Odisha Budget 2026–27

Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented a Rs3.10 lakh crore Odisha Budget for the financial year 2026–27 in the State Legislative Assembly, marking a 6.9 per cent increase over the previous year.

Viksit Odisha 2036 Vision

The Odisha Budget 2026–27 emphasizes accelerated rural development, women’s empowerment, agriculture, and infrastructure, aligning with the “Viksit Odisha 2036” vision. The government aims to ensure inclusive growth by prioritizing farmers, women, and youth while strengthening the state’s economic foundation.

PM Modi Meets AI CEOs

PM Narendra Modi held a roundtable with CEOs of AI and deeptech startups at Seva Teerth in New Delhi. During the meeting, the Prime Minister discussed the potential of harnessing AI technology in various sectors like agriculture, environmental protection, and promoting higher education in mother tongue, among others.


Pax Silica Declaration

India and the United States have signed the Pax Silica declaration at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. This declaration will strengthen collaboration in areas like the production of critical minerals and semiconductors and in the rapidly evolving Artificial Intelligence space.

India AI Summit

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the India AI Summit 2026 secured investment commitments exceeding USD 250 billion in infrastructure. He highlighted PM Modi’s “Manav AI” vision, record student participation, and global appreciation for responsible and ethical AI discussions.

Low-pressure Formation

A low-pressure is likely to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal within the next 48 hours. Due to its influence, light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected over Odisha on February 23 and 24.

Third Gender In OCS

The Odisha government has introduced a ‘Third Gender’ category in the application form for the Odisha Civil Services Examination–2025. The provision has been incorporated in the revised notification for the OCS-2025 examination conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission.

Iran-Russia Naval Drill

Iran and Russia conducted a joint naval drill in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, showcasing destroyers, missile warships, helicopters, and special forces amid rising tensions and speculation over a possible US military strike against Iran.

Extortion Threat

Bollywood star Ranveer Singh received a threat from the Bishnoi gang, which demanded Rs 10 crore through a voice note sent to his manager from an American number. Officials are currently gathering further evidence in the case as the investigation is underway.

T20 World Cup

India will face South Africa in its first Super Eight match of the ICC T20 World Cup on Sunday at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4–5, with the final on March 8.