Dignity, security of workers remain central to government's national vision: Mansukh Mandaviya
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that worker welfare, dignity, and security are key to national development. Speaking at a conference in Puri, Odisha, he emphasized the equal importance of workers and industry for economic growth. The minister highlighted that government's new Labour Codes aim to strengthen this balance. These codes enhance worker welfare and social security while simplifying industry compliance.
Merchant navy official from Odisha 'missing' from vessel near Mauritius
Sources in the Odisha Government said they have taken up the issue with the authorities concerned in New Delhi and requested them to inquire into the incident
Odisha food and crafts mela from February 6 to 8
23-Year-Old Odisha Cadet Missing at Sea; State Seeks Centres Help
Young merchant navy officer vanishes from vessel near Malaysian waters; family appeals for urgent intervention
Merchant Navy Officer Goes Missing From China-Bound Ship Near Mauritius, Family Seeks Centres Help
Sarthak Mahapatra went missing near Mauritius while on duty. His family seeks urgent help from Odisha and central authorities for a transparent investigation.
Merchant Navy Officer On China-Bound Ship Goes Missing Near Mauritius
A merchant navy official from Odisha's Bhadrak district has allegedly gone missing while on duty aboard a vessel near Mauritius on February 3, prompting his family to seek urgent intervention from the Centre and the state government, officials said.
Orissa HC directs to stop movement of illegally raised minerals
Odisha government has been directed to file an affidavit on actions taken to contain illegal mining activities within three weeks
Odishas Missing Opposition: How BJDs Shadow Cabinet Remains Invisible Sans Actions
The Shadow Cabinet, as observers put it, has produced little visible evidence of coordinated oversight
Police arrest drugs kingpin from Andhra-Odisha border
Odisha Launches WhatsApp Bot To Streamline Revenue Services
Speaking at the launch, Majhi said the initiative is aimed at simplifying public service delivery and saving citizens time by bringing government services closer to their homes. He noted that the digital platform would help ease long-standing difficulties faced by people in resolving land and revenue matters
Odisha: 3 coaches of Chennai-New Jalpaiguri Express train derails in Jajpur
According to East Coast Railway (ECoR) officials, the incident occurred at around 8.51 am while the train was passing through Jakhapura Yard. One AC coach and two general coaches derailed within the yard limits
Odisha vendor threatened by Hindutva mob, forced to chant Jai Shri Ram
A Muslim vendor was harassed by an angry right-wing aligned mob and forced to chant the religious slogan, Jai Shri Ram, in Odisha. A video of the incident emerged on social media platfroms showing a Hindutva man brandashing a sharp wooden object onto the face of the Muslim vendor. He asked him to chant Jai Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Three coaches of Chennai Central Express derail in Odishas Jajpur, none hurt
Cause of the derailment is yet to be ascertained
Sunmeister Energy: Engineering Reliable Power and Energy Solutions for Indian Realities
, where temperatures plunge to -50°C and conditions become barely livable for humans, a Sunmeister solar hybrid generator operates in silence powering communications and essential equipment through conditions that would defeat most machines. Sunmeister Energy- Engineering Reliable Power and Energy Solutions for Indian Realities From coastal farmland to Himalayan peaks, this is what Sunmeister Energy has spent a decade building: solar hybrid power that people never have to think about. Starting with the right question Founded in Chennai in 2014, Sunmeister began not with solar panels but with a deeper question: How do you make power and energy truly dependable , across India's diverse terrains and regardless of grid conditions? The answer led to a storage-first philosophy that would define everything the company built. Rather than treating solar as a standalone solution, Sunmeister engineered holistic solar hybrid power and energy systems intelligently combining solar generation, battery storage, grid power, and generators into ecosystems that think for themselves. These systems switch seamlessly between power sources, protect sensitive equipment, and keep critical loads running regardless of external conditions. The panels matter, certainly. But they're one instrument in an orchestra, not a solo act. Holistic, not standalone A solar panel on a roof is just the beginning. True energy independence requires a complete ecosystem - generation, storage, backup, monitoring, and intelligent management working together. Sunmeister designs holistic power and energy solutions where every component serves the whole. Batteries store excess solar generation for use after dark. Inverters manage the flow between solar, grid, and backup sources. Smart monitoring tracks performance and anticipates maintenance needs. The result isn't a collection of parts, it's an integrated system engineered for reliability across every condition. This holistic approach means clients don't worry about individual components. They simply have power when they need it. A problem-solving approach Every Sunmeister project starts with listening. What are the critical loads? What are the site conditions? What does reliability actually mean for this client? The team works backwards - designing systems that meet specific requirements rather than offering off-the-shelf configurations. A healthcare centre in Nagaland has different needs than a factory in Chennai or a farmhouse in Odisha. When hybrid generators were needed for forward posts at high altitudes , or marine applications. Sunmeister's team spent weeks understanding extreme cold conditions refining designs for reliability at -50°C. When farmers needed cold storage that could survive monsoons, Sunmeister developed India's first fully electric, hybrid solar cold rooms - zero-diesel and now deployed across Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. India's leading Victron Energy partner Sunmeister is India's foremost distributor and solution provider for Victron Energy - a Dutch power electronics company with nearly five decades of experience in marine, off-grid, and mission-critical applications. It's technology trusted on ocean-crossing yachts and Antarctic research stations. As authorised distributors, Sunmeister provides access to the full Victron product range. As design and solution providers, the team engineers complete systems tailored to Indian conditions. As service partners, they deliver installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. Remote monitoring through Victron's VRM platform provides real-time visibility into system performance. Issues are identified and addressed before they become problems. Designed for India Global technology alone wasn't enough. Every component and installation practice had to be adapted for Indian conditions: summers, coastal humidity, fine dust, monsoon rains, voltage fluctuations. Over a decade of on-ground experience shaped an approach where nothing is assumed and everything is engineered for resilience. Today, with over 600 installations operational and failure rate under 0.1%, Sunmeister has earned a reputation for solar hybrid systems that simply work—day after day, year after year. Trusted across sectors The company's journey has taken it from Chennai rooftops to healthcare centres in Nagaland, from the National Blind School to the French Consulate in Puducherry. The client portfolio spans homes, commercial establishments, factories, farms, hospitals, educational institutions, government bodies, development organisations including UNDP and UNICEF, and defence installations. What unites them: power they can count on, every single time. Engineering for the long term Sunmeister doesn't compete on being the cheapest. The focus is on lowest total cost of ownership, holistic solar hybrid systems engineered for 15–25 years of service life, backed by warranties that match. At its core, Sunmeister Energy is built on a simple belief: power and energy should be something people never have to worry about. Not during monsoons. Not at -50°C. Not when everything depends on it. About Sunmeister Energy Pvt. Ltd. Sunmeister Energy is a Chennai-based solar hybrid power and energy solutions company founded in 2014. As India's leading Victron Energy distributor and solution provider, the company designs, installs, and maintains holistic solar, storage, and hybrid power and energy systems across India and international markets. www.sunmeister.in | hello@sunmeister.in | WhatsApp: +91 9600763493 | 044 4011 4424
Chennai Central-New Jalpaiguri Express Train Derails Near Odisha's Jakhapura, No Casualties
The Chennai Central-New Jalpaiguri Superfast Express derailed near Jakhapura in Odishas Jajpur district, triggering panic. No injuries were reported.
Passenger train derails in Odisha: New Jalpaiguri-Chennai Central SF goes off track near Jakhapura
The New JalpaiguriChennai Central Superfast Express derailed near Jakhapura station in Odisha's Jajpur district at 8:51 am. One AC coach and two general coaches jumped off the tracks. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and passengers have been accommodated while the cause is investigated.
Odisha govts pending telephone bills run into crores
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia shot off three reminders in recent months requesting Odisha government to clear dues of BSNL which is under financial stress
Six Boys Held For Gangraping Minor Girl In Odisha's Bolangir
The mobile phone used to record the video of the incident has been seized
Odishas Malkangiri declared Maoist-free after last rebel surrenders
Malkangiri (Odisha): Odishas Malkangiri, once considered a Maoist hotbed, was declared a Maoist-free district on Wednesday, February 4, after red rebel Sukhram Markam, who was carrying a bounty of Rs 21 lakh on his head, surrendered before the police, a senior officer said. The announcement comes days after Nabrangpur district was declared Maoist-free after nine Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Shares A Warm Moment With Children Outside President Murmus Residence
As his vehicle approached the barricaded area, the Chief Minister noticed the children standing eagerly by the roadside. In an unscripted gesture, he asked his driver to stop: Reports
Odisha Rolls Out Advanced Caravan Tourism Service To Boost Premium Travel
The second phase of the Caravan Tourism Service was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme, with financial and logistical support from the Odisha Tourism Department
President Droupadi Murmu Performs Ancestral Rites In Puri, Offers Prayers At Jagannath Temple
On the third day of her Odisha tour, which began on February 2, the President first performed the traditional Pind Daan ceremony at Shvetaganga, a sacred water body closely associated with ancestral rites: Reports
Hyderabad: Whats happening at Shilparamam from Feb 6 to 8?
Hyderabad is all set to witness a colourful celebration of Odishas rich culture as the much-awaited Odia Food and Craft Mela 2026 returns to the city. The vibrant festival will be held at Shilparamam, Hitech City, bringing together food lovers, art enthusiasts and culture admirers under one roof. Dates: From 6th to 8th February. What Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Odisha's Malkangiri District Declared Naxal-free
The announcement comes days after Nabrangpur district was declared Maoist-free after nine red rebels surrendered in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.
BHEL bags over Rs 1,000 cr project from Hindalco Industries
State-owned BHEL has secured a significant order worth Rs 1,200-1,500 crore from Hindalco Industries for a 2 x 150 MW BTG package. The project, to be executed at Lapanga, Odisha, involves comprehensive design, engineering, manufacturing, and commissioning of the power equipment over approximately three years.
President Murmu Performs Pinda Daan in Puri, Offers Prayers at Jagannath Temple
President Droupadi Murmu performed the pinda daan ritual at Puris Sweta Ganga and offered prayers at the Jagannath temple during her Odisha visit, amid tight security arrangements.
Tenant staying after lease expiry? When landlords can evict with just 15 days notice
Indian landlords must provide a 15-day eviction notice to tenants who remain after a lease expires, especially in month-to-month tenancies. A recent Odisha High Court ruling reinforced this, stating that a shorter notice period is invalid. This applies when no new formal agreement is signed, turning the tenancy into a monthly arrangement.
Girl, 14, Survives Night Alone In Forest After Kidnapping, Attempted Rape
A disturbing incident has been reported from Odisha's Kandhamal district, where a 14-year-old girl allegedly survived a night alone in a forest after being abducted and assaulted. Police have arrested one accused, while a search is on for the second.
Maoist Guerrilla Member Prabhu Surrenders In Odisha
Prabhu is a native of Chhotanagara in neighbouring Jharkhand and had been active in Maoist activities for the past two years: police sources
Minor Girl Abducted, Bound, And Abandoned In Odisha Forest After Assault Attempt
According to police sources, the girl had gone to a nearby river when two men allegedly seized her and took her into the forest. There, they reportedly tried to sexually assault her.
DRDO Tests Long-Range Missile Engine Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet Off Odisha Coast | Video
All subsystems of the missile, including the Nozzle-less Booster, Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet motor, and Fuel Flow Controller, performed as expected.
Big leap in air combat tech as India nails advanced Ramjet missile test
India achieved a significant milestone in missile technology with a successful Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet system demonstration. This advancement places India among a select group of nations possessing this critical capability. The test, conducted off the Odisha coast, saw all key subsystems perform as expected. This development enhances India's defence preparedness and tactical edge in long-range air-to-air missile development.
Odisha: 3 Lynchings in 5 Months, How Mob Violence Is Increasing Under BJP's Rule
Odisha recorded 2,400 cases of cattle smuggling between 2019 and 2024. Violence was reported in over 60% of cases.
Odisha: President Murmu performs pinda daan at Biraja temple
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday visited the Biraja temple in Odishas Jajpur district, where she performed the pinda daan ritual at the sacred Navi Gaya pool for the salvation of her ancestors souls. Elaborate security arrangements were made for the visit, with around 600 personnel deployed
Move Over Regular Snake Catchers, This Odisha Man Uses Mouth, Not Hands
When someone tries to take the reptile from him, but he shoves him away,
Odisha: Warden Accused of Misconduct at School for Disabled Children
The accused, identified as Sandhya Darshan Mahapatra, allegedly harassed female students through inappropriate physical contact: Officials
BJDs Sasmit Patra questions the lack of paddy procurement in Odisha, CPI(M)s John Brittas attacks former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, transferring wildlife into the Concurrent List, handicapping the States
OSSTET result expected to be released at bseodisha.ac.in: Check details here
The Board of Secondary Education, Odisha has announced the OSSTET Result 2025, bringing clarity for over 50,000 teaching aspirants. Conducted on January 17 in offline mode, the exam results went live on March 28 along with final answer keys and OMR sheets. Candidates can now access scorecards online using their roll numbers.
When a train coach went missing from a Superfast Express in Odisha
Passengers on the SambalpurNanded Nagavali Superfast Express were left bewildered when a reserved coach was missing upon arrival at Sambalpur. The train departed without the coach, causing confusion and scattering passengers with confirmed tickets. This incident, attributed to a technical snag, highlights recurring logistical lapses in India's railway network, with similar events reported previously.
Fire Breaks Out In Coal-laden Goods Train At Odishas Turekela Station
Following the detection of the fire, an alert was immediately issued to railway authorities at Turekela. The train was halted at the station as a precautionary measure to prevent the fire from spreading to other wagons
Deaf, Mute, Blind Students At Odisha School Sexually Abused By Male Warden
Multiple students, both girls and boys, of an Odisha school have accused a male warden of physical and sexual harassment.
Odisha Crime Branch Arrests Man from AP in Cyber Fraud Case
The arrested accused has been identified as Vedgiri Srinivasrao (39), a native of Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh
Budget 2026: India sets out to map rare-earth rich states to build aatmanirbharta amid China threat
India is establishing rare-earth corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to boost domestic mining, processing, and manufacturing. This strategic move aims to reduce import dependence, particularly for rare earth permanent magnets crucial for electric vehicles and renewable energy, following global supply chain disruptions.
The government is facilitating mineral extraction by large corporate houses without taking a long-term view of resource sustainability, says Lingaraj, a prominent rights activist
Five Crocodiles Die At Odisha Zoo, Probe Ordered
Series of deaths at Nandankanan over eight days triggers veterinary intervention and laboratory tests: Reports
Budget prioritises building clean energy value chain with BCD exemptions, rare earths corridor
The Centre aims to support Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for creating dedicated rare earth corridors to promote mining, processing, research and manufacturing
Strange Hair Colour Puts Odisha Cop In The Spotlight
DSPs naturally reddish hair sparks memes, internal queries and a debate on appearance versus personal circumstance: Reports
Four-member gang from Odisha arrested for selling ganja in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: In a major operation, the Prohibition and Excise Department, on Saturday, January 31, arrested a four-member gang from Odisha, allegedly supplying ganja to local peddlers. Around 30 kilograms of ganja were seized. According to the department, the accused rented a house in the Rahimpura locality of Dhoolpet and regularly sourced ganja from their native Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Hails Budget Push to Operationalise National Waterway-5
CM says inland waterway will transform Odishas logistics, boost industry and cut carbon footprint
Twenty new national waterways to boost sustainable cargo movement
Government focuses on NW-5 in Odisha to link mineral hubs with major ports; initiates skill development and ship repair ecosystems
Budget Makes Big Proposals For Biopharma, Textiles, Rare Earth Without Required Allocations
The Budget said that a scheme for Rare Earth Permanent Magnets will support Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to establish dedicated Rare Earth Corridors
Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly and former CM Naveen Patnaik said the Budget offered no noteworthy benefits to the State and its people
Jammu Kashmir, Other States to Get Eco-Friendly Mountain Trains
SRINAGAR: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the 2026 Budget, announced plans to develop ecologically sustainable mountain trains and hiking trails in key hill regions, including Jammu Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Araku Valley, and Pudigai Malai. The government will also introduce wildlife tourism trails, featuring turtle nesting routes in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala, and []
Centre to Develop Mountain Trails in APs Araku Valley, J&K
Turtle trails along key nesting sites in the coastal areas of Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala; and Bird watching trails along the Pulikat lake in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will also be developed
Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
The proposed corridors will focus on strengthening domestic capabilities across the rare earth value chain, covering extraction, processing and manufacturing activities. The finance minister said the initiative aims to enhance domestic production and reduce import dependence.
Budget 2026: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27. The budget includes significant proposals for Tamil Nadu. Rare earth mineral corridors will be established in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. Seven high-speed rail corridors are planned, including Hyderabad-Chennai. A coconut promotion scheme will boost production in key states. The minister wore a magenta Kanjeevaram saree.
Odisha, Kerala, Andhra, Tamil Nadu to have dedicated rare earth corridors
The scheme aims to establish 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of integrated REPM manufacturing capacity in India, covering the full chain from rare-earth oxides to finished magnets
Budget 2026: The move comes as India looks to reduce its dependence on China for rare-earth minerals. Two of the four states, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, are set to go to Assembly elections in 2026
India is set to boost its rare earth capabilities. The government will support states like Odisha and Kerala to establish dedicated rare earth corridors. This move aims to reduce import dependence and build a complete domestic ecosystem. Initiatives include incentives for permanent magnet production and recycling of critical minerals.
Sitharaman Announces Rare Earth Corridors In 4 States, Including Tamil Nadu
Taking a big step to reduce India's dependence on China for rare earths, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that dedicated corridors will be set up for the minerals in four states - Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Snake rescuer on social media held as kingpin in Rs 2.6 crore ganja bust
Police seized 520 kg of ganja and arrested nine people from Odisha and Maharashtra, uncovering a well-planned supply chain that used multiple routes and local contacts to move drugs across state lines
Five Killed as Speeding Truck Mows Down Motorcycles in Odishas Berhampur
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
Naveen Patnaik Meets Kalikesh Singh Deo, Triggers Speculation On BJD Organisational Reshuffle
The meeting comes at a time when the BJD is facing internal challenges following its defeat in the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections.
Women All Set to Take the Drivers Seat in Odishas Public Transport Push
First batch of women drivers heads to Pune for electric bus training under Ama Bus initiative
Odisha Cabinet clears 17,250-cr Kalyani Group manufacturing complex in Dhenkanal
Odisha Cabinet also approves the continuation of international flights with State viability gap funding (VGF) support.
SCARF conducts dissemination meeting on Juveniles Accessing Mental Health Services
According to SCARF Chennai, the project improves access to quality, child-centred mental healthcare for children and adolescents living in Child Care Institutions in Tamil Nadu and Odisha
Odisha Govt To Facilitate Jagannath Darshan For Senior Citizens, Widows
Nearly 35,000 beneficiaries are likely to be covered in the first phase of the scheme: Reports
Odisha Reacts to Andhra Pradeshs Provocative Acts in Kotia
Minister told reporters If Kotia is targeted with ill intent or political motives, the Odisha government will take strict action
Tribals harassed, locked in church by right-wing mob in Odisha
Christian tribal community members were allegedly assaulted, harassed, and barred from holding prayers after a Hindutva mob entered the church in Kapena village of Odishas Nabarangpur district on Sunday, January 25. According to The Times of India, the mob used loudspeakers to issue threats, warning Christians that the church would be demolished and that 30 Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Odisha DSP asked to revert hair colour after photos go viral
A Deputy Superintendent of Police in Odisha has been ordered to change his bright red hair back to its natural color. Photographs of the officer in uniform with the striking hair shade circulated widely online. The police headquarters issued a formal warning emphasizing discipline and public decorum.
NIT Rourkela, ORMAS Partner To Set Up Mahua Processing Plant To Boost Tribal Livelihoods In Odisha
The initiative, aligned with the Liquor to Lifestyle programme, aims to shift the utilisation of Mahua from traditional liquor-based consumption to diversified non-liquor value-added products.
Blackbuck Census Begins in Odishas Ganjam District
Officials said the blackbuck census in the region was first initiated in 2011
Old, Unrelated Video Viral as Protest Against BJP for the New UGC Guidelines
This video is from December 2025 showing a protest by Odisha Congress against the National Herald case.
Burglars Decamp with 700 Gms Gold in Odisha Heist
The theft occurred at the residence of Gopal Chandra Malla, located near the Anantapur Ram Temple, while the homeowner was away in Bhubaneswar
Odian Odyssey: Marriott Hotel brings a taste of Odisha to Hyderabad
Hyderabad: One can find a plethora of cuisines, with our cultural blanket covering areas from across the world due to global influences. However sometimes we miss great cuisinescloser to home. In spite of its proximity, Odisha is a state Hyderabadis seldom think of for food. And to cover that cultural gap Marriott Hotel and Convention Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Congress to seek BJD support to send Independent to Rajya Sabha
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das has sought appointment of former CM Naveen Patnaik to discuss about coming together in forthcoming Rajya Sabha election
Tension prevails in village in Odishas Nabarangpur over demand to shift church
Villagers from Hindu community said that church was obstructing in practicing their own religious ceremonies
Odisha Bandh Called By Farmers Body A Super Flop: Minister Patra
Patra said the protest found no resonance among genuine cultivators
India’s leading building materials exhibition, MATECIA Exhibition (Materials & Products for Construction, Interiors & Architecture) - a premier Indian trade exhibition for building materials, interior products, furniture, and design—along with SURFACES REPORTER, one of India’s most respected architecture and design media platforms, is set to host the largest-ever confluence of architecture, interiors, and building materials for East & Northeast India. The three-day event will be held from 30 January to 1 February 2026 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan (BBMP), opposite Science City in Kolkata, with National Award-winning actor, motivational speaker and founder of Ashish Vidyarthi & Associates, Mr. Ashish Vidyarthi, as the chief guest. MATECIA Exhibition and SURFACES REPORTER Architecture Event to Spotlight the Rise of East & Northeast India in Kolkata This event will bring together over 150+ top architecture and design firms, interior designers, developers, dealers, brands, and channel partners from 12+ states across East and Northeast India, from Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, positioning Kolkata as a vital cultural and regional bridge while reinforcing the scale, diversity and creative strength of the regional design ecosystem. Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Verticaa Dvivedi, Director, Surfaces Reporter Architecture Event , said, “For far too long, East and Northeast India have been perceived as slow or difficult markets—regions many hesitate to enter, assuming they are not easily reachable. What often gets overlooked is the exceptional depth of architectural thinking emerging from these regions. Designers here work with climate, context, and culture not as constraints, but as strengths. In many ways, the rest of India has a lot to learn from them. Through the Surfaces Reporter Architecture Event – East & Northeast India, we aim to highlight, promote, and amplify this outstanding body of work. This edition is not an arrival—it is the first page of a much larger national narrative.” Spread across over 1,50,000 sq. ft., the event will feature 100+ leading interior and surface brands and bring together 200+ architects and interior designers showcasing over 500 landmark projects, welcoming an estimated 14,000–16,000 visitors from 100+ towns and cities. The three-day event will commence with its inauguration on Thursday, 30 January 2026, from 10:30 AM onwards. A key highlight of the platform will be Surfaces Reporter Salutes – Architecture & Design Honours, scheduled for 31 January 2026 from 4:00 PM onwards. As the first collective regional recognition initiative dedicated exclusively to East and Northeast India, the honours will celebrate around 100 leading architects and interior designers, the creative forces behind more than 500 of the region’s most notable projects, recognising excellence across residential, commercial, hospitality, institutional and urban design. The lamp lighting ceremony and opening address will be led by Mr. Rajesh Mittal, President, FIPPI and CMD, Greenply Industries Ltd; Mr. Surinder Arora, President, ILMA and Managing Director, Virgo Industries Ltd; Mr. Ramesh Bagla, President, CTMA; and Ms. Meenakshi Ganeshan, Deputy Director General, BIS, East Zone. They will be joined by Mr. Manoj Lohia of Merino Industries Ltd, Mr. Joydeep Chitlangia of Duroply, Mr. Vishal Dokania of Durian, Mr. Rushil Thakkar of Rushil Décor, Mr. Gajanan Munka of Saburi Plywood, Mr. Gaurav Bagla, President, BTIA, Mr. Vikas Khemka, Vice President, BTMA, Mr. M.P. Singh, former Director, IWST and FIPPI, and Mr. J. Ahuja of ILMA. Emphasising the material and market perspective, Pragat Dvivedi, Director, MATECIA Exhibition , added, “2026 will mark the emergence of East and Northeast India as serious growth markets. These regions are witnessing rapid urban development, infrastructure expansion, and a new generation of design-conscious professionals. MATECIA Exhibition’s presence here reflects our belief that the future of India’s building materials market will also be equally driven by East and Northeast India.” The event will also be graced by esteemed dignitaries from the architectural fraternity, including Ar. Sunil Maniramka of Maniramka & Associates, Ar. Rupande Shah of Rupande Shah & Associates, Ar. Monica Khosla Bhargava of Kham Consultants, Ar. Amber Chandgothia of Amber Creations, Ar. J.P. Agrawal of Agrawal & Agrawal Architects, and Ar. Bipratip Dhar of Epsilon. Also present will be Ar. Atul Saraf of Atulya Architects, Ranchi, President, IIA Jharkhand, along with members of IIA Jharkhand; Ar. Bapilu Chai, Member, Arunachal Architects Association, along with members; Ar. Frederick Malsawmzuala, President, Mizoram Architects Forum, along with members; and Ar. Nokranglong Jamir, Vice President, Association of Nagaland Architects, along with members. The event will also feature India Interior Retailing (IIR), a knowledge platform that brings industry and interior retail leaders together, creating a high-energy space for learning, networking, and growth. In addition, the Surfaces Reporter SHOWCASE will provide a special presentation zone where brands present and architects review, offering an excellent opportunity for interaction and collaboration between designers and manufacturers. The MATECIA Exhibition & SURFACES REPORTER Architecture Event – East & Northeast India is set to redefine how the region is viewed by the industry and the nation, marking a decisive step in reshaping national perceptions and bringing the East and Northeast India’s design excellence firmly into the national spotlight. www.MATECIA Exhibition.com About MATECIA EXHIBITION MATECIA is a business exhibition in India that connects Exhibitors & Sponsors with Architects, Interior Retailers, Designers, Distributors, Agents, Builders, Government agencies, Project Consultants, Channel Partners and Dealers in the Building Material and Interior Products industry. It is a flagship initiative of Bigsea Marcom India Pvt. Ltd., a 25-year-old media and communications company, supported by Knowledge Partners SURFACES REPORTER®, PLY REPORTER® and FURNITURE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY. About SURFACES REPORTER SURFACES REPORTER® is India’s leading media platform for interiors, architecture, building materials and the business of design, with over 11 years of industry presence. As India’s first content platform focused exclusively on products and materials for building and interiors, SURFACES REPORTER® is committed to informing, guiding and connecting architects, interior designers, developers and industry experts who are shaping the future of the built environment. SURFACES REPORTER® reaches a wide and growing audience through its bi-monthly print circulation of 28,000 copies, 150,000 e-zine subscriptions and a readership of over 450,000 across platforms.
Odisha Bandh Today News: A statewide Odisha Bandh, called by the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan over alleged mismanagement in paddy procurement, began today from 6 am to 2 pm. Political backing from the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee is present, with disruptions expected in transport, markets, and government offices. Essential services remain exempted.
Man trampled to death by wild elephants
PTI Chatra (Odisha) A 35-year-old man has been trampled to death by wild elephants in Jharkhands Chatra district, while two others have suffered injuries, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place near Navodaya Karm More in Sadar police station area on Monday night when the three were returning home on a motorcycle. The deceased []
A statewide Odisha bandh has been called for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, by the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan to protest alleged paddy procurement mismanagement. The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee has lent its political support to the protest. While essential services are expected to remain operational, public transport and daily life are likely to be disrupted.
Absconding POCSO case accused nabbed in Odisha
Odisha Bandh On January 28: Congress Backs Farmers Stir, BJP Brands It Manufactured Protest
The farmers outfit said the shutdown aims to draw attention to mounting distress among cultivators and the wider public, blaming administrative lapses and rising costs for worsening rural hardships.
OJEE 2026 tentative exam dates released: Application process to begin tomorrow, details here
The Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) Committee has announced the tentative schedule for OJEE 2026, with exams planned from May 4-9. The application process opens January 28 and closes March 22, 2026. OJEE 2026 is the gateway for various professional courses, with admissions to some programs requiring JEE (MAIN) or NEET (UG) qualification.
Farmer organisation calls dawn-to-dusk Odisha bandh over paddy procurement mess on January 28
Congress backs the 12-hour shutdown; BJDsaysit supports farmers cause but will not participate
Odisha MLA Steps In To Restore Oxygen Supply At Gajapati District Hospital
BJD MLA Rupesh Panigrahi arranged for a specialised technical team from Bhubaneswar to repair and restore the oxygen generation system.
2 Wagons of Goods Train Derail in Odisha's Koraput, Rail Services Unaffected
The incident took place within the rail yard around 11.35 pm on Monday when the goods train started its journey from Jagdalpur to Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh
CBI notice to retired Odisha High Court judge legally unsustainable: Delhi HC
Delhi High Court declared a CBI notice to retired judge IM Quddusi invalid. The court stated the notice sought to create information, not retrieve existing documents. This ruling impacts how investigative agencies can gather evidence from individuals. The CBI had asked Quddusi for details on mobile numbers and bank accounts.
Odisha: Five-year-old Minor Girl Sexually Assaulted In Deogarh; Accused Assaulted
Local residents immediately rushed to the spot, rescued the girl and apprehended the accused. During the ensuing commotion, the accused was assaulted by villagers before police personnel arrived
