Kolkata, March 26: A fire broke out at a chips manufacturing unit in the Chandipur area of Bhangar on Thursday morning, triggering panic among local residents. However, swift intervention by fire services ensured the blaze was brought under control quickly, preventing what could have turned into a major industrial accident. Authorities confirmed that no casualties or injuries have been reported. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Bhangar police station, with emergency teams responding shortly after workers raised the alarm upon noticing smoke and flames inside the factory premises. Fire…

Bhubaneswar, March 26: The Government of Odisha on Thursday announced a new excise policy for 2026–29, introducing higher licence fees, a revised revenue model, and new regulatory measures aimed at strengthening state finances while addressing public health concerns. The policy, which will be in effect from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2029, was presented in the Assembly by Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan. Key Highlights of the New Excise Policy The newly introduced framework outlines several structural changes in the way liquor trade is regulated and taxed in Odisha. One…

Kolkata, March 26: Uncertainty continues to cloud the electoral prospects of Swapna Barman, who has been nominated by the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the Rajganj Assembly constituency in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district. The development comes amid an ongoing disciplinary case against her during her tenure with the Railways. The issue has now reached the Calcutta High Court, where proceedings are underway regarding her compliance with service rules and eligibility to contest elections. Key Developments in the Case Barman, who joined the Trinamool Congress on February 27, was announced…

Gorakhpur, March 26: Yogi Adityanath on Thursday interacted with citizens during a public grievance session, or “Janta Darshan,” held at the Gorakhnath Temple. The Chief Minister heard concerns from residents and instructed officials to ensure prompt and fair resolution of complaints. The outreach programme, conducted outside the Mahant Digvijaynath Smriti Bhawan within the temple premises, saw participation from around 200 people. Key Announcements and Directions During the session, the Chief Minister emphasized that there should be “no carelessness” in addressing public grievances. He directed administrative and police officials to handle…

Bird Flu Outbreak in Nagpur confirmed at Seminary Hills hatchery as authorities declare infected zone, order culling, and impose restrictions to contain H5N1 spread. Authorities have declared a bird flu outbreak at the Central Poultry Hatchery in Seminary Hills, Nagpur, after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Immediate containment measures have been put in place to prevent further spread. Infected and Surveillance Zones Announced Officials have marked a 1-kilometre radius around the hatchery as an infected zone, where strict containment actions are underway. In addition,…

Kanpur, March 25: The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday highlighted its achievements over the past nine years, citing improvements in governance, public safety, infrastructure, and welfare delivery. The review was presented by state Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay during a press conference held in Kanpur as part of a statewide outreach programme. Addressing officials and public representatives, the minister said the state has undergone “wide-ranging changes” across sectors since 2017, attributing the progress to policy direction from the Centre and leadership at the state level. Key Highlights from the Government’s…

Demonstrators demand ₹30 lakh compensation per family, land rights, and 12 reserved Assembly seats for displaced communities Jammu, March 25: Displaced Persons (DPs) from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) staged a protest in Jammu on Tuesday, calling for the implementation of a comprehensive relief package and political representation through reserved Assembly seats. The protest, held at Maharaja Hari Singh Park, saw participation from a large number of displaced families under the banner of the PoJK DPs’ Front representing those affected by conflicts in 1947, 1965, and 1971, including non-camp refugees.…