May 2, 2026 - IndiaVerve

Chief Secretary rrges OAS officers to adopt 7-S governance model at ROTI valedictory

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The Revenue Officers’ Training Institute (ROTI) in Gothapatana on Saturday conducted the valedictory session for the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) DR-2023 batch, marking the successful completion of their intensive institutional training programme.

The four-week training, held from April 6 to May 2, covered 30 OAS probationers and focused on strengthening administrative capacity in governance and public service delivery.

Addressing the probationers, Chief Secretary Anu Garg underscored the evolving role of civil servants in achieving the vision of a developed Odisha by 2036. She highlighted three key pillars of the vision — “Samruddhi” (prosperity), “Swasthya” (health), and “Samaveshi” (inclusiveness) — and urged officers to align their work with these priorities.

Emphasising governance reforms, she called on the probationers to adopt the 7-S model — Scale, Speed, Synergy, System, Sustainability, Service, and Stakeholders — to ensure efficient administration. She also stressed the importance of transparent and time-bound delivery of public services.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, encouraged the officers to uphold integrity, professionalism, and sensitivity in their roles, noting that governance must remain humane and responsive to people’s needs.

Director of ROTI, Diganta Routroy, in his welcome address, highlighted the critical role of OAS officers in land administration and development processes, which are central to the state’s growth trajectory.

Certificates of completion and appreciation were awarded to the probationers during the event, while two senior resource persons were felicitated by the Chief Secretary. Senior officials from the department, along with probationers of the Odisha Revenue Service (ORS) DR-2023 batch currently undergoing induction training, were also present.

The programme concluded with officials emphasising the importance of capacity building and continuous learning in strengthening governance systems across the state.

Odisha ranks among top performers in AMRUT 2.0 with major urban water push

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has secured a strong position among top-performing states under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, with the state government pushing large-scale reforms in urban water supply and infrastructure development.

According to official details, the state has rolled out 345 projects worth Rs 4,030.18 crore across 89 Urban Local Bodies, focusing on universal water access and rejuvenation of urban water bodies. Of these, 107 projects have already been completed, while others are progressing under close monitoring.

The programme has led to the commissioning of seven new water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 43 MLD, benefiting around 2.83 lakh people. Authorities said over 2.7 lakh household tap connections have been provided, improving drinking water access for more than 5 lakh urban residents.

Community participation initiatives such as “AMRUT Mitra” and “Women for Tree” have also been introduced, involving women self-help groups in waterbody restoration and environmental work.

Under the credit enhancement initiative, 16 projects worth Rs 70.27 crore have been prepared for smaller urban bodies, while five large infrastructure proposals worth Rs 3,030.61 crore have been submitted for cities including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, and Berhampur.

Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the performance reflects the state’s focus on “speed, scale, and accountability” in urban transformation under the vision of a “Viksit Odisha.”

“Our focus is clear – time-bound execution, accountable governance, and future-ready infrastructure. We are building resilient cities that will drive Odisha’s growth and improve the quality of life for every citizen. Under the vision of a ‘Viksit Odisha’, our Government will continue to lead from the front and set new benchmarks in urban transformation,” he noted.

Kuldeep Kumar sets Indian pole vault record with 5.41m jump in Bhubaneswar

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Kuldeep Kumar on Saturday produced a landmark performance at the 1st Indian Indoor Open Combined Events and Pole Vault Competitions in Bhubaneswar, clearing 5.41m to set a new Indian national record in men’s pole vault.

The 21-year-old from Madhya Pradesh surpassed the previous mark of 5.40m set by Dev Meena, who also competed in the event and finished with the bronze medal at Kalinga Athletics Indoor Stadium, according to reports.

Kuldeep, who entered the competition in strong form after a 5.25m gold-winning effort in Jaipur earlier this year, improved his personal best while edging past strong challengers, including Tamil Nadu’s Reegan Ganesh.

He attempted 5.46m three times but could not clear the height, which also stands just above the Asian Games qualifying mark of 5.45m.

Reegan secured the silver medal with a best effort of 5.25m, while Meena from Madhya Pradesh finished third with 5.20m to take bronze.

The Athletics Federation of India described the performance as a significant step forward, highlighting the growing strength of Madhya Pradesh in pole vault and India’s steady progress toward continental standards.

Odisha targets ‘Knowledge Hub’ status under NEP 2020, CM unveils reform roadmap

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Saturday outlined an ambitious roadmap to transform the state into a national “knowledge hub”, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi calling for a “transformational shift” in the education ecosystem under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Addressing a two-day national workshop on NEP implementation at the Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister emphasised that education reforms remain a top priority for the state. He said the policy is not merely a government document but a broader mission to position India as a global knowledge capital, adding that students must become “industry-ready” and capable of competing globally.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who attended the workshop, highlighted Odisha’s unique blend of culture and education, stating that the state reflects a rare harmony between the two. He praised the contributions of literary figures such as Sarala Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, and Bhima Bhoi, noting their role in shaping India’s civilisational identity. He also pointed out that nearly 70 per cent of Odisha’s population is below 44 years of age, presenting a significant opportunity for innovation and skill development.

Pradhan further said that education today extends beyond degrees to capability building, and called for increasing Odisha’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) from the current 23 per cent to above the national average of 29 per cent by 2036.

Highlighting the government’s financial commitment, the state has allocated Rs 41,273 crore for the education sector in the 2025–26 financial year. The Chief Minister said this investment would strengthen infrastructure and create a strong foundation for the future of Odisha’s youth, with a focus on achieving global standards.

To bridge the rural-urban education gap, the government has launched the ‘Godabarish Mishra Adarsh Vidyalaya’ initiative with an estimated outlay of Rs 12,000 crore. Under the scheme, modern schools will be established in all 6,794 gram panchayats, equipped with advanced classrooms, laboratories, and sports facilities to ensure access to quality education in rural areas.

In a move aimed at promoting social equity, the government has introduced 11.25 per cent reservation for SEBC students in higher education. Additionally, financial assistance is being extended to Scheduled Tribe students under the ‘Shaheed Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Yojana’ to reduce dropout rates and improve retention.

The state has also taken steps to promote mother-tongue learning by signing an agreement with IGNOU to introduce technical and higher education courses in Odia, aimed at removing language barriers and improving comprehension among students.

During the event, the Chief Minister launched the ‘ShaktiShree’ mobile application and unveiled the Chief Minister’s Internship Guidelines to strengthen youth empowerment and employability.

The workshop brought together policymakers, academicians, and stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening Odisha’s education framework, with the initiative expected to contribute to building a knowledge-driven society aligned with the state’s long-term development vision.

Odisha bank ‘skeleton episode’: Naveen Patnaik writes to union finance minister

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, raising serious concern over an alleged incident at a rural bank branch in Odisha’s Kendujhar district.

In his letter dated May 2, Patnaik referred to an April 27 episode at the Malliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank, where a tribal man, identified as Jitu Munda, was allegedly compelled to produce proof of his sister’s death under extreme circumstances to access pending dues.

According to the communication, the man had made multiple visits to the bank but did not receive adequate assistance or clarity from officials. The situation escalated when he was reportedly asked to provide physical evidence, leading to widespread outrage.

Patnaik criticised what he described as an “inhuman” approach by bank personnel and questioned the justification, citing regulatory norms. He stressed that procedures should not override basic human dignity, particularly when dealing with vulnerable communities.

In a lengthy post on X, he said: “This followed numerous unsuccessful visits to the bank where he received no assistance or clarity from officials. What is even more shocking is the bank’s attempt to justify this inhuman conduct by citing adherence to RBI guidelines. This reflects a disturbing intent by officials to hide behind procedures and abandon the very people they are meant to serve. In a democracy, rules are meant to empower citizens, not humiliate them.”

The incident has triggered strong reactions across Odisha and has also been reported by international media outlets, including the BBC and the New York Post, the BJD supremo further said.

Calling for immediate action, Patnaik urged the finance minister to fix accountability and ensure that such lapses are not repeated.

He also emphasised the need for a more compassionate and citizen-centric approach in rural banking services, especially in tribal regions.

India-Russian spring culture festival opens in Himachal Pradesh

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The annual Spring Russian-Indian Festival of Culture commenced on May 1 at the International Roerich Memorial Trust in Naggar, Himachal Pradesh, bringing together artists, educators, and cultural representatives from both nations in a celebration of shared heritage and dialogue.

A long-standing feature on the cultural calendar, the festival showcased a range of artistic and educational initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between Russia and India. The programme included multiple art exhibitions, notably “Under the Banner of Peace”, which featured works by young Russian and Indian artists recognised at the international “Roerich State” festival.

Other curated displays, including “Unity in Harmony” and “Divine Nature”, explored the enduring relationship between humanity and the natural world through diverse visual expressions, the Russian Embassy in New Delhi said in a post on FB.

The event began with a traditional puja held near the Roerich family’s memorial house-museum, followed by the hoisting of the national flags of Russia and India alongside the Banner of Peace. Floral tributes were also paid at the monuments dedicated to Nicholas Roerich and Helena Roerich.

Representing the Embassy of Russia in India, Counsellor Yulia Aryaeva addressed the gathering. The event was attended by members of the International Centre of the Roerichs, the BRICS Culture Ambassadors Alliance, as well as students and teachers from the Alexander Kadakin School at the embassy and School No. 653 in St Petersburg, known for its advanced Hindi studies named after Rabindranath Tagore.

The cultural programme continued at the Green Theatre, where performances by young participants from Russia were staged alongside students of the Helena Roerich Academy in Naggar. The musical repertoire blended elements from both Russian and Indian traditions, reflecting the spirit of cultural exchange central to the festival.

As part of the celebrations, winners of the children’s art competition “Russia-India: From Heart to Heart” were awarded creative kits presented by the Russian Embassy in India.

Noida International Airport to start operations from June 15

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Commercial operations at Noida International Airport are set to begin on June 15, 2026, marking a significant step in the expansion of aviation infrastructure in northern India.

The upcoming launch is expected to strengthen connectivity across the National Capital Region, while also creating new opportunities for airlines, passengers, and cargo movement. IndiGo will operate the inaugural flight, with services by Akasa Air and Air India Express scheduled to follow soon after, the Airport said in a post on X.

The airport was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 28, after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security cleared its aerodrome security programme, paving the way for operational readiness.

In a recent leadership change, Nitu Samra has been appointed interim chief executive officer of Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) from April 24. The move follows regulatory requirements mandating that the head of an airport operator in India must be an Indian national. Samra, who has been serving as chief financial officer since October 2021, will oversee operations until a permanent appointment is finalised.

Meanwhile, Christoph Schnellmann, who had led the company as CEO since August 2020, has moved into the role of executive vice chairman on the board. In this capacity, he will continue to guide the project through its transition into full-scale operations.

YIAPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, secured the concession for the greenfield airport project in 2019 and has since been responsible for its development, construction, and upcoming operations.

CM Majhi raises daily wages for workers on International Labour Day

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has attended the state-level celebration of International Labour Day at the OUAT Agricultural Education Auditorium in Bhubaneswar, where he paid tribute to the relentless contribution and sacrifices of the labour community.

Addressing the gathering, the chief minister highlighted a series of welfare measures aimed at strengthening the social and economic security of workers across the state. He noted that more than five lakh workers have been registered under the Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, with financial assistance exceeding Rs 541 crore already disbursed. In addition, around 6,000 workers were provided with new identity cards, while benefits worth Rs 150 crore were extended to eligible beneficiaries, Majhi said in a post on X.

The government has also approved an increase in the Variable Dearness Allowance, revising daily wages to a range between Rs 472 and Rs 622. Recognising individual contributions, five workers were conferred with the “Chief Minister’s Shramik Bandhu Samman” for their exemplary service.

In a key infrastructure push, Majhi laid the foundation stone for 50 permanent office buildings for Divisional Labour Commissioners and Assistant Labour Officers, with an estimated outlay of Rs 130 crore. He said the initiative would significantly improve the last-mile delivery of government services and ensure that workers can access benefits more efficiently.

Reaffirming the government’s vision of a developed rural Odisha, Majhi stated that multiple projects have been initiated to accelerate growth in villages. These efforts, he said, are designed to transform rural infrastructure while elevating social and economic standards. The focus remains on boosting agricultural productivity, ensuring access to safe drinking water for every household, strengthening transport connectivity, and expanding access to education and healthcare services.

Trump doubts Iran deal progress, signals strike option amid ongoing tensions

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Trump questions Iran’s proposal, keeps military option open as nuclear concerns stall talks, while Hormuz tensions and oil price volatility reflect deepening geopolitical uncertainty.

US President Donald Trump has expressed fresh scepticism over the prospects of a deal with Iran, indicating that negotiations remain uncertain while warning that military action remains an option if talks fail.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump said he was “not happy” with the proposals put forward by Tehran and was unsure whether an agreement could be reached. “We just had a conversation with Iran. Let’s see what happens, but I would say that I’m not happy… They’ve got to come up with the right deal. At this moment, I’m not satisfied with what they’re offering,” he said.

Highlighting the choices before Washington, Trump remarked, “There are options. Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finish them forever, or do we want to try and make a deal?… on a human basis, I’d prefer [a deal].” He also declined to comment on any immediate military plans, saying, “Why would I tell you that?” when asked about possible strikes.

The remarks come as Iran has reportedly submitted a fresh proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, even as the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted for global oil trade. Details of the latest proposal have not been made public, though earlier suggestions from Tehran included reopening the strait and ending hostilities while deferring discussions on its nuclear programme.

According to reports, the United States has pushed back on any framework that sidelines nuclear concerns. Proposed amendments to negotiation terms include a demand that Iran refrain from moving enriched uranium or resuming activity at its damaged nuclear facilities during the course of talks. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly reiterated Washington’s position, stating that “President Trump has been clear that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon, and negotiations continue to ensure the short- and long-term national security of the United States,” while declining to comment on specific diplomatic exchanges.

ALSO READ: Iran vows defiance as US blockade escalates Gulf tensions

The geopolitical standoff has had a direct impact on global energy markets, with oil prices rising sharply amid uncertainty over supply routes. Prices recently surged past $114 per barrel before stabilising around the $110 mark, reflecting continued volatility linked to the situation in the Gulf region.

Meanwhile, international concern over the conflict persists. A recent Washington Post-ABC-Ipsos poll found that 61 per cent of respondents in the United States believe the use of military force against Iran was a mistake.

China has also emphasised the importance of maintaining the ceasefire, with its envoy to the United Nations warning that the situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical issue.

Tensions across the broader region continue to remain high, with reports of ongoing violence in parts of West Asia even as diplomatic efforts to stabilise the situation remain inconclusive.

India storms into Thomas Cup 2026 semi-finals

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: India has marched into the Thomas Cup 2026 semi-finals with a commanding 3-0 sweep of Chinese Taipei, securing their fifth medal in the men’s team badminton championship.

Lakshya Sen set the tone in a pulsating opener against World No. 6 Chou Tien Chen, recovering from two match points down in the second game to win 18-21, 22-20, 21-17 in a gruelling 88-minute battle. The 24-year-old’s composure under pressure proved to be the defining moment of the tie.

Doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty kept the momentum going, edging Wang Chi-lin and Chiu Hsiang Chieh 23-21, 19-21, 21-12 in 75 minutes after saving two game points in the opener, according to reports.

Ayush Shetty then sealed the win with a confident 21-16, 21-17 victory over All England Open champion Lin Chun-yi, overcoming an early deficit to close out in 48 minutes. India, the 2022 champions, will face either Japan or France in Saturday’s semifinals.