PMGSY-IV Launched In Rayagada
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched PMGSY-IV in Rayagada in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The scheme includes 827 road projects covering 1,701 km at a cost of Rs 1,698.04 crore, aimed at boosting rural connectivity.

Language Agreement Boosts Opportunities
Today an agreement has been signed between the Foreign Language University, Hyderabad, run by the Education Department of the Government of India, and the Rajasthan Education Department. In Rajasthan's Jaipur, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the landmark agreement. Under this initiative, 1,000 students from Rajasthan will be trained every year, initially, in five foreign languages - Japanese, Korean, German, French, and Spanish. The program, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, aims to equip youth with global skills.

Theft At Nayagarh Temple
A major theft was reported at the Vaishno Devi Temple in Nayagarh, where miscreants allegedly decamped with gold ornaments worth around Rs 40 lakh. Taking advantage of a Kalbaisakhi storm and power outage, the accused reportedly entered by cutting the gate and accessing the sanctum through a cave passage.

Kalbaisakhi Brings Relief, Casualties
Kalbaisakhi storms brought respite from heat across Odisha but triggered disruptions, including a drowning incident in Nayagarh where one person died and another went missing. The sudden weather change brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail and strong winds across several districts, affecting normal life.

Farmer Killed In Balangir
One person died after being struck by lightning in Deogaon area of Balangir district. The deceased, identified as Niranjan Barik, was working in a field during the storm. He was rushed to hospital but declared dead. Police have sent the body for post-mortem.

Commercial LPG Prices Hiked
Commercial LPG cylinder prices were hiked by Rs 993 for 19-kg units, even as domestic LPG, petrol and diesel rates remained unchanged. In Delhi, prices rose to Rs 3,071.50, while Mumbai rates climbed to Rs 3,024. The revision comes amid global volatility linked to tensions involving Iran.

Tourist Cruise Sinks
A tourist cruise carrying 29 people sank in Bargi Dam after a sudden storm, leaving at least seven dead and eight missing. The vessel lost balance near Khamariya Island. Fifteen passengers swam to safety, while rescue teams continue search operations in turbulent waters, officials said.

EVM Strongrooms Fortified
The Kolkata Police have prohibited all gatherings in seven areas where Assembly election votes are being counted, following high drama at two centres over alleged irregularities. West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal dismissed the allegations raised by the Trinamool Congress.

'Iran Ready For Deal’
US President Donald Trump said Iran was “dying to make a deal” and indicated no urgency to resume military strikes. He claimed US action had significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities, even as tensions remain after a ceasefire agreement reached earlier this month.

Small Waves, Giant Leap
Seven-year-old swimming prodigy Ishank Singh from Dhurwa, Ranchi, has created history by swimming nearly 29 km across the Palk Strait from Sri Lanka’s Talaimannar to India’s Dhanushkodi. Completing the feat in 9 hours 50 minutes on April 30, 2026, he has been recognised by the Universal Records Forum as the Youngest and Fastest Palk Strait Swimmer. His achievement, under tough sea conditions, has stunned the sporting community and drawn praise from Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren. Ishank trained rigorously for months, proving that age is no barrier when determination meets opportunity.