIL) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) to establish a Centre of Excellence for critical minerals.

The collaboration, formalized in Bhubaneswar, is aligned with the National Critical Mineral Mission under the Ministry of Mines and aims to enhance research, exploration, and processing of critical minerals, supporting the country’s self-reliance objectives.

Under this agreement, OIL will become the first “Industry Spoke” of CSIR-IMMT under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, creating a new model of partnership between India’s energy and mining sectors.

The MoU was signed by Saloma Yomdo, Director (Exploration & Development), Oil India Limited, and Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, in the presence of OIL CMD Ranjit Rath. Senior officials from OIL and CSIR-IMMT scientists, including Kali Sanjay and Satyajit Rath, also attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, CMD Ranjit Rath emphasized that the partnership would expand OIL’s role beyond hydrocarbons, boosting its contribution to the National Critical Mineral Mission. He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in identifying mineral resources, noting that OIL has already pinpointed ten focus areas for technology-driven initiatives in consultation with the CSIR Director General.

Director Ramanuj Narayan underlined CSIR-IMMT’s expertise in research and technology solutions for the mining, minerals, and metals sectors, with a particular focus on critical minerals. He expressed optimism that the Centre of Excellence would drive innovation and support India’s long-term goals in mineral self-reliance.

This collaboration represents a strategic convergence of energy and mining expertise, aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in critical mineral exploration and processing, while leveraging advanced technologies for sustainable resource development.

The Government of Odisha will celebrate ‘Odia Pakhya’ from April 1 to April 14 with the aim of promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, lifestyle, food, and attire on a wider platform.

Announcing the initiative at a press conference held at Sanskruti Bhawan, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said that a series of events will be organized across all districts of the state, including the capital city Bhubaneswar, with active participation from various government departments.

The celebration will begin on April 1 with Utkal Divas, observed by the Information and Public Relations Department. On April 2, the School and Mass Education Department will mark ‘Khadi Chuan Day’, welcoming young children enrolling in early education.

On April 3, the Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts Department will promote traditional attire through ‘Ama Poshak Ama Parichaya’ (Our Dress, Our Identity) Day. This will be followed by a campaign on April 4 encouraging the use of Odia language in signboards.

To highlight heritage and fitness, a heritage run will be organized near historical sites on April 5, along with a cleanliness drive on April 6.

Further events include Children’s Storytelling Day on April 7, a blood donation drive on April 8, and a book-buying campaign on April 9 to encourage reading habits. April 10 will be dedicated to folk arts, celebrating Odisha’s traditional art forms.

The programme will continue with cultural events such as ‘Amrutapidhi Samaroha’ on April 11 and ‘Bandaniya Baraputra’ on April 12, honoring notable personalities.

On April 13, ‘Ama Ruchi Ama Khadya Day’ will focus on promoting traditional and local cuisine, highlighting Odisha’s diverse food culture.

The ‘Odia Pakhya’ initiative reflects the state government’s efforts to preserve and promote Odia identity, while engaging people across all sections of society in celebrating their cultural roots.