Bhubaneswar/R. Udayagiri, April 16(BNP): A pall of gloom descended over Rubudisingh area in Odisha’s Gajapati district after two minor girl students lost their lives when a school boundary wall collapsed on Wednesday. According to reports, the victims—Idanti Raita (9), a Class IV student, and Bekilesa Raita (10), a Class V student—were playing near the boundary wall of Rubudisingh Primary School after classes had ended. Locals…
Census Drive Begins in Odisha; Door-to-Door Enumeration to Continue for One Month
Bhubaneswar, April 16(BNP): The census drive commenced across Odisha today, with enumerators visiting households door-to-door to collect vital demographic and socio-economic data. The month-long exercise will cover both urban and rural areas of the state, aiming to gather accurate information on population, housing, and other key indicators crucial for planning and governance. State authorities informed that trained enumerators have been deployed in all districts to…
Wood Mackenzie: Six-country international shale priority list for energy security as Middle East conflict drives supply diversification
LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, April 16, 2026 – Middle East conflict has elevated strategic energy security priorities as countries seek supply diversification, international shale exploration can play a key role in meeting those goals, according to new research from Wood Mackenzie, titled “A hydrocarbon copy: the upstream industry’s return to international shale exploration”. Six countries are advancing unconventional resource development to help address energy security objectives. Algeria leads for European supply diversification,…
Insecticide in insect repellents impairs bumblebees’ ability to navigate
Even brief exposure to the insecticide used in mosquito repellents can significantly impair bumblebees’ ability to find their way back to the nest. The bumblebees’ ability to navigate back to the nest is vital to the survival of the entire colony. In the summer, many people turn to mosquito repellents to reduce the insects’ buzzing and bites. One solution that has become increasingly popular in…
Lighting, Air, and Energy: Small Home Changes That Can Quiet the Mind
A simple act—lighting a lamp in a dim corner, changing your curtains, or placing a plant near a window—can subtly reshape how you feel within your own space. Our homes are not passive backdrops; they actively influence mood, clarity, and emotional balance. According to Dr. Sohini Sastri, a two-time President’s Award winner and internationally acclaimed astrologer and life coach, small, mindful adjustments rooted in…
Roblox Introduces New Age-Based Accounts and Expanded Parental Controls for Users Under 16
SAN MATEO, Calif , Apr 16: Roblox Corporation announced two new age-based accounts for younger users on Roblox: Roblox Kids for users ages 5 to 8 and Roblox Select for users ages 9 to 15. When they roll out in early June, these accounts will more closely align content access, communication settings, and parental controls with a user’s age. They’re also establishing an ongoing selection…
SIMBA Uproar 2026 Expands to Mumbai, Reinforcing Its Community-Led Culture Platform
Mumbai, April 16: SIMBA Uproar 2026 concluded its Mumbai edition on 11th April at the MMRDA Grounds, bringing together over 4000+ attendees for an immersive celebration of hip-hop, live performance and action sports. Following a successful edition in Delhi, the platform expanded its scale in Mumbai with a strong focus on community-driven experiences and accessible live entertainment. This year introduced a single-tier, no-VIP format, creating a shared…
Slot Booking System to Be Introduced at Srimandir for Hassle-Free Darshan
Puri, April 16(BNP): In a significant move to enhance devotee convenience and streamline crowd management, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Wednesday announced that a queue and slot booking system will soon be introduced at the Srimandir (Jagannath Temple) in Puri. Under the proposed system, devotees will be able to book darshan slots as per their preferred time, allowing them to visit Lord Jagannath without…
Odisha’s Manisha Padhi Becomes First Woman ADC to Governor, Makes History in Armed Forces
Bhubaneswar, Apr 16 (BNP): Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi from Odisha’s Ganjam district has made history by becoming the first woman officer in India to be appointed as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to a state Governor, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the Armed Forces. Pic Credit: https://x.com/Defence_Squad_ Her appointment as ADC to the Governor of Mizoram reflects a breaking of long-standing barriers in military protocol…
Chief Secretary Anu Garg Chairs Review Meeting on Odisha Governance Priorities
Bhubaneswar, Apr 16 (BNP): A high-level secretaries’ review meeting was held on Wednesday at Kharavel Bhavan, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, to assess departmental performance for March, review ongoing governance initiatives, and strengthen digital monitoring systems through the ‘Uplabdhi Portal’. Pic Credit: https://x.com/_anugarg The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, along with senior officials including Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal…