The Political and Business Daily - April 23, 2025

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In this issue

April 23, 2025

Terror strikes Kashmir: 26 killed

The Resistance Front (TRF), shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, claimed responsibility for deadly attack

2 mins

19 pc rise in footfall at Indian heritage sites from 2019 to 2024

INDIA's centrally protected ticketed monuments experienced an over 19 per cent surge in footfall in 2023-24 compared to the pre-pandemic levels but this did not translate into higher revenue from ticket sales, which dropped by 2.83 per cent, official data shows.

1 min

Odisha tourist killed in Kashmir terror strike; Majhi, Patnaik condemn attack

CONDEMNING the terrorist attack on tourists, including one from Odisha, in Kashmir, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Tuesday directed the resident commissioner in Delhi to take steps to ensure that the body of the deceased Odia man reaches his residence in Balasore district.

1 min

IMF: India's GDP to grow at 6.2 pc despite tariff woes

CITING trade tensions and uncertainties oozing from 'Trump-tariff', International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed down growth forecast for global economy by 0.5 per cent for this year to 2.8 per cent, though it expects India's GDP growth to remain above 6 per cent, despite all the odds.

1 min

Jackie Shroff celebrates Earth Day with a special message

ACTOR Jackie Shroff, who recently seen in 'Baby John’ has a message on Earth Day.

1 min

Anurag Kashyap row: Director apologises to Brahmin community, ensures he will work on his anger

INDIAN auteur Anurag Kashyap has issued an apology following an uproar over his remarks on the Brahmin community.

1 min

Amitabh Bachchan says work is 'the cure for ailments'

MEGASTAR Amitabh Bachchan, whose legendary career spans over five decades, said that work is the cure for all ailments a mantra he continues to live by.

1 min

Row over Kangana's 'Emergency’: Author Coomi Kapoor alleges distortion of facts, contract breach

ACTOR and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's controversial film, \"Emergency\", has landed in trouble once again after senior journalist and author Coomi Kapoor accused her production house, Manikarnika Films Private Limited, and Netflix of \"intentionally and maliciously distorting facts\" and exploiting her name by claiming that the film is based on her book, \"The Emergency: A Personal History”.

3 mins

Let's celebrate earth by committing to a sustainable future, says Allu Arjun

TELUGU star Allu Arjun, whose upcoming film director Atlee is the talk of the town, has on the occasion of Earth Day, urged people to celebrate our planet \"by nurturing its beauty, conserving its resources and committing to a sustainable future.”

1 min

Mukesh Khanna speaks out on the forgotten Jallianwala Bagh genocide in India's history books

VETERAN actor Mukesh Khanna recently spoke out about the often-overlooked tragedy of the Jallianwala Bagh genocide, urging the nation to reflect on this dark chapter of India's history.

1 min

Dia Mirza warns of growing climate risks, cites UNEP report this Earth Day

On this Earth Day, actress Dia Mirza has raised an urgent alarm about the growing climate crisis, referencing the latest findings from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

1 min

At 46.2 degrees Celsius, Jharsuguda becomes hottest place in country

ODIHA'S industrial town of Jharsuguda on Tuesday emerged as the hottest place in the country with mercury level reaching 46.2 degrees Celsius while 15 places in the state recorded maximum temperature at or above 40 degrees Celsius, IMD said.

2 mins

Deba Prasad Dash new I&PR Director

IN a significant administrative reshuffle, senior Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer Deba Prasad Dash has been elevated to the rank of Special Secretary and assigned the additional responsibility of Director of the Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Department.

1 min

State govt announces summer vacation for schools, anganwadi centres from today

IN view of the prevailing heat wave situation in Odisha, the state government announced summer vacation for schools and anganwadi centres from Wednesday.

1 min

2 policemen killed as dumper rams into PCR van in Cuttack

TWO policemen were killed after a dumper rammed into a PCR van in Cuttack district in the early hours of Tuesday, officials said.

1 min

CM Majhi to start distribution of new ration cards tomorrow

ODISHA Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will launch distribution of new ration cards among 5.90 lakh beneficiaries on April 24, a minister said on Tuesday.

1 min

BJD seeks ST Commission’s intervention into tribal man’s death during eviction drive

THE opposition BJD on Tuesday sought the intervention of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) into the death of a tribal man during a recent eviction drive conducted by the administration in Rourkela.

1 min

Field exposure of officials essential for grassroots understanding, quality decision-making: CS Ahuja

CHIEF Secretary Manoj Ahuja has emphasized the need for field exposure of government officials to strengthen grassroots understanding and enhance the quality of decision-making.

1 min

From Burla to the Skies: Odia Youth’s Drone Startup Lauded by PM’s Principal Secretary

AT the convocation ceremony of IIM Sambalpur, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. P.K. Mishra shared an inspiring story that embodies the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

1 min

Mother, son killed due to electrocution in Kalahandi

A woman and his son were killed after they came in contact with a live wire in Kalahandi district on Tuesday afternoon, police said.

1 min

Bamboo now synonymous with women entrepreneurship: Dy CM Pravati Parida

Says regenerative, bamboo-based enterprises raising rural incomes, significantly contributing to climate resilience, SDGs

1 min

Poor facilities in jails: NHRC directs DG Odisha Prisons to submit ATR

THE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has instructed the Director General of the Odisha Prisons Department to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) over allegations regarding the severe lack of teachers and education facilities for prisoners in Odisha jails.

1 min

Farewell celebration 'Alvida' honours outgoing students at DRIEMS

DRIEMS School of Management and School of Professional Studies bid a heartfelt good-bye to their final-year BBA and BCA students with a grand farewell celebration titled 'Alvida' at the Ranidevi Auditorium.

1 min

Power infrastructure boost in Bahugram, 33KV feeder commissioned at Salipur

IN a major step towards enhancing power reliability in the region, TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) has successfully charged the 33KV (Ckt-Tl) feeder at the newly developed 132/33KV Bahugram (Atoda) Grid in Salipur. With three bays of the grid now operational, the development is set to benefit over 10,000 consumers served by the Bahugram Primary Substation (PSS), ensuring improved load management and a more stable

1 min

Aditya Aluminium establishes Mini Science Centres to boost STEM learning in Sambalpur

ADITYA Aluminium, a unit of the Aditya Birla Group, has launched Mini Science Centres in five schools across Sambalpur district, to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The initiative aims to make science more accessible and engaging, fostering hands-on learning and curiosity among students.

1 min

Faculty shortage not valid ground to reject VRS applications: Orissa High Court

IN a significant judgment, the Orissa High Court has ruled that the state government cannot deny voluntary retirement (VRS) applications solely on the grounds of faculty shortages.

1 min

CM congratulates Odia candidates for clearing UPSC Civil Services Examination-2024

CHIEF Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the Odia candidates who successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination-2024 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

1 min

Odisha plans to promote cattle rearing, dairy to check labourers' migration

THE Odisha government is planning to promote cattle rearing and the dairy sector in a bid to check migration of people, particularly labourers, from the state, a minister said on Tuesday.

1 min

Naveen Jindal hails 12pc safeguard duty on steel imports as a milestone for Aatmanirbhar Bharat

IN a significant move aimed at protecting India's domestic steel industry from a surge in low-priced imports, the Government of India has imposed a 12 percent safeguard duty on select flat steel products for a period of 200 days, effective April 21, 2025. This temporary tariff seeks to curb the inflow of cheap steel, primarily from China, South Korea, and Japan, which together accounted for 78 percent of India's finished steel imports in FY 2024-25.

1 min

A Rural Renaissance: How livelihoods in Kalahandi are blooming through industrial partnership

FOR decades, Kalahandi district in Odisha has been known for its traditional handicrafts, rich biodiversity, and abundant water resources essential for irrigation. A less-er-known fact about the region is its wealth of natural resources — especially bauxite, which exists in abundance. Yet, for many years, Kalahandi stood as a stark symbol of rural deprivation in India. Once synonymous with starvation deaths and chronic drought, the region gained national attention under the term ‘Kalahandi Syndrome’, a grim reminder of systemic neglect and human suffering.

2 mins

Police detain Union minister Sukanta Majumdar in Kolkata, release him later

THE police on Tuesday detained Union minister Sukanta Majumdar and several other BJP activists when they reached Kolkata's Hazra More, a stone's throw distance from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's residence, to collect funds for victims of Murshidabad violence.

1 min

CM hails candidates of Bengal who cleared UPSC exams

WEST Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday congratulated the candidates from the state, who have cracked the 2024 UPSC civil services examination.

1 min

CM Mamata condemns Pahalgam terror attack, says perpetrators must not go unpunished

WEST Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday condemned the terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, stating that the \"act of violence is utterly reprehensible\".

1 min

Meeting ‘partially successful’, say sacked teachers after deliberation with SSC chief

TEACHERS who have been rendered jobless following a Supreme Court verdict and on an indefinite sit-in before the West Bengal School Service Commission headquarters, on Tuesday held a meeting with SSC Chairman Siddhartha Majumdar and described it as “partially satisfactory”.

2 mins

Police rescues kidnapped boy in 6-hour operation in Bhubaneswar, seven held

THE police on Tuesday rescued a kidnapped minor in a six-hour operation and arrested seven people, including the boy's private tutor, in connection with the crime, an officer said.

1 min

Kiren Rijiju targets Mamata govt for refusing to implement Waqf Act

UNION Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday strongly criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for refusing to implement the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in her state, saying that a state cannot block a law passed by Parliament under the federal structure.

2 mins

Murshidabad violence orchestrated by 'outsiders', will visit troubled areas in May: CM Mamata Banerjee

WEST Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that “outsiders” were responsible for the violence that erupted in parts of Murshidabad district over the Waqf Act recently, and said she would visit the troubled areas in the first week of May to evaluate the situation.

1 min

Sailing Forward

India's Infrastructure Leap

2 mins

Urdu: Will It Get Its Due Ever?

Supreme Court's intervention in a signage language dispute reaffirmed Urdu's Indian roots, rejecting its religious branding and celebrating linguistic diversity, writes Asad Mirza

4 mins

MSDE, Microsoft to equip women in future-ready Al skills

THE Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and tech giant Microsoft on Tuesday joined hands to launch 'AI Careers for Women' a pioneering skilling initiative aimed at empowering women in higher education institutions to pursue careers in artificial intelligence (AI).

2 mins

Operation Zeppelin - Inside Adani's Counter to Hindenburg

HINDENBURG Research, the forensic financial firm that challenged the Adani Group, took its name from the infamous airship that burst into flames upon arriving in New Jersey in 1937.

3 mins

Katara murder: We are dealing with liberty of an individual, says SC

THE Supreme Court on Tuesday took exception to Delhi government's stand that a convict serving a 20-year jail term without remission in the 2002 Nitish Katara murder case could not be released even after the completion of his detention.

1 min

Dubey attacks Congress on judicial appointments; oppn party hits back with 'Lodha, Gogoi' examples

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Tuesday hit out at the Congress over appointments in the higher judiciary during its tenure, evoking a sharp response from the opposition party that said the \"shameless political use\" made by the RSS, Jana Sangh and the BJP of the judicial process, courts and judges was recorded in history.

1 min

Spreading misinformation sign of disrespect towards law: EC on Rahul's 'claims'

ELECTION Commission sources on Tuesday refuted Rahul Gandhi's allegations of abnormal voter turnout in the Maharashtra polls, asserting that any \"misinformation\" being spread was a sign of disrespect towards the law and hurt the efforts of political workers and polling personnel.

1 min

Vance's visit takes India-US talks a step further: Scindia

US Vice President J D Vance's visit to India takes dialogue between the two countries a step further, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Tuesday as New Delhi looks to stitch an early deal with Washington that spares it from President Donald Trump's additional tariff hikes.

1 min

PM's advisers giving him wrong suggestions, we know agencies being misused: Priyanka

CONGRESS general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday over ED probes against her family members, saying he seems to be getting wrong suggestions from his advisers as people fully realise that probe agencies are being misused for political reasons.

1 min

Shakti Dubey tops civil services exam; Harshita Goyal, Dongre Archit Parag get 2nd, 3rd ranks

SHAKTI Dubey has topped the civil services examination 2024, with Harshita Goyal and Dongre Archit Parag getting the second and third ranks, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced on Tuesday.

1 min

Oppn to Dhankhar: Neither Parliament nor executive, Constitution is supreme

NEITHER Parliament nor the executive but the Constitution is supreme, opposition leaders said on Tuesday as they hit back at Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar who slammed his critics for questioning his remarks on a recent Supreme Court order and proclaimed the supremacy of Parliament.

1 min

Pradhan directs NCERT to introduce road safety modules in curriculum of students of Class 1-12

UNION Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday asked NCERT to include audio visual modules on road safety for age and class appropriate courses for students of Class 1 to 12, to sensitise students about the traffic rules.

1 min

Airtel to acquire entire 400 Mhz spectrum of Adani Data Networks

BHARTI Airtel on Tuesday said the company along with its subsidiary Bharti Hexacom Limited will acquire rights to use entire 400 megahertz spectrum of Adani Data Networks.

1 min

Gold touches ₹1 lakh per 10 grams for first time

GOLD prices reached a historic milestone on Tuesday as the rate of 24-carat gold touched Rs 1,00,000 per 10 grams for the first time ever.

1 min

Nifty turns 29: From 1,000 in 1996 to over 26K, a look at its journey so far

OVER nearly three decades, the Nifty index has evolved into a key barometer of the Indian equity market, growing from a base value of 1,000 to over 26,000.

1 min

In talks with states for signing PPAs of 40 GW RE capacity: Pralhad Joshi

UNION Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday said 40 GW of renewable energy (RE) can soon come online as talks are on with states for signing power purchase agreements (PPAs).

2 mins

PLI pushes electronics exports to move up from 5th spot to 3rd in one fiscal: Vaishnaw

ELECTRONICS exports from India has moved up from fifth position to third within one fiscal, owing to the transformative production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday.

1 min

India poised to benefit from supply chain realignments: RBI bulletin

INDIA is poised to benefit from supply chain realignments, diversified FDI sources, and engagement with global investors seeking resilience and scale, given its already established trade linkages, said the RBI's April bulletin.

1 min

Sensex, Nifty rise for 6th day on foreign fund inflows, buying in banking shares

BENCHMARK equity indices Sensex and Nifty advanced on Tuesday, marking their sixth straight day of rise helped by gains in banking and FMCG shares and foreign fund inflows.

1 min

Trade pact with India will help open new markets for American goods: USTR

THE proposed trade pact with India will help open new markets for American goods and create new opportunities for workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs in both countries, the USTR said on Tuesday.

2 mins

AIADMK chief Palaniswami alleges graft in TASMAC

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday alleged corruption to the tune of about Rs 5,400 crore a year in state-run liquor corporation TASMAC.

1 min

Odisha Governor visits CREDAI Odisha's Home & Decor Expo 2025

THE CREDAI Odisha Home & Decor Expo 2025 continues to draw attention as a hub of innovation in real estate and lifestyle, with Odisha Governor, Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati, gracing the event with his visit on Tuesday.

1 min

IAF official attack case: Action will be taken as per law, says K'taka CM

KARNATAKA Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said he has asked police officials to take action in accordance with law irrespective of whoever is involved.

1 min

Vedanta Aluminium marks Earth Day 2025 with 650th fly ash rake supplied for circular economy avenues

VEDANTA Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, commemorated World Earth Day 2025 by spotlighting its recent sustainability milestones in biodiversity conservation, circular economy initiatives, and renewable energy adoption.

2 mins

Rourkela Steel Plant achieves best-ever techno-economic performance in FY 2024-25

DEMONSTRATING its unwavering commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has recorded its best-ever techno-economic performance in the financial year 2024-25. This milestone reflects the plant's sustained focus on process optimization and energy efficiency, resulting in notable reductions in both production costs and carbon emissions.

1 min

TN Guv calls for V-Cs meet, invites VP, triggers negative response from parties

AMIDST frosty ties with the ruling DMK dispensation and against the backdrop of the Supreme Court ruling in favour of the Tamil Nadu government, Governor R N Ravi has convened a meeting of Vice Chancellors of state universities, choosing to invite Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar for the inaugural session in the alluring hilly Nilgiris district for the week-end.

1 min

Uphold principles 'critical' for national resurgence: RSS chief to Sangh workers

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat concluded his five-day visit to Aligarh with a call to Sangh workers to uphold and propagate principles critical for social harmony and national resurgence.

1 min

Delhi govt plans CCTV cameras, libraries in SC, OBC settlements

INSTALLATION of CCTV cameras for security, street lighting, and construction of community centres and libraries are part of plans chalked out by the Delhi government on Tuesday for improvements in SC/ST/OBC settlements, an official said.

1 min

JNU students’ union polls: Election committee demands police protection

THE Election Committee overseeing the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union polls has halted the poll process and demanded police security, citing threats to their safety.

1 min

DP to monitor under-construction buildings by deploying drones

THE Delhi Police will monitor under-construction buildings by deploying drones, and will prepare structural model using artificial intelligence (AI) to provide help immediately whenever needed, an official said on Tuesday.

1 min

DDA urges Signature View Apartment residents to vacate flats as deadline passes

THE Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has served a notice asking residents of Signature View Apartments in Mukherjee Nagar to vacate their flats at the earliest, as the deadline for evacuation, March 23, has passed.

1 min

AAP accuses Delhi BJP govt of halting pensions for widows, divorced women

THE Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday accused the Delhi BJP government of discontinuing pensions for widows and divorced women, alleging that payments have been stalled for the past two months.

1 min

Delhi sees sharp dip in minimum temperature; AQI remains in 'poor' category

THE national capital witnessed a sharp dip in the minimum temperature on Tuesday, which — was recorded at 20.9 degrees Celsius, 5.3 notches below normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

1 min

Delhi govt puts off launch of 330 electric buses due to mourning on demise of Pope

THE Delhi government on Tuesday postponed its launch of 330 electric buses due to the national mourning on the demise of Pope Francis.

1 min

Francis to be buried at Basilica of Saint Mary Major on Saturday

POPE Francis’ body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica until his funeral - scheduled for 10 AM Saturday morning - the Holy See's Press Office announced on Tuesday.

2 mins

US expresses optimism on tariff negotiations with Japan

GEORGE Glass, the US Ambassador to Japan, on Tuesday expressed optimism about the ongoing tariff negotiations between Washington and Tokyo as he met Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

1 min

Israeli strikes kill 14, destroy heavy equipment needed to clear rubble

ISRAELI strikes on the Gaza Strip killed at least 14 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and destroyed bulldozers and other heavy equipment that had been supplied by mediators to clear rubble.

1 min

Jeddah reverberates with 'Modi-Modi' chants. Saudis singing iconic Hindi patriotic songs

A large number of locals and members of the Indian diaspora community gave a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived at his hotel in Jeddah on Tuesday afternoon.

1 min

Bangladesh rejects India's allegation over Hindu leader's death

BANGLADESH has rejected New Delhi's charge that the recent killing of a Hindu leader was part of a “pattern of systematic persecution” of minorities in that country.

1 min

Harvard sues Trump administration to stop freeze of more than $ 2 billion in grants

HARVARD University announced Monday that it has filed suit to halt a federal freeze on more than $2.2 billion in grants after the institution said it would defy the Trump administration's demands to limit activism on campus.

1 min

'Justice will be done': FBI Director Kash Patel on arrest of terrorist Harpreet Singh in US

FBI Director Kash Patel has assured that “justice will be done” following the arrest of Gangster-turned-terrorist Harpreet Singh in the US.

1 min

Delhi to host Asian Yogasana Sports C'ship from April 25 to 27

INDIA will host the second Asian Yogasana Sports Championship at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here from April 25 to 27.

1 min

IPL: Misfiring SRH face resurgent MI

THE misfiring Sunrisers Hyderabad will hope for a happy homecoming when they take on a resurrected Mumbai Indians here on Wednesday, eyeing a much-needed victory to revive their campaign in the Indian Premier League.

2 mins

I'm going to ensure I make the most of opportunity, says Kujur

DRAFTED into the senior national women's team following an impressive performance in the Hockey India League with JSW Soorma Club, young midfielder Ajmina Kujur is desperate to make the most of the opportunity in the upcoming five-match away series against Australia.

1 min

Venky Mysore backs ‘resilient’ KKR, recalls 2014 record run

KOLKATA Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore has thrown his weight behind the team despite its stuttering campaign this season, calling it a \"resilient\" unit and urging players to draw inspiration from the side's dramatic turnaround in the title-winning 2014 season under Gautam Gambhir.

1 min

BAI pushes for former players to hone coaching skills under foreign coaches

THE Badminton Association of India (BAI) wants former top Indian players to hone their coaching skills under foreign coaches and work with junior players but also strive to save the Indian style of play from fading.

1 min

Bumrah named Wisden's leading men's cricketer; Mandhana wins women's honour

INDIA'S premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah was on Tuesday named as Leading Men's Cricketer in the World while prolific batter Smriti Mandhana grabbed the honour in the women's category in the 2025 edition of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.

1 min

Vantika among 5 Indian chess women players selected for Batch of 2025 by 64 Squares initiative

64 Squares, a joint initiative of Hyderabad-based Pravaha Foundation and Chess Startup, MGD1, is working to grow the stature of women’s chess in India.