Bhubaneswar/Raipur: Odisha has achieved a proud sporting milestone as both its men’s and women’s hockey teams emerged champions at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games held in Raipur.
The double victory highlights the exceptional talent and determination of athletes from the state’s tribal communities, marking a significant moment in Odisha’s sporting journey.
Sports enthusiasts and officials have extended heartfelt congratulations to the players, praising their dedication and outstanding performance on a national stage. The achievement is being seen as a major boost for grassroots sports development, especially among tribal youth.
This success not only brings pride to the state but also signals a promising future for Odisha in Indian hockey. With continued support and recognition, these athletes are expected to scale even greater heights and further strengthen the state’s reputation in the sporting arena.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has marked a significant achievement in the fiscal year 2025–26 by completing 5,313 kilometers of national highways, surpassing its annual target by 15%. This milestone highlights India’s continued focus on strengthening road infrastructure to enhance connectivity, support economic growth, and facilitate regional development.
Pic Credit: Pexel
Expanding Connectivity Across the Nation
The newly constructed highways span multiple states, connecting major cities, industrial hubs, and remote areas. This expanded network reduces travel time, eases transportation of goods and passengers, and promotes economic activity in previously underserved regions. By linking key economic zones, these roads are expected to improve trade efficiency and support local businesses.
Boosting Infrastructure Efficiency
The success in highway construction reflects improvements in project planning, execution speed, and adoption of modern construction technologies. Streamlined approvals, effective land acquisition strategies, and advanced construction techniques have contributed to faster completion rates.
Driving Economic Growth
The expanded highway network plays a pivotal role in stimulating commerce, tourism, and industrial activity. Enhanced connectivity lowers logistics costs, strengthens supply chains, and provides businesses with faster access to markets, thereby benefiting both producers and consumers.
Looking Ahead
NHAI is committed to further increasing highway construction in the coming years, with a focus on sustainable, resilient, and technologically advanced infrastructure. Future projects aim to incorporate smart mobility solutions, eco-friendly construction practices, and modern highway management systems to meet the growing demands of a rapidly developing nation.
This achievement underscores NHAI’s central role in shaping India’s transportation infrastructure and advancing the government’s vision of nationwide connectivity and economic progress.
New Delhi, April 2 : Heartfulness Institute announces its addition to the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) membership as acknowledged by the Global Biodiversity Alliance Secretariat on its GBA membership and its association with the Georgetown Declaration. As a member, Heartfulness Institute will be part of a collaborative platform dedicated to advancing global efforts to stall and reverse the loss of biodiversity resonating with the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Heartfulness Institute will closely be working with the Alliance’s objectives and various activities.
As a Global Biodiversity Alliance member, Heartfulness through its global network of 5,000 centers in 160 countries will work on raising awareness about biodiversity responsibilities, promoting the principle that ecological resilience is essential for human well-being. Heartfulness intends to implement the Global Biodiversity framework in Forests by Heartfulness project sites and generate high quality Biodiversity Credits. Besides, there is a severe lack of India-specific data in sections related to ecology and restoration. Through this membership, Heartfulness can further Global Biodiversity Alliance’s efforts in India to gather this data.
Vishwas Subramanyam, Director, PR and Partnerships (UK & Europe) from Heartfulness Institute said,
“Through this membership, we are hoping to have knowledge transfer and technical know-how with Global Biodiversity Alliance and other member organisations, logistical support and share resources towards protecting global biodiversity. We hope joining the Alliance will go a long way in ecological conservation and raising awareness on responsibility towards biodiversity.”
The Global Biodiversity Alliance provides an international platform for leaders, scientists, indigenous voices, and innovators aiming to collaborate for measurable commitments and innovative solutions towards protection of 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.
In joining the alliance, Heartfulness Institute will stay abreast of the current and future activities undertaken by Global Biodiversity Alliance. The Global Diversity Alliance will facilitate networking and bilateral or multilateral engagements that serve biodiversity management. The main inputs from members include “technical advice based on their experiences, any other supporting materials or data which can be shared on a voluntary basis.” As a member of GBA, Heartfulness Institute will “make efforts to participate in meetings and working group sessions that are aligned with the institute’s mandates; share their experiences and learn from others working in a similar space.”
The Global Biodiversity Alliance was founded on the principle that “protecting biodiversity is essential for ecological resilience and human well-being”. The Alliance combats the threats of deforestation, climate change and ecosystem degradation to help nature thrive for future generations. The alliance’s work meets the international frameworks including the Global Biodiversity Framework (COP16) reflecting the outcomes of the G20 on biodiversity collaboration.
New Delhi, April 2026: Indian Railways has reported robust growth in both passenger traffic and freight operations for the fiscal year 2025–26, underscoring its role as a vital backbone of the nation’s transport and logistics network.
Passenger Traffic and Revenue Surge During FY26, Indian Railways carried 741 crore passengers, marking a 3.5% increase from 716 crore in FY25. Passenger revenue also grew significantly, reaching approximately ₹80,000 crore, a 6% rise compared to the previous year. The figures highlight the growing reliance on rail travel across urban and rural India, reflecting both convenience and affordability for commuters.
Freight Operations Set New Records Freight traffic hit a new milestone of 1,670 million tonnes (MT), up 3.25% from FY25, accompanied by a 4.5% increase in wagons handled, from 2.79 crore to 2.91 crore. This growth underscores Indian Railways’ efficiency and its critical role in delivering cost-effective logistics solutions for bulk commodities.
Key Commodities Driving Growth Significant growth was recorded in sectors like fertilisers (13.5%) and pig iron & finished steel (13.1%), reflecting rising industrial and agricultural demand. Infrastructure-related commodities, including iron ore (6.7%) and cement (4.7%), also saw strong movement, supporting ongoing construction and development projects nationwide.
Balanced Regional Growth Several railway zones contributed to this growth, with South Western Railway leading at 14.9%, followed by North Central (12.6%), East Coast (10.4%), and West Central (10.1%). Other zones also recorded positive gains, reflecting widespread regional development and improved freight-handling capabilities across the country.
Freight Revenue Highlights Freight earnings reached approximately ₹1,77,754 crore, up 1.44% from FY25. Iron ore emerged as the top revenue contributor, followed by cement, pig iron & steel, fertilisers, food grains, and mineral oil, demonstrating the critical importance of railways in supporting industrial supply chains and trade.
Driving Connectivity and Economic Growth Indian Railways’ achievements in FY26 highlight its dual role: ensuring safe, reliable mobility for millions of passengers and serving as an efficient logistics partner for industries. With consistent operational improvements and capacity expansion, Railways continues to be a key driver of economic growth and national connectivity.
New Delhi, Apr 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed his self‑enumeration, marking the official launch of India’s first fully digital Census 2027. This year’s census introduces a modern approach that allows households to submit their information online before the traditional house‑to‑house surveys begin.
The first phase focuses on collecting detailed information about households and living conditions. Citizens across selected states and Union Territories can now use the digital portal to provide their data, while field enumerators will follow up with in-person visits to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Highlighting the importance of public participation, the Prime Minister emphasized that the self-enumeration facility empowers citizens to contribute directly to this historic exercise. He urged all households to take part and complete their details digitally, ensuring efficient data collection.
Census 2027 represents a significant shift from paper-based methods to a digitally driven system. Officials note that this approach will improve accuracy, reduce manual workload, and accelerate the processing of data. This initiative is one of the largest administrative exercises in the world, covering millions of households nationwide.
The digital census is expected to enhance the quality and timeliness of demographic data, supporting better policy-making, planning, and governance in India for years to come.
Odia Samaj Tripura marked the 90th Utkal Dibas (Odisha Day) alongside the 16th Foundation Anniversary of the Samaj with remarkable enthusiasm and cultural vibrancy at the Muktadhara Auditorium, Agartala. The grand celebration stood as a testament to the enduring cultural ties between Odisha and Tripura, resonating with the patriotic spirit of “Vande Utkal Janani.”
The event was graced by Swami Amartyananda, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission, Dhaleswar as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, he underscored the significance of spiritual values, ethical living, and collective responsibility as pillars for building a harmonious and resilient society.
Sanjeev Kumar Janjua, Asset Manager of ONGC Tripura, attended as the Guest of Honour. Acknowledging ONGC’s steadfast support since 2011, the Samaj proposed a forward-looking collaboration to channel CSR initiatives into impactful sectors such as healthcare access, digital education, and sustainable livelihood generation particularly focusing on tea garden communities across Tripura.
The event was also graced by the distinguished Odia personalities serving in Tripura like Sarat Kumar Patra, Director of NIT Agartala, Dr. Hemant Kumar Pratihari, Director of NFSU & FSL and others. Dr. Pratihari announced financial assistance to the meritorious tea garden students as a token of inspiration.
The coveted “Priya Odia–2026” award was conferred to Dr. Sarat Kumar Das for his unwavering dedication and outstanding service, symbolizing humility, inspiration, and a renewed commitment to collective progress.
The audience was enthralled by an exceptional cultural performance by a renowned troupe from the Sanskruti Bharati Dance Academy, deputed by the Government of Odisha as well as the family members and children of Odia Samaj showcased their beautiful performances on richness of Odissi, Sambalpuri, and traditional folk dance forms, evoking deep cultural pride.
In a heartening display of unity, members of the Odia community from various tea garden regions across Tripura participated enthusiastically, presenting vibrant folk performances.
The annual souvenir “Chakadola” was ceremoniously released by the distinguished guests during the event. The publication encapsulates literary expressions, cultural reflections, and chronicles the inspiring journey of Odia Samaj Tripura over the years.
The President of Odia Samaj Tripura, Bishnu Charan Pati, and the Secretary, Samir Diabagh, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Tripura for their continued affection and “bhalobasha” towards the Odia community. They emphasized that the cultural and emotional bond between Odisha and Tripura continues to strengthen with each passing year.
The event concluded on a warm and celebratory note with traditional Odia cuisine being served to all participants and guests, further enriching the cultural experience and fostering a spirit of togetherness.
Oil marketing companies have increased the prices of premium petrol and diesel from April 1, reflecting the impact of global supply disruptions. The price of IndianOil XP100 petrol has risen by ₹11 per litre, reaching around ₹160 per litre.
Premium diesel has also seen a price hike, with rates increasing marginally from ₹91.49 to ₹92.99 per litre. Despite these revisions, the prices of regular petrol and diesel remain unchanged for now.
Fuel retailers, including Indian Oil Corporation, have attributed the increase to ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting crude oil supply, particularly in the Middle East.
The price of commercial LPG has also gone up significantly. A 19-kg cylinder now costs ₹2,078.50 in Delhi after a steep hike of ₹195.50, continuing last month’s upward trend.
Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices also experienced volatility. Although an initial sharp increase was expected, the final revision was moderated following discussions between oil companies and government authorities, limiting the overall impact on the aviation sector.
The latest price adjustments underline how global uncertainties continue to influence domestic fuel markets, potentially adding to cost pressures across transport and commercial sectors.
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.
