Nuakhai Fervour Several leaders including Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Educaton Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday greeted the people on the occasion of 'Nuakhai', an agrarian festival mostly celebrated in the western parts of Odisha. Pradhan Joins Nuakhai Festivities Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan celebrated Nuakhai in Sambalpur with rituals at Sindurpank, prayers at Maa Samaleswari Temple, and the traditional Nabanna feast, honoring the season’s first rice—at Shyamsundar Pati’s residence. Maoist Surrender In Bijapur At least 30 Maoists carrying a combined bounty of Rs 81 lakh surrendered before police. Authorities confirmed that the surrendered individuals will be rehabilitated in line with state protocols. Building Collapsed At least 17 people have lost their lives, after a portion of an unauthorised four-storey building collapsed on an adjoining vacant chawl at Virar in Maharashtra's Palghar district, officials confirmed on Thursday. Terrorists Killed Near LoC Two terrorists were killed on Thursday as the Army foiled an infiltration bid on the Line of Control in the Gurez sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district. Import Relief For Cotton The government on Thursday said it has temporarily exempted the import duty on cotton till December 31, 2025. The decision has been taken to augment availability of cotton for the Indian textile sector. PMJDY Turns 11 As the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana completes 11 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the scheme has enhanced dignity and empowered people to script their own destiny. Manhunt For Militants The Bihar Police Headquarters on Thursday issued a statewide high alert after intelligence inputs suggested the entry of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives into the state through the Nepal border.