Seat Reservation Process Begins for 2027 Panchayat Elections, Setting the Stage for Grassroots Democratic Exercise

Bhubaneswar, April 20:  The state government has started preparations for the 2027 Panchayat elections. The Panchayati Raj Department has issued a letter to all District Collectors regarding seat reservation.Instructions have been given to determine reservation of seats for Ward Members, Sarpanches, and Samiti Members. Similarly, directions have also been issued to finalize seat reservations for Zilla Parishad members.District authorities have been asked to submit the…

New Government Bus Service Launched, Bringing Improved Connectivity and Easier Transportation Access to the Region

Bolangir, April 20:  A new government bus service has been started, adding improved connectivity to the region.The bus will run from Bolangir to Deogarh via Biramaharajpur. The service was officially inaugurated by Biramaharajpur MLA Raghunath Jagadala, along with Sub-Collector Surendra Meher, Tahasildar Suchismita Panigrahi, and BDO Rajib Hansda, who flagged off the bus.The bus will pass through Biramaharajpur at 10:25 AM and will operate daily…

MLA Actively Participates in Panchayat Samiti Meeting at Kotpad, Reviews Development Works and Local Issues

Kotpad, April 20: A Panchayat Samiti meeting was held at the conference hall of the Kotpad Panchayat Samiti office in Koraput district.The meeting was attended by local MLA Rupu Bhatra as the chief guest, along with MP representative Ashutosh Mohapatra, Chairperson Komala Bhatra, Vice-Chairperson Topan Panigrahi, Zilla Parishad members Gita Majhi and Tripati Chalana, among others.Officials from around 25 departments—including education, health, drinking water, child…

Women Empowered Through Agricultural Training Camp Organized by Swapneswar Pani Panchayat, Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices

Belaguntha, April 20: A women’s agricultural training camp was organized by the Swapneswar Pani Panchayat at the library premises in Gangapur Hatapada.The program was held under the अध्यक्षship of Pani Panchayat President Arjun Bishoyi. The chief guest was Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer Byomkesh Mishra, while agricultural scientist Anita Patra attended as the keynote speaker.Other dignitaries included Agriculture Officer Sangram Senapati, Assistant Agriculture Officer Shailasuta Sahu, Sanghamitra…

Jeypore Airport Development Gains Momentum as Land Acquisition Nears Completion, Paving Way for Bigger Aircraft Operations Soon

Jeypore:April 20: Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond informed that the development of Jeypore Airport and the land acquisition process will be completed very soon. He also stated that larger aircraft will start operating from Jeypore in the near future.After arriving at Jeypore Airport in Koraput district, the minister, along with Koraput MLA Raghuram Machh, said that development in the district will be…

Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz; Global Oil Prices Dip, Fuel Costs May Ease

New Delhi, April 18(BNP): Iran’s decision to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz has led to a sharp decline in global oil prices, raising expectations of a possible reduction in petrol and diesel prices. Following the announcement, international crude oil prices dropped by around 10 per cent, as the resumption of commercial shipping through the key maritime route eased concerns over supply disruptions. The…

Women’s Reservation-Linked Amendment Bill Fails in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, April 18(BNP): The Lok Sabha on Saturday rejected the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, moved by the Union Government, after it failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. Out of 528 members present and voting, 298 supported the Bill while 230 opposed it, falling short of the constitutional threshold needed for passage of an amendment. The proposed legislation sought to…

Biju Patnaik’s 29th Death Anniversary Sparks Political Activity in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, April 18(BNP): The 29th death anniversary of Biju Patnaik witnessed heightened political activity in Odisha, with multiple groups organising events to pay tribute to the iconic leader. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by Naveen Patnaik, is observing the day as ‘Prabada Purusha Dibasa’ across all 147 Assembly constituencies in the state. As part of the observance, the party has organised seminars highlighting Biju…

FSSAI Directs States to Enforce Ban on Calcium Carbide for Fruit Ripening

New Delhi, April 18(BNP): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all states and Union Territories to strictly enforce regulations against the use of prohibited artificial fruit ripening agents. According to a recent update shared by the authority, states have been instructed to ensure stringent checks and prevent the use of calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits such as mangoes,…