Category Archives: News

Cabinet Approves INR 3,936 Crore Four-Laning of Khagaria–Purnea Highway in Bihar

June 3: The Union Cabinet has approved the construction and upgradation of the Khagaria–Purnea highway corridor in Bihar into a four-lane road, with an estimated investment of ₹3,936 crore.

The project aims to significantly improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time, and boost economic activity across northern Bihar. Once completed, the upgraded highway will enhance road safety, facilitate smoother freight movement, and provide better access to key urban and rural areas along the route.

Officials said the initiative is part of the government’s broader infrastructure development push to strengthen national highways and improve last-mile connectivity. The project is also expected to generate employment during both the construction and operational phases.

The Khagaria–Purnea corridor is considered a crucial link for trade and transportation in the region, and its expansion is expected to support agricultural supply chains, local industries, and overall socio-economic development in Bihar.

21 Dead, Including 17 Foreign Nationals, in Major Malviya Nagar Fire Tragedy

New Delhi, June 3 (BNP): At least 21 people, including 17 foreign nationals, lost their lives in a devastating fire that engulfed a building in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday. The incident, one of the deadliest fire tragedies in the national capital in recent years, triggered a massive rescue and relief operation by emergency services.

According to officials, the blaze broke out in a building that housed a restaurant and guest accommodation facility. The fire spread rapidly through the multi-storey structure, trapping several occupants inside. Firefighters, police personnel, and disaster response teams rushed to the scene and launched an intensive rescue operation, successfully evacuating more than 40 people. Several injured persons were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Preliminary investigations indicate that many of the victims were foreign nationals, reportedly from African and Central Asian countries, who were staying at the facility. Authorities have launched a detailed probe to determine the exact cause of the fire and ascertain whether any negligence or violation of safety norms contributed to the tragedy.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic as thick smoke quickly filled the building, leaving many occupants struggling to escape. Some reportedly attempted to save themselves by jumping from upper floors, while rescue personnel worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control and search for survivors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. Authorities have assured all possible assistance to the injured and to the families affected by the tragedy.

The incident has once again brought the issue of fire safety compliance in commercial establishments and lodging facilities into sharp focus. Investigators are examining whether the building adhered to prescribed fire safety regulations and whether adequate emergency measures were in place.

The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms and regular inspections of commercial properties to prevent such incidents in the future.

DK Shivakumar Takes Oath as New Karnataka Chief Minister

Bengaluru, June 3 (BNP): Senior Congress leader and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President D. K. Shivakumar was sworn in as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, marking a significant political transition in the southern state. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru, in the presence of senior Congress leaders, elected representatives, party workers, and supporters.

Shivakumar assumed office following the resignation of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who stepped down as part of the Congress party’s leadership transition plan after serving nearly three years in office. The change in leadership comes after consultations between the state leadership and the Congress high command.

A prominent leader from Kanakapura and a key architect of the Congress party’s electoral successes in Karnataka, Shivakumar has held several important positions in the state government and the party organization. His elevation to the state’s top post is being viewed as a significant moment for the Congress, which seeks to consolidate its position ahead of future political challenges.

The swearing-in ceremony also showcased unity within the Congress ranks, with outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other senior leaders sharing the stage during the event. Party leaders expressed confidence that the new government under Shivakumar’s leadership would continue the developmental initiatives launched by the previous administration while focusing on governance, infrastructure, welfare, and economic growth.

With the formation of the new government, attention will now shift to the allocation of portfolios and the implementation of the administration’s policy priorities. Political observers believe Shivakumar’s tenure will play a crucial role in shaping Karnataka’s political and developmental landscape in the years ahead.

Cabinet Approves INR 9,585 Crore Green Mobility Plan for Delhi-NCR

New Delhi, June 3: In a major step towards cleaner air and sustainable urban transport, the Union Cabinet has approved a ₹9,585 crore green mobility scheme aimed at replacing ageing trucks and buses operating across the Delhi-NCR region.

The initiative is designed to accelerate the transition to cleaner and more efficient vehicles, helping reduce vehicular emissions, improve air quality, and strengthen the region’s environmental sustainability goals.

Officials said the scheme will support the phased replacement of older, high-polluting commercial vehicles with modern, environmentally friendly alternatives. The move is expected to significantly lower pollution levels while enhancing fuel efficiency and operational performance in the transport sector.

Beyond environmental benefits, the programme is also expected to stimulate demand for new vehicles, support the automotive manufacturing ecosystem, and create employment opportunities across related industries.

The Cabinet’s approval reflects the government’s broader commitment to green growth and climate-conscious development. By encouraging cleaner transportation, the initiative aims to improve public health outcomes, reduce carbon emissions, and build a more sustainable urban mobility framework for one of the country’s most densely populated regions.

Experts believe the scheme could become a model for other metropolitan regions seeking to address air pollution while modernising their transport infrastructure.

Supertails Takes Its Fifth Birthday to the Streets with ‘Gully Gully Birthday Bash 2.0’ in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, June 3: Supertails, India’s  integrated pet care platform, marked its fifth anniversary not at a gala, but in a gully. True to its anniversary campaign through “Cake Katega, Sabme Batega” the brand launched Gully Gully Birthday Bash 2.0 (GGBB 2.0) campaign, travelling across Bengaluru in a fully branded birthday truck carrying a giant 70 kg, handcrafted, pet-safe birthday cake. The activation made multiple stops at community feeding spots across the city, where community dogs and the people who care for them became the guests of honour. On-platform, the occasion comes alive through Supertails’ Big Birthday Sale, its biggest annual sale.

Last year, Supertails marked its fourth birthday by donating 1,000 kgs of dog food to street dogs across Delhi, Dehradun and Bengaluru through its ‘Feed a Streetie’ campaign. GGBB 2.0 is the next chapter.

As Supertails marks five years of building in India’s evolving pet care category, the milestone also reflects the company’s growth from a Bengaluru startup into one of India’s most trusted omnichannel pet care platforms. What began with 100 brands and 5,000 products has grown to over 30,000 products across 800+ brands today, with deliveries live across all major pincodes and 30-minute quick commerce operational in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi. The platform’s app user base has crossed 3 million, growing over five times in the last 24 months, while its healthcare footprint now includes 9 veterinary clinics in Bengaluru and a nationwide network of 100+ vets. Backed by $57 million raised across seven funding rounds, including a $30 million Series C in February 2026, the company’s growth reflects the increasing shift from pet ownership to more conscious, care-led pet parenting in India. 

Marking this milestone, Supertails chose to celebrate its fifth anniversary through Gully Gully Birthday Bash 2.0 (GGBB 2.0), a city-wide initiative rooted in community care. At the centre of the activation was a custom birthday cake by Doggy Bakery, Bengaluru’s specialist pet patisserie, baked to be 100% pet-safe and nutritionally appropriate for dogs, and portioned for distribution across multiple stops across the city. Through the initiative, Supertails aimed to celebrate not just the occasion, but also the larger idea that care extends beyond homes and ownership. 

“Five years ago, we started Supertails because we believed pets deserved better care. But somewhere along the way, the community dogs, and the quiet, selfless people feeding them every day, reminded us that care doesn’t stop at someone’s front door. We didn’t want a gala. We wanted every pet, every community animal to feel like they were a part of this occasion,.” said Vineet Khanna, Co-founder, Supertails

At the heart of the activation were feeders from Bengaluru, not brand ambassadors, but Bengaluru’s boots-on-ground animal lovers and feeders, who have spent years turning up for streeties that most of the city walks past. 

Five candles. One cake cut across a hundred gullies. That is what Supertails’ ‘Cake Katega, Sabme Batega’ looked like on the ground – and for the company, there was no more honest way to mark five years.

AI to Drive Transparency and Accountability in Odisha’s Registration Offices

Bhubaneswar, June 3: In a major governance reform aimed at enhancing transparency and improving citizen services, the Odisha Government is set to roll out an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Smart Surveillance System across registration offices statewide. The initiative is designed to create a more accountable, efficient, and citizen-friendly land registration ecosystem while curbing the influence of unauthorized middlemen.

 Pic Credit: https://x.com/KVSinghDeo1

The decision was reviewed during a high-level meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari at Lok Seva Bhawan, where officials discussed the implementation roadmap for the technology-driven surveillance network under the Inspector General of Registration (IGR).

For thousands of citizens visiting registration offices every year, the move is expected to simplify procedures, improve service delivery, and ensure that land registration processes remain transparent and free from undue interference.

“Technology must serve the people and strengthen trust in public institutions. Our objective is to ensure that citizens receive services efficiently, transparently, and without the involvement of middlemen,” Minister Pujari said during the review meeting.

The proposed Smart Surveillance System will deploy advanced CCTV cameras integrated with AI-based analytics to monitor activities within registration offices. The technology will help identify unauthorized individuals frequently operating within office premises and support authorities in preventing practices that compromise transparency and public confidence.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader commitment to building a corruption-free and accountable revenue administration. By leveraging digital tools and real-time monitoring capabilities, the state aims to improve operational efficiency while ensuring greater oversight of service delivery mechanisms.

Beyond registration offices, the Smart Surveillance System will be expanded in phases to cover Tahasil and Revenue Inspector (RI) offices across Odisha. The integrated platform will support attendance monitoring, workplace management, and field-level tracking of officials, helping strengthen accountability at every level of the revenue administration.

To support the initiative, the government will also upgrade surveillance control rooms with real-time monitoring capabilities and advanced alert systems. Enhanced fire safety mechanisms and security infrastructure will further contribute to creating safer and more responsive government workplaces.

Officials believe the adoption of AI-driven governance tools will significantly improve transparency, reduce opportunities for malpractice, and enhance citizens’ overall experience while accessing revenue services.

The Minister also directed officials to reinforce security arrangements at registration offices and examine measures to empower Registration Officers with additional administrative authority wherever required for more effective service delivery.

As Odisha continues its digital governance journey, the AI-powered surveillance initiative represents another step towards modernizing public administration and ensuring that government services are accessible, transparent, and centered on the needs of citizens.

Puri Welcomes the World: Odisha Hosts Its First-Ever BRICS Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

Puri, June 3, 2026: The historic city of Puri has become the focal point of global discussions on disaster resilience as it hosts the Second Technical Meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group from June 3 to 5. For Odisha, the occasion is far more than an international conference—it is a recognition of a remarkable journey from vulnerability to global leadership in disaster management.

For the first time, Odisha is hosting a BRICS-level conference, bringing together delegates from 11 countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. Convened under India’s BRICS Presidency, the meeting seeks to strengthen cooperation in disaster preparedness, climate resilience, technological innovation, risk reduction, and sustainable recovery.

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

The gathering reflects the international community’s growing acknowledgment of Odisha’s pioneering role in disaster management. Over the past two decades, the state has transformed its approach to disasters through early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, community participation, and effective evacuation strategies that have saved countless lives.

Welcoming the delegates, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the event as a proud milestone for Odisha. He noted that the state’s selection as host demonstrates global confidence in Odisha’s disaster management capabilities and offers an opportunity to showcase its internationally acclaimed resilience model to the world.

“Odisha’s experience has shown that preparedness, community engagement, and timely action can significantly reduce the impact of disasters. We are honoured to share our learnings and contribute to a stronger global framework for disaster risk reduction,” he said.

Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also expressed pride in the state hosting the prestigious gathering. Reflecting on Odisha’s transformation since the devastating Super Cyclone of 1999, he emphasized that the state’s disaster management philosophy has always been guided by one principle: every life is precious.

He highlighted how Odisha’s globally recognized zero-casualty approach, backed by robust infrastructure and community preparedness, has turned the state into an international reference point for disaster resilience. Extending a warm welcome to all delegates, he called for greater global solidarity in addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.

The technical meeting, the first in-person gathering of the BRICS DRR Working Group during India’s 2026 Chairmanship, is expected to facilitate meaningful exchanges on strengthening early warning systems, improving emergency response mechanisms, promoting innovative technologies, and building resilient communities across nations.

Beyond policy discussions, the conference also offers an opportunity for delegates to experience Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality. The choice of Puri—the abode of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath—as the venue adds a unique dimension to the event, symbolizing unity, inclusiveness, and collective strength.

Extensive arrangements have been made by the state government, district administration, and security agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the conference. Senior officials, led by Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, have overseen comprehensive security and logistical preparations for the international gathering.

As climate-related disasters become increasingly frequent and intense across the world, the discussions in Puri carry significance far beyond national boundaries. The meeting serves as a platform for nations to learn from one another, forge stronger partnerships, and develop practical solutions for a safer and more resilient future.

For Odisha, the conference stands as a powerful affirmation of how a state once defined by disaster vulnerability has emerged as a global leader in resilience, preparedness, and community-centered disaster management. Hosting this prestigious BRICS gathering marks not only a proud moment for Odisha but also an important contribution to the global conversation on protecting lives and livelihoods in an era of growing climate uncertainty.

Planned Dismantling of Ocean Observational System is Devastating Blow to Science, American Economy and Disaster Readiness

WASHINGTON [June 3, 2026] – The Trump administration has announced that it plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a deep-ocean observation system that provides essential data to monitor coastal environments, marine ecosystems and powerful currents that shape the world’s climate. The move comes on the brink of what is expected to be one of the worst El Niño cycles in a century, which will require careful monitoring of ocean conditions to understand implications for marine wildlife, fisheries and coastal communities.

Chris Robbins, Ocean Conservancy’s associate director of scientific initiatives said “Walking away from a $368-million investment in a state-of-the-art system, a feat of engineering already paid for by the American people, is absolutely myopic. This system is a vital scientific asset that quietly protects American lives, communities and the economy through unfettered access to world-class scientific data. Its loss would create an irreparable blind spot for our country in predicting earthquakes, fishery health, storm forecasting, coastal flooding and more. It just doesn’t make sense.”

Odisha Among Four States Chosen for Critical Mineral Processing Plants Under National Mission

Bhubaneswar, June 2 (BNP): In a major boost to India’s push for self-reliance in strategic resources, the Centre has selected Odisha among four states for the establishment of critical mineral value processing plants under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).

Representational image

The proposed facilities, also planned in Gujarat, Telangana and Maharashtra, are aimed at strengthening India’s domestic capabilities in processing and refining critical minerals that are essential for sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, semiconductors, defence and advanced manufacturing.

Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said the initiative forms part of the Centre’s long-term strategy to reduce import dependence and build a robust domestic supply chain for minerals considered strategically important for economic growth and technological advancement.

Under the National Critical Mineral Mission, the government has already undertaken large-scale auctions of critical mineral blocks and, for the first time since Independence, created separate mining blocks dedicated to strategic minerals. Officials said several mineral blocks have already been successfully auctioned, marking significant progress in securing domestic access to key resources.

As part of the next phase of the mission, the Centre is moving ahead with the establishment of value processing plants in the four selected states. Land for the proposed facilities has reportedly been allotted by respective state governments, while local administrations are preparing action plans to support project implementation.

The government has also signed multiple memorandums of understanding with several countries to strengthen international cooperation and secure global supply chains for critical minerals.

The upcoming plants are expected to significantly enhance India’s mineral processing and refining capacity — an area where the country has traditionally relied heavily on imports and overseas facilities. Odisha’s inclusion is seen as particularly significant given the state’s vast mineral reserves and strong industrial ecosystem, with the project expected to boost investment, industrial growth and employment opportunities.

No Facebook, Instagram for Under-16s: Malaysia Begins Social Media Crackdown

Kuala Lumpur, June 2 (BNP): Malaysia on Monday began enforcing new regulations prohibiting children under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts, marking a major step in the country’s effort to strengthen online safety for minors.

Representational image

Under the new rules, major platforms with at least eight million users in Malaysia — including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube — are required to implement age-verification systems and prevent underage users from opening accounts. Authorities said existing users identified as younger than 16 will be given a one-month period to download or transfer personal data, including photos and videos, before restrictions take effect.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the age-verification mechanism for current users will be introduced in phases over the next six months. Companies that fail to comply with the regulations could face fines of up to 10 million ringgit (approximately $2.5 million).

The government said the move is aimed at shielding children from cyberbullying, harmful online content and addictive platform features that encourage excessive screen time. Officials clarified that the restrictions are not intended to cut children off from digital technology but to create safer online environments and hold platforms accountable for protecting younger users.

Malaysia joins a growing list of countries, including Australia, Brazil and Indonesia, that are imposing age-based restrictions on children’s social media access. Nations such as Britain, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea are also exploring similar regulatory measures.

However, the move has triggered mixed reactions among families and digital rights experts. Some parents welcomed the decision, arguing that children lack the emotional maturity to safely navigate social media and benefit more from offline activities and supervised screen time.

Others expressed concern that the restrictions may be too rigid and could push teenagers toward unregulated digital spaces. Critics also raised questions about privacy, warning that mandatory age verification may require sensitive personal information and increase risks related to data protection and surveillance.

Technology companies are yet to clarify how they will implement the regulations, while experts say the effectiveness of the law may depend on enforcement mechanisms and whether families can bypass restrictions through parental accounts or alternative access methods.