February 13, 2026 - Page 2 of 2

Odisha ports get connectivity boost through major govt projects

February 13, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The government is undertaking several major connectivity projects to strengthen hinterland access to Odisha’s key ports, including Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur.

These projects cover the upgradation and widening of national highways, laying new and additional rail lines, installation of auto-signaling systems, construction of rail overbridges, waterways connectivity, and development of a multi-modal logistics park.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, as reported by PIB India, said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

In Paradip, some projects have already been completed, while a couple are still under implementation.

The implementation of these connectivity projects is expected to reduce logistics costs, promote port-led industrialisation, boost economic development, and generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities, Sonowal said.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways conducts regular reviews and consolidations of all port road-rail connectivity projects in coordination with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Railways under the Comprehensive Port Connectivity Plan, which includes projects in Odisha.

Bhutani highlights strengthening cooperatives to benefit Odisha communities

February 13, 2026February 13, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, stressed on Thursday that strengthening the cooperative sector will enhance efficiency and benefit communities across Odisha.

He was in Bhubaneswar to attend the 4th State Cooperative Development Committee meeting, which State Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired.

During the meeting, officials reviewed progress in computerising Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) offices. The operationalisation of new PACS and LAMPCS was also discussed, according to I&PR Department.

These societies are now fully functional and set to improve local cooperative services.

A major focus was the execution of the world’s largest grain storage plan, aimed at boosting food security and improving supply chain efficiency.

The expansion of Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jana-Aushadhi Kendras and Common Service Centres through PACS was also highlighted, ensuring wider access to healthcare and essential services.

The meeting also emphasised the diversification of PACS and LAMPCS into multi-purpose service centres.

Separately, Bhutani expressed satisfaction over the progress made by Omfed in milk production and value-added dairy products during his visit to its headquarters at Saheed Nagar, Bhubaneswar.

Addressing a high-level review meeting, he said that Omfed has created a new chapter in Odisha’s dairy sector through consistent growth in milk procurement, processing, and product diversification.

He also appreciated the organization’s efforts in adopting modern technology to produce high-quality and hygienic dairy products.

During the meeting, Vijay Amruta Kulange, Managing Director, Omfed, briefed the Union secretary on the organization’s various products and ongoing development initiatives. Bhutani expressed happiness over the increase in milk production in the State, attributing part of the growth to the implementation of the State government’s Mukhyamantri Kamdhenu Yojana.

Hockey: Hosts India struggle against Argentina in Rourkela

February 13, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: India suffered a heavy 8-0 defeat at the hands of Argentina in Rourkela on Thursday in FIH Hockey Pro League action, with Tomas Domene scoring an impressive four goals to seal the rout.

The hosts struggled to contain the Argentine attack from the start. Late in the opening quarter, India were awarded a penalty stroke, but Harmanpreet Singh’s attempt was brilliantly saved by Argentina goalkeeper Tomas Santiago.

A subsequent re-award, following a review that ruled the keeper had moved early, was also stopped, compounding India’s early frustration. Almost immediately, Argentina struck at the other end as Tomas Ruiz’s first-touch effort found the top corner, giving the visitors the lead.

Domene then converted a penalty corner variation after initially misfiring, putting Argentina 2-0 ahead at the first break.

The onslaught continued early in the second quarter. Domene scored again in the 20th minute, and a defensive error allowed Lucio Mendez to score a third. Ignacio Ibarra then added a fourth from a sharp-angle strike inside the circle.

Domene completed his hat-trick in the 26th minute after another Indian defensive lapse. Nicolas Della Torre further extended the lead with a penalty corner strike just before halftime, leaving India trailing 7-0 at the break.

India showed greater composure in the second half, slowing the game down and managing to prevent further damage for most of the period. However, in the final minute, Domene struck once more to complete his four-goal haul, finalizing the score at 8-0, fih.hockey reported.

Meanwhile, world champions Germany faced another setback as they were outplayed 3-0 by Australia, who now have two wins from two matches in the FIH Hockey Pro League season.