15, Apr 2026
FICCI Appoints Anant Swarup as Secretary General
New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has appointed Anant Swarup as its Secretary General with immediate effect.
FICCI said the appointment strengthens its senior leadership structure, while Jyoti Vij will continue to serve as Director General.
Anant Swarup brings over 30 years of experience in public policy, trade remedies, logistics, regulatory reforms, and international negotiations. He has held several senior positions in the central government across key administrative and economic domains.
The chamber stated that his appointment is expected to further strengthen its policy advocacy and engagement with industry stakeholders in India and abroad.
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- By Neel Achary
15, Apr 2026
Odisha to Roll Out Slot Booking System for Puri Jagannath Temple Darshan
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.
15, Apr 2026
R Ashwin Backs Ruturaj Gaikwad to Bounce Back as CSK Hit Winning Form
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.
15, Apr 2026
Indian Tanker ‘Jag Vikram’ Completes Hormuz Passage, Reaches Kandla
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.
15, Apr 2026
St. Kitts & Nevis Opens High Commission in India to Boost Diplomatic Relations
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.
15, Apr 2026
Industrial Blast at Vedanta Plant in Chhattisgarh Shocks Workers
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.
15, Apr 2026
Odisha Moves to Speed Up Faculty Recruitment in State Universities
Apr 15 (BNP): The Odisha government is working to speed up the recruitment process in state universities by introducing new reforms aimed at improving efficiency and transparency.
Higher Education Minister Suraj stated that the new legislation, along with the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, 2024, is designed to address long-pending faculty vacancies across institutions in the state.
According to the government, the changes will help streamline hiring procedures, reduce delays, and ensure a more transparent selection system. The move is also expected to strengthen academic functioning by filling critical teaching positions more quickly.
Officials believe these reforms will not only improve administrative efficiency but also enhance the overall quality of higher education in Odisha by ensuring that universities have adequate teaching staff.
15, Apr 2026
Aska Road and Transport Sector Gets INR 290 Crore Infrastructure Boost
Apr 15 (BNP): The road and transport sector in Aska, Odisha’s Ganjam district, is set for a significant infrastructure upgrade following the approval of ₹290 crore by the central government for key road and bridge projects.
The initiative aims to strengthen regional connectivity, improve transport efficiency, and ease long-standing traffic congestion in the area. It is also expected to reduce travel disruptions during the monsoon season, when flooding has often affected road movement.
Officials say the upgraded infrastructure will help improve mobility for residents, support smoother transportation of goods, and boost overall economic activity in the region.
Once completed, the project is expected to provide long-term benefits by enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the local road transport network.
15, Apr 2026
Odisha Food Sector Hit as LPG Shortage Disrupts Supply and Operations
Apr 15 (BNP): The food and catering sector in Odisha is facing growing challenges due to a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, affecting day-to-day operations across the state.
Catering units and small food businesses are reporting disruptions in service, with many struggling to meet demand for weddings, social events, and routine orders. The shortage has also increased operational costs and created uncertainty for business owners.
Industry representatives say the situation is impacting both revenue and employment, as several units are forced to reduce output or delay commitments. They warn that if the supply issue continues, it could further affect upcoming events and the wider food service ecosystem in the state.
Stakeholders have urged authorities to restore normal LPG supply at the earliest to prevent further disruption in essential food-related services across Odisha.
15, Apr 2026
IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Heatwave and Thunderstorms in Odisha
New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Odisha, warning of rising temperatures and the possibility of heatwave conditions in several areas, along with isolated thunderstorm activity.
The forecast suggests that daytime heat is likely to intensify across multiple regions, increasing the risk of heat-related discomfort, especially during peak hours. In contrast, some parts of the state may also witness sudden thunderstorms with gusty winds, bringing short spells of relief but unstable weather conditions.
Authorities have advised people to remain cautious, limit outdoor exposure during intense heat, and stay well hydrated. Farmers and outdoor workers have been specifically urged to monitor changing weather patterns closely.
The IMD has indicated that such mixed weather conditions may continue in the coming days, with alternating periods of heat and localized storms expected across Odisha.
