Boita Bandana fervour
On the auspicious occasion Kartik Purnima, Odisha today witnessed vibrant celebrations of Boita Bandana, as lakhs of devotees floated miniature boats to honor ancient maritime heritage. Rivers, ponds, and other water bodies glowed with lamps, chants, and festive spirit across the state.

Prez Murmu’s Greetings
President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings on the occasion of the historic ‘Baliyatra’ festival and ‘Boita Bandana’ to all the countrymen, especially the people of Odisha. She said, Baliyatra is a symbol of Odisha’s glorious maritime commercial tradition and cultural heritage.


Cuttack Baliyatra Begins
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi inaugurated the historic Baliyatra Cuttack 2025, marking the grand opening of the state’s iconic maritime trade fair. The event celebrates Odisha’s ancient seafaring legacy with cultural and commercial vibrance.


Maritime Boost for Odisha
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi announced plans to establish a new port at Bahuda in Ganjam district, and a shipbuilding and repair centre at the Mahanadi river mouth near Paradip with a total investment of over Rs 46,000 crore.


Vande Mataram @150
Odisha will celebrate 150 years of “Vande Mataram” with statewide cultural and patriotic events from November 7 to 26. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, the song inspired generations during India’s freedom movement.


Paddy MSP Hiked
The Odisha government raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy by Rs69 per quintal for the Kharif season. Farmers will now receive Rs 3169 per quintal for common grade paddy, boosting agricultural income and rural support.


Bihar Votes Tomorrow
Bihar is set for the first phase of Assembly elections tomorrow, covering 121 constituencies across 18 districts including Patna, Nalanda, and Muzaffarpur. Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling across all constituencies.


Pradhan Slams Rahul Gandhi
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling his recent press conference a diversion from the Mahagathbandhan’s expected defeat in Bihar polls. Pradhan labeled Gandhi a “research centre of lies,” claiming the public no longer takes him seriously.


India-US Defence Ties
India and the US reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced interoperability and mutual security during the 22nd Military Cooperation Group (MCG) meeting in Hawaii. Co-chaired by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit and Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, the two-day dialogue emphasized strategic collaboration and regional stability.


Sharma, Varun Shine
India's star opener Abhishek Sharma and spinner Varun Chakravarthy continued to hold the top spots among batters and bowlers, respectively, in the latest ICC Men's T20 Players' Rankings.