Bhubaneswar: In a major relief for the food and hospitality industry, the Government of India has increased the allocation of commercial LPG to up to 50% of the estimated demand, aiming to stabilise operations across the sector. The latest 20% hike in supply is targeted at supporting restaurants, dhabas, hotels, canteens, dairy units and community…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to popularise its rich culinary heritage, the Government of Odisha has announced a new scheme to support the establishment of authentic Odia cuisine restaurants across India, with financial assistance of up to ₹5 crore per project. Capital Subsidy and Financial Incentives Under the initiative, eligible entrepreneurs will receive a 30%…
Bhubaneswar: Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador for Census 2027 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in a move aimed at boosting public awareness and participation through creative outreach. Known for his globally acclaimed sand art, Pattnaik is expected to use his medium to educate citizens about the importance…
Bhubaneswar: A tragic fire at the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital claimed the lives of 10 patients and left several hospital staff injured during rescue operations in the early hours of March 16. The blaze reportedly broke out while critically ill patients were undergoing treatment, triggering panic within…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has launched a major initiative to promote sports and youth engagement in remote and Maoist-affected regions under its “Gramodaya” campaign. As part of the programme, the Department of Sports and Youth Services will distribute sports kits to 485 villages across 10 districts in the state, aiming to integrate youth into…
Bhubaneswar: Kusunpur village in Kendrapada district of Odisha is set to be transformed into the state’s first smart village under an ambitious initiative led by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), functioning under the Ministry of Science and Technology. The project aims to convert the village—home to around 130 families and a population…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has directed district administrations across Odisha to take immediate and coordinated action to eradicate the practice of child begging. In an official directive, the Commission instructed key officials—including police authorities, municipal commissioners and district child protection officers—to intensify efforts to identify, rescue and rehabilitate…
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: State governments across India have stepped up enforcement measures to curb black marketing and hoarding of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), with authorities carrying out continuous raids and surprise inspections at LPG distributorships and retail outlets. According to Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, state administrations are playing a…
Bhubaneswar: A major escalation unfolded in the Middle East after the United States, under President Donald Trump, carried out a powerful bombing raid on Kharg Island, a strategically crucial outpost in the northern Persian Gulf located about 25 kilometres off Iran’s coast. The U.S. operation targeted several military installations on the island, including air defence…