National

BJD MP Describes Budget as “An Insult to 4.5 Crore People of Odisha”

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2025

Dr. Sasmit Patra, the Rajya Sabha MP from Odisha and national spokesperson for the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), criticized the Union Budget 2025 on Thursday, deeming it an insult to the 4.5 crore residents of Odisha and reiterating the demand for Special Category Status for the state.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the Union Budget 2025 discussion, Dr. Patra accused the central government of neglecting Odisha, stating, “This is not mere oversight—this is a direct affront to the people of our state!”

He reminded the members about the promise made by the Odisha BJP in their 2014 election manifesto regarding Special Category Status, while expressing frustration that this demand, which has been championed by BJD leader Naveen Patnaik for the last twenty years, has yet to be fulfilled. “The people of Odisha have held onto the hope of receiving Special Category Status, but this Budget does not deliver on that expectation,” he asserted.

Dr. Patra emphasized the state’s economic significance and the recurring struggles with natural disasters, lamenting the central government’s failure to acknowledge Odisha’s hardships. “Odisha is the economic backbone of this nation—our coal, iron ore, and minerals are vital to India’s development. Yet, when we seek our rightful share, this government turns a blind eye! We face cyclones and natural calamities year after year, but our suffering goes unrecognized!” he exclaimed.

He further criticized the Union Budget 2025, arguing that it favors certain regions while marginalizing others, effectively treating Odisha as an afterthought. “This Budget caters to select interests, overlooks many, and regards Odisha as an afterthought! Are we only considered valuable for our mines and minerals, yet unworthy of the support required for Special Category Status?” he questioned.

National

Couple Uses Dupatta to Rescue Biker from Flash Flood

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A family in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba risked their lives to rescue a biker trapped in a flash flood following heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred on the Kakiara-Tunuhatti road in the Bharmala area of Bhatiyat. Heavy rain caused water to flood the road, creating a strong and dangerous current.

The biker struggled to stay safe as he was caught in the fast-flowing water. Two women, including a newlywed woman, quickly used a dupatta as a makeshift rope to rescue him.

The biker held onto the dupatta while the family members pulled him towards safety. Another person also joined the rescue effort.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The family’s courage and quick thinking have received widespread praise online.

National

Two Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor Girl in Moving Bus

Published

2 weeks ago

August 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: Two men, including a bus driver and conductor, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 when the girl boarded an empty bus while travelling to Noida Sector 63.

The accused allegedly assaulted the girl and later abandoned her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, around 40 kilometres away.

Following the survivor’s complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested both accused from Timarpur in North Delhi.

The bus has been seized, and CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined.

Further investigation is underway.

National

21-Year-Old Model Murdered Inside Home, Gym Trainer Accused

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi on Wednesday. The police suspect her gym trainer, identified as Imran, in the case.

The victim, identified as Muskan, was a student and model. She was reportedly alone at her home on the second floor of a building in Tilak Nagar when the incident took place.

According to the police, Imran allegedly attacked Muskan with a knife. He then fled from the spot.

Neighbours heard Muskan’s screams and rushed to her house. They found her lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbours immediately took her to a nearby hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams have launched a search for the accused. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the area to trace his movements.

Muskan’s friend Aman said she was the youngest of three sisters. He said her elder sister, who is in Chandigarh, called him after learning about the attack.

Aman said he immediately asked another friend to reach the house and take Muskan to the hospital. By the time he arrived, an ambulance had already taken her away.

He also claimed that Muskan’s sisters had earlier told him that Imran used to harass her. He said Imran had allegedly behaved in a similar manner in the past.

The police are investigating the exact motive behind the murder. Further details are awaited.