Apr 15 (BNP): The Chhattisgarh Cabinet on Wednesday approved a significant decision to reduce land registration charges by 50% for properties registered in the name of women. The move is aimed at encouraging women’s ownership of property and strengthening their financial independence. In a separate decision, the Cabinet also approved a 25% concession in stamp duty for defence personnel, ex-servicemen from Chhattisgarh, and their widows.…
Chhattisgarh plant blast kills 9, injures 15
Raipur, Apr 15 (BNP): At least nine people were killed and 15 others injured in a major accident at a power plant in Sakti district of Chhattisgarh, officials said. Preliminary reports indicate that the incident was caused by a boiler explosion at the facility, triggering a serious industrial mishap. Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately, and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for…
Australia to get first female Army Chief in historic move
Canberra, Apr 15 (BNP): Australia has announced that its Army will be led by a woman for the first time in its 125-year history, marking a historic milestone in the country’s military leadership. Susan Coyle, currently serving as Chief of Joint Capabilities, will take over as Chief of Army in July as part of a broader reshuffle of the defence force leadership. She will succeed…
New Wage Rules to Increase Basic Pay Share, Reduce Tax Benefits
Apr 15 (BNP): The implementation of India’s new labour codes is expected to change how employee salaries are structured, with possible impacts on take-home pay and tax liability. Under the revised rules, basic pay, dearness allowance, and retaining allowance must together form at least 50% of an employee’s total cost to company (CTC). This is expected to reduce the share of tax-free allowances in salary…
Overcrowded boat sinks in Andaman Sea; 250 feared missing
Port Blair/Dhaka, Apr 15 (BNP): A major maritime tragedy has unfolded in the Andaman Sea after an overcrowded trawler carrying Rohingya refugees capsized, with around 250 people feared missing. The vessel, which departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was bound for Malaysia, is reported to have sunk due to heavy winds, rough seas and overcrowding, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.…
Praful Hinge, Sakib Hussain Shine as Odisha Duo Make IPL Impact
Apr 15 (BNP): Odisha’s fast bowlers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain made a strong impact in the Indian Premier League while representing Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals. The duo shared eight wickets between them, with Sakib Hussain taking 4 for 24 and Praful Hinge claiming 4 for 34, effectively dismantling the opposition batting lineup with pace and accuracy. Their performance, rooted in years of training…
Jhamu Yatra at Maa Sarala Temple: Odisha’s Sacred Fire Pilgrimage of Faith, Devotion and Living Heritage
The sacred Jhamu Yatra, one of Odisha’s most spiritually powerful and culturally rich festivals, was observed with deep devotion at the revered Maa Sarala Temple in Jagatsinghpur district. The event drew thousands of devotees, transforming the temple precincts into a vibrant space of faith, ritual, and collective spiritual energy. Known as the “fire pilgrimage,” Jhamu Yatra is a unique tradition rooted in unwavering devotion to…
Lok Sabha may expand to 850 seats; women’s reservation push by 2029
New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): The Centre has proposed a major expansion of the Lok Sabha, increasing its strength to up to 850 seats as part of efforts to implement 33% reservation for women from the 2029 general elections. The proposal forms part of a constitutional amendment aimed at operationalising the provisions of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Under the proposal, around 815 seats would…
Early Season Wheat Procurement Shows Sharp 69 pc Decline: FCI Data
Apr 15 (BNP): Government wheat procurement has declined sharply in the ongoing 2026–27 rabi marketing season, reaching 15.30 lakh tonnes so far, according to data from the Food Corporation of India (FCI). This marks a drop of over 69% compared to the same period last year. Wheat procurement in India typically takes place between April and March, with the bulk of purchases carried out in…
Italy pauses defence ties with Israel, signals policy shift
Rome, Apr 15 (BNP): Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced the suspension of Italy’s defence treaty with Israel, signalling a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy amid escalating tensions in West Asia. The decision coincided with sharp criticism from Donald Trump over Italy’s refusal to support the United States in its military campaign against Iran. “In view of the current situation, the government…