Category: News

Bolangir: In a story of courage and composure at sea, an Indian gas carrier has safely returned home from the volatile waters of the Middle East, bringing recognition to its Odia captain, Dheeraj Agrawal.

Captain Agrawal, who hails from Kantabanji in Odisha’s Bolangir district, has earned widespread praise for his steady leadership during a period of heightened geopolitical tension. His efforts ensured the safe navigation of the vessel and the well-being of its crew under extremely challenging circumstances.

The Indian gas carrier Nandadevi, along with another vessel, Shivalik, had been caught in a tense situation in the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. The region witnessed escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, leading to restrictions on maritime movement and creating uncertainty for ships operating in the area.

Reports indicate that the narrow sea corridor saw intense military activity, including missile strikes and aerial surveillance, making navigation both risky and unpredictable. Despite these conditions, the Nandadevi successfully charted a safe course and reached the Gujarat coast earlier this week, following diplomatic efforts that helped ease restrictions in the region.

The vessel had set sail from a port in the United Arab Emirates nearly two weeks earlier, before becoming entangled in the unfolding crisis. Throughout the ordeal, Captain Agrawal’s calm decision-making and professional expertise played a crucial role in ensuring that the crew remained safe and the vessel stayed on course.

Back home in Kantabanji, his return has been met with pride and celebration. Family members and well-wishers gathered to welcome the achievement, while messages of appreciation have poured in from across the state.

Born to late Ramesh Chhapadia and Santosh Devi, Agrawal completed his schooling in his hometown before pursuing nautical science in Mumbai. Since 2017, he has been actively serving in India’s maritime sector and is currently associated with the Shipping Corporation of India.

His mother expressed immense joy at his safe return, describing it as a moment of pride for the family. There is also growing excitement over the possibility of him being recognised at the national level, with reports suggesting he may meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the near future.

Captain Agrawal’s journey stands as a reminder of the resilience and professionalism of Indian seafarers, who often operate far from the spotlight, navigating not just oceans but also moments of global uncertainty.

Thousands of devotees throng Bargarh shrine as rituals mark the spiritual onset of spring festival

Bargarh: The spiritually significant festival of Basantika Navaratra commenced with great devotion at the revered Maa Samaleswari Temple on Thursday, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Amavasya.

From early morning, a large number of devotees gathered at the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings, marking the beginning of the nine-day festival that celebrates the divine feminine energy in its various forms. The temple परिसर resonated with chants, conch sounds, and devotional hymns, creating an atmosphere of deep spirituality.

On the first day, the presiding deity was adorned as Goddess Shailaputri, the first manifestation of Goddess Durga, symbolising strength and new beginnings. Devotees offered flowers, coconuts, and prayers, while priests conducted elaborate rituals following traditional customs.

A key highlight of the opening day was the lighting of the Akhand Dipa (eternal flame), which will continue to burn throughout the Navaratra period. This sacred ritual signifies uninterrupted devotion and the continuous presence of divine energy.

Rituals and Significance

Basantika Navaratra, observed during the Chaitra month, marks the transition into spring and is considered a time of renewal and spiritual awakening. The festival begins with Kalash Sthapana, invoking the goddess, followed by daily worship of the nine forms of Durga. Devotees often observe fasts, participate in bhajans, and engage in prayers seeking strength, prosperity, and protection.

Each day of the festival carries its own significance, with the goddess worshipped in different forms, reflecting various aspects of power, wisdom, and compassion.

Recent Developments and Arrangements

This year, temple authorities and local administration have made special arrangements to manage the surge in footfall. Crowd management systems, queue arrangements, and safety measures have been strengthened to ensure a smooth and safe darshan experience for devotees.

The festival holds deep cultural and religious importance across western Odisha, where Maa Samaleswari is worshipped as a form of the universal mother. The temple, historically associated with the region’s spiritual identity, continues to attract thousands of श्रद्धालु during major festivals like Navaratra. ()

As Basantika Navaratra progresses, the temple is expected to witness even larger gatherings, with devotees coming together in faith, tradition, and celebration—making it not just a religious observance, but a vibrant expression of community and devotion.

Bhubaneswar, March 19: Odisha is set to launch the first phase of its census exercise from April 16, marking a significant step in updating the state’s demographic data. The process will continue until May 15, covering households across the state through a structured and coordinated effort.

During this phase, trained enumerators and supervisors will visit homes to collect detailed information. Officials have emphasized that the exercise will be carried out systematically to ensure accuracy and comprehensive coverage.

Ahead of the field survey, residents will have the option to participate through a self-enumeration process from April 1 to April 15. Using a dedicated online portal, individuals can submit their own details, making the process more convenient and reducing the workload during the physical enumeration phase.

According to Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, Director of the Census Directorate, the initiative combines technology with on-ground efforts to make the census more efficient and accessible. Speaking at a press briefing, he also highlighted efforts to raise public awareness, noting that internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Pattnaik has agreed to serve as the brand ambassador for the campaign.

The census operation will be conducted under a well-defined administrative framework. District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners will serve as Principal Census Officers, while Additional District Collectors will take on the role of District Census Officers. At the grassroots level, tahsildars and executive officers of urban local bodies will function as charge officers, overseeing implementation in their respective areas.

The Revenue and Disaster Management Department has been designated as the nodal department for the exercise. In a notable move, primary school teachers will be deployed as enumerators, while high school teachers will act as supervisors, ensuring both manpower availability and accountability.

Enumerators will collect information by asking household heads a set of 33 questions, covering key socio-economic indicators. Officials believe this data will play a crucial role in shaping future policy decisions and development planning.

Looking ahead, authorities have indicated that the second phase of the census is scheduled for February 2027, which will further build on the data collected during this initial phase.

With preparations in full swing, the state administration is calling on citizens to actively participate—either digitally or in person—to ensure the success of this important exercise.

New Delhi, March 19: The government has computerised more than 4,400 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in Bihar as part of efforts to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery to farmers, the Rajya Sabha was informed.

In a written reply, Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah said Bihar has a total of 8,463 PACS, of which 4,477 have been taken up for computerisation. So far, 4,474 societies have been onboarded to ERP software, and 4,465 have been declared as e-PACS.

The minister said a majority of PACS in the state are being transformed into multipurpose entities. Of the total, 7,617 PACS are engaged in at least two services, while 6,234 are involved in three or more activities.

These include procurement operations, custom hiring centres, storage facilities, fertiliser distribution, fair price shops, and common service centres.

In addition, 5,375 PACS are functioning as Common Services Centres, 2,304 are involved in fertiliser distribution, and 1,696 have been upgraded as PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras. Some PACS are also operating as Jan Aushadhi Kendras and banking correspondents for cooperative banks.

The government is also implementing a pilot project under the “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector” to address storage gaps and build decentralised infrastructure.

In Bihar, 36 PACS across nine districts have been identified under the plan, with a total storage capacity of 1.045 lakh metric tonnes. Loans have been sanctioned for 27 PACS, while construction support is being provided through the Bihar State Warehousing Corporation.

Data shared by the government showed that in 2024–25, 305 godowns with a capacity of 2.43 lakh metric tonnes were sanctioned, of which 77 have been completed and 228 are under construction. In 2025–26, 278 additional godowns have been approved, with most currently under construction.

To support the transition, extensive training has been conducted for PACS and cooperative bank officials. Over 10,000 participants have been trained in ERP operations, handholding support, and refresher programmes.

The computerisation initiative enables PACS to carry out transactions through a common digital platform, improving accountability and streamlining financial operations.

The Ministry of Cooperation, NABARD, and state authorities are monitoring progress through multi-level committees at national, state, and district levels. Regular review meetings are being held to track performance and ensure timely implementation.

The government said these measures are aimed at strengthening the cooperative sector in Bihar, enhancing farmer outreach, and improving access to agricultural services.

New Delhi, March 19: The Department of Posts is serving over 47 crore Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) account holders through its network of more than 1.64 lakh post offices, the government informed the Lok Sabha.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Communications Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said India Post continues to play a key role in financial inclusion by offering a range of savings schemes, including savings accounts, time deposits, recurring deposits, Public Provident Fund, and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme.

The department also supports the distribution of pensions, subsidies, and other benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into post office accounts.

According to the data, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts have reached 3.83 crore, while the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate scheme has 37.3 lakh accounts as of February 28, 2026. These schemes aim to promote financial security for the girl child and enhance women’s financial participation.

India Post has set up 13,352 Aadhaar centres across the country, including mobile units for remote areas. These centres have processed over 14.72 crore transactions, improving access to identity services, particularly for rural and elderly populations.

In collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, the department operates 452 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs). These centres have processed more than 2.09 crore passport applications and police clearance certificates, improving access to passport services in rural and semi-urban areas.

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) is providing a range of citizen-centric services, including Aadhaar-enabled payments, digital life certificates, mobile number updates in Aadhaar, and enrolment services for children under five years of age.

The department has also upgraded its Complaint Management System under Advanced Postal Technology 2.0, launched in March 2025. The new system includes a customer-interactive resolution process, requiring user consent before closing complaints and enabling automatic escalation in case of disputes.

The government said these initiatives are aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and improving access to essential services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

New Delhi, March 19: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said the government has expedited long-pending irrigation and river-linking projects while undertaking structural reforms in agriculture aimed at improving farmer incomes and rural productivity.

Replying to a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Chouhan said several major irrigation projects that remained incomplete for years have been fast-tracked under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.

He stated that out of 140 major irrigation projects, 99 had remained stalled earlier, and the government has now prioritised their completion, with work progressing to bring irrigation coverage to about 2.7 million hectares of additional farmland.

The minister also said river-linking initiatives, including the Ken–Betwa project connecting parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, are being advanced to address issues of floods and droughts.

Chouhan said the government is working to ensure the availability of quality seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides to farmers. He informed the House that new legislation on seeds and pesticides is being prepared to regulate standards and prevent the sale of substandard products.

He added that strict approval mechanisms have been introduced for bio-stimulants, with only those products cleared after multiple scientific trials being allowed in the market.

Highlighting digitisation efforts, the minister said nearly 9 crore farmer IDs have been created under the Digital Agriculture Mission. These digital profiles are expected to streamline access to institutional credit and improve delivery of government schemes.

He also referred to an AI-based platform, “Bharat Vistaar,” which will enable farmers to seek real-time advisory services by sharing crop images or queries, with responses provided in local languages.

Chouhan said the government is promoting natural farming to address concerns over soil health and sustainability. The initiative aims to reach one crore farmers, provide training to 18 lakh farmers, and expand natural farming practices to around 75 lakh hectares.

He added that the Centre is working with states to develop region-specific agricultural plans based on local conditions and crop suitability.

The minister said government interventions, including MSP operations and direct benefit transfers, are aimed at ensuring income support and reducing vulnerabilities faced by farmers.

He maintained that the focus is on improving farm productivity, strengthening rural economies, and advancing the goal of a self-reliant agricultural sector.

Event spotlights visionary thinkers and dynamic performers shaping the future.

(St. Louis, Mo., March 18, 2026) – TEDxStLouis will host its “Edge of Possible” Talks on Saturday, May 30 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum located at 5700 Lindell Blvd. General admission tickets are $37 per person.

This year’s event features influential local voices who are pushing boundaries in their respective fields—exploring new ideas, creating opportunities, and meeting challenges in innovative ways. “Edge of Possible” will showcase five speakers and two live performances.

Featured speakers include:

• John Ahn, PhD, MBA, Scientific Advisor, ALLATRA Global Research Center – “The Invisible Threat of Microplastics.” Dr. Ahn will discuss how micro- and nanoplastics are now found everywhere—and what that means for the planet and life on Earth.
• Erica Barnell, MD, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Medical and Science Officer, Geneoscopy – “Four Words Between You and Cancer.” Dr. Barnell explores how getting comfortable with uncomfortable conversations can lead to early detection and prevention.
• Alison Huckenpahler, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist and Neuroscientist – “Novel Sleep-Based Treatment for Psychiatric Issues.” Dr. Huckenpahler highlights how changing aspects of sleep—its timing, depth, or stability—may help the brain heal in ways medications alone often cannot.
• Stephen Hupp, PhD, Executive Director, Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and Editor, Skeptical Inquirer: The Magazine for Science and Reason – “Exploring Strange Mysteries Can Sharpen Your Thinking.” Dr. Hupp demonstrates the value of examining unusual phenomena through a skeptical lens.
• Pierre Paul, PhD student in Disability Studies, Public Entrepreneur, and Founder and CEO, We Hear You – “Inclusive Design for Accessibility.” Paul reframes disability not solely as an individual condition, but as an experience shaped by systemic design choices.

Guests will enjoy performances by Kristen Harris (KMoney), an award-winning spoken word artist and author honored as Best Poet at the STL Awards in 2022 and 2024, as well as Collective Motion who brings the stage to life through powerful choreography, storytelling, and artistic expression designed to move not just the body, but the mind and spirit.

Event sponsors include US Bancorp Impact Finance Group, Regional Arts Commission (RAC), Missouri Historical Society, Nine PBS, Chandler Hill Vineyards, Excel Bottling Company, 4 Hands Brewing, and 100^th Monkey.

TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.  At a TEDx event, TED Talks videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.  Founded in 2013, TEDxStLouis provides the community with events, connections, and ongoing information.  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.tedxsaintlouis.org.

New Delhi, March 18: The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 6,969 crore project to upgrade the Barabanki–Bahraich highway in Uttar Pradesh into a four-lane corridor. The project aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and support regional economic growth.

The upgraded highway will benefit commuters, transporters, and local businesses by easing congestion and enhancing road safety. It will also strengthen access to remote areas, boost trade, and create employment opportunities during construction.

This initiative forms part of the government’s broader push to modernize road infrastructure across India, enhancing connectivity and fostering industrial and regional development.

New Delhi, March 18: In a major push to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem, the Union Cabinet has approved the BHAVYA scheme with a total outlay of Rs 33,660 crore to develop 100 industrial parks across the country. The initiative is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities while enhancing industrial infrastructure.

The scheme aims to create world-class industrial clusters equipped with modern facilities, improved logistics, and better connectivity. By providing ready-to-use infrastructure, the government seeks to attract both domestic and global investors, making it easier for businesses to set up and expand operations.

Officials said the proposed industrial parks will be strategically located to support key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and export-oriented industries. The focus will be on ensuring efficient land use, seamless connectivity, and access to essential services, which are often critical for industrial growth.

A major objective of the BHAVYA scheme is job creation, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. By developing industrial hubs beyond major cities, the initiative is expected to promote balanced regional development and reduce migration pressures on urban centres.

The scheme also aligns with the government’s broader vision of boosting domestic manufacturing and strengthening India’s position in global supply chains. With improved infrastructure and policy support, the initiative is likely to enhance competitiveness and attract long-term investments.

Industry experts believe that the development of integrated industrial parks will not only improve ease of doing business but also create opportunities for ancillary industries, small businesses, and startups.

The approval of the BHAVYA scheme marks another step in India’s ongoing efforts to build a robust industrial base, support economic growth, and generate employment at scale. As implementation begins, the initiative is expected to play a key role in shaping the country’s manufacturing future.

Bhubaneswar, March 17: Day three of the 26th Youth National Volleyball Championship 2025–26 at the Biju Patnaik Multipurpose Indoor Stadium, KIIT Deemed to be University, witnessed a spectacular performance by the Odisha contingent, as both the men’s and women’s teams topped their respective pools to secure quarterfinal berths.

Odisha Men’s Team Remains Unbeaten

The Odisha men’s team continued its impressive campaign with two commanding victories, demonstrating strength in both attack and defense. In their first match of the day, they outclassed Chhattisgarh, winning in straight sets 3-0 with a clinical display of teamwork and precision.

Facing Andhra Pradesh next, Odisha encountered a stiffer challenge. After winning the first two sets, the team temporarily lost momentum in the third but regrouped to clinch the fourth set in a thrilling finish, securing a 3-1 victory. With these wins, the men’s team remained unbeaten in their pool, showcasing consistency, confidence, and tactical superiority as they advanced to the quarterfinals.

Odisha Women’s Team Shows Resilience and Skill

The Odisha women’s team mirrored the men’s success with an equally impressive performance. They began their day with a strong comeback against West Bengal, bouncing back after dropping the first set to dominate the next three with controlled aggression and excellent coordination, winning 3-1.

Maintaining their momentum, the women secured another convincing 3-0 victory over Himachal Pradesh, remaining undefeated in their pool and earning the top position, thereby confirming their place in the quarterfinals.

Leadership Applauds the Teams

On this occasion, Achyuta Samanta, Chief Patron of the Volleyball Federation of India, founder of KIIT, KISS & KIMS, and President of the Odisha Volleyball Association, congratulated both teams for their outstanding performance. He praised their skill, teamwork, and determination, highlighting how Odisha continues to be a powerhouse in national volleyball competitions.

With the quarterfinals on the horizon, Odisha’s volleyball contingent looks set to maintain their unbeaten streak and make a strong bid for championship glory in both the men’s and women’s categories.