Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, authorities in the national capital have implemented an unconventional yet effective strategy to reduce the risk of bird strikes during aerial rehearsals and the main flypast on January 26. The Indian Air Force (IAF), in coordination with the Delhi Forest Department, is distributing more than 1,270 kilograms of…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a complete transition of the Ama Bus service from diesel-powered vehicles to a fully electric fleet, marking a significant step towards clean and sustainable urban mobility in the state. Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra said all existing diesel buses will be phased out in a planned…
Bhubaneswar: The sacred preparations for Rath Yatra 2026 formally commenced on Monday with the dispatch of the first consignment of holy wood for the construction of the Lord Jagannath chariots from the Daspalla forest range in Odisha’s Nayagarh district. The wood logs were transported from the Takra forest section to Puri, marking a crucial traditional…
Bhubaneswar: Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura on Sunday marked 54 years of statehood, commemorating their transition from Union Territories to full-fledged states in 1972 under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act. The day was observed with official messages, cultural programmes and reflections on the region’s journey and challenges. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh called for unity…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced plans for a comprehensive redevelopment of the Mahima Temple at Joranda, the principal seat of Mahima Dharma, aimed at enhancing its spiritual, cultural and tourism significance. As part of the proposed makeover, a new grand temple will be constructed over the existing Shunya Mandir, while preserving the core philosophical…
Koraput district, long recognised for its coffee plantations, is fast emerging as a notable centre for high-quality pepper cultivation, with the spice witnessing rising demand in both national and international markets. Pepper is currently grown across nearly 1,550 hectares in the district, where the unique agro-climatic conditions—marked by moderate temperatures, adequate rainfall, and rich soil—have…
Bhubaneswar: The annual crocodile census at Bhitarkanika National Park has recorded a steady rise in the population of estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles, reaffirming the region’s status as one of the world’s most significant crocodile habitats. According to the latest census report, 1,858 saltwater crocodiles were found this year in rivers and creeks within and around Bhitarkanika,…
Bhubaneswar: In a renewed push towards sustainable urban transport, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Green Mobility (CGM) to revive the city’s public bicycle sharing (PBS) system and strengthen cycling infrastructure. Under the partnership, CGM will support BMC by engaging expert consultants for non-motorised transport…
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar has recorded a noticeable improvement in air quality over the past three days, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) returning to the ‘moderate’ category after remaining in the hazardous zone for much of December. Data from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) show the city’s three-day average AQI at 133, with daily readings…
Bhubaneswar: Breaking with long-standing tradition, the Republic Day 2026 celebrations on Kartavya Path will feature parade galleries named after some of India’s most iconic rivers, paying tribute to their central role in the nation’s civilisation, culture and economy. From the Ganga and Ghaghra in the north to the Godavari and Kaveri in the south, and…