New Delhi, Apr 28 (BNP): Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the proposed bullet train project in South India will be a major step in transforming regional rail connectivity and modernising India’s transport network. He said the high-speed rail corridor reflects the government’s vision to extend next-generation railway infrastructure beyond western India and strengthen connectivity across key southern cities and economic centres. The Minister…
Odisha to Set Up Heatwave Relief Centres as State Battles Intense Summer Conditions
Bhubaneswar, Apr 28 (BNP): The Government of Odisha has announced plans to establish Heatwave Relief Centres across the state to support citizens amid continuing severe heatwave conditions. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government is closely monitoring the situation and has intensified preparedness measures in coordination with district administrations. He added that detailed discussions have been held with collectors of all 30…
Odia Cinema Turns 90: From Sita Bibaha to a New Era of Revival and Record Success!
Bhubaneswar, Apr 28 (BNP): Odia cinema today completed 90 years of its glorious journey, marking a historic milestone in the cultural and artistic heritage of Odisha. The foundation of the industry was laid in 1936 with the release of the first Odia feature film, Sita Bibaha, a black-and-white classic directed by Mohan Sundar Deb Goswami. The pioneering film opened the doors for regional storytelling and…
Chandan Yatra Begins in Puri, Marking Sacred Summer Rituals of Lord Jagannath
Puri, Apr 28 (BNP): The centuries-old Chandan Yatra has commenced in Puri, ushering in one of the most spiritually significant summer festivals associated with Lord Jagannath. The celebration blends devotion, tradition, and seasonal symbolism, offering a unique expression of Odisha’s temple culture. A Ritual of Divine Cooling and Devotion As temperatures rise, the festival centres on the cooling ritual of sandalwood (chandan) application, symbolising relief…
PM Modi’s Sikkim Visit: Boosting Infrastructure and Celebrating Ecological Heritage
Apr 28 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Sikkim marked a significant push for the state’s development agenda, alongside a strong emphasis on its rich ecological and cultural identity. Speaking during the closing ceremony of Sikkim’s 50th Year of Statehood celebrations. Known for its serenity and enterprise, the state has seen rapid progress. https://t.co/hFUftLcfk7 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 28, 2026 During his…
Odisha Heatwave Intensifies: Jharsuguda Hits 44.7°C, 14 Cities Cross 41°C
Bhubaneswar,Apr28 (BNP): Odisha continued to reel under an intense heatwave as maximum day temperatures soared across several districts, with Jharsuguda emerging as the hottest place in the state at a scorching 44.7°C. At least 14 cities recorded temperatures above 41°C, highlighting the severity of the prevailing weather conditions. The prolonged spell of extreme heat has disrupted normal life in many parts of the state, with…
Odisha Board Results Soon: Lakhs of Students Await Class 10 and Plus Two Scores
Bhubaneswar,Apr28 (BNP): The long wait of lakhs of students across Odisha is set to end soon as the results of Class 10 (Matric) and Plus Two examinations are expected to be announced shortly. According to sources, the Matric examination results are likely to be declared in the first week of May, bringing relief and excitement to students and parents eagerly awaiting the outcome. The Plus…
Nearly 11,000 Odisha Consumers Get Zero Power Bills Under Rooftop Solar Scheme
Bhubaneswar, Apr 28 (BNP): A growing number of households in Odisha are moving towards clean and self-reliant energy use, with nearly 11,000 consumers in western Odisha reporting zero electricity bills in March 2026 after adopting rooftop solar systems, officials said. The development comes under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which promotes installation of rooftop solar panels in residential households to reduce dependence on grid…
India and Gulf Air Connectivity Set to Improve as Airspace Conditions Stabilise: MEA
New Delhi, Apr 28 (BNP): Flight operations between India and Gulf countries are expected to further normalise as airspace conditions across West Asia continue to improve, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday. The MEA informed that airlines such as Air India and IndiGo are planning to resume services between India and Qatar in a phased manner. Qatar Airways has already restarted limited flights…
Tragedy in Mumbai: Four Family Members Dead After Dinner; Police Probe ‘Biryani-Watermelon’ Link
Mumbai,Apr28 (BNP): In a tragic incident, four members of a family in South Mumbai’s Pydhonie area died after reportedly falling ill with vomiting and diarrhea following a meal at home. Police have registered an accidental death report and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The deceased have been identified as Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen (35), and their daughters Aisha (16)…