New Odisha Age

Odisha Mandates 24×7 Help Desks, Cashless Emergency Care Under PM-RAHAT for Empanelled Hospitals

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…

Read More

NATIONAL HANDLOOM DAY: INDIA CELEBRATES WEAVERS, TRADITION AND THE SWADESHI SPIRIT

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…

Read More

WHO Study Finds 1 in 5 Adolescents Spend Over Four Hours Daily on Screens

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…

Read More

Think Your Child’s Screen Time Is the Only Problem? Think Again

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…

Read More

CLOUD KITCHEN BOOM IN BHUBANESWAR AND CUTTACK SPARKS DEBATE OVER RESIDENTIAL SAFETY, REGULATIONS AND URBAN GROWTH

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…

Read More

Cooked Food Banned on Puri’s Bada Danda Ahead of Rath Yatra 2026; Only Dry Food Distribution Allowed

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Odisha Launches ‘Pitha on Wheels’ to Celebrate Raja Festival and Boost Women-Led Enterprises

Bhubaneswar: In a unique blend of cultural celebration and economic empowerment, the Odisha Government’s Mission Shakti Department has launched ‘Pitha on Wheels’, a mobile food initiative aimed at promoting traditional Odia cuisine while creating greater market opportunities for women entrepreneurs during the Raja Festival. The initiative features specially designed vehicles that travel to different locations,…

Read More

FSSAI Prohibits Use of Newspapers for Food Packaging and Serving, Cites Health Risks

Bhubaneswar: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all food business operators across the country to immediately discontinue the use of newspapers for packing, wrapping, or serving food, citing significant health and safety concerns. In a fresh advisory, the food safety regulator warned that newspapers are not suitable for direct contact…

Read More

Odisha Awaits Its Most Vibrant Season as Raja Parba and Ratha Yatra Draw Near

BHUBANESWAR: As the scorching summer gradually gives way to the monsoon, Odisha is preparing for two of its most cherished cultural celebrations—Raja Parba and Ratha Yatra—marking the beginning of what many consider the state’s most vibrant and festive period of the year. The season begins with the celebration of Raja Parba, a unique festival that…

Read More