Daily News Digest: April 16, 2025: Top Stories from Odisha, India, and the World – News Roundup

Odisha Highlights

Odisha Tops National 'Lakhpati Didi' Rankings: Odisha has emerged as the leading state in the 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative, aimed at empowering women through entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

Paramita Satpathy Tripathy Appointed as Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax: Paramita Satpathy Tripathy has taken charge as the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax in Odisha, marking a significant appointment in the state's administrative framework.​

Completion of Odisha’s Longest Railway Tunnel: A major breakthrough has been achieved in the Khurda Road-Balangir railway project with the completion of Tunnel T-4, the longest railway tunnel in Odisha.

Admission Process for UG, PG & B.Ed Courses Begins: The Odisha government has initiated the admission process for undergraduate, postgraduate, and B.Ed courses for the academic year 2025-26.

National & International News

Gandhis Charged with Money Laundering: India's Enforcement Directorate has formally charged Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi with money laundering related to the acquisition of assets from the National Herald newspaper.

WHO Member Countries Agree on Draft Pandemic Treaty: World Health Organization member countries have reached a consensus on a draft 'pandemic treaty' aimed at improving global responses to future health crises.

Sweden's Moose Migration Livestream Gains Global Attention: Sweden's annual 24/7 livestream of the Great Moose Migration has captivated a global audience, showcasing the natural journey of moose across the High Coast region. The event has become a symbol of 'slow TV,' offering viewers a tranquil connection to nature.

Business & Economy

Walmart Expands Tech Presence in Chennai: Walmart has finalised a lease for a second office space in Chennai, India, marking an expansion of its technology presence in the country. The new office spans over 465,000 square feet and is leased for an initial term of five years beginning in November 2025.

India to Review ESG Disclosure Norms for Listed Firms: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced plans to review the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure requirements for listed companies.

Government Wheat and Rice Stocks Reach Record Levels: As of April 1, 2025, India's government wheat stocks rose to 11.8 million metric tons, the highest in three years and 57% higher than last year. Rice reserves, including unmilled paddy, reached a record 63.09 million tons

Sports

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty Shines in Billie Jean King Cup: Indian tennis player Shrivalli Bhamidipaty made her debut for the senior India women’s team in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia Oceania Group 1 at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune. She won all of her five singles matches, including three against higher-ranked players, helping India qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2020-21. ​