Category: News

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): India on Thursday marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the landmark multi-domain military operation launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The mission is now widely remembered as a “dawn of justice” for the victims of one of the most brutal civilian attacks in recent years.

The operation was initiated exactly two weeks after terrorists belonging to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), carried out a horrific massacre in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley on April 22, 2025. In the attack, terrorists reportedly separated civilians based on religion before killing 26 people, including tourists and a Nepali national, in an incident that shocked the nation and drew widespread international condemnation.

In response, India launched Operation Sindoor — a coordinated tri-service offensive involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force — aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation marked one of India’s most decisive counter-terror responses in recent history.

Indian armed forces conducted precision strikes on nine major terror launchpads and training centres, including key headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke. According to official sources, more than 100 terrorists were eliminated during the operation. Authorities described the strikes as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” emphasizing that Pakistani military establishments were deliberately avoided.

Strategic experts have termed Operation Sindoor a major shift in India’s national security doctrine, signaling an end to the era of “strategic restraint” and reinforcing the message that terror attacks would now be treated as acts of war demanding direct and decisive retaliation.
The name “Sindoor” carried deep emotional symbolism, representing the sacred bond of marriage and the nation’s resolve to seek justice for the widows and families devastated by the Pahalgam tragedy.

Marking the anniversary, President Droupadi Murmu described the operation as a “defining testament to India’s courage and commitment against terrorism.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the mission established a “new normal,” demonstrating that India would pursue terror masterminds beyond borders with precision and determination.

The military confrontation eventually concluded with a ceasefire on May 10, 2025, following four days of intense hostilities that included drone warfare, cross-border retaliatory strikes, and attacks on Pakistani radar installations.

Across the country, tributes were paid to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and to the armed forces personnel involved in Operation Sindoor. Commemorative events highlighted the mission’s lasting impact on India’s security strategy and national unity.

One year later, Operation Sindoor continues to symbolize India’s unwavering stand against terrorism and its commitment to justice, sovereignty, and national security.

May 7 (BNP): Rushikulya River has once again turned into a remarkable natural spectacle as thousands of Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings emerged from their nests this week and made their first journey towards the sea.

Along the sandy coastline of Ganjam district, the tiny hatchlings could be seen slowly crawling across the beach under the night sky, guided by their natural instincts and the reflection of moonlight on the water. The annual event has drawn attention from wildlife officials, conservationists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Olive Ridley turtles are globally known for their rare mass nesting behaviour, called arribada, a Spanish term meaning “arrival.” During this phenomenon, thousands of female turtles gather on the same stretch of beach within a short period to lay eggs, creating one of nature’s most extraordinary wildlife events.

Although Olive Ridleys are considered the most abundant species of sea turtles in the world, large-scale nesting sites are limited to only a few regions globally. Odisha’s coastline remains one of the most important breeding grounds for the species, particularly the beaches near Rushikulya, which witness nesting activity every year.

Wildlife experts say the successful hatching of thousands of baby turtles reflects the ecological importance of Odisha’s coastal habitat and ongoing conservation efforts in the region.

The hatchlings now face a long and challenging journey in the ocean, where only a small number are expected to survive into adulthood. However, conservationists believe every successful nesting season strengthens the fragile marine ecosystem and offers hope for the continued survival of the species.

Forest officials and volunteers have been monitoring the nesting grounds to ensure minimal disturbance and to protect the hatchlings during their movement towards the sea.

Bhubaneswar, May 7 (BNP): Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has launched the second phase of its bio-mining project at the Bhuasuni dumping yard, stepping up efforts to tackle decades of accumulated waste and improve the city’s environmental health.

Under the new phase, nearly 9 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste will be processed in a phased manner using scientific waste-treatment methods. Civic officials said the initiative is expected to accelerate the restoration of the long-used dumping site and strengthen Bhubaneswar’s push towards sustainable waste management.

Over the last three years, the municipal corporation has already processed around 12 lakh metric tonnes of old waste from the Bhuasuni site. With the addition of Phase 2, the total quantity of waste treated at the landfill is expected to reach nearly 21 lakh metric tonnes.

Bio-mining is a process that involves segregating old mixed waste, recovering reusable materials, and scientifically disposing of the remaining debris. The method helps reduce environmental damage caused by open dumping while also reclaiming land for future use.

The Bhuasuni dumping yard served as Bhubaneswar’s primary waste disposal site between 2008 and 2022. However, concerns over pollution, foul odour, and environmental hazards had intensified over the years, prompting authorities to adopt cleaner and more sustainable waste-processing measures.

The transition towards bio-mining gained momentum in 2023 after directives from the National Green Tribunal, which instructed urban local bodies across the country to stop open dumping and implement scientific waste management practices.

Officials said no fresh waste is currently being dumped at Bhuasuni or nearby locations such as Daruthenga, indicating a shift towards more regulated disposal systems.

The successful implementation of the second phase is expected to improve environmental compliance, reduce pollution risks, and create healthier living conditions for residents in nearby areas. Civic authorities believe the project will also play a key role in transforming Bhubaneswar’s long-term urban waste management infrastructure.

KOLKATA, May 7 (BNP): In a shocking incident that has intensified political tensions in West Bengal following the Assembly election results, Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in Madhyamgram near Kolkata airport late Wednesday night.

According to police, the incident took place around 10:20 PM when Rath, accompanied by another aide, Buddhadeb Bera, was returning home in a Scorpio vehicle. Their car was allegedly intercepted in a narrow lane by another vehicle, after which armed attackers on a motorcycle opened fire at point-blank range through the front passenger-side window.
Rath, who had been associated with Adhikari’s close team for nearly five years, sustained critical injuries and was declared dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital. Buddhadeb Bera was also seriously injured and is currently undergoing treatment.

Investigators said multiple rounds were fired during the attack. Police have launched an intensive probe and are examining all possible angles, including political rivalry and personal enmity. No arrests had been reported till the filing of this report.

The incident comes just 48 hours after the BJP secured a massive victory in West Bengal, winning 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly. Suvendu Adhikari retained his Nandigram seat and also defeated outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhowanipore.

Adhikari reached the crime scene around midnight but had not issued any official statement immediately after the incident. Meanwhile, the killing triggered fresh concerns over post-poll violence in the state.

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya condemned the attack and called for strict action against those responsible. Senior BJP leaders have reportedly directed party workers to maintain peace and avoid further escalation.

New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday flagged off 13 mobile heat relief units to provide immediate support to people affected by the ongoing heatwave in the national capital.

The initiative aims to offer on-the-spot assistance, including access to drinking water, basic medical aid, and relief services, especially for vulnerable groups such as daily wage workers, the elderly, and those exposed to extreme outdoor conditions.

The mobile units will be deployed across key locations in Delhi, focusing on high-footfall and heat-prone areas to ensure timely outreach and support.

The Chief Minister said the move is part of the government’s broader efforts to tackle the impact of rising temperatures and protect public health during the peak summer months.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the city’s heat action response by improving accessibility to essential relief services and reducing heat-related risks among residents.

New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has approved a revised Viability Plan 2.0 for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) for the period 2025–26 to 2027–28, aimed at strengthening financial sustainability, governance, and long-term competitiveness in the rural banking sector.

The new framework builds on the earlier viability plan implemented from FY22 to FY25, which helped improve financial performance and strengthen monitoring systems across RRBs.

Viability Plan 2.0 introduces a structured performance evaluation system based on 30 key parameters under four major pillars — operational excellence, asset quality, profitability, and growth. These indicators are designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of RRB performance.

Key metrics under the framework include capital adequacy ratio (CRAR), credit-deposit ratio, non-performing assets (NPAs), recovery performance, profitability, and digital adoption levels. The plan also incorporates performance in implementing Government of India schemes to align operational outcomes with national priorities.

The government said the revised framework will enhance oversight, improve efficiency, and promote financial discipline across the 28 Regional Rural Banks in the country.

The initiative is expected to further strengthen rural credit delivery, deepen financial inclusion, and support digital banking expansion in underserved areas.

Chennai, May 6 (BNP): Vijay, president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, on Wednesday met Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and formally staked claim to form the next government in Tamil Nadu following the Assembly election results.

TVK has emerged as the single-largest party in the state, significantly altering the political landscape. During the meeting at Raj Bhavan, Vijay submitted his claim to form the government and is expected to be invited to take the next constitutional steps.

However, the party still faces a numerical challenge. It requires at least 118 seats to secure a majority in the Assembly and is currently short by around 10 seats. The next crucial step will be to prove its majority on the floor of the House.

While the Indian National Congress has extended support, its tally of five seats is insufficient to bridge the gap entirely. There is no clarity yet on additional support, including from independent legislators or smaller parties, that could help TVK cross the majority mark.

Political developments are being closely watched, with further announcements expected regarding government formation and a possible floor test in the coming days.

May 6 (BNP): Delhi teacher Soma Mandal has been named the South Asia regional winner of the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, in recognition of her strong focus on climate education.

Teaching at GD Goenka Public School, she has developed a climate-centred learning approach that encourages students to understand environmental issues and take active steps toward sustainability. With over a decade of teaching experience and a background in environmental science, she has been working to make climate awareness an integral part of classroom learning.

As part of the recognition, she will receive a £500 book grant, a trophy, and international visibility through Cambridge publications, including a feature in upcoming textbooks.

May 6 (BNP): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has announced the schedule for the IPL 2026 Playoffs, marking the final stage of a highly competitive season featuring 70 league matches filled with strong performances and close contests.

Qualifier 1 between the top two teams will be played on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, with a direct spot in the final at stake.

The Eliminator match between the third and fourth-placed teams will take place on May 27 at the New Chandigarh International Cricket Stadium. The same venue will also host Qualifier 2 on May 29, where the loser of Qualifier 1 will face the winner of the Eliminator to secure the second place in the final.

The season will conclude with the IPL 2026 Final on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket stadium, setting the stage for a grand finish to the tournament.

New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): Online travel platform EaseMyTrip has reported a strong double-digit increase in adoption of its airport-related services, reflecting growing demand for enhanced travel convenience and premium passenger experiences.

 The company noted that services such as Duty-Free assistance and Meet & Greet facilities have emerged as the most preferred offerings among travellers. This trend highlights a shift toward greater demand for comfort, speed, and personalized support at airports.

According to the company, rising passenger expectations and increased travel activity have contributed to the growth in ancillary airport services. Travellers are increasingly opting for value-added services that reduce hassle and improve overall airport experience.

EaseMyTrip stated that the positive trend indicates expanding opportunities in the airport services segment, with customers showing strong interest in time-saving and premium travel solutions.

The company expects continued growth in this segment as travel demand strengthens and consumer preference shifts toward convenience-driven services.