Category: News

London, Apr 29 (BNP): Chelsea Women’s team captain Millie Bright has announced her retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a highly decorated career at the club and on the international stage.

Bright, who has been Chelsea’s longest-serving player, was part of the squad’s first major trophy win in 2015 and went on to play a key role in 19 more title victories during her tenure. She said the decision marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life after giving everything to the game.

In her statement, Bright expressed gratitude to Chelsea, saying she is proud to have represented the club exclusively throughout her career and will always remain connected to it in a different capacity.

Chelsea confirmed that she will continue her association with the club as a trustee of its foundation and also serve as a club ambassador, reflecting her long-standing contribution and leadership.

During her career, Bright set multiple records, including becoming Chelsea’s all-time appearance leader and making over 300 appearances for the club. She also played a key role in the team’s domestic success, winning multiple league titles, FA Cups, and League Cups.

On the international stage, Bright earned over 80 caps for England and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. She also captained England to the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in 2023 and was awarded an OBE for her contribution to football.

Her retirement marks the end of an era for Chelsea Women, with her legacy defined by leadership, consistency, and sustained success at the highest level.

Bhubaneswar, Apr 29 (BNP): The Government of Odisha has launched a modern electric bus (e-bus) service aimed at transforming urban transportation and promoting environmentally sustainable mobility across the state.

ଅତ୍ୟାଧୁନିକ ଇ-ବସ ଚଳାଚଳ ଭଳି ପଦକ୍ଷେପ ସହରୀ ପରିବହନ ବ୍ୟବସ୍ଥାରେ ଏକ ବୈପ୍ଳବିକ ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ ଆଣିବ। ନାରୀ ଶକ୍ତିର ସହଭାଗିତାରେ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିବା ଏହି ସେବା ଛାତ୍ରଛାତ୍ରୀ ଓ ଶ୍ରମିକମାନଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ବେଶ୍ ସହାୟକ ହେବ। ପରିବେଶ ଦୃଷ୍ଟିକୋଣରୁ ଏହି ଇ-ବସ୍ ସେବା ବାର୍ଷିକ ପ୍ରାୟ ୩୩୦ ରୁ ୩୯୦ ଟନ୍ କାର୍ବନ ନିର୍ଗମନ ହ୍ରାସ କରିବାରେ ସହାୟକ… pic.twitter.com/VnSLYBSF27

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) April 29, 2026

The initiative is expected to significantly improve daily commuting for students, workers, and the general public by offering a cleaner, more efficient, and reliable mode of transport. The programme also highlights the growing role of women in public service delivery, reflecting an inclusive approach to development.

Officials stated that the introduction of e-buses will contribute to reducing pollution levels, with an estimated annual reduction of around 330 to 390 tonnes of carbon emissions. This aligns with the state’s broader focus on green initiatives and sustainable urban planning.

In addition to the transport rollout, several development projects have been inaugurated and new initiatives announced to strengthen infrastructure and support economic growth in the region. These efforts are expected to enhance connectivity, improve public services, and create new opportunities at the district level.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the coming decade will be critical for Odisha’s growth, describing it as a period of commitment towards building a prosperous state by 2036. He noted that districts like Kendujhar will play a vital role in achieving this vision through continued development and infrastructure expansion.

The e-bus initiative is part of a larger strategy to modernise urban infrastructure, reduce environmental impact, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

Bhubaneswar, Apr 29 (BNP): The Commissionerate Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack has issued a traffic advisory imposing restrictions on several key routes in the city on April 30, in view of the one-day special session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly.

The restrictions will be effective from 7 am and are intended to ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain security in and around the Assembly complex and nearby government institutions.

According to the advisory, vehicles moving from Housing Board Square towards Rabindra Mandap will be diverted at Keshari Talkies Square. Traffic from AG Square towards PMG will be rerouted via Jaydev Bhawan and IG Park Road.

Similarly, vehicles from the Master Canteen area heading towards PMG will be diverted through alternative routes near Lower PMG. Traffic from 120 Infantry Battalion Square will not be permitted towards Rabindra Mandap and will instead be redirected towards Power House Square.

Vehicles coming from Lok Bhawan Square towards MLA Colony and Rabindra Mandap will be diverted at 120 Battalion Square towards Sastrinagar Square.

Emergency services such as ambulances, fire services, and police vehicles will be exempted from these restrictions. Vehicles authorised for entry into the State Assembly, Lok Seva Bhawan, and other government offices in the area will also be allowed passage.

The police have requested citizens to cooperate with the traffic arrangements and plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience during the session.

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): The visit of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan to the United Kingdom has reinforced growing defence cooperation between India and the UK, marking a significant step in strengthening strategic ties between the two nations, according to the British High Commission.

The discussions during the visit focused on enhancing bilateral defence collaboration, improving military-to-military engagement, and identifying new areas of cooperation in training, capability development, and strategic coordination.

Officials said the engagement reflects the shared commitment of both countries to address evolving global and regional security challenges through closer defence partnerships and regular high-level exchanges.

The British High Commission noted that the India–UK defence relationship continues to expand across key areas such as maritime security, defence technology cooperation, and joint training initiatives.

The visit is seen as part of ongoing efforts to deepen the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both sides aiming to strengthen operational coordination and long-term defence collaboration.

Overall, the engagement highlights the continued momentum in bilateral defence ties and the mutual focus on building a more robust and future-ready security partnership.

Kendrapara, Apr 29 (BNP): A census of the Mangrove Pitta was conducted across five ranges of the Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division, covering important coastal mangrove habitats in Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts.

According to Divisional Forest Officer Vardhraj Gaonkar, the survey was carried out using both direct and indirect observation methods across multiple mangrove patches in the region. The exercise was conducted to assess the presence and distribution of the species in its natural habitat.

A total of 70 trained enumerators, organised into 35 teams, participated in the census exercise conducted on Sunday.

The primary objective of the study was to collect scientific data on the bird’s distribution, habitat conditions, breeding patterns, and behavioural traits. The survey will also serve as a baseline for future population monitoring and conservation planning.

Officials said such assessments are important for understanding biodiversity trends in fragile mangrove ecosystems and for strengthening long-term conservation strategies in coastal Odisha.

The data collected is expected to support ongoing efforts to protect wetland and mangrove habitats that are crucial for a variety of bird species, including the Mangrove Pitta.

New Delhi, April 29: India’s LPG under-recoveries are expected to rise sharply and could reach nearly ₹80,000 crore in FY2027, driven by volatility in global energy markets and ongoing disruptions in West Asia, according to a recent assessment by ICRA.

The report notes that geopolitical tensions in key oil and gas-producing regions have tightened global supply conditions, leading to higher import costs for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This is expected to widen the gap between import prices and regulated domestic retail prices.

Under-recoveries occur when fuel retailers sell LPG at government-controlled prices that are lower than their actual procurement cost. When international prices rise, the financial burden on oil marketing companies increases.

ICRA highlighted that continued instability in global energy supply chains may keep LPG pricing under pressure in the medium term, especially if crude oil prices remain elevated.

Despite global uncertainties, domestic LPG demand in India remains steady, supported by household consumption and policy measures aimed at ensuring affordable access to clean cooking fuel.

Analysts said future trends in LPG under-recoveries will depend on global crude movements, geopolitical developments, and adjustments in domestic pricing mechanisms.

Overall, the outlook indicates continued fiscal pressure in the energy sector, with LPG cost gaps likely to remain a key concern for policymakers.

Uttar Pradesh, Apr 29 (BNP): The Ganga Expressway, a major infrastructure project in the state, is expected to significantly improve connectivity while supporting industrial growth, logistics development, agricultural marketing, and regional economic balance.

The 594-km expressway connects western and eastern Uttar Pradesh through a high-speed corridor designed to reduce travel time, improve transport efficiency, and strengthen economic linkages across districts.

 Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the expressway will play an important role in accelerating development and improving connectivity between rural and urban areas. He described it as a key project that will benefit farmers, youth, and entrepreneurs by improving access and reducing travel distances.

The expressway passes through 12 districts, including Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj. It is designed for high-speed travel of up to 120 kmph and is expected to make movement of people and goods faster and safer.

Modern safety and traffic systems have been installed along the corridor, including intelligent traffic management systems, CCTV surveillance, emergency response units, ambulance services, and highway patrol teams.

A 3.2-km airstrip near Shahjahanpur has also been developed for emergency landing of Air Force aircraft, adding strategic importance to the project.

Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Clusters (IMLCs) are being developed along the expressway to support warehouses, cold storage facilities, and food processing units. These are expected to attract investment and generate employment opportunities.

The expressway is also linked with other major road corridors in the state, creating a wider expressway network that will improve regional connectivity and support economic growth.

Officials said the project will help boost investment, improve agricultural market access, strengthen logistics, and create both direct and indirect employment opportunities across Uttar Pradesh.

Bhagalpur, Apr 29 (BNP): In a brazen daylight attack, armed assailants stormed the office of the Sultanganj Nagar Parishad in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district on Tuesday, killing Executive Officer Krishna Bhushan Kumar and critically injuring Municipal Chairman Raj Kumar Guddu.

The shocking incident occurred at around 4:00 PM, when both officials were in their respective chambers attending official work. According to eyewitnesses, a group of three to five armed criminals arrived on motorcycles, entered the civic office premises, and opened indiscriminate fire, triggering panic among staff members and visitors.

Eyewitness Ranjit Kumar said several people, including standing committee members, were present inside the office when the attackers barged in and began shooting randomly. Both injured officials were immediately rushed to hospital by staff and locals.

Senior Superintendent of Police Pramod Yadav said Executive Officer Krishna Bhushan Kumar displayed exceptional courage by confronting the attackers and attempting to stop them. CCTV footage reportedly shows him struggling with the assailants before being shot multiple times.

Kumar was hit by three bullets and succumbed to his injuries while being taken to Mayaganj Hospital. Municipal Chairman Raj Kumar Guddu remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment.

Police suspect the incident may be linked to long-standing personal rivalry within the local municipal administration, though all angles are being investigated.

The SSP confirmed that special teams have been formed to identify and arrest those responsible. CCTV footage has reportedly captured at least two of the attackers.

The incident has sparked sharp political reactions, with Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav criticising the Nitish Kumar government over deteriorating law and order in the state.

Heavy police deployment, barricading, and additional reinforcements have been put in place across Sultanganj to prevent any escalation of tension.

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): In a significant move against rising cyber fraud, WhatsApp has banned 9,400 accounts allegedly involved in “digital arrest” scams since January this year, the Central Government informed the Supreme Court.

The development was disclosed in a comprehensive status report filed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in compliance with the apex court’s directions to curb the growing menace of online fraud and digital extortion.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, which had taken suo motu cognisance of digital fraud cases, had earlier directed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and other agencies to frame a coordinated mechanism for victim compensation and preventive action.

According to the report, WhatsApp launched a structured multi-week investigation in January 2026 following concerns raised by I4C, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the DoT over scams targeting Indian users.

The investigation reportedly followed a rigorous methodology involving identification of suspicious signals, mapping scam networks, taking action against linked accounts, and deploying automated safeguards to prevent future abuse.

Authorities said the banned accounts were linked to fraudsters impersonating law enforcement agencies such as police, CBI, customs officials, and other government departments. Victims were allegedly threatened through calls and messages, falsely told they were under investigation, and coerced into transferring money to avoid arrest.

The Centre also informed the court that a multi-pronged strategy involving telecom regulators, service providers, banks, tech companies, and investigative agencies such as the CBI is being implemented to tackle such cybercrimes.
Officials urged citizens to remain alert and reminded the public that genuine law enforcement agencies do not demand payments or conduct arrests through messaging apps or video calls.

The crackdown is being seen as a major step in strengthening India’s response to increasingly sophisticated cross-platform cyber fraud operations.