sekhar

A millet café named Banayana has opened in Bhanjanagar, Ganjam district, under the Odisha forestry sector development project. Operated by local Vana Sarankhana Samiti members, the café offers millet-based breakfast and snacks, alongside value-added non-timber forest products. This initiative aims to create sustainable livelihoods for forest fringe communities and promote women's empowerment.

A young elephant, recently migrated to Ganjam's Ghumusar forest, was discovered deceased. Forest officials had been treating the ailing tusker for several days. An autopsy has been performed, with samples sent for further testing to determine the exact cause of death. This follows a similar incident in March, as authorities monitor the remaining 74 elephants in the division.

Bankura, a historically significant constituency known for its terracotta art, is a fiercely contested seat. With over 257,000 diverse electors, key issues revolve around civic amenities, youth employment, and local governance. The 2021 election saw a nail-biting finish, with the BJP winning by a mere 1,468 votes.

Edited by Sharat Sir

Forest officials in Ganjam district arrested three individuals for allegedly beating a spotted deer to death in Khaparaganda village. The accused intended to extract and sell the deer's meat. Patrolling has been intensified in the area following the incident, with a search ongoing for other suspected poachers.

Andhra University has announced the APPGECET 2026 results after conducting the entrance examination across 26 centres in Andhra Pradesh. Out of 9,990 candidates who appeared, 9,320 qualified, taking the overall pass percentage to 93.29 per cent. Computer Science Engineering recorded the highest number of successful candidates, while Food Technology achieved a 100 per cent pass rate. Female candidates registered a higher success rate than male candidates. Rank cards have been released on the official APPGECET portal for candidates.

Wildlife officials are proposing the installation of 24 additional solar-powered early warning systems in Ganjam district's Ghumusar north division to combat human-elephant conflict. These systems, featuring solar streetlights and sirens, will alert villagers to approaching elephants, especially before the crucial harvesting season. This initiative aims to reduce crop and property damage caused by the division's estimated 80 elephants.

Researchers have identified a new snapper species, 'Lutjanus arakan', in Indian waters for the first time at Gopalpur. This discovery, significant for marine fish taxonomy and the commercially valuable food fish, was published in Zootaxa. The species is distinguished by its unique reddish-silver hue with dark horizontal stripes.

In a historic electoral upset, the BJP has secured its first-ever assembly election victory in West Bengal, unseating Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after 15 years. The results, reflecting a record 92.47% voter turnout, saw the BJP's "Bhoy out, Bharosa in" slogan resonate strongly, surpassing the TMC's "Maa maati manush" narrative.

Perambur constituency is the focal point of a high-stakes political battle as actor Vijay makes his electoral debut against the DMK's entrenched machinery. While DMK deploys star campaigners and door-to-door outreach, Vijay's personality-driven campaign faces organizational challenges. Unresolved local issues and anti-incumbency against the DMK candidate offer a potential opening for TVK, making this a closely watched contest.

A notorious criminal, Lambu alias Narayan Tarini, involved in approximately 50 cases including murder and extortion, was arrested from his farmhouse. Police also seized three firearms, ammunition, and a car. Alongside Tarini, another individual, Budhia Patra, was apprehended. Forest officials discovered and seized an illegal sawmill and timber valued at Rs 7 lakh during the joint raid.

Police arrested nine individuals, including a brother and sister, for the abduction and murder of a 47-year-old real estate developer in Ganjam district. The crime, allegedly triggered by a property dispute, involved kidnapping for ransom, criminal conspiracy, and murder. The victim's decomposed body was found on Ketamani hill.

A shocking incident unfolded near Pamurayi village where a 17-year-old student was brutally murdered by his uncle. Driven by suspicion of an illicit affair with his wife, the uncle allegedly lured the boy to an isolated factory. Following a heated argument, the enraged uncle attacked the teenager with beer bottles and cement bricks, leading to his death.