Lekhasri Questions Appointment Of 'Tainted' Jena As Kendrapara Observer

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

BJP State vice-president Lekhasri Samantsinghar on Thursday questioned the legitimacy behind appointing 'tainted' MLA Pratap Jena as the Kendrapara district observer of the BJD.

Bhubaneswar, Nov 2: BJP State vice-president Lekhasri Samantsinghar on Thursday questioned the legitimacy behind appointing 'tainted' MLA Pratap Jena as the Kendrapara district observer of the BJD.

In a reaction, Samantsinghar expressed her doubt that Jena, who is an accused person in Mahanga double murder and many other criminal cases, might be observing the 'extent' of crimes in Kendrapara.

"Biju Janata Dal is a shield for criminals. Pratap Jena is involved in the Mahanga double murder case. It is not understood how a party shields a man who is involved in a crime," criticized Samantasinghar.

He was ousted from the Council of Ministers as elections were fast approaching. Despite a summon, Jena didn't appear in the JMFC Court. It is not understood how he was appointed Kendraprara district observer.

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Alleging that many leaders of the ruling BJD are involved in criminal activities, the BJP leader said people will give a befitting reply to the party in the coming elections.

Fresh Spell Of Rain Brings Relief To Odisha People

by Manisha Das

Bhubaneswar, May 1: After reeling under scorching heatwave conditions, people in some parts of Odisha experienced thunderstorm activities today.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for light to moderate rain and thunderstorms with lightning in several districts of the state.

As per the alert, light to moderate rain and thunderstorms with lightning are likely to occur in some parts of Khordha, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Kandhamal, and Dhenkanal within the next three hours.

India successfully test fires SMART torpedo system

by Manisha Das

New Delhi, May 1: India on Wednesday successfully flight-tested Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

Designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), 'SMART' is a next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system that will enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedo.

This canister-based missile system consists of several advanced sub-systems, namely a two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, precision inertial navigation system, etc. The system carries advanced light-weight torpedo as payload along with a parachute-based release system.

The missile was launched from the ground mobile launcher. Several state-of-the-art mechanisms such as symmetric separation, ejection and velocity control have been validated in this test.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO and the industry partners on the successful flight test of SMART.

"The development of the system will further enhance the strength of our Navy," he added.

DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat lauded the synergistic efforts of the entire SMART team and urged it to continue on the path of excellence.

(IANS)

At least 19 killed, dozens injured after highway collapses in southern China

by Manisha Das

Beijing, May 1: At least 19 people have been killed after a part of a highway collapsed in Southern China's Guangdong province on Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported citing local media.

The state broadcaster said that a 17.9-metre (58.7-foot) stretch of the S12 highway between Meizhou city and Dabu county caved in at 2:10 am on Wednesday (18:10 GMT on Tuesday), trapping dozens of people in 18 vehicles.