Category Archives: News

India Post Serves 47 Crore Savings Accounts, Expands Citizen Services: Govt

New Delhi, March 19: The Department of Posts is serving over 47 crore Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) account holders through its network of more than 1.64 lakh post offices, the government informed the Lok Sabha.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Communications Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said India Post continues to play a key role in financial inclusion by offering a range of savings schemes, including savings accounts, time deposits, recurring deposits, Public Provident Fund, and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme.

The department also supports the distribution of pensions, subsidies, and other benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into post office accounts.

According to the data, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts have reached 3.83 crore, while the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate scheme has 37.3 lakh accounts as of February 28, 2026. These schemes aim to promote financial security for the girl child and enhance women’s financial participation.

India Post has set up 13,352 Aadhaar centres across the country, including mobile units for remote areas. These centres have processed over 14.72 crore transactions, improving access to identity services, particularly for rural and elderly populations.

In collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, the department operates 452 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs). These centres have processed more than 2.09 crore passport applications and police clearance certificates, improving access to passport services in rural and semi-urban areas.

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) is providing a range of citizen-centric services, including Aadhaar-enabled payments, digital life certificates, mobile number updates in Aadhaar, and enrolment services for children under five years of age.

The department has also upgraded its Complaint Management System under Advanced Postal Technology 2.0, launched in March 2025. The new system includes a customer-interactive resolution process, requiring user consent before closing complaints and enabling automatic escalation in case of disputes.

The government said these initiatives are aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and improving access to essential services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Govt Reviving Stalled Irrigation Projects, Expanding Digital Agriculture Push: Shivraj Singh in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, March 19: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said the government has expedited long-pending irrigation and river-linking projects while undertaking structural reforms in agriculture aimed at improving farmer incomes and rural productivity.

Replying to a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Chouhan said several major irrigation projects that remained incomplete for years have been fast-tracked under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.

He stated that out of 140 major irrigation projects, 99 had remained stalled earlier, and the government has now prioritised their completion, with work progressing to bring irrigation coverage to about 2.7 million hectares of additional farmland.

The minister also said river-linking initiatives, including the Ken–Betwa project connecting parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, are being advanced to address issues of floods and droughts.

Chouhan said the government is working to ensure the availability of quality seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides to farmers. He informed the House that new legislation on seeds and pesticides is being prepared to regulate standards and prevent the sale of substandard products.

He added that strict approval mechanisms have been introduced for bio-stimulants, with only those products cleared after multiple scientific trials being allowed in the market.

Highlighting digitisation efforts, the minister said nearly 9 crore farmer IDs have been created under the Digital Agriculture Mission. These digital profiles are expected to streamline access to institutional credit and improve delivery of government schemes.

He also referred to an AI-based platform, “Bharat Vistaar,” which will enable farmers to seek real-time advisory services by sharing crop images or queries, with responses provided in local languages.

Chouhan said the government is promoting natural farming to address concerns over soil health and sustainability. The initiative aims to reach one crore farmers, provide training to 18 lakh farmers, and expand natural farming practices to around 75 lakh hectares.

He added that the Centre is working with states to develop region-specific agricultural plans based on local conditions and crop suitability.

The minister said government interventions, including MSP operations and direct benefit transfers, are aimed at ensuring income support and reducing vulnerabilities faced by farmers.

He maintained that the focus is on improving farm productivity, strengthening rural economies, and advancing the goal of a self-reliant agricultural sector.

ECO Mobility & Hospitality Limited reinforces trust-led leadership in employee transportation

New Delhi, March 18: ECO (India) Mobility & Hospitality Limited strengthened its commitment to responsible, people-centric mobility through a leadership engagement led by its Chief Operating Officer, Deepali DeV, in Noida. Hosted at the premises of a leading corporate partner, the session brought together over 150 women professionals, both in person and virtually, around the theme of safe daily commuting.

The interaction underscored a simple belief trust in mobility is built not just through systems, but through leadership that listens and engages directly with those who experience the service every day. By stepping onto the ground and interacting with a key user group, the session highlighted the importance of real-world perspectives in shaping more responsive mobility ecosystems.

Deepali DeV spoke about awareness, preparedness, and shared responsibility as critical to strengthening commuting confidence, reinforcing that safety is an evolving commitment anchored in both systems and human behaviour.

The session evolved into an open dialogue, with participants sharing insights and everyday experiences, reinforcing the importance of listening-led engagement in building stronger safety practices.

A focused L&D interaction followed, covering practical scenarios and key safety protocols, and reinforcing a layered approach where awareness, processes, and accountability together enable reliable commuting.

The engagement reflects ECO Mobility & Hospitality Limited’s continued focus on trust-led mobility and its commitment to strengthening responsible transportation practices. By encouraging dialogue and demonstrating on-ground leadership, the Company continues to contribute towards safer and more confident commuting experiences for professionals across India.

 

CDK Hosts Convergence 2026 to Celebrate Employees and Indian Familial Values

Mar 18: CDK recently organised Convergence 2026 in Hyderabad and Pune, where the company operates offices in India—bringing employees and their families together for celebrations, reflecting warmth and organizational success, with special emphasis on Indian culture-inspired entertainment and values. This year’s theme, “Going Back to Our Indian Roots”, focused on the richness of Indian cultural and familial values.

 With its strong people-first culture, CDK has been consistently recognised as a Great Place to Work-CertifiedTM company (GPTW), having earned the prestigious certification in India since 2019 and one of the Top 100 IT & ITES Workplaces in India for 2025 by Great Place to Work®. The spirit of Convergence 2026 also mirrored this sustained recognition of a workplace, where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired every day, and where their family members play an integral part in their purposeful journeys.

Culturally inspired performances and experiences

From colourful ethnic attires and themed décor to culturally-inspired performances and experiences, Convergence 2026 saw attendees immersing in the richness of Indian culture, while creating cherished memories together. The programme featured a vibrant line-up of activities, including traditional dance performances, vocal acts, a themed fashion walk, and interactive segments that brought the attendees on stage.

A special highlight of the evening was a dedicated zone for children, with activities designed to help them participate in pottery, games, and engaging competitions. A formal Rewards & Recognition segment honoured outstanding contributions of employees, across roles and teams, reinforcing the CDK culture of celebrating employees who demonstrate the company’s values every day.

Mr. Sandeep Kumar Jain, Managing Director, CDK, India, highlighted the importance of family members in shaping the organization’s journey and values.

“Family Day is a heartfelt reminder that our success extends beyond the workplace. Families are the true catalysts in our journey — their support, encouragement, and belief empower us to strive for excellence every day. We strongly believe that smart families nurture smart individuals; smart individuals build smart teams; and smart teams transform a company into a truly great organization. That is the success formula we proudly live by at CDK.”

Mr. Ashish Saxena, Senior Director & Head of Human Resources, CDK, India, added,

“This is who we are at our core—a community that grows stronger when we stand together as one family. Through Convergence, beyond our culture and tradition, we also celebrate the values that bind us—respect, gratitude, and togetherness. The event reflects the inclusive and people-first culture that we are proud to nurture every day.”

UP Road Infrastructure Boost: 4 Lane Highway Approved

New Delhi, March 18: The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 6,969 crore project to upgrade the Barabanki–Bahraich highway in Uttar Pradesh into a four-lane corridor. The project aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and support regional economic growth.

The upgraded highway will benefit commuters, transporters, and local businesses by easing congestion and enhancing road safety. It will also strengthen access to remote areas, boost trade, and create employment opportunities during construction.

This initiative forms part of the government’s broader push to modernize road infrastructure across India, enhancing connectivity and fostering industrial and regional development.

Centre Clears Mega Rs 33,660 Crore Industrial Park Scheme to Boost Manufacturing and Jobs

New Delhi, March 18: In a major push to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem, the Union Cabinet has approved the BHAVYA scheme with a total outlay of Rs 33,660 crore to develop 100 industrial parks across the country. The initiative is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities while enhancing industrial infrastructure.

The scheme aims to create world-class industrial clusters equipped with modern facilities, improved logistics, and better connectivity. By providing ready-to-use infrastructure, the government seeks to attract both domestic and global investors, making it easier for businesses to set up and expand operations.

Officials said the proposed industrial parks will be strategically located to support key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and export-oriented industries. The focus will be on ensuring efficient land use, seamless connectivity, and access to essential services, which are often critical for industrial growth.

A major objective of the BHAVYA scheme is job creation, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. By developing industrial hubs beyond major cities, the initiative is expected to promote balanced regional development and reduce migration pressures on urban centres.

The scheme also aligns with the government’s broader vision of boosting domestic manufacturing and strengthening India’s position in global supply chains. With improved infrastructure and policy support, the initiative is likely to enhance competitiveness and attract long-term investments.

Industry experts believe that the development of integrated industrial parks will not only improve ease of doing business but also create opportunities for ancillary industries, small businesses, and startups.

The approval of the BHAVYA scheme marks another step in India’s ongoing efforts to build a robust industrial base, support economic growth, and generate employment at scale. As implementation begins, the initiative is expected to play a key role in shaping the country’s manufacturing future.

Odisha Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Teams Shine at Nationals

Bhubaneswar, March 17: Day three of the 26th Youth National Volleyball Championship 2025–26 at the Biju Patnaik Multipurpose Indoor Stadium, KIIT Deemed to be University, witnessed a spectacular performance by the Odisha contingent, as both the men’s and women’s teams topped their respective pools to secure quarterfinal berths.

Odisha Men’s Team Remains Unbeaten

The Odisha men’s team continued its impressive campaign with two commanding victories, demonstrating strength in both attack and defense. In their first match of the day, they outclassed Chhattisgarh, winning in straight sets 3-0 with a clinical display of teamwork and precision.

Facing Andhra Pradesh next, Odisha encountered a stiffer challenge. After winning the first two sets, the team temporarily lost momentum in the third but regrouped to clinch the fourth set in a thrilling finish, securing a 3-1 victory. With these wins, the men’s team remained unbeaten in their pool, showcasing consistency, confidence, and tactical superiority as they advanced to the quarterfinals.

Odisha Women’s Team Shows Resilience and Skill

The Odisha women’s team mirrored the men’s success with an equally impressive performance. They began their day with a strong comeback against West Bengal, bouncing back after dropping the first set to dominate the next three with controlled aggression and excellent coordination, winning 3-1.

Maintaining their momentum, the women secured another convincing 3-0 victory over Himachal Pradesh, remaining undefeated in their pool and earning the top position, thereby confirming their place in the quarterfinals.

Leadership Applauds the Teams

On this occasion, Achyuta Samanta, Chief Patron of the Volleyball Federation of India, founder of KIIT, KISS & KIMS, and President of the Odisha Volleyball Association, congratulated both teams for their outstanding performance. He praised their skill, teamwork, and determination, highlighting how Odisha continues to be a powerhouse in national volleyball competitions.

With the quarterfinals on the horizon, Odisha’s volleyball contingent looks set to maintain their unbeaten streak and make a strong bid for championship glory in both the men’s and women’s categories.

Major Boost for Odisha’s Economy: 23 Projects Approved Across Sectors

Bhubaneswar, March 17: The State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA), led by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, on Tuesday approved 23 industrial investment proposals valued at Rs 4,510.65 crore. The projects are expected to create more than 10,000 employment opportunities, reinforcing Odisha’s position as a key industrial hub in eastern India.

Pic Credit:https://x.com/IPR_Odisha

Forest and Wood-Based Sector

Century Plyboards (India) Limited received approval to establish a manufacturing facility in Koraput, with an investment of Rs 870.82 crore. The unit is expected to generate around 1,000 jobs and promote industrial growth in southern Odisha.

Chemical and Green Industry Sector

Pidilite Industries Limited will set up a manufacturing unit in Balasore with an investment of Rs 61 crore, creating 88 jobs. Paradeep Phosphates Limited plans to establish a sulphuric acid plant in Jagatsinghpur, investing Rs 425 crore and providing employment to 29 people.

Apparel and Technical Textiles Sector

Sonaselection India Limited will invest Rs 130 crore to set up a garment manufacturing unit in Khurda, generating 1,858 jobs. Alphatex Private Limited will establish a technical textiles unit in the same district with an investment of Rs 180 crore, creating 1,050 employment opportunities.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Sector

Alteus Life Limited plans a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in Cuttack with an investment of Rs 236.90 crore, generating 549 jobs. Shreeji Imaging and Diagnostic Centre Private Limited has received clearance to establish a specialized medical facility in Khurda, investing Rs 53.55 crore and providing employment for 36 people.

Manufacturing and Engineering Sector

Nipha Limited will set up an agricultural equipment manufacturing facility in Khurda with an investment of Rs 164 crore, expected to create 300 jobs.

Aluminium and Metal Downstream Sectors

Odisha Special Grade Alumina Ltd will establish a unit in Koraput with an investment of Rs 88.16 crore, generating 66 jobs. In the steel and metal sector, Scan Steels Limited plans a MS pipe and galvanizing unit in Sundargarh with an investment of Rs 255 crore, creating 350 jobs, while Navprakriti Green Energies Private Limited will establish a metal extraction facility in Balasore, investing Rs 105 crore and generating 540 jobs.

Food Processing Sector

Coastal Biotech Private Limited will invest Rs 350 crore to set up an agro-processing unit in Kalahandi, generating 500 employment opportunities.

IT and ITES Sector

PricewaterhouseCoopers Services LLP has received approval to establish a technology delivery center in Khurda, with an investment of Rs 60 crore.

These approvals are part of Odisha’s ongoing efforts to boost industrialization across multiple sectors, create employment, and attract investment, strengthening the state’s economic growth and industrial footprint.

Marriages in India, breakups in New York: Astrology data shows cultural divide

Mar 18: Astrology consultations often reflect the societal priorities of the regions users live in. Data from Astrotalk, based on over 12 million consultations between April 2025 and March 2026, highlights both similarities and differences in user concerns across India and the United States.

The type of relationship questions differs significantly by geography. In India, consultations related to relationships and marriage account for nearly 25% of all queries, with users primarily seeking guidance on when they will get married, with whom, and how the marriage will unfold. In contrast, the same category represents 33% of US consultations, where users focus more on relationship quality, compatibility, family planning, or post-breakup possibilities. This highlights broader societal differences: marriage remains a central milestone in India, while in the US, relationships as a concept take precedence over formal marriage.

Across India and the US, more than 29% of revenue comes from consultations related to relationships and marriage, showing that personal relationships are a universal priority.

In India, career and business-related questions account for nearly 18% of all consultations, underscoring the continued importance of professional growth and job stability. Among US users, career-related consultations represent only 22%, while financial planning and investment questions are more prominent, indicating a stronger emphasis on wealth management and long-term financial decisions.

Users in both regions continue to rely on traditional Vedic astrology practices, such as kundli analysis and planetary transits, increasingly accessed through digital platforms.

“Even in a fast-moving digital world, people often turn to systems they trust when navigating uncertainty. Technology is simply enabling those traditional conversations to happen instantly, regardless of where someone lives,” said Puneet Gupta, Founder and CEO, Astrotalk.

Astrotalk attributes the growth in global consultations to international payment support, multilingual consultations, and astrologer availability across time zones, making astrology services accessible on demand worldwide.

PM-KISAN 22nd Instalment Benefits Over 34 Lakh Farmers in Odisha

In a major boost to Odisha’s agricultural sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 22nd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on March 13, 2026. The disbursement directly benefited over 34 lakh farmer families in Odisha, providing a total financial assistance of approximately ₹684 crore.

Pic Credit: Pexel

The PM-KISAN scheme offers financial support of ₹2,000 per farmer per instalment, transferred directly to bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Nationwide, this 22nd instalment reached over 9.32 crore farmers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting the farming community across India.

At a state-level function in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and other officials, highlighted the importance of this financial support. The funds help farmers purchase essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, thereby enhancing productivity and income.

In addition to PM-KISAN, the Odisha government runs the CM-KISAN scheme, which provides an additional ₹4,000 annually to eligible farmers in two instalments. Under the combined initiatives, over 51.54 lakh beneficiaries in the state have received more than ₹2,991 crore to date.

Chief Minister Majhi also urged farmers to ensure that their e-KYC, Aadhaar linking, and land record updates are completed to avoid any disruption in receiving benefits.

These initiatives reflect the state and central government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Odisha’s agricultural economy, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and provide financial stability to the farming community.