New Odisha Age

Odisha Imposes Restrictions on Pan Masala, Gutkha and Khaini

Packaging, Production and Sale Curbed as per FSSAI Guidelines and Supreme Court Orders Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has imposed strict restrictions on the manufacture, packaging, supply and sale of pan masala, gutkha and khaini across the state, following guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and in compliance with Supreme…

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Koraput Pepper Finds Growing National and Global Markets

Koraput district, long recognised for its coffee plantations, is fast emerging as a notable centre for high-quality pepper cultivation, with the spice witnessing rising demand in both national and international markets. Pepper is currently grown across nearly 1,550 hectares in the district, where the unique agro-climatic conditions—marked by moderate temperatures, adequate rainfall, and rich soil—have…

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GMU Develops IoT-Enabled Humidifier to Enable Year-Round Mushroom Cultivation

Bhubaneswar: Gangadhar Meher University (GMU) has developed a low-cost, IoT-enabled humidifier aimed at helping small and marginal farmers undertake year-round mushroom cultivation by effectively managing temperature and humidity conditions. The solar-powered, app-controlled device has been designed to address key challenges faced in cultivating button and oyster mushrooms, crops that require precise environmental conditions for optimal…

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India Overtakes China to Become World’s Largest Rice Producer

Bhubaneswar: India has emerged as the world’s largest rice producer, surpassing China and underscoring the scale, resilience, and diversity of its agrarian economy. With total rice production estimated at 1,245.04 lakh tonnes, the milestone reflects strong performance by several high-output states supported by favourable agro-climatic conditions and sustained policy backing. Agriculture officials attribute India’s rise…

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Odisha Government Unveils Incentive Scheme to Promote Authentic Odia Cuisine Nationwide

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has introduced a dedicated support framework to promote authentic Odia cuisine restaurants within the state and across major Indian cities, aiming to strengthen the region’s culinary identity and expand its national footprint. Under the revised Odisha Tourism Policy–2026, restaurants serving traditional Odia food will be eligible for capital expenditure (CAPEX) support…

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BMC Plans Designated Feeding Zones, Permanent Shelters to Tackle Bhubaneswar’s Stray Dog Crisis

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has moved to introduce structured guidelines for feeding stray dogs and to earmark designated feeding zones across the city, as concerns over public safety and dog attacks continue to mount. The decision comes a day after the Supreme Court raised questions over accountability in incidents involving stray dogs, prompting…

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India Builds World’s Largest Solar Kitchen in Mount Abu, Sets Global Benchmark in Sustainable Cooking

Bhubaneswar: Mount Abu, Rajasthan has emerged as a global symbol of clean energy innovation with the establishment of the world’s largest solar-powered kitchen at the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual Headquarters. The state-of-the-art facility is capable of cooking up to 50,000 meals a day without using gas, electricity, or conventional fuels, relying entirely on solar energy. The…

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Patha Utsav Returns to Bhubaneswar on January 18

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar’s popular street festival Patha Utsav is set to return on January 18, 2026, transforming Jagamara New Road into a vibrant, car-free cultural zone from 6.00 am onwards. Organised by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Patha Utsav aims to reclaim public streets as inclusive community spaces, encouraging citizens to come together for culture, creativity…

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Gopalpur Beach Festival 2026 to Be Held from January 22 to 26

Bhubaneswar: The much-awaited Gopalpur Beach Festival 2026 will be held from January 22 to January 26, reviving one of Odisha’s most iconic coastal cultural events. The confirmation came following a preparatory meeting chaired by Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, bringing clarity and putting an end to speculation regarding the festival’s आयोजन this year. Celebrated annually…

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Nestlé Recalls Baby Nutrition Products Over Potential Toxin Contamination

Bhubaneswar: Food and beverage major Nestlé on Tuesday announced a recall of several of its popular baby nutrition products following concerns over possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin that can cause food poisoning. The recalled products include SMA and NAN infant formula, as well as BEBA and follow-on formulas, with the majority of affected batches…

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