Bhubaneswar: Indian fuel prices could face upward pressure following reports that Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. The narrow maritime corridor connects the Persian Gulf to global markets and handles a significant share of international crude oil shipments. Any disruption in this passage typically constrains…
Bhubaneswar: With summer approaching, the Odisha School and Mass Education Department has issued a statewide advisory directing schools to implement precautionary measures to tackle potential heatwave conditions. The advisory outlines several key steps to safeguard students from heat-related illnesses. Schools have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted access to safe drinking water, repair non-functional tube wells,…
Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple has announced special ritual arrangements in view of the Ketu-grasta lunar eclipse scheduled for March 3, coinciding with the auspicious festival of Dola Purnima. According to temple authorities, the eclipse is expected to touch Puri at 3:20:17 PM. In adherence to long-standing temple traditions, the preparation of Mahaprasad and all…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha will roll out the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign on February 28, joining a major public health initiative aimed at preventing cervical cancer among adolescent girls. The programme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to expand immunisation coverage and reduce the long-term burden of cervical cancer, one of the most common…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha’s mobility platform Odisha Yatri is accelerating its statewide expansion with a dual focus on improving passenger safety and increasing driver incomes, positioning itself as a public-sector alternative in the ride-hailing ecosystem. Launched as a zero-commission platform, Odisha Yatri has enabled drivers to collectively earn over ₹10 crore, allowing them to…
Bhubaneswar: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha has announced that the state government plans to ban the sale of meat and fish near educational and religious institutions, as well as in crowded public spaces. The proposal, he said, is driven by health concerns and an aim to curb violent tendencies among children. The move is…
Bhubaneswar: Tribal women in the remote Kotia region of Odisha have begun cultivating German chamomile, a high-value medicinal crop, to improve their livelihoods and income security. The initiative is being supported by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) and the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), leveraging the region’s favourable climate…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s decision to base admissions to the 4-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) on the National Common Entrance Test (NCET) marks a significant shift in how future educators are selected and trained. By aligning with a national-level entrance mechanism administered by the National Testing Agency, the state is signalling its intent to bring uniformity,…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant step to expand access to quality teacher education, Odisha State Open University (OSOU) has collaborated with Jamia Millia Islamia to establish a BEd and MA (Education) Learning Support Centre at its Sambalpur campus. Under the partnership, Jamia Millia Islamia has granted approval for OSOU to host the learning support centre, enabling…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is establishing two new waste processing facilities to strengthen solid waste management and promote sustainable recycling practices in the city. A construction and demolition (C&D) waste processing plant will be set up at Pandra, with a processing capacity of five tonnes per day. The facility will convert debris into…