Bapi Hansda, a promising athlete hailing from Basta, Balasore, has made Odisha proud by clinching the gold medal at the National Junior U20 Federation Athletics Championship. Representing his state with exemplary skill and determination, Hansda’s remarkable performance in the 400m race has earned him widespread recognition and acclaim. Trained meticulously at the RF Athletics High-Performance Center in Bhubaneswar, Hansda demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication on the track. His impressive time of 46.90 seconds not only secured him the gold medal but also surpassed the demanding Asian U20 Qualification time of 48.10 seconds, underscoring his extraordinary proficiency in the sport. In an awe-inspiring feat, Hansda shattered the meet record with his stellar timing, eclipsing the previous record of 46.93 seconds.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 10 new Vande Bharat Express trains on Tuesday, further expanding India’s high-speed rail network. Among these, Odisha welcomed its third Vande Bharat Express, enhancing connectivity between Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam. The inauguration ceremony, conducted via video conferencing from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, marked a significant milestone in India’s rail infrastructure development. The newly introduced Vande Bharat Express, adorned in a unique grey-saffron livery, was inaugurated at the Visakhapatnam railway station. Operating six days a week, the train will connect key cities in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, with stoppages at Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road, and Berhampur in Odisha, and Palasa, Srikakulam Road, and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh.

Prior to its official launch, a trial run of the train was conducted on March 8, ensuring operational readiness and efficiency. With the introduction of this service, passengers can expect improved connectivity and enhanced travel experience between Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam. This marks the third Vande Bharat Express to be introduced in Odisha, following the successful operations of the trains on the Puri-Howrah and Puri-Rourkela routes. The expansion of the Vande Bharat network underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing India’s railway infrastructure and providing passengers with faster, safer, and more comfortable travel options.

The Vande Bharat Express project, launched in May 2023 with the inaugural service between Puri and Howrah, has since witnessed significant expansion, covering 45 routes nationwide and boasting a fleet of over 50 trains. The addition of the Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam route to this esteemed list reflects the government’s continued efforts to revolutionize the country’s transportation sector and promote economic growth through improved connectivity.

The Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar has launched an exciting new initiative titled ‘Night Out at Zoo,’ aimed at providing an immersive wildlife education experience. This innovative program, as announced by an official release, will be held every Sunday and is limited to just 20 participants per session. Participants will embark on guided tours within the zoo premises, exploring the nocturnal habits and adaptations of various wildlife species. The journey will be facilitated through battery-operated vehicles, offering an eco-friendly and convenient mode of transportation.

To partake in this educational adventure, each participant is required to pay a registration fee of Rs 250. Online registration is available through the official website of Nandankanan Zoological Park, ensuring easy access for interested individuals. Scheduled to commence at 6:00 pm and conclude at 8:00 pm, the program promises an engaging and informative experience under the cover of night. Registered participants are instructed to arrive punctually at 6:15 pm at the zoo’s multi-level car parking facility, bearing their online-generated tickets. Notably, participants are advised against carrying any bags or luggage during the program, and the use of DSLR cameras or video recording instruments is prohibited.

Additionally, participants are expected to comply with the instructions provided by the zoo’s education staff or volunteers diligently throughout the duration of the program. This emphasis on adherence to guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.