May 28, 2026 - IndiaVerve

Sasmit Patra seeks medical college for Gajapati district under PMJVK

May 28, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra has sought the establishment of a medical college in Gajapati district under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), highlighting the need for focused development in Odisha’s only officially notified Minority Concentration District under the MsDP framework.

Patra raised the issue during a recent meeting with Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, where he discussed healthcare, education, and infrastructure requirements in Gajapati.

According to Patra, the proposed medical college would help address critical healthcare gaps in the district and strengthen access to medical services in the region.

In a detailed post on X, the MP stated that the Ministry of Minority Affairs has taken the proposal forward and written to the concerned department of the Odisha government to initiate action in line with PMJVK guidelines.

Apart from the medical college proposal, Patra also suggested the establishment of a Minority Girls’ Residential Education Complex with modern hostel facilities in the district.

He further proposed a Skill Development and Competitive Coaching Centre for tribal and minority youth with a focus on nursing, paramedical, and digital training.

The proposals also included strengthening educational and community infrastructure in the underserved areas of Gajapati district.

Patra expressed confidence that the proposed medical college and related initiatives would contribute significantly to healthcare development and social equity in the district and other parts of Odisha.

Odisha government issues advisory to prevent leakage of sensitive information during VVIP visits

May 28, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed senior police officials, district administrations, and intelligence authorities to maintain strict vigilance against the leakage of sensitive information during VVIP visits.

In a communication issued by the Home Department, the state government forwarded instructions received from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs regarding preventive measures to avoid unauthorized sharing of confidential operational details linked to VVIP movement.

The advisory was addressed to the Director General and Inspector General of Police, the Director of Intelligence, all District Collectors and Superintendents of Police across Odisha.

The Home Department asked authorities to ensure strict due diligence while handling and sharing sensitive information, including minute-to-minute programmes, security arrangements, and other operational matters connected to VVIP visits.

Officials were instructed to prevent any unauthorized transmission of such information to strengthen security protocols and maintain confidentiality during high-level visits.

The communication was issued by the Additional Secretary to the government, Bhabesh Kumar Nayak.

Copies of the advisory were also forwarded to all departments of the Odisha government and the Superintendent of Police of the Security Wing in Bhubaneswar for necessary action.

Odisha to host 2028 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships

May 28, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has secured the hosting rights for the 13th Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2028, further strengthening its position as a major sporting destination in India.

The decision was approved during the 106th Meeting of the Council of Asian Athletics held on Wednesday. The meeting was formally opened by Dr. David Mong Tak Yeung, President of the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates, Asian Athletics said in a press release.

With the latest announcement, Bhubaneswar is set to host another major international athletics event after already being selected as the venue for the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2028.

Asian Athletics also confirmed that Chandigarh will host the 3rd Asian Relays Championships in 2027.

The selection of Odisha for the continental indoor event is being seen as a recognition of the state’s growing sports infrastructure and its experience in hosting international competitions.

Bhubaneswar has emerged as a key venue for global sporting events in recent years, supported by large-scale investment in sports facilities.

Siddaramaiah announces resignation, paves way for DK Shivakumar as Karnataka CM

May 28, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bangaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday announced that he will step down from the post, potentially ending a prolonged leadership dispute within the Congress and clearing the path for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to take over the reins of the state government.

The announcement came during a breakfast meeting hosted by Siddaramaiah at his Bengaluru residence for cabinet colleagues amid heightened political activity and intense speculation over a leadership change.

According to media reports, Siddaramaiah’s decision followed nearly two days of consultations in New Delhi involving senior Congress leaders and the party high command. Reports suggested the outgoing chief minister was offered a political rehabilitation package, including a Rajya Sabha berth and a cabinet position for his son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, to facilitate a smooth transition.

The development marks a major shift in Karnataka politics after months of uncertainty over the Congress government’s leadership arrangement.

While Congress leaders publicly dismissed reports of infighting in recent weeks, senior party figures including AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala are expected in Bengaluru to oversee the transition process. A Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting is likely to be held on Friday, where Siddaramaiah’s successor could formally be chosen.

However, uncertainty briefly persisted on Thursday as Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was away in Indore for personal reasons. Officials at Raj Bhavan reportedly said Siddaramaiah had not formally sought time to meet the Governor to submit his resignation, even as speculation intensified over the timing of the transition.

The leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has remained one of Karnataka Congress’s most closely watched political fault lines since the party returned to power in 2023.

At the heart of the disagreement was a reported power-sharing arrangement under which Siddaramaiah would serve as chief minister for the first two-and-a-half years, after which Shivakumar — widely credited for rebuilding the Congress organisation in Karnataka — would take over for the remainder of the term.

Although the Congress never officially acknowledged such an agreement, Shivakumar’s supporters repeatedly claimed a leadership transition had been promised.

The issue resurfaced multiple times over the past year, including in December 2025 when the Congress leadership reportedly intervened to contain tensions through symbolic meetings between the two leaders.

Speculation gathered pace again after Shivakumar’s supporters recently displayed “Next CM” posters during his birthday celebrations, reviving buzz over an imminent change in leadership.

Siddaramaiah, who earlier this year became Karnataka’s longest-serving chief minister, had continued to enjoy support from a majority of legislators, delaying any immediate transition. However, following the completion of assembly elections in neighbouring Kerala and Tamil Nadu earlier this month, Congress leadership appears to have moved decisively to settle the issue.

A week ago, when asked about speculation over leadership change, Shivakumar had offered a cryptic response, saying, “Good time will come.” That moment now appears closer than ever.

KIIT-DU gets design patent for intelligent wildlife monitoring device

May 28, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: A technology-driven wildlife conservation initiative from KIIT-DU has received a design patent for an innovation aimed at automated ecological monitoring.

The patented system, titled “Intelligent Sensor Device for Automated Wildlife Monitoring,” has been developed at the KIIT University Lab to support non-invasive wildlife tracking and biodiversity conservation using sensor-based technology.

The project was led by Indian Forest Service officer Vishwanath Neelannavar, currently serving as RCCF Berhampur and General Manager of Berhampur OFDC Ltd. The device was executed by Manoj Ukamanal, KIIT said in a media release.

KIIT-DU stated that the development reflects its growing emphasis on interdisciplinary research and applied technological solutions for environmental challenges. The university also provided academic and intellectual property support for the innovation.

Patent-related coordination and academic support were extended by Ipsita Das and Tulishree Pradhan.

The conceptualisation and design work were carried out at the Forest Innovation Cell under the Office of RCCF, Berhampur. The initiative brought together forest officials and academic researchers to align field-based conservation needs with technological development.

The device has been designed to improve biodiversity monitoring while reducing human presence in sensitive natural habitats. Officials associated with the project said it enables more efficient and less intrusive wildlife observation in the field.

The patent award follows extensive experimentation, prototype development, and collaborative research focused on integrating practical conservation needs with advanced technology.

The recognition highlights collaborative efforts between the Forest Innovation Cell and KIIT researchers in advancing tools for wildlife protection and environmental conservation.

Srikanth exits early as Prannoy scripts stunning comeback at Singapore Badminton Open 2026

May 28, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: India’s Kidambi Srikanth bowed out in the opening round of the Singapore Badminton Open 2026 on Wednesday, while HS Prannoy delivered a remarkable comeback win to keep India’s singles campaign alive at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Srikanth, currently ranked 37th in the world, went down in a hard-fought three-game battle against Singapore’s world No. 14 Loh Kean Yew. The Indian shuttler lost 22-20, 19-21, 21-17 in a match marked by sharp momentum shifts.

In contrast, Prannoy produced one of the standout performances of the day, defeating world No. 5 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 10-21, 21-12, 21-18 in a one-hour and one-minute contest, according to olympics.com.

Prannoy started slowly, trailing 11-5 at the interval of the first game as Christie dominated early exchanges. The Indian, however, shifted momentum in the second game, taking an 11-7 lead at the break before leveling the match comfortably.

The decider turned into a tense contest, with both players locked at multiple stages before Christie moved ahead 18-16. Prannoy then staged a strong finish, winning five consecutive points to complete a comeback victory and register his fourth win in 11 meetings against the Indonesian.

Another Indian shuttler, Lakshya Sen, also advanced to the second round after a straight-games win over China’s Lu Guangzu 21-17, 21-15.

In women’s singles, Malvika Bansod exited the competition after a three-game loss to Lin Hsiang-Ti of Chinese Taipei, going down 11-21, 21-19, 21-12.

In women’s doubles, the Panda sisters, Rutaparna and Swetaparna, were eliminated in the opening round after losing 21-9, 21-17 to Thailand’s Phattharin Aiamvareesrisakul and Sarisa Janpeng.

India, however, stayed in contention in mixed doubles as Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto progressed after a hard-fought 21-14, 20-22, 21-13 win over Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien.

CM Majhi meets Vedanta chairman to discuss industrial projects and jobs

May 28, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday met Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar to discuss the progress of ongoing industrial projects in the state.

During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on accelerating project execution, strengthening industrial infrastructure, and creating large-scale employment opportunities for Odisha’s youth, Majhi said in a post on X.

According to the chief minister, the discussions also focused on ensuring the timely completion of projects and boosting industrial growth across the state.

Majhi reiterated the Odisha government’s commitment to facilitating the smooth implementation of major industrial initiatives and promoting a business-friendly environment for investors.

He further stated that the state aims to strengthen Odisha’s position as one of India’s leading destinations for industry and investment through faster project execution and infrastructure development.

Vedanta has a significant industrial presence in Odisha across sectors such as mining, metals, and energy, contributing to employment generation and industrial expansion in the state.

Trump says Iran prolonging negotiations to seek stronger terms

May 28, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused Iran of deliberately delaying ongoing peace negotiations in an attempt to gain leverage ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump claimed Tehran believed it could pressure Washington into offering better terms by prolonging discussions and creating uncertainty in global energy markets.

According to Trump, Iran appeared to think it could outlast his administration politically because of the midterm polls. However, he asserted that such a strategy would fail and maintained that Tehran was still keen to secure an agreement with the US.

The president also dismissed the idea that domestic political developments would weaken his negotiating position, while pointing to recent Republican primary victories supported by him as a sign of continuing political influence, according to theguardian.com.

Trump further described Iran’s economy as being under severe stress, citing rising inflation, a weakening currency, and broader economic instability as factors that could eventually force Tehran to compromise.

His remarks came at a crucial stage in negotiations aimed at ending nearly three months of conflict and restoring stability in the Gulf region. Trump acknowledged that discussions had not yet produced a final breakthrough because Washington was not fully satisfied with the proposals currently under consideration.

At the same time, he indicated confidence that an agreement could still be achieved, while warning that stronger measures could follow if talks failed.

A major issue in the negotiations remains the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global shipping route for oil and energy supplies. Trump rejected any suggestion that Iran could gain control over the waterway and stressed that it should remain open to international traffic.

He also stated that no single country would be allowed to dominate the strait, describing it as an international route vital for global commerce.

Before the recent conflict, nearly 20% of the world’s energy shipments moved through the Strait of Hormuz, making the region highly sensitive for global markets.

Trump additionally renewed calls for Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, to normalize diplomatic ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords framework introduced during his first presidential term.

While he initially appeared to suggest that broader regional agreements could influence future negotiations, he later avoided directly linking the Iran talks to additional countries joining the accords.

The US president also claimed that Iran’s political leadership had undergone significant changes during the conflict, arguing that Washington was now dealing with a different set of influential figures than at the beginning of the crisis.

He further remarked that the current leadership appeared more strategic compared to earlier officials.

Trump’s comments come amid continued international focus on developments in the Middle East and ongoing efforts to reduce regional tensions through diplomacy.