15, Apr 2026
Praful Hinge, Sakib Hussain Shine as Odisha Duo Make IPL Impact
Apr 15 (BNP): Odisha’s fast bowlers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain made a strong impact in the Indian Premier League while representing Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals.
The duo shared eight wickets between them, with Sakib Hussain taking 4 for 24 and Praful Hinge claiming 4 for 34, effectively dismantling the opposition batting lineup with pace and accuracy.
Their performance, rooted in years of training in Bhubaneswar’s cricketing circuits, highlights the growing presence of Odisha talent on the national cricket stage.
The match has further underlined the rise of emerging players from the state, who are steadily making their mark in top-level competitions like the IPL.
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- By Neel Achary
15, Apr 2026
Jhamu Yatra at Maa Sarala Temple: Odisha’s Sacred Fire Pilgrimage of Faith, Devotion and Living Heritage
The sacred Jhamu Yatra, one of Odisha’s most spiritually powerful and culturally rich festivals, was observed with deep devotion at the revered Maa Sarala Temple in Jagatsinghpur district. The event drew thousands of devotees, transforming the temple precincts into a vibrant space of faith, ritual, and collective spiritual energy.
Known as the “fire pilgrimage,” Jhamu Yatra is a unique tradition rooted in unwavering devotion to Goddess Sarala. The word “Jhamu” signifies fire or glowing charcoal, while “Yatra” denotes a sacred journey—together symbolising a spiritual path of purification, discipline, and surrender to the divine.
The festival is observed by dedicated devotees known as Jhamu Bhaktas or Ghanta Patuas, who undertake a rigorous month-long spiritual discipline during the Odia month of Chaitra. Their observance includes fasting, meditation, and abstinence, reflecting a life of deep penance and commitment. During this period, they travel across villages, singing devotional songs and spreading the blessings of the Goddess, becoming living symbols of faith and tradition.
A defining feature of the festival is the ceremonial procession of Goddess Sarala. The idol is carried in a beautifully decorated palanquin (bimana) from the temple to the Charaki ground near the Nanda temple. Accompanied by chants, bells, and devotional music, the procession reflects the emotional and spiritual bond between the deity and her devotees.
At the Charaki ground, the most significant moment of the festival unfolds—the fire-walking ritual. Devotees, barefoot and spiritually prepared through months of penance, walk across burning embers as an offering to the Goddess. This act is deeply symbolic, representing purification, courage, and the belief that divine grace protects the faithful from harm.
The ritual is performed in an atmosphere filled with intense devotion, where chants, hymns, and traditional instruments create a powerful spiritual rhythm. For devotees, this is not merely a ritual performance but a transformative experience—an act of surrender that reflects the triumph of faith over fear and devotion over physical endurance.
Jhamu Yatra holds a special place in Odisha’s cultural and religious identity. It represents a living tradition where ancient beliefs continue to thrive in contemporary times, connecting generations through shared faith and collective memory. The festival also reflects the unique syncretism of Odisha’s spiritual landscape, where devotion is expressed through discipline, ritual, and community participation.
Over the years, the festival has grown beyond its rural origins, attracting devotees, cultural observers, and researchers interested in India’s intangible heritage. It stands today as a powerful reminder of how traditional practices continue to shape cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.
To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, local authorities implemented extensive arrangements for crowd control, security, and essential services. These measures helped maintain order and allowed devotees to participate in the rituals with safety and ease.
Jhamu Yatra at Maa Sarala Temple is more than a festival—it is a living expression of Odisha’s spiritual soul. It embodies devotion, resilience, and continuity, preserving a sacred tradition that continues to inspire faith and cultural pride across generations.
15, Apr 2026
Lok Sabha may expand to 850 seats; women’s reservation push by 2029
New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): The Centre has proposed a major expansion of the Lok Sabha, increasing its strength to up to 850 seats as part of efforts to implement 33% reservation for women from the 2029 general elections. The proposal forms part of a constitutional amendment aimed at operationalising the provisions of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
Under the proposal, around 815 seats would be allocated to states and 35 to Union Territories. This would require an amendment to Article 81 of the Constitution to revise the existing cap of 543 Lok Sabha seats.
Linked to Census and Delimitation
Seat allocation is proposed to be based on population data from the latest census, as determined by Parliament. The Centre is also expected to introduce a Delimitation Bill to redraw constituency boundaries in line with the revised seat structure.
Special Session of Parliament
The government is likely to table the constitutional amendment during a special sitting of Parliament scheduled from April 16 to 18. The session will focus on enabling the implementation of women’s reservation, which was passed in 2023 but remained contingent on a fresh census and delimitation exercise.
Faster Implementation Path
Sources indicate that the government may link the rollout of reservation to an earlier census dataset, such as 2011, to fast-track implementation ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Significant Structural Reform
If approved, the proposal would mark one of the most significant structural reforms to India’s parliamentary framework, expanding representation while paving the way for greater participation of women in national politics.
Further details regarding the bill and its implementation timeline are awaited.
15, Apr 2026
Early Season Wheat Procurement Shows Sharp 69 pc Decline: FCI Data
Apr 15 (BNP): Government wheat procurement has declined sharply in the ongoing 2026–27 rabi marketing season, reaching 15.30 lakh tonnes so far, according to data from the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
This marks a drop of over 69% compared to the same period last year.
Wheat procurement in India typically takes place between April and March, with the bulk of purchases carried out in the initial months of the season by the FCI and state agencies.
FCI data shows that total wheat arrivals so far stand at 34.74 lakh tonnes, while procurement operations began on April 1.
The significant year-on-year decline reflects slower procurement activity in the early phase of the current season.
15, Apr 2026
Italy pauses defence ties with Israel, signals policy shift
Rome, Apr 15 (BNP): Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced the suspension of Italy’s defence treaty with Israel, signalling a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy amid escalating tensions in West Asia. The decision coincided with sharp criticism from Donald Trump over Italy’s refusal to support the United States in its military campaign against Iran.
“In view of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel,” Meloni said on Tuesday. The agreement, first approved in 2006, provides for cooperation in military equipment exchange and joint technology research.
The move comes amid growing concern in Italy over recent regional developments, including Israel’s bombing of Lebanon and allegations that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired warning shots near Italian UN peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon. These incidents have contributed to rising public disapproval within Italy.
While Meloni has so far maintained a measured stance on Israel’s military operations in Gaza, domestic pressure has been mounting, with sections of the public opposing continued hostilities and U.S. military actions against Iran. In a related development, Italy last month reportedly denied U.S. aircraft access to its Sigonella airbase in Sicily for stopovers.
Israel sought to downplay the impact of the suspension. Foreign ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein stated that the arrangement was a long-standing memorandum of understanding without substantive operational content and would not affect Israel’s security.
However, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid described the development as indicative of a broader diplomatic challenge, saying the government was struggling to retain the support of traditional allies.
The developments highlight a shifting geopolitical landscape, with Italy reassessing its strategic positioning amid intensifying regional tensions and increasing domestic political pressure.
15, Apr 2026
IncluEd Shiksha Samvaad Highlights Need for Practical Inclusion in Classrooms
New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): The IncluEd Shiksha Samvaad held in New Delhi brought together educators, policymakers, and civil society representatives to focus on making inclusive education more effective at the classroom level.
Organised by Sol’s ARC in partnership with Shikshagraha, Peepul, and Bachpan Manao, the event saw participation from over 125 stakeholders from across the education sector.
The discussions highlighted the gap between policy intent and actual classroom implementation, particularly for Children With Special Needs (CWSN). While millions of such students are enrolled in schools, their overall participation remains limited, pointing to the need for stronger on-ground support.
Participants stressed the importance of equipping teachers, improving learning environments, and adopting practical strategies to ensure inclusive education becomes part of everyday teaching.
The event focused on encouraging collaboration and actionable solutions to create more inclusive and supportive classrooms across India.
15, Apr 2026
India’s Exports Rise in FY26, But Higher Imports Widen Trade Gap
New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): India’s exports recorded steady growth in FY26, rising by 4.22% to reach USD 860.09 billion, reflecting continued demand in global markets.
However, imports grew at a faster pace of 6.47% during the same period, leading to a widening trade deficit.
Officials said the increase in imports was driven by higher demand for key commodities and inputs, even as export performance remained stable.
The data highlights a mixed trend in India’s external trade, with positive export growth balanced by rising import costs, which have put pressure on the overall trade balance.
15, Apr 2026
INR 2.78 Lakh Crore Rail Push to Boost High Speed Connectivity
Apr 15 (BNP): Indian Railways has announced a record capital outlay of ₹2.78 lakh crore, marking a major step toward strengthening the country’s transport infrastructure and improving inter-city connectivity.
A key highlight of this investment is the development of seven new railway corridors, aimed at increasing speed, reducing congestion on busy routes, and enhancing both passenger and freight movement.
Officials said the initiative will focus on modernising rail networks, improving efficiency, and supporting faster, more reliable travel across regions.
The move is also expected to boost economic activity by improving connectivity between major cities and industrial centres, while generating employment opportunities.
With this large-scale investment, Indian Railways aims to deliver a more efficient, modern, and future-ready travel experience for passengers.
15, Apr 2026
CAE and InterGlobe Inaugurate New Pilot Training Centre in Mumbai to Support India’s Aviation Growth
Apr 15: CAE Simulation Training Private Limited (CSTPL), a joint venture between InterGlobe Enterprises and CAE, has inaugurated its fourth advanced pilot training centre in India. Located in Mumbai, the 44,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility supports India’s growing aviation training sector and strengthens domestic pilot training capacity. Designed to provide an immersive and highly realistic training environment that upholds the industry’s highest safety and proficiency standards, the centre begins operations with its first Airbus A320 full-flight simulator (FFS). A second Airbus A320 FFS is scheduled to enter service later this year, with the capacity to scale up to six FFS over time, in line with market demand.
This addition reinforces CSTPL’s position as the largest pilot training organization in the country. With established centres in Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Bengaluru, the network currently has a collective capacity of 16 full-flight simulators, with plans to scale to 23 in the coming years. The Mumbai centre will support comprehensive pilot training services, complemented by Airbus, ATR, and Boeing training delivered across the CSTPL network in India, including type rating, recurrent training, and proficiency checks.
This growth underscores the shared commitment of InterGlobe and CAE to setting the highest industry standards for pilot training and flight safety.
As one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, India’s rapid expansion requires a robust and sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals. According to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, India will need approximately 22,000 new pilots by 2034 to support the continued growth of its aviation sector. Maharashtra stands as a premier aviation hub, and CSTPL’s Mumbai centre is uniquely positioned to serve the evolving operational needs of both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports. By expanding domestic training capacity, the facility enables airlines to meet regulatory and operational standards with greater efficiency.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by leadership teams from CAE, InterGlobe, and CSTPL, along with strategic stakeholders from across the aviation industry. The event marked a collaborative milestone for the sector, underscoring the centre’s role as a key hub for airline partners and its contribution to building a steady pipeline of world-class pilots to support their operations.
Alexandre Prévost, President, Civil Aviation, CAE, said, “India is one of the fastest‑growing aviation markets in the world, and the opening of the Mumbai centre strengthens our ability to support that growth with world‑class training capabilities. It reinforces CAE’s global Civil Aviation training network and is aligned with our broader transformation, focusing on disciplined capacity alignment and market‑led growth. Delivered through CSTPL, in partnership with our long‑standing partner InterGlobe, this centre expands domestic training capacity and provides airlines with access to advanced, high‑fidelity simulation close to where they operate.”
Aditya Pande, Group Chief Executive Officer, InterGlobe Enterprises, said, “The opening of our new pilot training centre in Mumbai is a defining milestone for India’s aviation ecosystem and a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. For over 12 years, our strategic partnership with CAE has been at the forefront of aviation training in India, consistently evolving to meet the industry’s needs. As the country’s largest pilot training organization, this fourth centre significantly scales CSTPL’s collective capacity to meet the critical demand for highly skilled pilots. We are proud to continue leading the way in nurturing aviation talent and driving the safety standards that support the growth of the industry.”
15, Apr 2026
Rajiv, Prachenta Crowned Champions at East Zone Pickleball Meet
Apr 15 (BNP): The 4th East Zone Pickleball Championship 2025 wrapped up on a high note, with Rajiv Kumar and Prachenta Verma emerging as champions after impressive performances in their respective categories.
The tournament brought together talented players from across the region, creating an atmosphere filled with energy, competition, and sportsmanship. Matches were closely contested, with players showcasing skill, quick reflexes, and strong determination on the court.
Rajiv Kumar stood out with his consistent and confident gameplay, while Prachenta Verma impressed spectators with her calm approach and strategic play, securing her title with composure.
Organisers highlighted the growing popularity of pickleball in the region, noting that events like this are encouraging more players to take up the sport and compete at higher levels.
The championship not only celebrated top performers but also provided a valuable platform for emerging talent, reflecting the sport’s steady rise and increasing appeal among players and fans alike.
