Bhubaneswar: In a move to address the growing issue of coconut waste in public spaces, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced a toll-free helpline number (1929) for residents to report discarded coconut shells across the city. The initiative aims to ensure quick collection and scientific processing of coconut waste dumped in markets, temples and…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has imposed a ban on the use of coal and coal briquettes in urban areas as part of its heatwave management strategy, aiming to reduce pollution levels and curb rising temperatures. The move, however, has triggered concern among roadside hotel owners and small food vendors, many of whom rely on…
Bhubaneswar: For Indian households, smart shopping has always meant making every rupee count. Strengthening this deeply rooted belief, SMART Bazaar, India’s trusted value retail destination, has launched its biggest-ever SMART Bazaar Exchange—a nationwide initiative designed to help families save more and shop smarter, all under one roof. Positioned as the go-to destination for consistent, everyday value,…
Bhubaneswar: Kusunpur village in Kendrapada district of Odisha is set to be transformed into the state’s first smart village under an ambitious initiative led by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), functioning under the Ministry of Science and Technology. The project aims to convert the village—home to around 130 families and a population…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of India continues to strengthen financial support for small entrepreneurs through the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), which provides collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 lakh to micro and small enterprises across the country. Launched in 2015, the scheme aims to promote entrepreneurship and self-employment by enabling easy access to institutional credit…
Bhubaneswar: State governments across India have stepped up enforcement measures to curb black marketing and hoarding of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), with authorities carrying out continuous raids and surprise inspections at LPG distributorships and retail outlets. According to Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, state administrations are playing a…
Bhubaneswar: Two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers operated by the Shipping Corporation of India have successfully crossed the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz and are now heading towards India, officials said on Sunday. The vessels — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — navigated the narrow sea lane amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region following…
Bhubaneswar: Times Prime, India’s premium lifestyle membership platform, is celebrating its members this Valentine season with the second edition of Love All Members Fest, a 10-day member-first celebration running from February 6 to February 15. The fest brings together exclusive offers, new brand partnerships, and curated experiences across gifting, entertainment, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle categories….
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to expand its Rice ATM initiative to four more districts following the success of its pilot project in Bhubaneswar. The move is aimed at strengthening the Public Distribution System (PDS) and making the distribution of subsidised food grains more convenient for beneficiaries. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna…
Bhubaneswar: A shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Bhubaneswar has forced residents, caterers and restaurant owners to increasingly rely on firewood for cooking, triggering a sharp rise in prices. Traders say the price of Chira wood, commonly used as cooking fuel, has surged to ₹1,700 per quintal as demand has spiked in recent days. With…