28, Apr 2026
Nearly 11,000 Odisha Consumers Get Zero Power Bills Under Rooftop Solar Scheme
Bhubaneswar, Apr 28 (BNP): A growing number of households in Odisha are moving towards clean and self-reliant energy use, with nearly 11,000 consumers in western Odisha reporting zero electricity bills in March 2026 after adopting rooftop solar systems, officials said.
The development comes under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which promotes installation of rooftop solar panels in residential households to reduce dependence on grid electricity and lower monthly power costs.
According to officials, a total of 18,830 consumers in western Odisha had installed rooftop solar systems as of March 2026, reflecting a steady rise in adoption of renewable energy solutions across the region.
The initiative is increasingly being seen as a major step toward sustainable and decentralised energy generation, allowing households to generate their own electricity and, in many cases, eliminate monthly power bills entirely.
Shift Towards Energy Self-Reliance
Power sector officials said the scheme is encouraging greater awareness about renewable energy, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where sunlight availability is high and rooftop installation is feasible.
Apart from reducing electricity expenses, the adoption of solar systems is also helping reduce pressure on conventional power grids and supporting India’s broader clean energy transition goals.
Experts noted that rooftop solar adoption is expected to grow further as installation costs reduce, subsidies continue, and financing options become more accessible for households.
The government has been promoting the scheme to expand solar penetration at the household level, with an emphasis on long-term energy savings, environmental benefits, and energy security.
Officials added that the trend in western Odisha highlights the potential for large-scale adoption of rooftop solar systems across the state, contributing to greener and more resilient energy infrastructure in the coming years.
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- By Neel Achary
28, Apr 2026
India and Gulf Air Connectivity Set to Improve as Airspace Conditions Stabilise: MEA
New Delhi, Apr 28 (BNP): Flight operations between India and Gulf countries are expected to further normalise as airspace conditions across West Asia continue to improve, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday.
The MEA informed that airlines such as Air India and IndiGo are planning to resume services between India and Qatar in a phased manner. Qatar Airways has already restarted limited flights as Qatar’s airspace has partially reopened.
Key Developments in the Region
- Around 105 flights are expected between the UAE and India amid limited operations from Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Services continue from Saudi Arabia and Oman to India
- Kuwait airspace has reopened; Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways have resumed limited India-bound flights
- Bahrain operations remain active through Gulf Air
- Iraq and Israel are operating limited regional services enabling onward travel to India
Iran’s airspace remains partially restricted, with only cargo and charter operations permitted. Indian nationals have been advised to avoid travel to Iran and, if required, leave via land routes with embassy assistance.
Indian Nationals Assisted
Indian missions continue to actively support citizens in the region. So far, 2,445 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran through land borders.
Since February 28, nearly 12.96 lakh passengers have travelled from the Gulf region to India.
Indian embassies and consulates remain operational round the clock, providing helpline support, coordinating with local authorities, and issuing regular travel advisories to ensure the safety of Indian nationals abroad.
28, Apr 2026
Tragedy in Mumbai: Four Family Members Dead After Dinner; Police Probe ‘Biryani-Watermelon’ Link
Mumbai,Apr28 (BNP): In a tragic incident, four members of a family in South Mumbai’s Pydhonie area died after reportedly falling ill with vomiting and diarrhea following a meal at home. Police have registered an accidental death report and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The deceased have been identified as Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen (35), and their daughters Aisha (16) and Zainab (13). The family was residing in the Mughal Building at Ghati Galli in the Pydhonie locality.
According to preliminary information, the family allegedly consumed biryani followed by watermelon before their health suddenly deteriorated. They reportedly developed symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea soon afterwards.
Police officials said food samples have been collected from the residence and sent for forensic examination to determine whether food contamination or any other factor caused the deaths. The bodies have also been sent for post-mortem examination.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, while authorities await medical and forensic reports to establish the exact cause of death.
28, Apr 2026
Odisha Records 83,576 House Sparrows in First Statewide Census
Bhubaneswar/Chhatrapur, Apr 28 (BNP): Odisha has carried out its first-ever statewide census of house sparrows for 2025–26, recording a total population of 83,576 birds across various districts.
The survey was conducted by Bhubaneswar-based organisation Wildlife Odisha Foundation, marking a significant step in tracking the status of the once-common urban bird species.
According to the findings, house sparrows were spotted in both rural and urban habitats across the state, indicating their continued presence despite concerns over declining populations in many parts of the country.
Conservation experts said the exercise will help establish a baseline for future studies and support efforts to protect biodiversity and urban bird habitats. They added that such data-driven monitoring is important for understanding environmental changes and guiding conservation strategies.
Officials involved in the study noted that the census highlights the importance of citizen participation and awareness in wildlife conservation, especially for species closely associated with human settlements.
The initiative is expected to be continued in the coming years to monitor trends and assess changes in sparrow populations across the state.
28, Apr 2026
Historic Milestone for Ladakh: Five New Districts Carved Out to Redefine Himalayan Governance
New Delhi/Leh,Apr28 (BNP): In a landmark administrative move, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh has approved the creation of five new districts—Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass—raising the total number of districts in the Union Territory from two to seven.
The decision is aimed at decentralising governance, improving administrative efficiency, and bringing government services closer to people living in Ladakh’s remote and far-flung Himalayan regions. The existing districts of Leh and Kargil will now be joined by the five newly carved districts.
Officials said the reorganisation is expected to significantly reduce travel time for residents who currently have to cover long distances to access district headquarters and government offices. Faster service delivery, better implementation of welfare schemes, and improved access to public services are among the key objectives of the expansion.
The move is also aligned with the Centre’s broader vision of strengthening grassroots governance and ensuring balanced regional development in strategically important border areas. The proposal had earlier received approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs in August 2024.
Apart from administrative convenience, the creation of new districts is expected to open fresh avenues for infrastructure development, employment generation, tourism promotion, and local economic growth.
The decision has been welcomed as a transformative step that will strengthen governance and accelerate progress across the Union Territory of Ladakh.
28, Apr 2026
IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Thunderstorms and Heatwave in Odisha
Bhubaneswar, Apr 28 (BNP): Parts of Odisha are likely to experience a mix of adverse weather conditions over the coming days, including thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and rising temperatures, according to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The weather office has issued a Yellow Warning (Be Aware) for several districts, advising residents to remain cautious as unstable atmospheric conditions are expected to persist.
Meteorologists said isolated thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds may occur in parts of the state, while heatwave-like conditions could continue in some interior regions due to rising daytime temperatures.
Authorities have urged people to take necessary precautions, especially during thunderstorm activity, and avoid sheltering under trees or weak structures during lightning events.
Officials added that the fluctuating weather pattern is typical of the pre-monsoon season, when rapid changes in temperature often trigger localized storms across eastern India.
The IMD is closely monitoring the situation and is expected to issue updated advisories depending on evolving weather conditions.
28, Apr 2026
Bennett and Lapid Unite to Challenge Netanyahu in High-Stakes Israel Election Battle
Jerusalem, Apr 28 (BNP): In a major political development in Israel, two prominent leaders—former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid—announced on Sunday that they will join forces for the elections scheduled later this year in an effort to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The two leaders said they plan to merge their respective parties into a single political faction to be headed by Bennett, describing the alliance as a partnership between the political centre and the right. The move is being seen as a significant attempt to unite Israel’s fragmented opposition against Netanyahu’s long-standing leadership.
Bennett and Lapid had previously served as Prime Ministers under a rotation agreement as part of the coalition government formed in 2021, which ended Netanyahu’s 12-year rule at the time. Bennett served first, followed by Lapid, before fresh elections returned Netanyahu to office.
Addressing supporters, Bennett said that if elected, the new government would establish a state commission of inquiry on its first day to investigate the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, which triggered the ongoing war. The issue has continued to generate political pressure on Netanyahu’s government.
Lapid called for broader political unity, saying Israel’s centre must rally together in the national interest. Despite ideological differences—Bennett being viewed as right-leaning and Lapid as more moderate—the two leaders highlighted their previous successful working relationship.
Political analysts believe the alliance could reshape the upcoming electoral contest by presenting a stronger and more unified challenge to Netanyahu’s government.
28, Apr 2026
ISSO Hosts SCORE 2026 on Sports Careers
Gurugram, Apr 28 (BNP): The International School Sports Organisation (ISSO) successfully organised SCORE 2026: Reimagining Sports Career Opportunities at Lancers International School, Gurugram, bringing together students, educators, and sports professionals to explore evolving career pathways in the sports sector.
The event focused on presenting sports as a dynamic and multi-dimensional career field that extends beyond playing on the field, highlighting opportunities in areas such as sports management, coaching, sports science, analytics, broadcasting, fitness, and sports entrepreneurship.
Participants interacted with experts who shared insights on the growing global sports industry and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in allied domains. The discussions also emphasized the role of structured sports education in schools to nurture talent from an early stage.
Organisers said the initiative aims to encourage students to view sports not only as a competitive pursuit but also as a viable long-term career option supported by education, training, and industry exposure.
The event underlined the expanding scope of the sports ecosystem in India, where increasing investment in leagues, infrastructure, and fitness culture is creating new professional opportunities across multiple disciplines.
28, Apr 2026
Stanley Lifestyles Wins Gold at India Kitchen Congress 2026 for ‘Kitchen Brand Campaign Award
Bengaluru, Apr 28: Stanley Lifestyles Limited, one of India’s largest integrated super premium and luxury furniture manufacturer and retailer, has been awarded the prestigious Kitchen Brand Campaign Award – Gold at the India Kitchen Congress 2026, in recognition of its impactful Cabinetry Cult marketing campaigns in 2025.
The award was received by Venkataramana Gorti, Joint Managing Director – Stanley Lifestyles Limited on behalf of the organisation. This recognition highlights Stanley Lifestyles’ commitment to building a differentiated brand through compelling storytelling, strong strategic direction, and best-in-class execution.
Further strengthening the company’s presence at the event, Mr. Venkataramana also participated as a panelist in a key discussion titled “Making Automation Work in the Indian Context: Reality, ROI, and Readiness.” During the session, he shared valuable insights on the evolving role of automation within India’s manufacturing and cabinetry ecosystem.
Drawing from real-world experience, he emphasized the importance of aligning technology investments with tangible business outcomes—balancing innovation with cost efficiency, ensuring measurable ROI, and preparing organizations both culturally and operationally for automation adoption. His perspective offered a practical view on readiness, scalability, and the strategic role of automation in driving long-term growth and competitiveness.
Speaking on the recognition, Mr. Venkataramana said,
“This award reflects the clarity of our strategic vision and the strength of execution behind our campaigns. At Stanley Lifestyles, we are focused on building meaningful brand narratives while continuing to innovate in line with evolving consumer expectations. Our commitment to design-led innovation, premiumisation, and consistent storytelling continues to guide our journey as we strengthen our position in the luxury home solutions space.”
28, Apr 2026
Ratlam Rail Division Saves INR 1.84 Crore on Power Bills Using Solar Energy
Indore, Apr 28 (BNP): The Ratlam Division of Indian Railways has achieved significant savings on electricity costs by generating solar power across its network during FY 2025–26.
Officials said the division produced 35.53 lakh units of solar energy, helping it save around ₹1.84 crore in power expenses over the year.
The division has installed solar power plants with a combined capacity of about 3,300 kilowatts at various locations. These systems are being used to meet part of the division’s energy needs while reducing dependence on conventional electricity sources.
Mukesh Kumar, Public Relations Officer of the Ratlam Division, said the initiative has helped lower operating costs and supports Indian Railways’ focus on cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
Officials added that the use of solar energy is part of wider efforts within Indian Railways to improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.
The development highlights how renewable energy adoption is helping railway divisions cut costs while moving toward greener operations.
