BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has announced plans to gradually convert all buses operated by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) into electric vehicles as part of its push for environmentally sustainable and cost-effective public transport. Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said the initiative is aligned with the broader vision of both the state and…
BHUBANESWAR: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to establish a dedicated ‘Gupchup Bazaar’ in the city to streamline street food vending and promote a cleaner, more hygienic environment for both vendors and consumers. According to officials, the proposed market will be developed in front of the Regional Institute of Education and is expected to…
Bhubaneswar: Air India has announced a reduction of nearly 100 international flight services through July 2026 amid mounting operational pressures caused by rising jet fuel prices and extended flight routes linked to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said the airline has been compelled to rationalise several long-haul operations as…
BHUBANESWAR: The Empowered Committee on Infrastructure for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects of the Odisha government has approved five new PPP projects with a combined investment of ₹1,130 crore across sectors including healthcare, urban development and animal vaccine production. The committee meeting was chaired by Anu Garg, who emphasized the need for strict adherence to project…
Bhubaneswar: The West Bengal government is set to introduce two major public welfare initiatives from June 1, including the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in the state and a free government bus travel programme for women. The government stated that all existing welfare schemes for citizens would continue without interruption but would…
Bhubaneswar: Health experts have raised concerns over the practice of placing thin plastic sheets beneath hot breakfast and street food items, warning that the materials may release toxic chemicals when exposed to heat. According to experts, many of these plastic sheets are made from recycled or low-grade materials that can contain harmful substances such as…
Bhubaneswar: The Atal Pension Yojana has completed 11 years of implementation, emerging as one of India’s largest social security initiatives aimed at providing retirement protection to workers in the unorganised sector. Launched to strengthen financial inclusion and pension coverage, the scheme has significantly expanded its reach over the past decade, helping millions of low-income workers…
Bhubaneswar: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched a new organic farming initiative called “Vermi Wash,” aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers. Described as a “natural way to feed your farm,” Vermi Wash is a bio-liquid fertiliser derived from vermicompost units. Officials said the initiative is expected to…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated plans to expand water-based adventure tourism by identifying suitable locations across five districts — Puri, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Sambalpur, and Sundargarh. As part of the initiative, a joint technical team will carry out physical verification of proposed tourism sites between May 4 and May 20. The exercise will cover beaches,…
Bhubaneswar: Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic, the premier aromatherapy company in India, proudly announced the relaunch of its iconic range of essential oils, now presented in an all-new, elegant avatar. Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Founder and Chairperson of Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, while addressing a press conference in Bhopal, spoke about the essential oils and also…