Bhubaneswar: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has recognised menstrual health as an integral part of the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court directed all schools—both government and private—to ensure adequate menstrual hygiene facilities for students. The apex court mandated the provision of separate and functional…
Bhubaneswar: The Economic Survey 2025–26, tabled in Parliament on January 29 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has raised serious concerns over rising digital addiction among children and recommended age-based restrictions on access to online platforms. Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran described digital platforms as “predatory by design,” arguing that their algorithms and features…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant step to improve public healthcare services and citizen support, the Odisha government has announced the launch of a statewide hearse service along with key initiatives to address gaps in rural healthcare delivery. Under the new system, families will be able to access hearse services by dialing a toll-free number 109, ensuring…
Bhubaneswar: Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a powerful sand art installation at Gopalpur beach using 500 kilograms of discarded plastic bottles, delivering a strong message against single-use plastic. Sharing images of the artwork on social media, Pattnaik wrote, “500 kg of plastic bottles transformed into a powerful message from…
Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police have imposed a cap of 1,800 seats per show at Khandagiri Jatra pandals as part of enhanced safety arrangements for the annual festival. The directive, issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, aims to ensure crowd safety and smoother movement within the venues. As per the new guidelines, Jatra pandals must…
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: In a major relief for commuters, the Odisha government has withdrawn its controversial “No PUCC, No Petrol” directive following strong observations by the Orissa High Court, which questioned both the feasibility and legality of the move. In an affidavit submitted before the court, the state clarified that while petrol pumps may ask motorists to…
Bhubaneswar: Five people were killed on Tuesday morning after a small aircraft crash-landed and caught fire while en route from Mumbai to Baramati, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed. The incident occurred at around 8:45 am, when the plane broke apart after coming down in a field and burst into flames. According to…
Bhubaneswar: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar has been honoured as the Top Government Facility in the category of Linking Health Records under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). The institute has achieved the No. 1 National Rank in Health Record Linkage, marking a significant milestone in India’s digital health transformation journey. The…