Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has clarified that it spent approximately Rs 21 crore on outsourcing the printing of newly revised textbooks for Classes I to VIII to private printing presses, amid growing controversy over numerous factual, grammatical and typographical errors found in the books. The clarification was issued by the Directorate of Textbook Production and…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to promote Odisha’s culinary heritage and strengthen food-based tourism, the state government has issued detailed guidelines for Odia cuisine restaurants seeking incentives under the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy, 2026. The new framework outlines eight key eligibility criteria that restaurants must fulfill to qualify for financial assistance and support from the…
Bhubaneswar: West Bengal is set to add a striking new landmark to its skyline with the installation of a 60-foot-tall statue of Maa Durga along the Hooghly riverfront at Ramkrishnapur Ghat in Howrah. The project forms part of an ambitious riverfront redevelopment initiative aimed at enhancing tourism, beautifying public spaces and celebrating the state’s rich…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at strengthening drug safety and curbing self-medication, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has made it mandatory for consumers to obtain a doctor’s prescription before purchasing syrup-based medicines, including commonly used cough syrups. The decision follows an amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, through the Drugs (Fifth…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards sustainable urban waste management, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to establish a 50-tonne-per-day (TPD) charcoal production facility that will convert green waste into smokeless charcoal and other value-added products. The initiative addresses a growing challenge faced by the city. Every day, Bhubaneswar generates hundreds of tonnes of…
Bhubaneswar: A few weeks of monsoon rain can transform Odisha’s landscape, turning parched fields green and replenishing reservoirs across the state. But an important question is beginning to emerge: what happens when rivers, ponds and groundwater reserves start disappearing even before the monsoon arrives? While Odisha has recently received relief from intense summer heat, concerns…
Bhubaneswar: The third edition of the Bhubaneswar Film Festival (BFF) is set to be held from June 25 to 28 at Jayadev Bhawan, bringing together a diverse selection of acclaimed films from various Indian languages as well as international cinema. The festival aims to celebrate the art of filmmaking, promote cultural exchange and provide a…
Bhubaneswar: In a landmark initiative aimed at expanding educational opportunities and promoting social equity, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the state government will provide free education from kindergarten (KG) to postgraduate (PG) level for students from economically weaker sections. The announcement reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that financial hardship does not…
Bhubaneswar: After days of intense heat and oppressive humidity, the southwest monsoon has finally advanced into parts of northern and coastal Odisha, bringing welcome relief to residents, farmers and livestock across the state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon has entered several districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur. Meteorologists noted that…
Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards expanding educational access and promoting social equity, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that the state government will provide free education from kindergarten (KG) to postgraduate (PG) level for students belonging to economically weaker sections of society. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that financial constraints do…