Category Archives: News

Sridhar Patnala Honoured with Ugadi Puraskaram by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister

Vijayawada, March 19: Sridhar Patnala was conferred with the prestigious Ugadi Puraskaram earlier today in a ceremonial event held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram. The award was presented by N. Chandrababu Naidu, recognising Patnala’s contributions and achievements.

The Ugadi Puraskaram is awarded annually to individuals who have made notable contributions in their respective fields, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Ugadi, which marks the Telugu New Year.

Expressing his gratitude, Sridhar Patnala said he felt deeply honoured to receive the recognition from the Chief Minister. “It is a proud and humbling moment for me to be recognised on such a significant occasion,” he stated.

The ceremony at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram witnessed the presence of dignitaries, officials, and guests, celebrating excellence and contributions across various sectors.

The Ugadi Puraskaram continues to serve as an important platform to acknowledge and encourage individuals who have demonstrated dedication and excellence in their fields.

Marine Phytoplankton Release “Chemical Currencies” That Drive Ocean Carbon Cycling

Woods Hole, Mass., Mar 19: A new study led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and Columbia University has identified a diverse set of molecules released by marine phytoplankton that fuel microbial life and help regulate Earth’s carbon cycle. The findings shed light on the previously hidden chemical interactions that move billions of tons of carbon through the surface ocean each year.

Phytoplankton, microscopic photosynthetic organisms, absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into organic carbon, supporting both oxygen production and microbial metabolism in the ocean. While scientists have long known that phytoplankton transfer carbon to microbial communities, the specific compounds involved—small, rapidly consumed molecules—have remained largely undetectable until now.

“For this study, we grew six representative phytoplankton species under controlled laboratory conditions,” said Yuting Zhu, co-lead author and former WHOI postdoctoral investigator, now at Old Dominion University. “Using a chemical-tagging method developed at WHOI, we quantified the biologically available small molecules released by these globally abundant microorganisms.”

Key findings include:

• Substantial contribution to dissolved organic carbon: The identified molecules account for up to 23% of the carbon released by phytoplankton, supporting a significant portion of microbial metabolism in the global ocean.

• Species-specific chemical “menus”: Different phytoplankton species release distinct combinations of metabolites, including carbon compounds containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. These chemical variations help shape which microbial communities thrive in different ocean regions.

• Implications for carbon cycling models: Laboratory measurements combined with global ecosystem modeling suggest that phytoplankton-derived metabolites could supply up to 5% of the daily carbon needs of SAR11, one of the most abundant marine bacteria.

“The findings illuminate a long-standing mystery about the composition of the ‘chemical currencies’ that microbes use in the surface ocean,” said Sonya Dyhrman, co-author and professor at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. “By identifying these compounds, we can begin to build more accurate models of how microbial communities cycle billions of tons of carbon.”

The study was conducted with collaborators from MIT and the Marine Biological Laboratory as part of the National Science Foundation-funded Center for Chemical Currencies of a Microbial Planet, which investigates how small molecules govern microbial interactions across Earth’s ecosystems.

“Understanding these molecular exchanges is critical,” said Elizabeth Kujawinski, WHOI Senior Scientist and center director. “A huge portion of Earth’s carbon cycle passes through this microbial system, yet we still don’t fully understand it. By mapping which molecules phytoplankton release and which molecules bacteria consume, we can start to model the ocean’s microbial network and its role in global carbon cycling.”

Future research will examine how environmental changes—including nutrient availability, temperature fluctuations, and ocean acidification—affect the chemical compounds phytoplankton release and how microbial communities respond to these changes.

Time Running Out for USDA Section 515 Rural Housing Program: Study Highlights Urgent Need for Preservation

Mar 19: Georgia Tech reveals that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Section 515 program, the nation’s primary mechanism for affordable rental housing in rural communities, is rapidly approaching its end. Established in 1963, Section 515 has supported over 533,000 apartments, townhouses, and multifamily homes for low-income Americans. However, because the USDA stopped issuing new loans in 2011, the program is now phasing out as existing loans mature.

The study, published in Housing Policy Debate, analyzed nearly 15,000 Section 515 properties and found that by 2050, almost all remaining units will exit the program, potentially converting affordable homes to market-rate rentals. Currently, the program provides housing for roughly 750,000 Americans across nearly 13,000 properties, many of whom earn around $16,000 per year and include older adults or individuals with disabilities.

Key findings include:

• Ownership Matters: Nonprofit-owned properties are 30–40% more likely to remain affordable than for-profit-owned properties after loans mature. Small management companies or owner-managed properties are more likely to exit the program.

• Subsidies Help Preservation: Properties receiving additional federal support, such as Section 8 vouchers or low-income housing tax credits, are more likely to remain affordable even after loan restrictions expire.

• Local Market Conditions Influence Outcomes: Rural counties with high unemployment, low housing inventory, or economic pressures are at higher risk of losing affordable units.

The study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions. USDA efforts like the Multifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization pilot program have provided grants and financing to maintain affordability, but these efforts are limited in scale. Researchers estimate that $5.6 billion in repairs would be required to preserve the current Section 515 portfolio.

Proposed reforms, including the bipartisan Rural Housing Service Reform Act, aim to modernize USDA rural housing programs and extend rental assistance contracts after mortgage maturity. However, as of early 2026, the legislation remains under consideration.

“Time is running out on the nation’s main affordable housing program in rural America,” said Wunder-Smith. “Without renewed federal support or interventions by property owners, much of rural affordable housing could disappear over the next two decades, leaving vulnerable populations at risk.”

The study highlights the critical role of nonprofit organizations, government subsidies, and strategic preservation efforts in ensuring that rural communities retain access to affordable housing in the coming decades.

Vikram Doraiswami Named New Envoy to China

New Delhi: The Government of India has appointed senior diplomat Vikram Doraiswami as the next Ambassador to China, marking an important diplomatic posting at a time when both countries are working to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations.

Doraiswami, a 1992-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, is currently serving as the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He is expected to assume his new role in Beijing shortly, according to an announcement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

He will succeed Pradeep Kumar Rawat, who previously held the post.

The appointment comes at a sensitive and significant phase in India–China relations, which have been strained in recent years following the prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Both sides have since engaged in gradual diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring dialogue and improving cooperation.

By assigning a seasoned diplomat with extensive international experience, India signals its intent to maintain steady engagement with China while addressing key strategic and economic concerns through diplomatic channels.

Doraiswami’s earlier postings and experience in key global capitals are expected to play an important role as he takes charge of one of India’s most crucial diplomatic assignments.

The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that he will take up his new assignment shortly.

Odisha Captain Steers Indian Vessel to Safety Amid Gulf Tensions

Bolangir: In a story of courage and composure at sea, an Indian gas carrier has safely returned home from the volatile waters of the Middle East, bringing recognition to its Odia captain, Dheeraj Agrawal.

Captain Agrawal, who hails from Kantabanji in Odisha’s Bolangir district, has earned widespread praise for his steady leadership during a period of heightened geopolitical tension. His efforts ensured the safe navigation of the vessel and the well-being of its crew under extremely challenging circumstances.

The Indian gas carrier Nandadevi, along with another vessel, Shivalik, had been caught in a tense situation in the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. The region witnessed escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, leading to restrictions on maritime movement and creating uncertainty for ships operating in the area.

Reports indicate that the narrow sea corridor saw intense military activity, including missile strikes and aerial surveillance, making navigation both risky and unpredictable. Despite these conditions, the Nandadevi successfully charted a safe course and reached the Gujarat coast earlier this week, following diplomatic efforts that helped ease restrictions in the region.

The vessel had set sail from a port in the United Arab Emirates nearly two weeks earlier, before becoming entangled in the unfolding crisis. Throughout the ordeal, Captain Agrawal’s calm decision-making and professional expertise played a crucial role in ensuring that the crew remained safe and the vessel stayed on course.

Back home in Kantabanji, his return has been met with pride and celebration. Family members and well-wishers gathered to welcome the achievement, while messages of appreciation have poured in from across the state.

Born to late Ramesh Chhapadia and Santosh Devi, Agrawal completed his schooling in his hometown before pursuing nautical science in Mumbai. Since 2017, he has been actively serving in India’s maritime sector and is currently associated with the Shipping Corporation of India.

His mother expressed immense joy at his safe return, describing it as a moment of pride for the family. There is also growing excitement over the possibility of him being recognised at the national level, with reports suggesting he may meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the near future.

Captain Agrawal’s journey stands as a reminder of the resilience and professionalism of Indian seafarers, who often operate far from the spotlight, navigating not just oceans but also moments of global uncertainty.

Basantika Navaratra Begins at Maa Samaleswari Temple Amid Devotion and Festive Fervour

Thousands of devotees throng Bargarh shrine as rituals mark the spiritual onset of spring festival

Bargarh: The spiritually significant festival of Basantika Navaratra commenced with great devotion at the revered Maa Samaleswari Temple on Thursday, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Amavasya.

From early morning, a large number of devotees gathered at the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings, marking the beginning of the nine-day festival that celebrates the divine feminine energy in its various forms. The temple परिसर resonated with chants, conch sounds, and devotional hymns, creating an atmosphere of deep spirituality.

On the first day, the presiding deity was adorned as Goddess Shailaputri, the first manifestation of Goddess Durga, symbolising strength and new beginnings. Devotees offered flowers, coconuts, and prayers, while priests conducted elaborate rituals following traditional customs.

A key highlight of the opening day was the lighting of the Akhand Dipa (eternal flame), which will continue to burn throughout the Navaratra period. This sacred ritual signifies uninterrupted devotion and the continuous presence of divine energy.

Rituals and Significance

Basantika Navaratra, observed during the Chaitra month, marks the transition into spring and is considered a time of renewal and spiritual awakening. The festival begins with Kalash Sthapana, invoking the goddess, followed by daily worship of the nine forms of Durga. Devotees often observe fasts, participate in bhajans, and engage in prayers seeking strength, prosperity, and protection.

Each day of the festival carries its own significance, with the goddess worshipped in different forms, reflecting various aspects of power, wisdom, and compassion.

Recent Developments and Arrangements

This year, temple authorities and local administration have made special arrangements to manage the surge in footfall. Crowd management systems, queue arrangements, and safety measures have been strengthened to ensure a smooth and safe darshan experience for devotees.

The festival holds deep cultural and religious importance across western Odisha, where Maa Samaleswari is worshipped as a form of the universal mother. The temple, historically associated with the region’s spiritual identity, continues to attract thousands of श्रद्धालु during major festivals like Navaratra. ()

As Basantika Navaratra progresses, the temple is expected to witness even larger gatherings, with devotees coming together in faith, tradition, and celebration—making it not just a religious observance, but a vibrant expression of community and devotion.

Odisha to Launch Statewide Census Drive from April 16

Bhubaneswar, March 19: Odisha is set to launch the first phase of its census exercise from April 16, marking a significant step in updating the state’s demographic data. The process will continue until May 15, covering households across the state through a structured and coordinated effort.

During this phase, trained enumerators and supervisors will visit homes to collect detailed information. Officials have emphasized that the exercise will be carried out systematically to ensure accuracy and comprehensive coverage.

Ahead of the field survey, residents will have the option to participate through a self-enumeration process from April 1 to April 15. Using a dedicated online portal, individuals can submit their own details, making the process more convenient and reducing the workload during the physical enumeration phase.

According to Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, Director of the Census Directorate, the initiative combines technology with on-ground efforts to make the census more efficient and accessible. Speaking at a press briefing, he also highlighted efforts to raise public awareness, noting that internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Pattnaik has agreed to serve as the brand ambassador for the campaign.

The census operation will be conducted under a well-defined administrative framework. District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners will serve as Principal Census Officers, while Additional District Collectors will take on the role of District Census Officers. At the grassroots level, tahsildars and executive officers of urban local bodies will function as charge officers, overseeing implementation in their respective areas.

The Revenue and Disaster Management Department has been designated as the nodal department for the exercise. In a notable move, primary school teachers will be deployed as enumerators, while high school teachers will act as supervisors, ensuring both manpower availability and accountability.

Enumerators will collect information by asking household heads a set of 33 questions, covering key socio-economic indicators. Officials believe this data will play a crucial role in shaping future policy decisions and development planning.

Looking ahead, authorities have indicated that the second phase of the census is scheduled for February 2027, which will further build on the data collected during this initial phase.

With preparations in full swing, the state administration is calling on citizens to actively participate—either digitally or in person—to ensure the success of this important exercise.

Single Parents Embrace Honest Dating with Early Conversations on Future Expectations

Single parents and second chances: Nearly 47% of singles with children discuss future expectations and priorities their first week of matching.

Everyone deserves a second chance at love, and so do single parents; though their journey can look quite different from that of most divorced and separated singles without children. It comes with a different level of honesty. There is no room for guesswork, a narrower scope of casual connections, and a stronger clarity and sense of what truly matters. A new online study by the Indian matchmaking and matrimony app for second chances, Rebounce, showed that over 47% of single parents discuss future expectations and priorities within the first week of matching.

 The app’s Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented,

 “For single parents, this is not just a romantic experience; it’s a thoughtful decision that just doesn’t affect them but also their children. Their matching style is much more intentional than that of regular daters or even childfree previously married singles. Singles with kids never try to fit the “perfect partner” image, looking to impress their match. In our experience, they are their most real self during the entire matchmaking process to ensure they find someone authentic and their matches are well aware of who they really are going to be beyond the honeymoon phase.”

The study was conducted among 7,639 divorced, separated, and widowed individuals with children who are actively using matchmaking and matrimonial apps, seeking a second chance at love. Respondents ranged in age from 28 to 45 and came from Tier 1 and 2 Indian cities. The study concentrates on how single parents are finding love with clarity, emotional maturity, responsibility, and a steady focus on long-term compatibility.

What Lies Ahead

Traditional matchmaking usually suggests taking things slow and avoiding talking about the future too soon, but matchmaking for single parents comes with a quicker dive into more serious topics. Almost half of the participants disclosed that they bring up topics like parenting style, living arrangement, relationship with the ex, and emotional readiness to raise someone else’s kid during the first week of interaction. They explained that it helps lay all the cards on the table, and leaves little to no room for miscommunication and expectation mismatch. 38% of women and 31% of men said that this conversation comes from practicality, not pressure. They said they don’t want to bond emotionally with someone who would later reveal their displeasure about life with children and family responsibilities.

Kids are not a sensitive topic.

The survey throws light on an interesting fact: single parents on matchmaking apps speak about their kids more freely than ever before. They don’t treat their children as a sensitive topic or try to break the news to their match after a few days of interaction, so as not to spook them out. Over 43% of single parents said they add their status to their bio or disclose it during the first conversation itself. 7 out of 10 participants said that they never feel that kids complicate their second shot at love; instead, they shared that they see their children as a part of their story, the one part that shaped them into the person that they are today. Anisha (35) from Delhi said, “Hiding the fact that you have a kid only complicates things later on. It’s entirely possible that a match, even someone who seems perfect for me, does not want the added responsibility of my kid. He deserves to know what he is getting into from the first chat.”

Compatibility comes in layers.

For regular daters or child-free previously married singles, compatibility is between them and their match. But for single parents, the kids come into the mix. For these users, compatibility is seen through the practical lens. 44% of single parents between 30 and 40 from metros and suburbs said they evaluate work schedule, lifestyle choices, emotional maturity, parenting capabilities before they check chemistry and attraction. Only if the former suits their children’s needs, they move on to getting to know the match. This does not kill romance, said 29% of men and women. In fact, they claimed feeling much more open with their match once their daily realities align. Sohan, 37 year old single dad from Orissa, said, “Attraction is not enough when you are a single parent looking for a partner. I need someone who can also fit into my reality that already exists, and also see if my kid and I can fit into hers without disrupting her rhythm.”

Excellent Publicity Unveils India’s 2025 Ad Trends: TV Surges 32.5 Percent, Digital Hits Record 2.31 Lakh Brands, Print Remains Steady

Mar 19: Excellent Publicity has released its annual 2024–2025 media study, based on insights from TAM AdEx, offering a comprehensive view of how India’s advertising industry evolved over the past year.

The report highlights that 2025 was defined by steady, intent-driven growth, rather than sudden spikes, with advertisers strategically allocating budgets across Print, Radio, Television, and Digital platforms based on audience engagement and performance.

Key Highlights of 2025

• Television ad spends per channel grew by 32.5%

• Print recorded an 8% increase, with 1.46 lakh advertisers and 1.78 lakh brands

• Radio saw a 1% annual growth

• Digital rebounded strongly, achieving 3× growth compared to 2022

• Digital platforms recorded 2.31 lakh+ active brands, the highest ever

• 96.5% of digital ads were delivered through programmatic buying

Print Media: Stability with Strong Regional Influence

Print continued to demonstrate reliability and depth, supported by its wide reach and credibility. Maruti Suzuki’s car range emerged as the top advertiser. Rajasthan contributed 15.1% of total share, while New Delhi led among cities at 7.3%. Key categories such as cars (+29%) and retail jewellers (+16%) showed strong growth.

Radio Media: Urban Growth and Financial Category Surge

Radio maintained steady momentum, driven largely by urban markets. Real estate and automobiles remained dominant categories, while Corporate NBFCs grew 15× and banking services rose 99%. Maharashtra (18.9%) and Delhi (18.3%) together accounted for over 32% of total radio advertising.

Television Media: Sports and High-Growth Categories Lead

Television reaffirmed its dominance as a powerful traditional medium. Star India held the highest advertiser share at 19%. High-growth categories included smartphones (+89%) and two-wheelers (+83%), while the sports genre contributed 61.5% of total TV advertising.

Digital Media: Strongest Comeback Across Platforms

Digital advertising saw the most dramatic turnaround after a slowdown in 2024. E-commerce led with an 11.7% share, with Flipkart emerging as both the top advertiser and most active brand. Categories like AV auxiliaries (13× growth) and fashion retail (8× growth) highlighted expanding digital adoption.

Industry Perspective

Commenting on the findings, Vaishal Dalal, Co-founder & Director of Excellent Publicity, said:

“Brands in 2025 focused on making smarter, more selective choices rather than spreading themselves across every platform. Television regained strength, digital made a strong comeback, print remained stable, and radio continued to build strong local connections. Advertisers increasingly chose platforms based on the outcomes they wanted to achieve.”

Over 4,400 PACS Computerised in Bihar to Boost Transparency, Farm Services: Govt

New Delhi, March 19: The government has computerised more than 4,400 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in Bihar as part of efforts to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery to farmers, the Rajya Sabha was informed.

In a written reply, Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah said Bihar has a total of 8,463 PACS, of which 4,477 have been taken up for computerisation. So far, 4,474 societies have been onboarded to ERP software, and 4,465 have been declared as e-PACS.

The minister said a majority of PACS in the state are being transformed into multipurpose entities. Of the total, 7,617 PACS are engaged in at least two services, while 6,234 are involved in three or more activities.

These include procurement operations, custom hiring centres, storage facilities, fertiliser distribution, fair price shops, and common service centres.

In addition, 5,375 PACS are functioning as Common Services Centres, 2,304 are involved in fertiliser distribution, and 1,696 have been upgraded as PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras. Some PACS are also operating as Jan Aushadhi Kendras and banking correspondents for cooperative banks.

The government is also implementing a pilot project under the “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector” to address storage gaps and build decentralised infrastructure.

In Bihar, 36 PACS across nine districts have been identified under the plan, with a total storage capacity of 1.045 lakh metric tonnes. Loans have been sanctioned for 27 PACS, while construction support is being provided through the Bihar State Warehousing Corporation.

Data shared by the government showed that in 2024–25, 305 godowns with a capacity of 2.43 lakh metric tonnes were sanctioned, of which 77 have been completed and 228 are under construction. In 2025–26, 278 additional godowns have been approved, with most currently under construction.

To support the transition, extensive training has been conducted for PACS and cooperative bank officials. Over 10,000 participants have been trained in ERP operations, handholding support, and refresher programmes.

The computerisation initiative enables PACS to carry out transactions through a common digital platform, improving accountability and streamlining financial operations.

The Ministry of Cooperation, NABARD, and state authorities are monitoring progress through multi-level committees at national, state, and district levels. Regular review meetings are being held to track performance and ensure timely implementation.

The government said these measures are aimed at strengthening the cooperative sector in Bihar, enhancing farmer outreach, and improving access to agricultural services.