Bhubaneswar: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has directed authorities across states to intensify enforcement against the use of illegal fruit ripening agents, reiterating a strict ban on harmful substances such as Calcium Carbide. The regulator has instructed all Food Safety Commissioners, Central Licensing Authorities, and Regional Directors to step up surveillance, conduct…
Bhubaneswar: In a major step to strengthen public safety, the Government of Odisha has made it mandatory for all institutions and buildings to keep fire safety alert systems operational round-the-clock. The directive aims to ensure immediate emergency response and prevent fire-related disasters, particularly in critical establishments such as hospitals, offices and public facilities. Focus on…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has issued comprehensive guidelines to safeguard outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses during the summer season, enforcing restrictions from April 1 to June 15, 2026. Ban on Work During Peak Heat Hours As part of the measures, outdoor work has been prohibited between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the period identified…
Bhubaneswar: A powerful Nor’wester tornado caused widespread destruction in Mayurbhanj district on Sunday, leaving a trail of damage, injuries and disruption in several areas. According to initial reports, the worst-affected location was Kia village in Karanjia, where strong winds triggered panic among residents and blew off roofs of numerous mud and thatched houses. Heavy Damage…
Bhubaneswar: A fire broke out late at night in the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the emergency department at SCB Medical College and Hospital, triggering panic within the hospital premises. The blaze reportedly started on the first floor of the Trauma Care ICU around 3 a.m., prompting an immediate response from the hospital’s…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has intensified preparations to tackle the upcoming summer heatwave, announcing a series of preventive measures across the state. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has directed the state’s Energy Department to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during peak summer, stressing that power cuts must be avoided as temperatures begin to…
Bhubaneswar: Amid a commercial LPG shortage linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis, technology major Infosys has announced temporary changes to food services across its campuses. In a communication to employees, the company said all food courts will operate with a limited menu until the supply situation improves. Staff members have also been advised to…
Bhubaneswar: Hotels and small eateries in several Indian cities have begun switching to traditional firewood chulhas after supplies of commercial LPG cylinders dwindled amid global energy disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In cities such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Madurai, restaurant owners say they have been forced to rely on firewood for…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to replace temporary traffic sheds across the city with permanent structures this summer, citing safety concerns during storms and extreme weather. The decision was taken during a summer preparedness review meeting chaired by Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das. Officials noted that many of the existing temporary sheds used…
Bhubaneswar : An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter Scale struck southwest of the BMD Seismic Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh, according to preliminary reports. The tremors were felt in parts of Kolkata and other areas of West Bengal, prompting residents to step out of their homes as a precaution. There were no immediate reports…