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At IndiaVerve, we go beyond the noise to bring you meaningful stories of change, resilience and progress—from India to the world stage. Our mission is to bring readers credible, wide-ranging coverage across politics, business, sports, culture, society and more.
At IndiaVerve, we go beyond the noise to bring you meaningful stories of change, resilience and progress—from India to the world stage. Our mission is to bring readers credible, wide-ranging coverage across politics, business, sports, culture, society and more.

Day: April 3, 2026

Handloom fashion show marks Odia Pakhya celebrations in Bargarh

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Bhubaneswar: A fashion show and handloom exhibition were organised at the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology in Bargarh as part of the “Ama Poshak Ama Parichaya” (Our attire, our identity) celebrations under the ongoing Odia Pakhya festival.

Odia Pakhya is being observed across the state from April 1 to April 14 under the aegis of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department. The second and third days of the celebration, April 2 and 3, are being marked as traditional attire days.

On this occasion, students of the institute showcased traditional and Sambalpuri handloom attire through an exhibition and fashion show. Participants presented the uniqueness of Odisha’s handloom heritage and weaving traditions by wearing traditional outfits during the event.

Students said the objective of organising the exhibition and fashion show was to promote traditional Odia attire globally and encourage its inclusion in daily life. They described handloom and traditional clothing as a reflection of identity and expressed pride in Odisha’s textile heritage.

As part of the Odia Pakhya celebrations, the Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts is offering discounts on handloom products across all outlets of Boyanika, Utkalika, Resham Odisha and Sambalpuri Bastralaya from April 1 to April 14. Customers are being provided a combined discount of 20 percent plus an additional 10 percent on purchases.

The discount scheme has attracted significant public interest, with people visiting stores in large numbers to purchase handloom garments. Increased enthusiasm has also been observed among youth, particularly in wearing traditional attire and capturing photographs.

A large number of people have uploaded their selfies in traditional attire on the Odia Pakhya website, Odiapakhya.com, and downloaded digital certificates as part of the celebration.

The growing participation reflects increasing interest among younger generations in handloom, textiles and handicrafts.

As per the schedule, the fourth day of Odia Pakhya on April 4 will feature “Khadi Chhuan and Pravesh Utsav” organised by the School and Mass Education Department. The Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department will also conduct a campaign promoting the use of Odia language on nameplates.

Odisha tops IndiaSkills 2025–26 with highest medal tally across country

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha has emerged as the top-performing state at IndiaSkills 2025–26, securing the highest number of medals and reinforcing its growing reputation in skill development and training.

The state secured a total of 57 medals at the national-level competition, which concluded at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida.

Out of 90 participants representing Odisha, 57 competitors won medals, including 15 gold, 12 silver and 14 bronze. In addition, 16 participants received Medallions for Excellence, reflecting strong overall performance by the state’s contingent.

Congratulating the winners, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the achievement reflects Odisha’s focus on building a future-ready workforce and strengthening youth empowerment. He highlighted that the performance demonstrates the state’s training standards, institutional support and emphasis on skill excellence.

He also expressed confidence that Odisha will continue to perform strongly at international platforms.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Skill Development and Technical Education Department Bhupendra Singh Poonia and World Skill Center CEO Rashmi Ranjan Mohapatra also congratulated the participants for their performance and wished them success in upcoming global competitions.

The medal winners were given a warm reception upon their arrival at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar.

Officials from the World Skill Center noted that the achievement reflects the dedication, discipline and technical capabilities of Odisha’s youth, along with the strength of the state’s skilling ecosystem.

IndiaSkills 2025–26 was organised by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and saw participation from more than 650 candidates from across the country. Competitions were held across multiple sectors, including construction, manufacturing, information and communication technology, creative arts and services.

The competition was conducted at various locations, including Greater Noida and centres in Odisha and other states. Successful candidates from the national championship will go on to represent India at the WorldSkills Competition, showcasing their skills on a global stage.

CM Majhi calls for public participation in Census 2027 exercise

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Bhubaneswar: With the first phase of Census 2027 set to begin later this month, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Friday urged citizens to actively participate in the exercise.

In a video message on X, he stressed the importance of accurate data for future planning.

The statewide house listing and housing census will commence on April 16 and continue till May 15, covering all 30 districts. During this period, trained enumerators and supervisors will carry out door-to-door data collection, Majhi noted.

Ahead of the field exercise, the government has enabled a self-enumeration window from April 1 to April 15. Citizens can submit their details online (https://se.census.gov.in), reducing the need for physical interaction during the survey phase, according to the Directorate of Census Operations.

The chief minister further said public cooperation remains key to the success of the census. He noted that reliable data form the backbone of policy decisions and helps in the effective implementation of welfare programmes.

He also highlighted that the exercise is being conducted through coordinated efforts involving the Directorate of Census in Odisha, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the state’s Revenue and Disaster Management Department.

Officials said the census process combines digital participation with traditional field surveys to ensure comprehensive and accurate coverage across urban and rural areas.

NALCO posts record FY26 performance

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Bhubaneswar: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines, reported its highest-ever production and sales in FY 2025-26, setting new benchmarks across operations since inception.

The company recorded bauxite excavation of 77.01 lakh tonnes and transportation of 77.07 lakh tonnes. Alumina hydrate production reached 23.00 lakh tonnes, while calcined alumina output stood at 22.75 lakh tonnes. Cast metal production touched 4.72 lakh tonnes. Net power generation rose to a record 6,953 million units, and coal production reached 40 lakh tonnes.

On the sales front, NALCO registered its best performance across segments. Total alumina sales stood at 14.46 lakh tonnes, including 1.38 lakh tonnes in the domestic market. Aluminium metal sales reached 4.74 lakh tonnes, with domestic metal sales at a record 4.61 lakh tonnes, the company said in a release.

The company reported year-on-year growth across key parameters. Bauxite transportation increased by 6.13%. Calcined alumina production rose by 11.16%, while aluminium cast metal output grew by 2.61%. Total alumina sales surged by 30.74%, and overall aluminium sales increased by 2.82%.

Chairman-cum-Managing Director Brijendra Pratap Singh reviewed the performance at the annual business plan meeting in Angul. He said the achievement reflected the team’s discipline, commitment, and collective effort. He added that the company has consistently aimed to surpass its own benchmarks and that the milestone strengthens its path towards sustained excellence.

He outlined the roadmap ahead, stating that future growth will focus on plant efficiency, people efficiency, and process efficiency. He said the company will prioritise digital transformation and green initiatives to meet evolving demands. He also acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Mines and the government of Odisha in NALCO’s progress.

With its FY26 performance, NALCO has reinforced its position in the global aluminium sector and set a higher standard for operational excellence and sustainable growth among public sector enterprises.

India commissions INS Taragiri, enhancing naval power and self-reliance

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Visakhapatnam: India on Friday commissioned INS Taragiri, a stealth frigate under Project 17A, marking a significant addition to the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The warship was inducted into service in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Visakhapatnam. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited with support from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the vessel represents a major advancement in modern naval shipbuilding.

INS Taragiri, with a displacement of around 6,670 tonnes, incorporates advanced stealth features that reduce its radar signature, enabling it to operate effectively in contested environments. According to an official release, the ship has more than 75 percent indigenous content and has been built within a reduced timeline, reflecting growing self-reliance in India’s defence sector.

Addressing the commissioning ceremony, Rajnath Singh described the warship as a symbol of India’s technological progress and maritime strength.

“This ship is capable of high-speed transit and can remain deployed at sea for extended periods. It is equipped with systems designed to monitor enemy movements, ensure its own security, and if necessary, deliver an immediate response. It features modern radar, sonar, and missile systems, such as BrahMos and surface-to-air missiles, which further augment its operational prowess. From high-intensity combat to maritime security, anti-piracy operations, coastal surveillance, and humanitarian missions, it fits perfectly into every role, making it a unique naval platform,” the Defence Minister said.

Highlighting the strategic importance of maritime security, the Defence Minister noted that India’s long coastline and heavy dependence on sea-based trade make a strong naval presence essential. He pointed out that nearly 95 percent of the country’s trade is conducted through maritime routes, underlining the need for a capable Navy.

He further stated that the Indian Navy maintains continuous deployment across the Indian Ocean region to ensure the security of sea lanes, commercial vessels and energy supplies, particularly during periods of global uncertainty. According to him, the Navy’s role extends beyond safeguarding national interests to contributing to regional stability.

The commissioning of INS Taragiri is also being seen as part of India’s broader push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The Defence Minister highlighted the growth in defence exports, which have reached Rs 38,424 crore in the financial year 2025–26, compared to around Rs 1,200 crore over a decade ago. He credited defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) and the private sector for strengthening the country’s defence production ecosystem and supporting innovation and manufacturing.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, speaking on the occasion, referred to the legacy of the earlier INS Taragiri commissioned in 1980, which played a key role in enhancing anti-submarine warfare capabilities. He also highlighted the evolving maritime security landscape, marked by geopolitical shifts, emerging technologies and non-traditional threats.

The new frigate, powered by a combined diesel or gas propulsion system and equipped with an integrated platform management system, is designed to undertake missions across diverse operational scenarios. It also features advanced anti-submarine capabilities and a range of weapon systems suited for modern naval warfare.

With its induction into the Eastern Fleet, INS Taragiri is expected to play a key role in enhancing India’s maritime security and operational readiness, while reinforcing the country’s position as a capable and responsible maritime power.

Odisha rolls out ‘Sadhana Saptah’ to strengthen skills of govt officials

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Bhubaneswar: A national online training programme, “Sadhana Saptah–2026”, aimed at enhancing the skills of government officials and employees, has been launched in Odisha.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg inaugurated the programme on Thursday at Lok Seva Bhavan. The initiative, aligned with the Mission Karmayogi framework, is designed to strengthen capacity building, continuous learning and governance practices among public servants.

The week-long training initiative will run from April 2 to April 8 and is being coordinated in the state by the General Administration and Public Grievance Department through the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration.

The programme is integrated with the iGOT Karmayogi platform, which enables structured and self-paced digital learning for government employees. Courses are also available in the Odia language.

Participants have been encouraged to complete at least four hours of learning during the week. The training modules include various courses designed to enhance work efficiency and administrative capabilities.

As part of the programme, employees have been advised to complete at least one artificial intelligence-based ‘Daksh’ course to gain certification and recognition. They have also been encouraged to complete at least one marketplace course available on the Mission Karmayogi platform to earn the ‘Karmayogi Utkarsh’ certification.

The initiative also promotes participation in group discussions, webinars and blended learning programmes conducted by training institutions.

Highlighting the importance of the iGOT platform, the Chief Secretary said it would promote a culture of continuous learning, innovation and performance-based skill development in government functioning, and advised officials to make full use of the opportunity.

The programme is part of a national effort led by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), in collaboration with the Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat, aimed at strengthening citizen-centric governance across states.

Senior officials, including Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh and Director General of Gopabandhu Academy Chitra Arumugam, along with other officers from key departments, were present during the launch.

The initiative aims to significantly increase participation of government employees on the iGOT platform during the week, with a focus on higher course completion rates and active engagement across departments.

All departments and training institutions have been encouraged to actively participate and share their achievements on social media using the hashtag #OdishaSADHANASaptah2026.

Trump issues fresh warning as Iran responds sharply after deadly bridge strike

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US-Israeli strike on Karaj bridge kills eight, injures dozens as Tehran signals retaliation and lists regional targets

The escalating conflict between the United States and Iran intensified further after a strike on a major bridge in Iran’s Karaj city triggered strong reactions from both sides, alongside rising regional tensions.

US President Donald Trump shared a video on his social media platform, claiming it showed Iran’s “biggest bridge” collapsing and warning of further action. “The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again — Much more to follow! IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” Trump wrote, signalling continued military pressure.

The strike targeted the B1 bridge in Karaj, which was still under construction and intended to connect Tehran with western regions. According to reports citing Iranian authorities, eight people were killed and at least 95 others injured. Many of those affected had gathered near the site to mark ‘Nature Day’.

Reacting strongly, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi criticised the targeting of civilian infrastructure. “Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender. It only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray,” he said in a post on X, adding that such actions would damage America’s global standing.

Iranian diplomatic and official social media handles also condemned the attack. The country’s embassy in New Zealand described the destruction as an act of desperation, stating, “Destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is the only thing a desperate loser can do.”

In a separate development, Iran’s Consulate General in Mumbai mocked Trump’s claim of neutralising Iran’s missile capabilities, posting: “#Trump: ‘I have completely destroyed #Iran’s missile capabilities.’ Air raid sirens currently blaring across #Israel: Must be a meteor shower from Mars!”

Trump, however, continued to escalate his rhetoric, warning that further strikes could target Iran’s infrastructure. “Our Military… hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!” he said in another post, adding that Iran must act quickly to reach a deal.

Earlier, in an address outlining US military objectives, Trump warned of severe consequences if Iran did not comply. “We’re going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We’re going to bring them back to the Stone Ages,” he said, while also indicating that discussions were ongoing.

ALSO READ: Iran rejects ceasefire claim as US signals prolonged conflict

The developments come amid an ongoing military escalation that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. The conflict has since widened, with Iran launching missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and areas hosting US-linked assets.

In a sign of potential retaliation, Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that Tehran had identified several key bridges across Gulf countries and Jordan as possible targets. These include major infrastructure in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan.

Officials in Iran reiterated that attacks on civilian infrastructure would not weaken the country’s resolve, even as tensions continue to rise across the region.

Odisha reviews progress of Census 2027 preparations

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Bhubaneswar: The government held the second meeting of the State-Level Coordination Committee on Thursday to review preparations for Census 2027.

The meeting was chaired by the Chief Secretary Anu Garg and focused on ensuring the timely and accurate execution of the upcoming census exercise.

Officials highlighted the growing emphasis on digital participation, with citizens encouraged to use the self-enumeration portal to submit their details. The facility allows individuals to provide their information online, and authorities have urged people to complete the process in large numbers by April 15, the Directorate of Census Operations said in a post on X.

During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, Arvind Padhee, presented an overview of the progress made in both Census 2027 and the Housing Census 2026. He outlined key developments and ongoing efforts to streamline operations ahead of the large-scale data collection exercise.

Director of Census Operations, Odisha, Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, shared a detailed status report on the programme. He briefed the committee on field-level preparedness and the steps being taken to ensure smooth implementation across the state.

Discussions centred on the successful completion of the first phase of the census, which includes house listing and housing enumeration, within the stipulated timeline. Officials stressed the need for accuracy in data collection, effective training of personnel, and efficient deployment of human resources.

The meeting also underlined the importance of adopting digital tools to improve efficiency and transparency in the enumeration process. Authorities reiterated their commitment to conducting the census in a systematic and timely manner, ensuring reliable data for planning and governance.