New Odisha Age

FSSAI Proposes Plastic-Free Packaging Norms for Pan Masala and Gutka

Bhubaneswar: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a major regulatory shift mandating plastic-free packaging for pan masala, gutka, and similar products. Under a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards Packaging Regulations 2018, these products would be allowed to be packed only in eco-friendly materials such as paper, paperboard,…

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Bhubaneswar Police Use Soothing Music to Reduce Traffic Stress

Bhubaneswar: In a unique initiative, the Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police has started playing soft, soothing music at 32 major traffic intersections across Bhubaneswar to ease commuter stress, especially during long waits and ongoing heatwave conditions. The system operates through Public Address Systems integrated with CCTV networks and is centrally controlled. Along with music, authorities are also…

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BJP Sweeps Gujarat Civic Polls, Wins All 15 Municipal Corporations

Bhubaneswar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a decisive victory in Gujarat’s civic elections, winning control of all 15 municipal corporations across Gujarat. The outcome reinforces the party’s strong urban base and organisational dominance in one of its key political bastions. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had earlier made inroads in urban centres…

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Odisha Law Commission Proposes Dress Code for Jagannath Temple

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Law Commission has recommended amendments to the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955 to introduce a formal dress code for devotees visiting the Jagannath Temple. As per the proposal, women may be restricted from wearing jeans or trousers inside the temple premises, while traditional attire has been suggested for male devotees. Male…

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Government Offers Financial Incentives for Inter-Caste Marriages to Promote Social Equality

Bhubaneswar: Several states across India are providing financial assistance ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh to couples entering inter-caste marriages, as part of efforts to promote social integration and reduce caste-based discrimination. At the national level, the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages supports such unions, particularly those involving a Scheduled…

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NHRC Special Monitor visits AIIMS Bhubaneswar

Commends Initiatives on Human Rights Education and Equitable Healthcare Bhubaneswar: Special Monitor for Human Rights Advocacy (Human Rights Education and Gender Equality) from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Kanhaiya Tripathi, visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar on 25th March, 2026 (Wednesday). During the visit, Prof. Tripathi reviewed various initiatives undertaken by AIIMS Bhubaneswar in the areas…

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PM Modi Highlights Digital, Self-Enumeration Features in Census 2027

Bhubaneswar: During the 133rd episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the significance of the upcoming Census of India 2027, describing it as the world’s largest enumeration exercise with a major digital transformation. He noted that Census 2027 will offer a markedly different experience compared to previous rounds, as data collection will…

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Census 2027: India’s First Fully Digital Enumeration Exercise

Bhubaneswar: India is set to undertake its most advanced population survey with Census of India 2027, marking a major shift toward digital data collection and governance. The Census is a comprehensive process involving the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of demographic, social, cultural, and economic data relating to every individual in the country. The 2027…

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National Panchayati Raj Diwas Highlights Grassroots Democracy and Inclusive Development

Bhubaneswar: National Panchayati Raj Day underscores India’s commitment to decentralised governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), which were constitutionally empowered by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. The amendment institutionalised a three-tier system of local governance, enabling elected bodies at the village, block, and district levels to play a direct role in planning and implementation of…

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Odisha Declares Early Summer Vacation for Schools Amid Heatwave

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced early summer vacation for all schools across the state in view of the ongoing heatwave. All government, government-aided, and private schools will remain closed from April 27. The decision was approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi following a proposal from the School and Mass Education Department. The move…

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