THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, NOVEMBER 29, 2025 Odisha’s growth trajectory has gained impressive momentum in recent months. The state made headlines in the first quarter of 2025–26 (Q1FY26) with the highest number of new project announcements across various sectors, signalling a resurgence in investor confidence. With a 575-km coastline, robust multi-modal connectivity spanning road, air, and waterways, and vast mineral reserves, ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 30, 2025 India cannot dream of becoming a clean energy superpower while ignoring the ground beneath its own feet. From solar panels to wind turbines, electric vehicles to green transmission lines — every clean energy innovation depends on aluminium. Lightweight, durable, infinitely recyclable, and endlessly versatile, aluminium is the metal that makes renewable energy possible. And ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 27, 2025 In a compelling grassroots revelation, 81 per cent of Kalahandi residents believe that initiating bauxite mining will unlock jobs, infrastructure, and long-awaited prosperity, according to a new community survey by NGO SWAARA (Social Welfare and Women & Child Advancement in Rural Area) — a grassroots community development organisation. The report, titled “Kalahandi Speaks on ...

India imports bauxite worth thousands of crores every year despite Odisha holding nearly 60 per cent of the country’s reserves — a gap that cripples self-reliance and regional growth, writes Priyabrat Biswal   India finds itself trapped in a strange and costly paradox. Despite being endowed with some of the world’s richest deposits of bauxite — the ore that forms ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 15, 2025 On September 25, 2025, India marked the 11th anniversary of the Make in India initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the same date in 2014. The vision behind Make in India was bold and transformative: to position India as a global hub for manufacturing, design, and innovation. It promised that India would ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 09, 2025 India is facing an urgent crisis of talent loss. Every year, millions of students leave the country to study at foreign universities, draining billions of rupees from the economy and robbing India of its brightest minds. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks of making India self-reliant — “from chip to ship” — he’s calling ...

By Arghya Patnaik The recently released Q1 GDP data for this fiscal, pegging quarterly growth at 7.8%, sparked much jubilation. However, the same newspapers also carried sobering headlines announcing US tariffs of 50% on Indian goods — signalling tectonic shifts towards more protectionist global trade. In this scenario, only inherent competitiveness and diversification can ensure sustained export-led growth. Efficient logistics ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 Behind the smelters, refineries, and rolling mills that make Vedanta Aluminium India’s largest aluminium producer stands a dynamic workforce of 2,000 engineers. Spread across Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh in Odisha and Korba in Chhattisgarh, this diverse community of talent does far more than keeping machines in motion. They are innovators, problem-solvers, and agents of change ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 For years, the people of Odisha’s mineral-rich districts have done everything in their power to make their voices heard. They have marched in protest, submitted petitions to MLAs, and raised their demands in every forum available — amplified by social media until they trended nationally. From the red hills of Rayagada to the dusty ...

By Priyabrat Biswal IN the late eighties, when college corridors still echoed with chalk on blackboards and transistor radios carried the world’s music into college hostels, “love” was a fragile word — something whispered, never proclaimed. For those of us from lower middle-class families, it was not a luxury we could openly afford. Love was not roses pressed between book ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 27, 2025 History often highlights well-known public figures, but the tireless efforts of behind-the-scenes visionaries often go unnoticed. A notable example is Sir Dorabji Tata, a man whose passion and dedication helped bring his father’s dream of a vibrant, self-sufficient India to life. Sir Dorabji was not only a pioneering businessman but also a devoted patriot. ...

By embracing initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and the ULA model in Odisha, we can turn our homes into powerhouses, our state into a leader in renewable energy, and our nation into a beacon of sustainable progress, says Arvind Singh BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 20, 2025 On Akshay Urja Diwas, we celebrate India’s unwavering commitment to renewable energy ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 20, 2025 On India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to Atmanirbharta, reminding citizens that “self-reliance is not limited to import-export, rupees, pounds or dollars but linked to our own strengths and capabilities.” His call for self-reliance as the foundation of Aatma Samman (self-respect) struck a patriotic chord. Yet, even as ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU JHARSUGUDA/LANJIGARH, AUGUST 11, 2025 Odisha’s tribal heartlands — home to vibrant communities such as the Kondh, Gond, Santal, Munda, and Saura — are celebrated for their distinctive cultures, crafts, and traditions. Yet, behind this cultural wealth lay decades of neglect, poverty, and isolation. In the rugged landscapes of Rayagada, the famine-scarred Kalahandi region of Lanjigarh, and the remote ...

Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata, affectionately known as JRD Tata, was not just an iconic industrialist; he was a transformative visionary who believed in building a future where progress, people, and the planet thrive together. As the guiding force behind the Tata Group, he transcended the conventional role of a business leader, becoming a humanitarian who shaped India’s approach to sustainable ...

By PRIYABRAT In the era of smartphones and instant gratification, social media has evolved into a double-edged sword. While it empowers consumers to voice their concerns, it has also become a breeding ground for misinformation, exaggeration, and, at times, misplaced outrage. One sector increasingly finding itself in the eye of this digital storm is power distribution — particularly in Odisha, ...

By PRIYABRAT The day before yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting someone who has long been a role model to me — not because of fame or flamboyance, but for the sheer dignity he brings to his work. His dedication to journalism, unwavering integrity, and the soul-stirring quality of his writing have always inspired me. I walked into the ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, JULY 21, 2025 As public consciousness around food safety grows, attention is increasingly focused on what goes into our meals—calories, nutrients, additives, and origin. But amid this growing scrutiny, a crucial factor often slips under the radar: the cookware we use every day. The very materials that touch our food — under high heat, oil, and moisture ...

By PRIYABRAT Last year, on the occasion of World Public Relations Day, I took a moment to extend warm wishes to over a hundred PR professionals I knew — people working across Public Sector Undertakings, corporate houses, and PR agencies. Many of them might not know me personally, but I knew them through my work as a journalist. I thought ...

It’s Time for India to Build Its Own Harvards By Arvind Kumar Mishra India is at a defining crossroads in its education journey. With over 40 million students enrolled in higher education institutions (AISHE 2021–22), we represent the world’s largest college-going population. Yet, a significant share of our youth continues to seek education overseas, drawn by global exposure, academic reputation, ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, JULY 2, 2025 India stands at a decisive crossroads in its industrial journey — one that promises not just economic acceleration, but long-term strategic self-reliance. Central to this opportunity is a dusty red ore buried deep within the earth: bauxite. As the primary feedstock for aluminium, bauxite powers a broad spectrum of modern industries — from smart ...

The holy city, the abode of Mahaprabhu Jagannath — Puri — is ready for the Rath Yatra. It is a journey of faith for millions of devotees coming from across the globe. And Bhartiya Rail is at the service of these pilgrims, facilitating their overall experience in Shreekshetra Puri. The last 11 years have been historic for Odisha’s railway infrastructure ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 24, 2025 In the tribal heartland of Odisha’s Kalahandi district, where tradition is a way of life and ancestral legacies run deep, two ancient art forms—Saura painting and Dhokra craft — once stood on the verge of fading into oblivion. Today, however, these timeless expressions of tribal heritage are witnessing a vibrant revival, thanks to Vedanta ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 17, 2025 Once symbolic of deprivation and neglect, Kalahandi has witnessed a remarkable transformation — from one of Odisha’s most underdeveloped districts to a thriving hub of inclusive, tribal-led rural development. In 2001, the district’s contribution to Odisha’s Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP) was under 1 per cent, with average per capita income barely reaching ₹19,000. ...

India can avoid China’s EV oversupply crisis by adopting phased incentives, boosting infrastructure, and focusing on quality-driven, demand-led growth, writes Pradyumna K Panda   As the global electric vehicle (EV) race intensifies, India stands at a pivotal crossroads. While aiming to scale up its EV ecosystem, it must navigate this transition carefully — mindful of the cautionary tale unfolding in ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 11, 2025 Kalahandi district in southwestern Odisha, rich in cultural heritage and natural resources, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Known for its tribal artistry, especially Dhokra and Saura crafts, and abundant bauxite reserves, Kalahandi has long remained a region of untapped potential. Despite its assets, it was once held back by weak infrastructure, economic stagnation, and ...

Odisha’s future industrial growth lies in prioritizing the aluminium value chain, unlocking green opportunities and aligning with global sustainability trends, writes Pradyumna K. Panda   Odisha stands at a defining juncture in its industrial journey. While steel has long been the backbone of the state’s economic development, a compelling case is emerging for a strategic pivot toward aluminium — a ...

When Elon Musk promised to slash up to $2 trillion from the federal budget as head of the newly minted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the breathless media coverage treated it as another chapter in the Tesla CEO’s disruptive genius narrative. What we witnessed instead was a spectacular case study in why running government like a Silicon Valley startup is ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU DHAMRA, MAY 22, 2025 For over 200 million years, turtles have thrived across land and sea, surviving mass extinctions and playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Often referred to as “keystone species,” sea turtles influence the health and stability of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Yet today, these ancient reptiles face unprecedented threats. Pollution, habitat loss, ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 24, 2025 Once emblematic of poverty, deprivation, and disease, Odisha’s Kalahandi district has witnessed a stunning transformation over the past two decades. Once plagued by inadequate health infrastructure and an unrelenting malaria epidemic, the region is now emerging as a model of grassroots healthcare reform — thanks to Vedanta Aluminium’s long-term commitment to community well-being. For ...

By ISHWAR CHANDRA NAIK     For decades, Kalahandi district in Odisha has been known for its traditional handicrafts, rich biodiversity, and abundant water resources essential for irrigation. A lesser-known fact about the region is its wealth of natural resources — especially bauxite, which exists in abundance. Yet, for many years, Kalahandi stood as a stark symbol of rural deprivation ...

By Priyabrat Biswal Today, April 21, is observed across the nation as National Public Relations Day — a day meant to appreciate the bridge-builders between organisations and the public, the ones who craft messages, manage reputations, and build trust. Newspapers, social media, and digital platforms are teeming with praise and textbook definitions of who a PR professional should be. And ...

By Priyabrat Biswal Endowed with a wealth of natural resources — minerals, forests, and fertile lands — Odisha possesses immense potential for industrial and economic growth. Yet, for decades, many parts of the state remained underdeveloped, with persistent poverty and inadequate infrastructure. A compelling example of how the strategic and responsible use of natural resources can drive regional transformation is ...

In the heartlands of India, where dusty trails wind through sun-baked villages and age-old hills whisper centuries of stories, art has always been more than an aesthetic. It is a voice, an identity, and a tradition passed down through generations like a treasured heirloom. In Odisha and Rajasthan, the millennia-old crafts of Dhokra metalwork, Saura paintings, Ajrak block-printing, and Appliqué ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 14, 2025 In a world recalibrating its supply chains and redefining self-reliance, Odisha finds itself at a transformative crossroads. Rich in natural resources and armed with ambitious policy frameworks, the eastern Indian state is now aiming to move beyond its identity as a mineral-rich hinterland toward becoming a magnet for sustainable industrial investment. This global shift, ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 8, 2025 Once positioned as a formidable industrial force powered by its rich mineral reserves, Odisha now stands at a pivotal juncture. Despite its remarkable record in attracting large-scale investments — most recently with over ₹1.65 lakh crore approved across districts — concerns are mounting about the state’s ability to sustain its industrial trajectory. At the ...

By Vaisnoee Mohanty   Plastic pollution is no longer just an environmental concern—it has become a growing threat to both livestock and human health. In urban areas across developing nations, stray cattle are increasingly falling victim to plastic waste, with devastating consequences for the animals and dangerous ripple effects through the food chain. Veterinarians are raising alarms over a condition ...

Odisha has long served as a cornerstone of India’s metals, mining, and manufacturing sectors. With its vast mineral reserves, the state has historically attracted substantial investments, fostering industrial growth, infrastructure development, and progressive policy reforms. These efforts have created opportunities for both businesses and local communities. Yet, a concerning trend is emerging — several companies are now reconsidering their presence ...

Is the United States, once the undisputed titan of Artificial Intelligence (AI), now watching its lead slip away to China? The question gnaws at the core of America’s technological pride, and the answer isn’t simple. The US still boasts giants like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, churning out cutting-edge models that dazzle the world. Yet, across the Pacific, China’s AI juggernaut ...

In the heart of India’s villages and towns, a quiet yet powerful transformation is taking place. Women, long sidelined in economic conversations, are now stepping into the roles of entrepreneurs, educators, and change-makers. This shift is not just about equality: It’s about unlocking a massive economic opportunity. Investing in women-led development at the grass roots is not just a social ...

The Mahakumbh has successfully concluded in the holy city of Prayagraj. A grand Mahayajna of Unity has been completed. When the consciousness of a nation awakens, when it breaks free from the shackles of a centuries-old mindset of subjugation, it breathes freely in the fresh air of renewed energy. The result of this was witnessed at the Ekta Ka Mahakumbh ...

Imagine being handcuffed not by steel, but by pixels. A voice on your phone claims you are a criminal, flashes a fake warrant, and demands money to avert arrest. You are not in a dystopian film –you are under digital arrest, a cyber-sham where scammers weaponize authority and fear to hijack lives. The recent case of Berhampur University Vice-Chancellor Geetanjali ...

The Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025, with its grand signing of 54 MoUs worth ₹5 lakh crore on Day 1, feels less like a business summit and more like a theatrical revival of Odisha’s ancient legacy as a global trade hub. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invocation of the Bali Yatra — a festival commemorating Odisha’s maritime glory with Southeast Asia — ...

As we approach the 2025-26 Union Budget, infrastructure expenditure remains the linchpin of India’s economic growth strategy. The allocation of Rs 11.1 lakh crore for infrastructure in the 2024-25 budget has laid a robust foundation, and the upcoming budget must accelerate momentum in key sectors such as railways, defence, power, and data centers. To maximize the potential of these investments, ...

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 13, 2025 The sixth edition of Odisha Manaska, a vibrant community discourse platform organized by All Things Odisha, took place on Sunday at the Safe Odisha For Her head office in Saheed Nagar, here. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of around 30 individuals from various fields, who engaged in an in-depth discussion on the theme, ...

By PRIYABRAT BISWAL With each New Year, a bittersweet memory resurfaces — one I’ve cherished for decades. It’s the memory of my mother, quietly standing by my side as she handed me a diary, a simple yet profoundly meaningful gift. For me, the arrival of the New Year will always be intertwined with the memory of her thoughtful gesture, which ...

You are in your late thirties or forties, juggling work, family responsibilities, and a long list of personal goals. Planning for retirement might feel like one more overwhelming task, especially when managing current finances already demands attention. But then, someone mentions mutual funds—a type of investment that can potentially grow your money over time without your constant involvement. You start ...

It has been a month since Shri Ratan Tata Ji left us. From bustling cities and towns to villages, his absence is deeply felt across every segment of society. Seasoned industrialists, budding entrepreneurs and hardworking professionals mourn his loss. Those passionate about the environment and devoted to philanthropy are equally saddened. His absence has been deeply felt not only across ...

By Jayajit Dash The AI revolution is rapidly altering the technological landscape, but it comes with a hefty energy demand. The recent collaboration between BlackRock and Microsoft, proposing a $30 billion fund to invest in AI infrastructure, signals that the future of AI is as much about energy and infrastructure as it is about algorithms and code. This partnership highlights ...

The new Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, signed by key global powers, emphasizes transparency, accountability, and human oversight to prevent AI from reinforcing biases and inequalities, while still encouraging innovation, writes Jayajit Dash   In the annals of history, certain documents stand out as beacons of progress. The Magna Carta, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Geneva Conventions ...