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  • Odisha Mandates Odia Language in All Educational Institutions

    Bhubaneswar, Apr 16 (BNP): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that the Odia language will be made compulsory in all schools across the state, reinforcing efforts to strengthen linguistic heritage and cultural identity.

    The announcement was made during the concluding ceremony of the ‘Odia Paksha’ celebrations, highlighting the state government’s focus on promoting the mother tongue among students from an early age.

    The Chief Minister stated that the directive will be implemented across all educational institutions in Odisha. As part of the initiative, more than 18,000 copies of Odia Barnabodha and Shishu Lekha Pustak will be distributed to students to deepen their understanding of the language and its cultural significance.

    Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening students’ connection with Odia language, literature, and traditions, while ensuring its wider usage in academic learning.

    The government also reiterated its commitment to expanding educational infrastructure and promoting inclusive learning through initiatives aligned with national education objectives.

  • India, US Advance Trade Talks as Envoy Meets US Officials in Washington

    Washington, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held meetings with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and former US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, as both countries continue discussions on a proposed bilateral trade agreement.

    The meetings come at a time when India and the US are working to refine the details of their bilateral trade framework, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and addressing tariff and market access issues.

    According to official inputs, a delegation of Indian officials is expected to travel to the United States for further negotiations on the agreement in the coming weeks.

    In an earlier social media post, the Indian envoy noted that discussions covered a wide range of bilateral cooperation areas and also included exchanges on key global developments. The engagement was described as constructive, with both sides reaffirming support for stronger India-US relations.

    The trade talks follow the announcement of a framework for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement earlier this year, under which tariff reductions and market access measures were discussed as part of broader negotiations.

    However, the evolving global trade environment and policy shifts in the United States have influenced the timeline for finalisation. Officials have indicated that the agreement is expected to move forward once the revised tariff structure becomes clearer.

    The negotiations are also taking place amid broader trade-related reviews initiated by the US under its trade enforcement mechanisms, adding further complexity to ongoing discussions.

    Despite these challenges, both sides continue to express commitment to advancing the trade partnership and strengthening economic ties.

  • WEF Highlights Middle Income Economies as Growth Engine

    Apr 16 (BNP): Middle-income economies are poised to become the primary drivers of global economic growth in the coming years, even as the world economy continues to face a range of new and evolving challenges, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).

    The outlook highlights that these economies are gaining importance due to strong demographic trends, expanding industrial capacity, and rising domestic consumption. Together, these factors are expected to support sustained economic expansion despite global uncertainties.

    At the same time, the global growth environment remains uneven. Advanced economies are projected to experience relatively slower momentum, while middle-income nations are increasingly contributing a larger share to overall global output.

    However, the WEF also cautions that multiple risks could weigh on this trajectory. These include geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and broader global financial volatility, all of which may affect the pace of recovery and long-term stability.

    Overall, the global economic landscape is expected to remain balanced between opportunity and uncertainty, with middle-income economies emerging as key engines of growth while navigating a complex external environment.

     

  • Mango Meets Clean Eating at Flax Healthy Living

    Mango Meets Clean Eating at Flax Healthy Living

    Balancing indulgence with mindful eating, Flax  Healthy Living introduces summer dishes that lean into mango while staying true to its health-first philosophy. The hero here is the Chipotle mango dressing, which brings together smoky heat and tropical sweetness across dishes.

    The Chipotle Mango Nachos are built on gluten-free chips layered with refried beans, guacamole, salsa crudo, parmesan, and Greek yoghurt, offering both texture and depth. The Chicken Mango Chipotle Nachos elevate this with grilled chicken and mango salsa, making it a more filling option.

    For a wholesome, bowl-style meal, the Mediterranean Bowl combines arugula, spinach, couscous, grilled vegetables, broccoli, roasted red peppers, grilled paneer, feta, walnuts, basil, and pesto dressing, fresh, herbaceous, and nutrient-dense. In contrast, the Chipotle Cowboy Bowl delivers a heartier profile with mixed beans, corn, grilled chicken, guacamole, ragi chips, and chipotle mango dressing, tying it all together.

    Where: Multiple outlets across Mumbai
    When: Ongoing (Summer Menu)

    Business News For Profit

  • Odisha’s Manisha Padhi Becomes First Woman ADC to Governor, Makes History in Armed Forces

    Bhubaneswar, Apr 16 (BNP): Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi from Odisha’s Ganjam district has made history by becoming the first woman officer in India to be appointed as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to a state Governor, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the Armed Forces.

    Odisha’s Manisha Padhi Becomes First Woman ADC to Governor, Makes History in Armed Forces

    Pic Credit: https://x.com/Defence_Squad_ 

    Her appointment as ADC to the Governor of Mizoram reflects a breaking of long-standing barriers in military protocol roles, traditionally held by male officers, and highlights the growing inclusion of women in key leadership responsibilities within the defence services.

    The historic moment gained further visibility when she participated in the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati at Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on January 3, 2025, symbolising her active role in high-level constitutional and ceremonial duties.

    Selected from a Ministry of Defence shortlist, she took charge of the ADC position in Aizawl on November 29, 2023, after being chosen over other eligible officers, underscoring her professional capability and merit-based selection.

    Hailing from Berhampur in Ganjam district, Squadron Leader Padhi comes from a defence-oriented family. Her father, a retired Honorary Flying Officer, played an important role in inspiring her journey towards the armed forces.

    She completed her engineering education at C.V. Raman College of Engineering in Bhubaneswar before joining the Indian Air Force after clearing the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). Commissioned in December 2015 under the 46 Short Service Commission (Women) Ground Duty Course, she specialised as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC), a role that demands precision, discipline, and quick decision-making.

    Her journey from a small town in Odisha to a prestigious ceremonial and operational role in the Air Force stands as an example of growing opportunities for women in uniformed services and the evolving face of leadership in India’s armed forces.

  • Shubho Nobo Borsho: A Golden Start to New Beginnings

    Chandigarh, April 16: As Bengal ushers in Poila Boishakh, homes fill with hope, warmth, and the joy of new beginnings. It’s a time to pause, reconnect with loved ones, and welcome the year ahead with optimism. An intrinsic part of Bengali households and celebrations, chai brings people together everyday, and in a culture known for its discerning tastes, Tata Tea Gold has become Bengalis’ favourite tea, with its rich taste and irresistible aroma.

    Deeply embedded in Bengal’s cultural fabric, the brand has celebrated its joyous spirit over the years, from the artistry of Durga Puja to the everyday rituals that define the region.

    This Poila Boishakh, Tata Tea Gold wishes everyone a year filled with warmth, togetherness, and many golden moments. May every day of the new year begin on a truly golden note.

    Business News For Profit

  • Rupee Rises 6 Paise to 93.27 as Crude Oil Eases, Dollar Weakens

    Mumbai, April 16 (BNP): The Indian rupee strengthened in early trade on Thursday, appreciating by 6 paise to 93.27 against the US dollar, supported by easing crude oil prices and a softer American currency.

    The domestic currency opened at 93.29 per dollar at the interbank foreign exchange market and later firmed to 93.27 in early deals.

    Market sentiment was buoyed by a decline in global crude oil prices, which remained below the USD 95-per-barrel mark. Expectations of easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia also contributed to improved investor confidence.

    However, forex analysts noted that the rupee’s gains were limited due to continued dollar demand from importers and sustained foreign fund outflows, which kept pressure on the currency.

    Traders also pointed out that stability in global energy prices provided some support to domestic equities, although broader macroeconomic factors continued to influence currency movements.

    Overall, the rupee’s movement reflected a mix of positive global cues and persistent domestic demand for the US dollar, resulting in a narrow range of gains in early trade.

  • Chief Secretary Anu Garg Chairs Review Meeting on Odisha Governance Priorities

    Bhubaneswar, Apr 16 (BNP): A high-level secretaries’ review meeting was held on Wednesday at Kharavel Bhavan, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, to assess departmental performance for March, review ongoing governance initiatives, and strengthen digital monitoring systems through the ‘Uplabdhi Portal’.

    Chief Secretary Anu Garg Chairs Review Meeting on Odisha Governance Priorities

    Pic Credit: https://x.com/_anugarg 

    The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, along with senior officials including Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioners, and departmental Secretaries. Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan joined virtually and presented a detailed update, while IAS probationers of the 2024 Odisha cadre batch participated as part of their administrative training exposure.

    At the outset, the Chief Secretary reviewed key departmental achievements recorded in March and evaluated progress across sectors through performance-based indicators. She stressed the importance of real-time monitoring and data-driven governance using the ‘Uplabdhi Portal’ to improve accountability and efficiency in implementation.

    She appreciated the Skill Development and Technical Education Department for Odisha’s strong performance in the India Skills 2025–26 competition and commended officials for the successful completion of the “Ganati-Manati” exercise related to the Ratna Bhandar of the Shree Jagannath Temple.

    The meeting also reviewed the citizen outreach programme “Ame Janiba Ama Budget,” aimed at enhancing public awareness of budget provisions. It was decided to continue and further strengthen such initiatives. The Finance Department and Information & Public Relations Department were acknowledged for effectively taking budget-related information to the grassroots level.

    Officials informed that participation on the i-GOT Karmayogi Bharat platform under the “Sadhana Saptaha” initiative has increased from 95 per cent to 98 per cent. The Chief Secretary appreciated the Gopabandhu Administrative Academy for its role in improving training participation across departments.

    The Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture was also praised for the successful statewide observance of “Odia Pakhya,” along with other departments that contributed to its smooth execution.

    The meeting concluded with directions to further strengthen digital governance, improve inter-departmental coordination, and enhance performance tracking through the Uplabdhi Portal to ensure more efficient service delivery across the state administration.

  • PNG Expansion Gains Momentum with 4.4 Lakh New Connections

    New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): The Government of India has stepped up efforts to expand access to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as part of a broader strategy to promote cleaner energy usage and reduce reliance on conventional fossil fuels, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

    Under the ongoing expansion programme, around 4.40 lakh PNG connections have been commissioned since March 2026. In addition, nearly 4.88 lakh new consumers have registered for PNG connections, reflecting strong and growing adoption across regions.

    The rapid scale-up is being supported by a structured policy framework aimed at improving execution efficiency and accelerating infrastructure rollout under the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network.

    A key enabler of this progress is the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, which introduces time-bound guidelines for infrastructure development and streamlines implementation across authorised geographical areas.

    Officials noted that the initiative is part of India’s long-term clean energy transition strategy, aimed at improving household access to cleaner fuel alternatives while strengthening the country’s energy distribution network.

    The continued expansion of PNG infrastructure is expected to play a crucial role in reducing dependence on more polluting fuels and supporting India’s broader environmental and energy security goals.

  • Adani Wind Unveils 5 MW Turbine Prototype in Mundra, Strengthening India’s Clean Energy Ambitions

    Gujarat, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s clean energy sector received a boost as Adani Wind commissioned a 5 MW wind turbine prototype at Mundra, marking a significant step in domestic renewable energy innovation.

    Adani Wind Unveils 5 MW Turbine Prototype in Mundra, Strengthening India’s Clean Energy Ambitions

     Pic Credit: Pexel

    The prototype is among the largest wind turbines developed in India and is expected to enhance power generation efficiency while lowering the cost of wind energy. The project reflects the company’s focus on building advanced, locally manufactured renewable energy solutions.

    Located in Gujarat’s key renewable energy hub, the Mundra facility will serve as a testing ground for next-generation wind technologies before large-scale deployment. The development aligns with India’s broader push to expand its renewable energy capacity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

    Industry observers note that larger turbine capacities can generate more electricity per unit, improving project viability and accelerating the country’s transition toward clean energy.