Bhubaneswar: : Heavy rainfall and flooding in Nepal have raised concerns across northern Bihar, with authorities closely monitoring water levels in rivers originating in Nepal and flowing into the state. Districts along the India-Nepal border have stepped up preparedness amid the possibility of rising river levels and flooding in downstream areas. The districts under close…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police conducted a major night enforcement drive across Cuttack and Bhubaneswar on August 26, targeting drunk driving, illegal liquor, drug-related activities, modified silencers and other offences. In Cuttack, police detected 90 drunk-driving cases and seized 90 vehicles, including 21 four-wheelers and 69 two-wheelers. During the operation, police also detected two Excise cases and…
Bhubaneswar: The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has criticised the Odisha government’s proposal to introduce a biometric attendance system for college students, describing it as an unnecessary and intimidating measure. BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty questioned the proposal, pointing out that biometric attendance has not yet been implemented for teachers and other college staff. He termed…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has advised principals of government-run and aided colleges to reduce the use of cooking oil in hostel and canteen food as part of efforts to promote healthier and more sustainable food practices. In a directive issued by Deputy Secretary Ramesh Chandra Behera, colleges have been asked to remove high-oil breakfast items…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) has advanced the Geographical Indication (GI) tag applications for three traditional Odisha food products — Sambalpur Sarpotia, Manikpatna Dahi and Dhenkanal Pala Baurali — in an effort to promote the state’s distinctive culinary heritage on national and international platforms. OUAT Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Pravat Kumar Roul…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling has highlighted the state’s move towards digital healthcare, including the use of digital prescriptions and secure online storage of medical records. Mahaling said the initiative is being pursued under the broader digital-health framework associated with Aarogya Setu 2.0, which includes a “Scan and Share” facility. The system allows patients…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said around 14.73 lakh beneficiaries are currently covered under the state government’s Jashoda Yojana, with the number expected to increase as more children are referred to the concerned committees. Parida said the government is committed to ensuring the welfare and protection of children and stressed that there is…
Bhubaneswar: At least seven people were killed and 14 others injured in a stampede near the Ashok Dham temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district, according to reports. The incident occurred at Ashok Dham Halt railway station, located a short distance from the temple, amid a heavy rush of devotees. Large numbers of pilgrims had gathered in…
Bhubaneswar: YSR Kadapa district is transforming the delivery of school meals through its SMART Kitchen Initiative, combining modern infrastructure, technology, efficient logistics, sustainability and community participation to improve nutrition for children. Implemented under the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programmes, the initiative has established 38 SMART Kitchens across the district, serving nearly 1 lakh children…
Bhubaneswar: Teenage pregnancy is emerging as an important social and public-health concern in Odisha, drawing attention to the health, education and safety of adolescent girls. The issue extends beyond pregnancy itself. Girls who become mothers during adolescence can face greater health challenges, disruption to their education and fewer opportunities for higher education and employment later…