New Delhi: Instant messaging app Telegram became operational for some existing users on Tuesday morning but remained delisted on application stores of Google and Apple. The government had temporarily imposed a blanket ban on Telegram until June 22 and sources indicated that there is no change or extension of timelines in the order. Email queries to Google...

Lucknow: The three-storey commercial building where a tragic fire claimed 15 lives was issued a demolition order in 2016 over unauthorised construction, but the order was revoked less than two months later, the UP government has said in a statement. The building, located in Sector D of the upscale Aliganj Scheme locality, was originally allotted July 11,...

Washington: The United States this week is hosting Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington for a new round of talks aimed at consolidating the ceasefire and advancing what American officials described as a broader effort to secure lasting peace and security between the two countries. The discussions are being led on the US side by State Department...

Bhubaneswar: In a major achievement for the education sector, 10 schools from Odisha have been selected for National Awards and Recognition under Swachh Evam Harit Vidyalaya Rating (SHVR) 2025- 26 programme after a rigorous national-level evaluation. Official sources said a total of 20 schools from the state had been nominated for national assessment, of which 10 secured...

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Higher Education Department has released the first merit list for admission to undergraduate (UG) courses for the 2026–27 academic session. Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, emerged as the most sought-after institution, registering the highest cut-off marks across several streams. According to official data, against a total sanctioned seat strength of 2,87,327, as many as 2,37,200 students had...

Bhubaneswar: In a major welfare measure for the legal fraternity, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved a 40 per cent increase in financial assistance provided to advocates from the State Advocates’ Welfare Fund. The assistance is extended to lawyers upon retirement and to their families in the event of their death. The enhanced benefits are...

By Arindam Ganguly, OP Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards enhancing urban aesthetics and environmental sustainability, the Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) has launched an extensive beautification and landscaping project along Janpath, one of city’s most prominent and busiest thoroughfares. The initiative aims to transform the iconic corridor into a greener, cooler and more vibrant public space,...

Bhubaneswar/Bhawanipatna: Para-badminton player Akash Ranjan Munda from Kalahandi district won two gold medals and a silver medal at the World Abilitysport Youth Games 2026 in Mersin, Türkiye, bringing international acclaim to the state. Munda claimed gold in the men’s singles SL3 category and the mixed doubles SL3- SU5 event, while also securing silver in the men’s doubles...

Bhubaneswar: Four major Left parties jointly organised a protest demonstration in Bhubaneswar Monday, condemning the killing of three Indian sailors in an alleged attack by the United States military near the Strait of Hormuz. The protest was jointly staged by state units of the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of...

Bonth: An employee of Tata Power North Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL) was allegedly assaulted during a raid on an illegal electricity connection in Chandipur village under Bonth police limits in Bhadrak district Sunday. According to a complaint lodged with police, a team from TPNODL’s enforcement wing conducted a raid after receiving information that a household was illegally...