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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…