Category: News

Apr 15 (BNP): To manage the surge in passenger demand during the summer holiday season, Indian Railways has announced the operation of several special trains connecting Odisha with major cities across India.

The move is aimed at easing travel pressure on regular services and offering passengers more convenient and comfortable options during peak vacation time.

Officials said the additional trains will help reduce overcrowding and improve connectivity for long-distance travellers, making summer journeys smoother and more accessible.

The increased services are also expected to support tourism, as better rail connectivity will encourage more people to visit popular destinations during the holiday season while boosting travel activity across regions.

Apr 15 (BNP): The Odisha government is set to introduce a slot-based booking system for darshan at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, while retaining the existing queue (dhadi) system, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said on Wednesday.

He stated that both systems will operate simultaneously to improve crowd management and ensure a smoother darshan experience for devotees.

Under the new arrangement, devotees who book time slots will be guided to a designated holding area before proceeding for darshan of the Holy Trinity, helping reduce waiting time and streamline visitor flow.

The government is also planning infrastructure upgrades inside the temple complex, including the proposed air-conditioning of the Nata Mandap. The tender process for the project is currently underway.

The initiative aims to make darshan more organised and hassle-free while preserving traditional worship practices at the shrine.

New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has expressed confidence in Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, saying the team’s recent victories will help him settle into the season after a difficult start.

CSK began their campaign with three consecutive losses but have since recovered with back-to-back wins against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, lifting team morale and easing early pressure.

Ashwin believes the improved results will allow Gaikwad to play with greater freedom as captain and focus on regaining his batting rhythm. He also suggested that a minor adjustment in approach at the top of the order could benefit the opener in the T20 format.

With momentum shifting in their favour, the five-time IPL champions will aim to maintain their winning run in the upcoming fixtures.

Gujarat, Apr 15 (BNP): An Indian-flagged LPG tanker, Jag Vikram, has safely arrived at Kandla Port in Gujarat after carrying out a successful voyage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route.

The vessel, owned by Mumbai-based Great Eastern Shipping Company, was carrying around 20,400 metric tonnes of LPG and had 24 crew members on board. It crossed the strategic waterway on April 11 before reaching Kandla on Tuesday morning, according to maritime tracking sources.

The safe transit is being seen as a reassuring development for India’s energy supply chain, given the importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global oil and gas movement.

The voyage also comes amid easing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, following reports of a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which has raised hopes of smoother maritime trade operations in the coming days.

New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): St. Kitts and Nevis has inaugurated its High Commission in India, marking a significant step forward in diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The establishment of the mission is expected to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges. It will also facilitate closer coordination between the two governments and improve engagement on bilateral issues.

Officials said the move reflects the growing partnership between India and St. Kitts and Nevis, with both sides looking to expand collaboration in multiple sectors.

The High Commission will also provide improved consular services, making support more accessible for citizens and strengthening people-to-people connections.

New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): Escalating tensions between Iran and the United States are beginning to impact everyday life in India, with rising crude oil prices triggering a broad-based increase in the cost of essential commodities and consumer goods. From kitchen staples to household appliances, prices are already climbing and are expected to rise further, putting additional pressure on household budgets.

Cooking Oil Prices Rise Amid Import Dependence
One of the earliest visible impacts has been on cooking oil prices, which have increased by over 7%. India meets nearly 57% of its edible oil demand through imports, making it highly vulnerable to global supply disruptions. Key oils such as palm, soybean and sunflower have been directly affected. The surge in crude oil prices has also raised transportation and logistics costs, further inflating retail prices.

FMCG Products Under Pressure; Shrinkflation Returns
Daily-use FMCG products, including soap, shampoo and biscuits, are also witnessing price pressures. Companies are either increasing prices or resorting to “shrinkflation”—reducing product quantities while maintaining the same price—to offset rising input costs. Higher energy prices have pushed up raw material and packaging expenses.

Consumer Durables Turn Costlier
Consumer durables such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and LED televisions have recorded price increases of up to 15%. The rise is attributed to higher costs of metals, components and logistics, all linked to the spike in global crude oil prices.

Wider Impact Across Sectors
Beyond FMCG and appliances, sectors such as textiles, paints and plastics are also witnessing increased production costs. Industry experts warn that if geopolitical tensions persist, inflationary pressures could intensify in the coming months.

Outlook
Economists caution that continued volatility in crude oil prices may sustain upward pressure on costs across sectors, affecting both businesses and consumers. Further price hikes cannot be ruled out if supply chain disruptions deepen.

CHHATTISGARH, Apr 15 (BNP): A major blast at the Vedanta power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district has killed 14 workers.

The accident happened on Tuesday afternoon at the plant in Singhitarai village when a high-pressure steam pipe connected to a boiler exploded. Several workers were injured, many with severe burns.

Rescue teams and police quickly reached the spot and shifted the injured to hospitals for treatment.

The exact cause of the explosion is still being investigated.

The incident has raised serious concerns about safety at industrial plants.