Washington: US and Iran could be headed toward a second round of talks, according to AP sources. The sides are weighing new in-person negotiations in a bid to reach a deal aimed at ending their six-week war before the ceasefire expires next week, two US officials and person familiar with the development said. The three said discussions...

New Delhi: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Tuesday led parliamentarians and people in paying floral tributes to B R Ambedkar in Parliament complex on his 135th birth anniversary. Every year, hundreds of people line up to pay tributes to one of the key architects of the Indian...

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday greeted the people of Odisha on the sacred occasion of 'Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti'. He said this special occasion reflects the values of devotion, harmony and seasonal renewal. He said it reflects the rich traditions of Odisha. "I pray for a year that is filled with unlimited opportunities and successes....

Noida: Uttar Pradesh government has hiked minimum wages across worker categories following unrest in Noida, with revised rates coming into effect from April 1 retrospectively, officials said Tuesday. Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam said, "The wage increase has been done by the high-powered committee." She added, "The decision was approved by CM UP late last...

Nandapur: Serious concerns have been raised over alleged environmental damage to the Kolab reservoir during the construction of a bridge at Sindhiput in Koraput district. According to a letter (No. 1350) to government authorities, Kolab Chief Engineer Karuna Sagar Behera said more than 50,000 cubic metres of soil have been dumped inside the reservoir to facilitate pillar...

Udala: In a rare display of loyalty and sacrifice, a stray dog named ‘Kali’ died after saving more than 30 children from a venomous snake at Dhirakula village under Udala block in Mayurbhanj district. Villagers bid an emotional farewell to the animal, performing its last rites with full rituals usually reserved for humans. Reports said over 30...

Kendrapara: Forest officials have urged the Kendrapara Collector and District Magistrate (DM) to take immediate steps to demolish six illegal hotels operating inside Bhitarkanika National Park. These hotels, reportedly violating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, are said to be causing significant harm to the park’s fragile ecosystem. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Rajnagar Mangrove Forest and Wildlife...

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is all set to welcome the Odia New Year—Maha Bishuba Sankranti, popularly known as Pana Sankranti—on April 14, with vibrant cultural fervour, marking the grand finale of the fortnight-long ‘Odia Pakhya’ celebrations dedicated to language, heritage and identity. The concluding ceremony will be held at the Krushi Shiksha Sadan Auditorium of Odisha University of Agriculture...

Bhubaneswar/Rayagada: Four Left parties—CPI(ML) Red Star Odisha, CPI(ML), CPI(ML) New Democratic and Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI)—have called for observing April 17 as ‘Protest Day’ across the state, strongly condemning alleged police excesses, repression and violations of constitutional and legal rights in Sijimali. In a joint statement, the parties said demonstrations, rallies, public meetings and submission...

Bhubaneswar: The Mahanadi Bachao Andolan (MBA) Monday organised a meeting at Buddha Mandir in Bhubaneswar to deliberate on the long-pending Mahanadi water dispute. Attended by intellectuals, experts, social activists and senior journalists, the meeting expressed serious concern over the delay in resolving the issue and alleged government inaction. The meeting was attended by several political leaders and...