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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 8, 2026

CM Majhi inaugurates 36 industrial projects worth ₹4,081 crore in Khordha

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Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday laid the foundation stones and inaugurated a total of 36 industrial projects with an investment of Rs 4,081 crore in Bhuinpur under Begunia in Khordha district. Of these, the foundation stones for 25 projects was laid, while 11 projects were inaugurated.

In a series of posts on X, the CM said that Odisha is no longer just a state of potential; it is now experiencing the touch of prosperity.

Through the foundation laying and inauguration of these projects, more than 59,000 employment opportunities are expected to be created, he said.

The industrial initiatives cover sectors including green energy equipment, metals and downstream industries, woven and apparel industries, plastics, tourism, agriculture and food processing, defense production, IT, automobiles, and cement industries.

These projects are being implemented across multiple districts and are expected to bring rapid development to the state’s economy, he noted.

Majhi also highlighted the state’s firm commitment to industrial growth and timely execution, marking a decisive step by the government towards accelerating development and economic transformation in Odisha. During a roundtable with industry leaders, he assured that all necessary support and facilitation would be provided for smooth implementation.

Describing the occasion as the beginning of a second industrial revolution in Odisha, the CM called upon industrialists to expand their industrial institutions in the state while contributing to building a prosperous Odisha.

Addressing the Groundbreaking & Inauguration Ceremony in Khordha, Minister of Industries & Skill Development Sampad Swain said the projects reflect the growing trust and confidence of industry in the government of Odisha.

He emphasized that projects were moving swiftly from approvals to execution, aided by initiatives such as the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave and roadshows.

Swain added that approvals through the High Level Clearance Authority and the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority had enabled these projects to ground under the leadership of Majhi.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg, who also attended the grand event, noted that the foundation laying and inaugurations will promote business expansion, strengthen the state economy, and generate employment opportunities.

Lakshya Sen, Srikanth crash out of Badminton Asia Championships

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New Delhi: India endured a mixed day at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 on Wednesday, with Ayush Shetty producing the standout result by beating Li Shi Feng, while PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy also advanced.

However, India’s top men’s singles player Lakshya Sen made an early exit from the tournament in Ningbo, China. The world No. 12 and All England Open runner-up fell 21-12, 21-19 to Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong China, ranked 22nd in the world, olympics.com reported.

Sen offered little resistance in the opening game. He fought back in the second, drawing level at 16-16 and again at 19-all. But he could not hold his nerve in the closing stages and crashed out in the first round.

Former world No. 1 Srikanth also exited in the opening round. He won the first game against former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore but lost the next two 9-21 and 19-21, going down 21-18, 21-9, 21-19 overall.

Feng, the current Asian Games champion, made a sharp start. Shetty responded with purpose and levelled at 7-7 before seizing control to take the opening game. In the second, Li again dictated the early exchanges, but Shetty drew level at 13-13 and then reeled off six straight points to seal the match.

World championships medallist HS Prannoy also moved through, beating Vietnam’s Nguyễn Hải Đăng 24-22, 21-12 to set up a second-round contest.

In the women’s draw, two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu came from a game down to beat Wong Ling Ching of Malaysia 15-21, 21-11, 21-19 and advance to the second round. Malvika Bansod and Tanvi Sharma both lost their first-round matches in straight games.

Central government clears two major hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh

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New Delhi: The Union government on Wednesday cleared two major hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant push towards strengthening India’s renewable energy capacity and improving infrastructure in the northeastern region.

The approvals were granted by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the construction of the 1,200 MW Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project and the 1,720 MW Kamala Hydro Electric Project. Together, the projects involve a combined investment of over Rs 40,000 crore and are expected to substantially enhance power generation while supporting regional development.

The Kalai-II project, to be built on the Lohit river in Anjaw district, entails an investment of Rs 14,105.83 crore and is scheduled for completion within 78 months, according to an official statement.

With an installed capacity of 1,200 MW, it is projected to generate nearly 4,853 million units of electricity annually. As the first hydropower project in the Lohit basin, it is expected to improve power availability in the state, assist in managing peak demand, and contribute to grid stability at the national level.

Implementation of the Kalai-II project will be undertaken through a joint venture between THDC India Limited and the Arunachal Pradesh government.

The Centre will provide budgetary support of Rs 599.88 crore for enabling infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and transmission lines, along with Rs 750 crore as central financial assistance towards the state’s equity share.

The project is also expected to drive local development, including the construction of around 29 kilometres of roads and bridges, and create employment opportunities alongside compensation and community welfare initiatives.

The larger Kamala Hydro Electric Project, spread across Kamle, Kra Daadi, and Kurung Kumey districts, has been approved at a cost of Rs 26,069.50 crore and is expected to be completed in 96 months. With a capacity of 1,720 MW, it is projected to generate about 6,870 million units of electricity.

Apart from strengthening the state’s power supply and aiding grid balancing, the project is also expected to provide flood moderation benefits in the Brahmaputra basin.

This project will be implemented through a joint venture between NHPC Limited and the state government. The Centre has committed Rs 4,743.98 crore towards the flood moderation component and Rs 1,340 crore for enabling infrastructure, in addition to Rs 750 crore as equity support for the state. Infrastructure development under the project will include nearly 196 kilometres of roads and bridges, along with essential public facilities such as hospitals, schools, and marketplaces, funded through dedicated project allocations.

Both projects will provide Arunachal Pradesh with 12% free power, along with an additional one per cent earmarked for the Local Area Development Fund, aimed at supporting community-level initiatives. Local populations are expected to benefit through employment, compensation packages, and corporate social responsibility programmes.

PM Mudra Yojana completes 11 years, disburses over ₹40 lakh crore

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New Delhi: The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has completed 11 years, marking a decade of expanding access to credit for small and micro entrepreneurs across the country. The scheme, launched on April 8, 2015, aims to provide collateral-free loans to non-corporate, non-farm income-generating activities.

Reflecting on the milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the scheme has empowered millions by giving them the confidence to dream and the means to fulfil those aspirations. In a series of posts, he noted that PMMY has “redefined access to credit” and strengthened the spirit of enterprise by removing barriers and trusting the aspirations of people.

“PM Mudra Yojana has redefined access to credit by empowering millions with the confidence to dream and the means to fulfil it,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the initiative reflects an economic approach where opportunities are accessible and enterprise is encouraged.

According to official data, the scheme has sanctioned over 57.79 crore loans amounting to ₹40.07 lakh crore, significantly strengthening the credit ecosystem for micro and small enterprises.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the scheme has played a key role in transforming India’s credit landscape by bringing previously excluded entrepreneurs into the formal banking system. She described the initiative as central to democratising entrepreneurship and enabling wider participation in economic growth.

Highlighting the impact of the scheme, the Finance Minister noted that nearly two-thirds of the loans have been extended to women, while around one-fifth have been provided to first-time entrepreneurs. This, she said, reflects the scheme’s role in promoting inclusive growth and supporting new business ventures.

Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said PMMY has been instrumental in promoting micro-entrepreneurship by enabling access to credit through banks, non-banking financial companies and microfinance institutions. He emphasised that financial inclusion remains a key priority of the government and the scheme has helped expand credit access to underserved sections.

The scheme offers loans under four categories—Shishu, Kishor, Tarun and Tarun Plus—based on the stage of growth and funding needs of borrowers. These loans cater to a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, trading and services, as well as allied agricultural activities.

PMMY is anchored in the broader financial inclusion framework built around three key pillars—banking the unbanked, securing the unsecured and funding the unfunded. The initiative has been positioned as a critical tool to reduce dependence on informal credit systems and support grassroots entrepreneurship.

The government stated that the scheme will continue to play a vital role in empowering entrepreneurs and contributing to the vision of building a developed India by 2047.

India welcomes Iran-US-Israel ceasefire, backs dialogue for peace

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New Delhi: India on Wednesday welcomed the recently announced two-week ceasefire involving Iran, the US, and Israel, expressing hope that the pause in hostilities would pave the way for lasting peace.

New Delhi reiterated its consistent position that dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation remain the only viable path to resolving tensions in West Asia.

The Ministry of External Affairs, in an official statement, said: “We welcome the ceasefire reached and hope that it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia.”

It said: “As we have continuously advocated earlier, de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict.”

The Indian government also highlighted the wider global impact of the conflict, especially its potential to disrupt trade flows and energy supply chains.

“The conflict has already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks. We expect that unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce would prevail through the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the ministry has issued a fresh advisory, saying Indians “nationals who are currently in Iran are advised to remain where they are, shelter in place and avoid further movements.”

In a statement, it said: “Any movement within Iran and to the border crossings of Iran may be considered only in close coordination with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and after obtaining explicit guidance of the Embassy.”

It added: “The Indian Embassy remains available to guide Indian nationals in Iran through the following emergency contact helplines:
Mobile numbers: +98 912 810 9115, +98 912 810 9102, +98 912 810 9109, +98 993 217 9359.”

Odisha to recruit 1,363 junior revenue assistants across districts

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Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approved the recruitment of 1,363 Junior Revenue Assistants through direct appointment to strengthen the state’s revenue administration.

The decision was taken at a committee meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Finance Department. Following this, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr Arvind Padhee, has written to all district collectors regarding the recruitment process.

According to the communication, the vacancies will be filled across all 30 districts of the state through direct recruitment.

The letter also specifies district-wise vacancies along with reservation provisions for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes. Reservations for women, persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen and sportspersons have also been included as per norms.

District collectors have been instructed to coordinate with the Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) and initiate the online application process at the earliest.

The Revenue Secretary expressed that this recruitment drive is expected to enhance the efficiency of revenue administration and improve public service delivery across the state.

CPET 2026 schedule released; exams from May 5 to 16

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Bhubaneswar: The State Selection Board (SSB) has announced the schedule for the Common Postgraduate Entrance Test (CPET) 2026, with the examination set to be conducted from May 5 to May 16 across Odisha.

The entrance test will be held for admission to 50 postgraduate subjects in universities and colleges across the state. The examination will be conducted in two sittings each day. The first sitting will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:40 AM, while the second sitting will take place from 3:00 PM to 4:40 PM.

On the opening day of the examination, candidates appearing for subjects including Commerce, Biotechnology, Sociology, Environmental Science, Education and Anthropology (Arts) will take the test.

According to the official release, a total of 58,708 candidates have applied for 31,915 postgraduate seats, indicating significant competition for admissions this year.

Admit cards for the examination will be available for download from April 30. Candidates can access their hall tickets through the official website of the State Selection Board.

The selection of candidates for postgraduate courses will be based on the marks secured in the CPET examination.

Odisha Vigilance raids Additional Chief Engineer over disproportionate assets

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Wedesday carried out simultaneous searches at multiple locations linked to Rajesh Chandra Mohanty, Additional Chief Engineer of the Central Irrigation Circle, on allegations of possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The searches were conducted at six locations across Bhubaneswar, Jajpur, Dhenkanal and Cuttack following search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Cuttack. The operation was led by an Additional Superintendent of Police, supported by 11 Deputy Superintendents of Police, nine Inspectors, eight Assistant Sub-Inspectors and other staff.

The premises covered under the raids include Mohanty’s triple-storeyed residential building at Baramunda Housing Board Colony in Bhubaneswar, his paternal house in Kolhasingh village in Jajpur district, a relative’s house in Dhenkanal, his office chamber in Bhubaneswar, a farmhouse property in Dhenkanal and the house of a close associate in Cuttack.

During the searches, Vigilance officials have so far unearthed several assets linked to Mohanty and his family members. These include a triple-storeyed residential building of around 3,000 square feet in Bhubaneswar and a farmhouse with a double-storeyed building of approximately 4,000 square feet spread over 1.71 acres in Bimbol area of Dhenkanal district.

In addition, five plots of land have been identified, including one in Bhubaneswar and four in Dhenkanal. The Vigilance Technical Wing is currently carrying out measurement and valuation of these properties.

Officials have also recovered cash amounting to Rs 6.23 lakh and detected deposits worth Rs 60.09 lakh. Verification is underway regarding flight tickets worth Rs 13.47 lakh linked to travel expenses. Two four-wheelers, including a Hyundai Sportz and a Honda City, along with two two-wheelers, have also been found during the searches.

Further, the weighing and assessment of gold ornaments are currently in progress.

The searches are still underway, and Vigilance officials are continuing their investigation to ascertain the full extent of the assets.

Divya Deshmukh joins lead after gritty win over Anna Muzychuk at FIDE Candidates

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New Delhi: India’s Divya Deshmukh secured a hard-fought victory with the black pieces against Anna Muzychuk on Tuesday to move into a joint lead at the FIDE Women’s Candidates tournament being held at Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort.

Divya recovered from a difficult position and kept up the pressure for over five hours. A late blunder by Ukrainian Muzychuk in the endgame turned the contest in the Indian’s favour and sealed a crucial win, according to fide.com.

Speaking after the match, Divya said she believed she should have won one of her earlier games as well. The Indian chess grandmaster described both encounters as topsy-turvy and added that results tend to balance out in the end.

After eight rounds, the Women’s Candidates standings remain tightly contested. Zhu Jiner, Muzychuk, Kateryna Lagno, Divya, and R Vaishali share the lead with 4.5 points each. Six rounds are still to be played.

Vaishali continued her steady run in the event. She held Bibisara Assaubayeva to a draw with the black pieces.

In the Open section, R Praggnanandhaa saw his chances take a hit after losing his Round 8 game to Anish Giri while playing black. He now trails tournament leader Javokhir Sindarov by three points.

Sindarov played out a draw with the black pieces against Andrey Esipenko to take his tally to 6.5 points. He has won five of his eight games so far and leads the standings.

Fabiano Caruana, who was placed second, suffered a setback after losing to Hikaru Nakamura, who won with the white pieces. In the other match, Wei Yi drew his game with Matthias Bluebaum.

RBI holds repo rate at 5.25%, flags West Asia conflict risks to growth and inflation

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New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% on Wednesday. Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the decision after the three-day meeting that ran from April 6 to 8 – the first policy review of the financial year 2026-27.

The committee continued its neutral policy stance. The decision follows the RBI’s move in February 2026 to hold the rate at 5.25%, after cumulative cuts of 125 basis points through 2025.
The standing deposit facility rate remained at 5%. Both the marginal standing facility rate and the bank rate stayed at 5.5%.

In a press release, Governor Malhotra also said the RBI projects real GDP growth at 6.9% for FY27. The quarterly breakdown puts Q1 at 6.8%, Q2 at 6.7%, Q3 at 7%, and Q4 at 7.2%.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has pushed up crude oil prices and put pressure on the rupee. Governor Malhotra warned that goods exports face headwinds from disruptions to major shipping routes, rising freight and insurance costs, and softer global demand.

The governor added that merchandise exports may benefit from recent trade agreements – many signed last year, with others expected to become operational this year – while services exports are expected to remain resilient.

The RBI projected CPI inflation for FY27 at 4.6%. Governor Malhotra said global growth faces growing downside risks as the sharp jump in energy prices and input shortages stoke inflation fears.

He said the spike in energy prices from the conflict has emerged as a risk, though retail prices of petrol and diesel remain unchanged so far. On food, the governor said the outlook looks comfortable in the near term, supported by robust rabi production, adequate reservoir levels, and comfortable buffer stocks of food grains.