Bhubaneswar Launches Massive Plantation Drive as AQI Remains in ‘Poor’ Category

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar continues to face deteriorating air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently remaining in the ‘poor’ category, raising concerns over public health and environmental sustainability. In response, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a large-scale afforestation initiative aimed at improving the city’s air quality and green cover. Under the plan, BMC…

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Bhubaneswar’s Air Quality Improves, but Questions Remain Over Sustainability

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…

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NDRF Raising Day: Nation Salutes the Frontline Guardians of Disaster Response

Bhubaneswar: India on Friday marked the Raising Day of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), honouring the courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of its personnel who stand at the forefront of the country’s disaster management efforts. Over the years, the NDRF has emerged as the backbone of India’s emergency response system, playing a crucial role…

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Indian Onions Emerge as ‘Red Gold’, Powering India’s Global Export Surge

Bhubaneswar: Indian onions have earned the moniker “Red Gold” in several African nations, underscoring their growing importance as a high-value agricultural export and reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in onion trade. In 2025, India emerged as the world’s largest onion exporter, with shipments crossing 1.1 million tonnes. The demand has been driven by…

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Over 1.1 Million Migratory Birds Flock to Chilika, Reinforcing Odisha’s Global Wetland Significance

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s iconic Chilika Lake has once again transformed into a spectacular natural haven, hosting over 1.1 million migratory birds this winter season and reaffirming its status as one of Asia’s most significant wetland ecosystems. Spread across more than 1,100 square kilometres, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon becomes a seasonal refuge for avian visitors travelling…

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ED Raids, Political Rhetoric and a Charged Run-Up to Bengal 2026

Bhubaneswar: The Enforcement Directorate’s raids at the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office in Kolkata have triggered a sharp political escalation in West Bengal, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launching a direct attack on the Centre and the BJP. The development comes at a time when the state is slowly moving into campaign mode ahead…

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Low Pressure Brewing Over Bay of Bengal; Odisha Likely to Receive Rainfall from January 10

Bhubaneswar: A low-pressure system is developing over the Bay of Bengal in January, an unusual but significant weather event, which is likely to impact Odisha’s weather conditions in the coming days. According to weather indicators, Odisha is expected to receive rainfall from January 10 onwards, with coastal districts and parts of north Odisha likely to…

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Cold Wave Tightens Grip on Odisha; Dense Fog Persists Across Several Districts

Bhubaneswar: Odisha continues to reel under intense winter conditions as night temperatures plunged sharply across the state, accompanied by persistent dense fog in several regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that cold wave conditions are likely to persist for another three days. A yellow warning has been issued for isolated pockets in Jagatsinghpur,…

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BMC Enforces Strict Anti-Dust Norms to Curb Air Pollution in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: In a strong push to tackle worsening air quality, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued stringent new guidelines to control dust pollution from construction activities across the city. The directives, issued through an office order on January 6, have come into effect immediately. The decision follows a high-level review of the city’s air…

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Cold Wave Tightens Grip on Odisha; Similipal Freezes at 0°C, Dense Fog Persists

Bhubaneswar: Odisha continues to reel under an intense cold wave, with temperatures plunging sharply across several regions and dense fog disrupting normal life. According to the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF), Upper Barakamuda in Similipal recorded a freezing 0°C, while Chahala logged 2°C. Other forested pockets such as Bareipani and Gudugudia recorded 5°C, accompanied…

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