New Odisha Age

FSSAI Issues Notices to Eight Food Companies Over Allegedly Misleading ‘Healthy’ and Product Claims

Bhubaneswar: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to eight food business operators for allegedly using misleading brand names, trade names and product claims that may violate provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and related regulations. The regulator announced the action through its official social media platforms,…

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Bhubaneswar’s New Charcoal Plant to Turn 18,000 Tonnes of Green Waste into Valuable Resources Every Year

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards sustainable urban waste management, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to establish a 50-tonne-per-day (TPD) charcoal production facility that will convert green waste into smokeless charcoal and other value-added products. The initiative addresses a growing challenge faced by the city. Every day, Bhubaneswar generates hundreds of tonnes of…

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Odisha Among States with Lowest Out-of-Pocket Hospital Expenses, NSS Survey Finds

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has emerged as one of the most affordable states in India for hospital treatment, with patients incurring significantly lower out-of-pocket medical expenses compared to the national average, according to findings from the latest National Sample Survey (NSS). The survey, conducted under the 80th round of the National Sample Survey, covered 5,288 households across…

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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…

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Centre Waives Customs Duty on Cotton Imports Till October 31 to Support Textile Industry

Bhubaneswar: The Central Government has announced a temporary exemption of all customs duties on cotton imports from June 1, 2026, to October 31, 2026, to augment the availability of cotton for the domestic textile industry. The decision is aimed at ensuring adequate raw material supply for textile and apparel manufacturers while addressing concerns over cotton…

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Centre Considers Using Air Force Aircraft to Transport NEET-UG Retest Question Papers

Bhubaneswar: The Central government is reportedly exploring the possibility of using aircraft of the Indian Air Force to transport question papers for the upcoming NEET-UG retest, as part of efforts to prevent leaks and ensure maximum security during the examination process. The proposal comes in the aftermath of the NEET-UG paper leak controversy that led…

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Cabinet Approves Continuation of SARTHAK PDS Scheme With ₹25,530 Crore Central Allocation

Bhubaneswar: The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the “Scheme for Assistance in Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in Public Distribution System” (SARTHAK PDS) as an umbrella scheme aimed at strengthening and modernising India’s public distribution network. The scheme focuses on improving food grain transportation, enhancing support for fair price shops and accelerating…

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Odisha to Bring All ULB Bus Stands Under Transport Department Through ₹3,400-Crore ‘Atal Bus Stand’ Scheme

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has decided to bring all bus stands currently managed by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) under the jurisdiction of the Commerce and Transport Department as part of the newly approved “Atal Bus Stand” (ABS) scheme aimed at modernising and standardising public transport infrastructure across the state. According to a recent resolution issued…

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Odisha Makes Electric Vehicles Mandatory For Government Departments From June 1

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has made it mandatory for all state government departments to purchase only electric vehicles (EVs) from June 1, in a major push toward clean mobility, fuel conservation, and sustainable transportation. Under the new directive, all government offices and departments will be required to procure only electric two-wheelers and four-wheelers for official…

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Odisha Power Demand Touches Record 6,739 MW Amid Severe Heatwave

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has recorded its highest-ever electricity demand as the ongoing severe heatwave pushed power consumption across the state to an unprecedented 6,739 megawatts (MW), surpassing last year’s peak demand of 6,447 MW. The sharp rise in electricity usage has been primarily driven by increased cooling requirements during extreme summer temperatures affecting large parts of…

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