Tehran, April 16(BNP): In a crucial diplomatic move aimed at stabilising the Middle East, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on Wednesday, leading a high-level political and security delegation. The visit comes at a critical juncture as Pakistan steps up its role as a key mediator between the United States and Iran, with efforts underway to sustain a…
Iranian Oil Tanker with 2 Million Barrels Arrives Near Gujarat Without Buyer
New Delhi/Gujarat, April 16(BNP): In a curious development amid ongoing US restrictions on Iran’s oil exports, an Iranian tanker carrying an estimated 2 million barrels of crude oil arrived near the Gujarat coast on Tuesday without a declared buyer or destination. According to ship-tracking data and industry sources, the vessel appeared unannounced, raising questions over its intended offloading and potential buyers. The development comes even…
New Study Ranks Hawaiian Monk Seal As Marine Mammal Most at Risk of Extinction from Plastic Pollution
3 in 4 Marine Mammals Most at Risk from Plastic Pollution Already Recognized as Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered WASHINGTON (Apr 16) – A new study released in Conservation Biology today and co-authored by scientists at Ocean Conservancy, Arizona State University and Shaw Institute is the first to rank marine mammals based on their vulnerability to macroplastic pollution (any plastic piece larger than 5mm, roughly…
Naveen Patnaik Raises Concerns Over Delimitation Bill, Urges Protection of Odisha’s Political Rights
Bhubaneswar, April 16(BNP): Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed strong concerns over the proposed Delimitation Bill, urging that Odisha’s political rights and representation must remain intact. In a formal letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday, Patnaik cautioned that any reduction in the state’s political representation would undermine the aspirations and interests of the people…
OTP Fraud Case: 7 Sentenced to 3 Years for Sharing Data with Suspected Pakistani Agent
Bhubaneswar, April 16(BNP): In a significant judgment, a Bhubaneswar court has sentenced seven individuals to three years of imprisonment for sharing sensitive information with a suspected foreign agent, raising serious concerns over cyber misuse and national security. The Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) court on Wednesday convicted the accused in a case involving OTP-based fraud, where confidential information was allegedly shared with a suspected Pakistani agent.…
LPG Crisis Deepens in Odisha; Cylinders Unavailable Despite Booking, Black Marketing Alleged
Bhubaneswar, April 16(BNP): The ongoing LPG supply crisis has intensified in several parts of Odisha, with consumers reporting non-availability of cylinders even after placing bookings. Many households have complained of long delays in delivery, forcing them to wait for extended periods despite confirmed orders. The situation has caused significant inconvenience, particularly for daily cooking needs. Amid the shortage, allegations of black marketing have also surfaced,…
Two Minor Girls Killed in School Wall Collapse in Gajapati; CM Orders RDC Probe
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…