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…
Bhubaneswar: Authorities at Nandankanan Zoological Park and Sambalpur Zoo have introduced extensive summer heat mitigation measures to protect animals and birds from rising temperatures and severe heat wave conditions across Odisha. Zoo officials said special arrangements have been made to ensure animal comfort and prevent heat-related stress during the peak summer season. As part of…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified efforts to promote rural and experiential tourism through a large-scale curated homestay initiative aimed at generating local livelihoods and offering tourists authentic cultural immersion experiences across the state. Under the Odisha Homestay Establishment Scheme-2025, the Tourism Department has identified 61 gram panchayats across 19 districts for the development of…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the Hirakud region into a major tourism hub featuring floatels, cruise tourism, ropeways, eco-resorts, waterfront attractions, and adventure tourism facilities across Sambalpur and Jharsuguda districts. The large-scale initiative aims to develop the Hirakud belt as an integrated and sustainable tourism destination centered on nature,…
Bhubaneswar: A landmark step towards preserving and showcasing the ecological and cultural legacy of the Sundarbans was witnessed on International Museum Day as the soft launch of the upcoming Sundarban Museum was successfully held at iLEAD on 18th May 2026. The event unveiled the vision, galleries and immersive experiences of the international-quality museum being developed…
Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday warned that heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are likely to persist across several parts of central India till the end of May, with temperatures expected to remain significantly above normal in many regions. In its latest weather advisory, the IMD stated that heat wave conditions…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated plans to establish modern Handloom Hubs and Apparel Parks in multiple districts to strengthen the state’s traditional weaving sector through advanced technology, improved infrastructure, and enhanced market access. As part of the initiative, dedicated projects are being developed in Cuttack, Bargarh, and Jajpur districts with the aim of transforming…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced plans to construct a stadium at Daruthenga village on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, despite the area not falling under the civic body’s administrative jurisdiction. Daruthenga, once used by the BMC as a municipal solid waste dumping ground for over a decade, is now set to witness major…
Bhubaneswar: India has eased mandatory inspection requirements for tea imports from Nepal following requests from Nepali authorities, offering significant relief to tea exporters and cross-border traders. Under the revised arrangement, trucks carrying Nepali tea meant for India’s domestic market will no longer be routinely stopped at border points for inspection and testing. The Tea Board…