Bhubaneswar: Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi has urged the Odisha government to introduce ‘Tithi Bhojan’ and observe Poshan Diwas across anganwadi centres to reinforce ongoing efforts to combat childhood malnutrition. The recommendation was made during a review meeting of schemes under the Women and Child Development Department, chaired by Odisha Deputy…
Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to examine the feasibility of front-of-pack warning labels on foods high in sugar, salt, and fat, calling it a globally accepted public health practice. A bench asked the food regulator to submit a status report within four weeks, signalling that…
Bhubaneswar: Several farmers’ organisations, including Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), its non-political breakaway faction, and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), have criticised the interim India–US trade agreement framework and announced nationwide protests next week. In a statement issued on Saturday, the SKM alleged that the proposed deal amounted to a “total surrender” of Indian agriculture…
Bhubaneswar: A publicity chariot was flagged off on Thursday to promote the 20th edition of the Toshali Swadeshi Mela, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 26 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. The mela aims to showcase indigenous handlooms, handicrafts and local products under the theme “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar.” The promotional campaign was inaugurated at…
Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday announced a series of statewide protests, culminating in a massive public rally in Bhubaneswar on February 24, alleging farmer distress, delayed paddy procurement, and a breakdown of law and order under the BJP-led Odisha government. Addressing a press conference, senior BJD leaders Debi Prasad Mishra, Sanjay Das…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant relief to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers, the Centre has extended the implementation timeline of mandatory quality norms for aluminium cans used in food and beverages. The move is expected to ease supply constraints ahead of the peak summer season. The extension has been granted under the Cookware, Utensils and Cans…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s recent ban on the manufacture and sale of pan masala, gutkha, khaini and other food items containing tobacco or nicotine was projected as a strong public health intervention. However, ground realities suggest that the move has exposed a major loophole, allowing other equally harmful smokeless and traditional tobacco products to flourish unchecked, particularly…
Bhubaneswar: The 11-day Adivasi Mela, one of Odisha’s largest showcases of tribal culture, began in Bhubaneswar on Sunday with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurating the event and urging members of the tribal community to become educated and aware of their constitutional and legal rights. The annual fair highlights the lifestyle, art, craft, cuisine and…
Bhubaneswar: State-owned energy major GAIL India Limited has expanded the reach of clean cooking fuel in Bhubaneswar by commissioning Domestic Piped Natural Gas (DPNG) connections at two major residential societies under the National PNG Drive 2.0 initiative. The first phase of commissioning was carried out at Cosmopolis Residential Society in the Khandagiri area, where piped…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has set an ambitious target to bring more than 90 per cent of the state’s cultivable land under irrigation by 2036, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Tuesday. The move is aimed at strengthening agriculture, improving farmers’ incomes, and driving long-term economic growth. As part of the plan, the state…