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: In a major push to enhance transparency and prevent land-related fraud, the Odisha government is set to introduce QR code–enabled land pattas for property transactions, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari announced. Under the proposed system, the Record of Rights (RoR) will carry a unique QR code that can be scanned to instantly access verified land…
Bhubaneswar: An anganwadi centre in Nuagaon village of Kendrapada district has recorded near-zero attendance for three months after villagers boycotted the facility over the appointment of a Dalit helper-cum-cook, officials said. Sarmista Sethi (21), a graduate and the only applicant from the village, was appointed on November 20 with a monthly honorarium of ₹5,000. Following…
Bhubaneswar: The 20th Toshali Swadeshi Mela will commence on February 14 at Janata Maidan, bringing together artisans and weavers from 20 states to showcase India’s handloom and handicraft heritage, officials said. Organised by the Odisha Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, the fair will feature 905 stalls, including handicrafts, handlooms, MSME products and a dedicated food…
Bhubaneswar: A nationwide Bharat Bandh on February 12 could lead to partial disruptions in banking, transport and local services, though essential services are expected to operate normally. Public sector bank unions have announced participation in the strike, which may affect branch-level banking operations, even as branches remain open. Public transport, including buses and taxis, could…
Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: Residents in several areas of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are likely to face temporary power outages on February 11 as Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) undertakes scheduled mechanical upgrades, repair works, and electrical maintenance. According to TPCODL, electricity supply in Bhubaneswar will be disrupted at different time slots between 6:30 AM and 5:00…
Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a directive mandating the playing of the complete three-minute-10-second version of “Vande Mataram” at official state functions, including flag-hoisting ceremonies, the arrival of the President, and Governors’ addresses. The directive also instructs audiences to stand at attention during the song and encourages mass participation in singing….
Bhubaneswar: A proposed inter-state economic corridor linking Ranchi, Rourkela and Raipur (RRR) is gaining momentum, with officials highlighting its potential to transform industrial connectivity and trade across Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The corridor is anchored by two major road infrastructure projects — the under-construction Raipur–Ranchi–Dhanbad Expressway and the proposed 156-km Rourkela–Ranchi highway — designed to…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has notified revised fare rates for motor cabs and three-wheelers across the state, effective February 5, 2026, according to an official order issued by the state authorities. The updated fare structure covers e-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, standard cars, luxury cars, and premium luxury vehicles, specifying per-kilometre charges and minimum base fares for each…
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…