Bhubaneswar PTI): Odisha’s popular singer Humane Sagar died on Monday while undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here, a bulletin issued by the health facility said.

He was 36.

Sagar was admitted to the premier health facility on Friday as he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF), multi-organ dysfunction syndrome and other complications, the bulletin said.

He breathed his last at 9.08 pm, it said.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the untimely demise of Sagar.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of renowned playback singer Humane Sagar. His demise is an irreparable loss to our music and cinema. I convey my condolences to the bereaved family and pray to God for the peace of the departed soul. Om Shanti”.

In a condolence message, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik said Sagar's "soulful music has touched the hearts of countless listeners", and his contributions to Odia music will always remain memorable.

"Along with praying for the eternal peace of his immortal soul, I convey my condolences to the bereaved family members during this sorrowful time," he said.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar, in a statement, said, “Humane Sagar (36) did not respond to treatment in spite of all aggressive and advanced care provided by an expert team of specialist doctors and expired at 9.08 pm on November 17.”

He was admitted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar on November 14 with "diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia, acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF), dilated cardiomyopathy with severe LV systolic dysfunction, MODS (multi-organ dysfunction syndrome)- refractory shock, severe respiratory failure, anuric acute kidney injury, encephalopathy, hepatopathy, thrombocytopenia and Ccoagulopathy".

Born at Titlagarh of Bolangir district, Sagar was a renowned singer in the Odia music industry and known for his emotional depth and unique singing style.

He lent his voice to more than 100 Odia songs.

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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday said the government has sanctioned procurement of 1,000 government buses in the next year’s budget.

According to him, in the current fiscal, 2,000 buses were sanctioned and many of them have already arrived.

Speaking in the Legislative Council, he alleged that the previous BJP government neither bought a single bus nor recruitment was done in the state transport department.

He was replying to BJP MLC Y M Satish’s request for buses for Ballari and Vijayanagara districts.

“From 2019 to 2023, not a single bus was purchased in the four corporations. Not even one bus. If buses are not purchased continuously for four years, what will happen to the organisation?” Reddy asked.

He recalled that the last time buses were procured and recruitments took place were in 2016, when he was the transport minister during the previous Congress government from 2013 to 2018.

“After we came to power (from 2013), we procured 6,080 new buses. Then last year, 2,000 buses were provided, and many of them have already arrived. This year too, 1,000 buses have been sanctioned in the budget,” Reddy told the House.

He noted that 9,000 people were recruited and 1,300 people were appointed on compassionate grounds during the Congress tenure.

The Minister added that around 2,000 to 2,500 buses have been refurbished.

“In total, 6,080 buses came in two years. Last year’s 2,000 buses, and now 1,000 more. Altogether, we have about 26,000 buses. Out of these, nearly one-third have been added in the last two-and-a-half years,” Reddy said.

Satish told the Minister that at least 100 red buses and about 20 Volvo buses are required for Ballari and Vijayanagara districts.

In response, Reddy said in 2022-23, 720 buses were given, and in 2024–25, 307 buses; in 2026, 140 buses—totalling 1,173 new buses were given to Kalyana Karnataka region.

There are around 4,000-odd buses in Kalyana Karnataka region, he said adding that another 400 buses have been tendered and funds have to be released.

“Additionally, 56 high-end buses—sleeper AC, non-sleeper AC, and Volvo buses—are also coming. Now, 400 buses are coming. Priority will be given to Ballari and Vijayanagara districts,” Reddy said.