Bhubaneswar: Hotels and restaurants across Odisha have raised alarm over a growing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, warning that kitchens could soon face operational disruptions if supplies are not restored quickly. The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) has urged Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, to intervene…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of India has absorbed a substantial portion of the recent rise in LPG costs to protect consumers from a sharper price increase, according to a senior official. Speaking on LPG pricing, Sujata Sharma said the current price of a domestic LPG cylinder in New Delhi stands at ₹913, even after a ₹60…
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 famous Manikapatna curd from Odisha is set to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, with the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) finalising the application process. Officials said the GI recognition would formally acknowledge the unique identity and traditional preparation methods of the curd produced in Manikapatna, a coastal village in the…
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…