Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of World Coconut Day, the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) has developed ‘Konark’, the state’s first indigenous hybrid coconut variety after nearly 18 years of research. The hybrid has been developed by crossing the Sakhigopal and Gangabondam varieties. According to OUAT, ‘Konark’ is expected to produce more than 150…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has advised principals of government-run and aided colleges to reduce the use of cooking oil in hostel and canteen food as part of efforts to promote healthier and more sustainable food practices. In a directive issued by Deputy Secretary Ramesh Chandra Behera, colleges have been asked to remove high-oil breakfast items…
Bhubaneswar: Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic, the premier aromatherapy company in India, proudly announced the relaunch of its iconic range of essential oils, now presented in an all-new, elegant avatar. Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Founder and Chairperson of Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, while addressing a press conference in Siliguri, spoke about the essential oils and also…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed all hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana (GJAY) to establish 24×7 help desks to assist beneficiaries in accessing healthcare services. The directive is aimed at ensuring that eligible patients receive timely information and support while availing themselves of benefits…
Bhubaneswar: Every year on August 7, India observes National Handloom Day to honour the country’s weavers and artisans, whose skills support rural livelihoods while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged citizens, particularly younger social-media users, to share “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) reels featuring their favourite handloom outfits and products using…
Bhubaneswar: A new study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that one in five adolescents spends more than four hours each day on mobile phones, gaming, social media and other digital activities outside of schoolwork, highlighting growing concerns over excessive screen time among children. The findings are based on the WHO’s Health Behaviour…
Bhubaneswar: Experts say your smartphone habits could be shaping your child’s behaviour more than you realise. Here’s what every parent should know. A growing body of psychological research suggests that children’s behaviour is influenced not only by the amount of time they spend on screens but also by how often their parents use smartphones in…
Bhubaneswar: The rapid expansion of cloud kitchens in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack has created new opportunities for food entrepreneurs while also raising concerns over safety, regulation and the commercial use of residential areas. Driven by the growing popularity of app-based food delivery platforms, an increasing number of home-based and commercial cloud kitchens are now operating from…
Bhubaneswar: Ahead of Rath Yatra 2026, the Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha has prohibited the distribution of cooked food along Bada Danda, permitting only dry and packaged food items to be served to devotees during the festival. The decision has been taken to maintain strict sanitation, hygiene, and public health standards as…
Bhubaneswar: National Institute of Technology Rourkela researchers have developed an innovative smart wound dressing that aims to reduce infection, minimize pain during dressing changes, and accelerate the healing process. The advanced dressing combines chitosan-coated gauze with a nanofibrous layer infused with curcumin, the natural bioactive compound found in turmeric known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory…