Bhubaneswar: Odisha has recorded its highest-ever electricity demand as the ongoing severe heatwave pushed power consumption across the state to an unprecedented 6,739 megawatts (MW), surpassing last year’s peak demand of 6,447 MW. The sharp rise in electricity usage has been primarily driven by increased cooling requirements during extreme summer temperatures affecting large parts of…
Bhubaneswar: Petrol and diesel prices have been increased once again across India, marking the fourth fuel price hike in the last two weeks as state-run oil marketing companies continue revising rates amid rising global crude oil prices and mounting financial pressure. With the latest revision, petrol prices have gone up by ₹2.61 per litre, while…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified efforts to promote rural and experiential tourism through a large-scale curated homestay initiative aimed at generating local livelihoods and offering tourists authentic cultural immersion experiences across the state. Under the Odisha Homestay Establishment Scheme-2025, the Tourism Department has identified 61 gram panchayats across 19 districts for the development of…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Forest department has launched caravan tourism facilities at several prominent eco-tourism destinations across the state in a move aimed at promoting sustainable travel while preserving ecological balance. Under the initiative, caravan tourism will be introduced at seven eco-tourism sites, including the Similipal Tiger Reserve and Bhitarkanika National Park, two of the state’s…
Bhubaneswar: Prices of essential commodities may rise further in the coming days, raising concerns for middle-class and lower middle-class households already struggling with inflationary pressure. According to traders’ associations, the prices of daily-use items such as potatoes, sugar, edible oil, and pulses could increase by up to ₹10 per kilogram due to rising supply and…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) has cancelled the leave of all electricity department employees across the state in view of the sharp rise in power demand during the ongoing heat wave conditions. According to official instructions issued by OPTCL, all previously sanctioned leave has been withdrawn with immediate effect, except maternity leave…
Bhubaneswar: A free health check-up camp was successfully organized on May 24 at the Hillview Resort Community Centre in Kantabada, Bhubaneswar, through a joint initiative of HVRWC and the Odisha Young Entrepreneurs Association (OYEA), in collaboration with Manipal Hospital. The health camp witnessed an enthusiastic response from residents, with nearly 85 participants availing themselves of…
Bhubaneswar: Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast is preparing to launch its Green SM electric cab service in India, marking the company’s entry into the country’s rapidly expanding EV mobility sector. The service is expected to begin operations in the Delhi-NCR region with fares starting at around ₹8 per kilometre, significantly lower than the average pricing…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated plans to establish modern Handloom Hubs and Apparel Parks in multiple districts to strengthen the state’s traditional weaving sector through advanced technology, improved infrastructure, and enhanced market access. As part of the initiative, dedicated projects are being developed in Cuttack, Bargarh, and Jajpur districts with the aim of transforming…
Bhubaneswar: India on Friday successfully test-launched the nuclear-capable Agni-1 ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur as part of a routine training exercise conducted by the Strategic Forces Command. The launch, carried out on May 22, 2026, successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile system, reaffirming the reliability and effectiveness…