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: Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador for Census 2027 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in a move aimed at boosting public awareness and participation through creative outreach. Known for his globally acclaimed sand art, Pattnaik is expected to use his medium to educate citizens about the importance…
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: A powerful Nor’wester tornado caused widespread destruction in Mayurbhanj district on Sunday, leaving a trail of damage, injuries and disruption in several areas. According to initial reports, the worst-affected location was Kia village in Karanjia, where strong winds triggered panic among residents and blew off roofs of numerous mud and thatched houses. Heavy Damage…
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: 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: The Government of Odisha has intensified preparations to tackle the upcoming summer heatwave, announcing a series of preventive measures across the state. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has directed the state’s Energy Department to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during peak summer, stressing that power cuts must be avoided as temperatures begin to…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to replace temporary traffic sheds across the city with permanent structures this summer, citing safety concerns during storms and extreme weather. The decision was taken during a summer preparedness review meeting chaired by Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das. Officials noted that many of the existing temporary sheds used…
Bhubaneswar: The famous Manikapatna curd from Odisha is set to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, with the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) finalising the application process. Officials said the GI recognition would formally acknowledge the unique identity and traditional preparation methods of the curd produced in Manikapatna, a coastal village in the…
Bhubaneswar: Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, was celebrated across India on Wednesday, marking the arrival of spring with vibrant hues, music, and community gatherings. Observed on the last full moon of the Hindu luni-solar month of Falgun, the festival sees people dressed in white stepping into streets and courtyards to throw bright powders and…