New Delhi, June 18: India’s current account deficit (CAD) is projected to widen to around 2.2% of GDP in FY27, driven primarily by sustained high global crude oil prices and increased import-related pressures, according to recent macroeconomic assessments. Analysts say the outlook reflects continued vulnerability to global energy price fluctuations, as India remains a major importer of crude oil to meet domestic consumption needs. Higher oil…
FCI Procurement Slowdown Triggers Rice Storage Crisis in Odisha; Bargarh Worst Affected
Sambalpur / Baragarh, June 18 (UDN): A sharp slowdown in rice procurement by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has triggered serious concerns over paddy procurement and storage management across Odisha, with Baragarh emerging as one of the worst-affected districts. Farmers and millers across western Odisha allege that FCI is now lifting significantly lower quantities of custom milled rice (CMR) compared to previous years, creating…
54 KIIT Faculty Members Ranked Among World’s Top 5% Scientists in Global Index 2025
Bhubaneswar, June 18 (UDN): In a significant achievement for Odisha’s higher education and research ecosystem, 54 faculty members of KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT-DU) have been ranked among the world’s top 5 percent scientists in the prestigious Global Scientist Index 2025 published by SciRank Global. The recognition places KIIT among leading research-driven institutions globally and highlights the growing international impact of its academic and…
Odisha Clears INR 76,612 Crore Investments, Paving Way for Over 50,500 New Jobs
Bhubaneswar, June 18 (UDN): Odisha has taken another significant step towards becoming a leading industrial and investment hub with the approval of 20 major projects worth ₹76,612 crore. The projects, spread across nine districts, are expected to generate more than 50,500 employment opportunities and accelerate the state’s economic transformation. The proposals received clearance during the 45th meeting of the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA), chaired by…
Somanath Swabhiman Yatra-2026 to Strengthen Odisha’s Cultural Pride and Spiritual Consciousness
Bhubaneswar, June 18(UDN): Reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving Odisha’s rich cultural legacy and protecting the identity of the Odia people, it has been emphasized that safeguarding Odia pride remains a supreme responsibility, while restoring the state’s glorious heritage continues to be an unwavering commitment. Addressing the significance of the Somanath Swabhiman Yatra-2026, it was stated that the initiative will play a vital role in…
Kalahandi Jaggery Economy Struggles Without Market Infrastructure Despite Rising Demand
Kalahandi, June 18 (UDN): Jaggery production in the riverbank areas of Kalahandi district continues to remain a key pillar of the rural economy, supporting thousands of farming families across Dharmagarh sub-division and nearby blocks including Junagarh, Kokasara, Kalampur and Jayapatna. Farmers in the region are engaged in large-scale sugarcane cultivation and traditional jaggery (gur) production, which includes solid blocks, soft varieties, liquid jaggery and country-made…
Free Bus Service for NEET Candidates by OSRTC and CRUT on June 21
Bhubaneswar, June 18 (UDN): In a student-friendly initiative, the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) will provide free bus services for candidates appearing in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) on June 21. The special transportation facility will be available from major railway stations and bus stands to designated examination centres, ensuring smooth and hassle-free travel for candidates…
Rairangpur: PM Modi to Visit President Droupadi Murmu’s Native Village Pahadpur During Odisha Tour
Rairangpur, June 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the native village of President Droupadi Murmu, Pahadpur in Rairangpur, during his upcoming Odisha tour on June 19–20, marking a significant high-profile engagement in Mayurbhanj district. According to the detailed itinerary, the Prime Minister will arrive in Rairangpur on June 20 after attending official programmes, including participation in state government events. He is expected…
Malkangiri Bear Dies After Brutal Mob Attack Near Mathili Forest Range; Probe Initiated
Malkangiri, June 18: A bear that was rescued in a critically injured condition has died after allegedly being attacked by a mob using stones and sharp weapons near Daiguda Chhak under the Mathili forest range in Malkangiri district. According to reports, the wild animal was attacked by locals for nearly four hours before being rescued in a severely injured state by forest officials. It was…
Madagascar and Zanzibar Announce New National Shark and Ray Protections at Our Ocean Conference
MOMBASA, KENYA, June 18: At a side event this evening at the Our Ocean Conference, the governments of Madagascar and Zanzibar announced sweeping new national protections for sharks and rays, marking the latest milestone in a decade of conservation progress across East Africa. Sharks and rays are experiencing one of the fastest extinction crises of any vertebrate group on Earth—more than 37 percent of species are…