Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards gender inclusion in public transport, women drivers will soon operate the ‘Ama Bus’ service in Odisha. The decision was taken during a review meeting of the Ama Bus service chaired by Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra. As part of the initiative, 20 women will be sent to…
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: Andhra Pradesh is poised to revolutionize emergency medical care by partnering with the Dr. Kalam Advanced UAV Research Centre to develop the world’s first long-range, human-carrying drone ambulance. The initiative marks a significant leap toward achieving “zero-traffic” emergency response, especially in remote and hard-to-reach regions. The drone ambulance is designed to carry a patient…
Bhubaneswar: A devastating fire broke out in the early hours at No. 1 Haat’s Plastic Market in Bhubaneswar, destroying more than 40 shops and causing extensive property damage estimated at several lakhs. The blaze erupted around 1:38 am, spreading rapidly through the congested market area. The fire escalated quickly, fueled by the market’s extensive use…
Bhubaneswar: In a surprising setback to Uttar Pradesh’s ambitious electric mobility plan, six out of eight newly launched AC double-decker electric buses remain unused at the Barabanki bus depot, months after being flagged off by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The buses, procured at a cost of nearly ₹12 crore, were intended to enhance intercity connectivity,…
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 Sisir Saras Mela-2026 concluded on a high note, registering a record business turnover of ₹30 crore and reaffirming its status as one of Odisha’s most significant platforms for rural and artisanal entrepreneurship. The fair attracted more than five lakh visitors over its duration, with around 400 stalls showcasing a wide range of handicrafts,…
Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is hosting the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam, marking a significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen global democratic processes. The three-day conference has brought together nearly 100 delegates from more than 70 countries, creating a…
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…