Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has revived its metro rail project, proposing a revised plan to link Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack in a single urban transit corridor. Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra stated that the metro system will be introduced in a new format, indicating a redesign of the earlier proposal. He clarified that…
Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of International Workers Day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled a series of labour welfare measures in Odisha, including a hike in daily wages and new social security initiatives. The government announced a ₹10 per day increase in variable dearness allowance, effective April 1, leading to revised wage rates across different…
Bhubaneswar: The National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), in collaboration with the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), is establishing a state-of-the-art 30 MeV Medical Cyclotron Facility at its Jatni campus in Odisha. The project is being jointly funded by the Department of Atomic Energy and the state government, and forms part of a broader…
Bhubaneswar: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a major regulatory shift mandating plastic-free packaging for pan masala, gutka, and similar products. Under a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards Packaging Regulations 2018, these products would be allowed to be packed only in eco-friendly materials such as paper, paperboard,…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has officially notified the Treated Used Water Policy 2026, marking a major step toward sustainable water management and circular economy practices. The policy sets ambitious targets, including achieving 100% treatment of used water across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by 2030. It also outlines a phased reuse roadmap, aiming for…
Bhubaneswar: In a unique initiative, the Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police has started playing soft, soothing music at 32 major traffic intersections across Bhubaneswar to ease commuter stress, especially during long waits and ongoing heatwave conditions. The system operates through Public Address Systems integrated with CCTV networks and is centrally controlled. Along with music, authorities are also…
Bhubaneswar: Saudi Aramco is expected to continue its suspension of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exports into the coming month following significant damage at a key export facility in late February, according to a report by Bloomberg. The disruption has tightened global LPG supply chains, increasing pressure on importing countries already facing reduced shipments from the…
Bhubaneswar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a decisive victory in Gujarat’s civic elections, winning control of all 15 municipal corporations across Gujarat. The outcome reinforces the party’s strong urban base and organisational dominance in one of its key political bastions. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had earlier made inroads in urban centres…
Bhubaneswar: The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly late Monday night passed a resolution advocating 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state Assemblies, to be implemented after the delimitation process. The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and adopted through a voice vote following a prolonged nine-hour debate. The session witnessed sharp exchanges between…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has decided to discontinue the interest-free advance facility offered to its employees for purchasing electric vehicles (EVs). The scheme, which was introduced under the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy 2021, will be withdrawn with effect from April 1, 2026, following a directive issued by the state Finance Department. The interest-free advance…