Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has made it mandatory for all state government departments to purchase only electric vehicles (EVs) from June 1, in a major push toward clean mobility, fuel conservation, and sustainable transportation. Under the new directive, all government offices and departments will be required to procure only electric two-wheelers and four-wheelers for official…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has recorded its highest-ever electricity demand as the ongoing severe heatwave pushed power consumption across the state to an unprecedented 6,739 megawatts (MW), surpassing last year’s peak demand of 6,447 MW. The sharp rise in electricity usage has been primarily driven by increased cooling requirements during extreme summer temperatures affecting large parts of…
Bhubaneswar: Authorities at Nandankanan Zoological Park and Sambalpur Zoo have introduced extensive summer heat mitigation measures to protect animals and birds from rising temperatures and severe heat wave conditions across Odisha. Zoo officials said special arrangements have been made to ensure animal comfort and prevent heat-related stress during the peak summer season. As part of…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified efforts to promote rural and experiential tourism through a large-scale curated homestay initiative aimed at generating local livelihoods and offering tourists authentic cultural immersion experiences across the state. Under the Odisha Homestay Establishment Scheme-2025, the Tourism Department has identified 61 gram panchayats across 19 districts for the development of…
Bhubaneswar: Prices of essential commodities may rise further in the coming days, raising concerns for middle-class and lower middle-class households already struggling with inflationary pressure. According to traders’ associations, the prices of daily-use items such as potatoes, sugar, edible oil, and pulses could increase by up to ₹10 per kilogram due to rising supply and…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) has cancelled the leave of all electricity department employees across the state in view of the sharp rise in power demand during the ongoing heat wave conditions. According to official instructions issued by OPTCL, all previously sanctioned leave has been withdrawn with immediate effect, except maternity leave…
Bhubaneswar: A landmark step towards preserving and showcasing the ecological and cultural legacy of the Sundarbans was witnessed on International Museum Day as the soft launch of the upcoming Sundarban Museum was successfully held at iLEAD on 18th May 2026. The event unveiled the vision, galleries and immersive experiences of the international-quality museum being developed…
Bhubaneswar: A free health check-up camp was successfully organized on May 24 at the Hillview Resort Community Centre in Kantabada, Bhubaneswar, through a joint initiative of HVRWC and the Odisha Young Entrepreneurs Association (OYEA), in collaboration with Manipal Hospital. The health camp witnessed an enthusiastic response from residents, with nearly 85 participants availing themselves of…
Bhubaneswar: A Delhi-based startup offering on-demand assistants to carry shoppers’ bags through crowded marketplaces has triggered intense debate online, with opinions sharply divided over whether the idea represents smart urban innovation or the commercialisation of cheap labour. The startup, CarryMen, provides human assistants who accompany customers in busy shopping hubs and carry their purchases while…
Bhubaneswar: Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast is preparing to launch its Green SM electric cab service in India, marking the company’s entry into the country’s rapidly expanding EV mobility sector. The service is expected to begin operations in the Delhi-NCR region with fares starting at around ₹8 per kilometre, significantly lower than the average pricing…