July 3, 2026 - IndiaVerve

OPHWC pays record Rs 21.28 crore dividend to Odisha govt

July 3, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Police Housing and Welfare Corporation (OPHWC) on Friday paid a record dividend of Rs 21.28 crore to the state government for the financial year 2024-25, marking the highest dividend payout in the corporation’s history.

The dividend cheque was presented by OPHWC Chairman-cum-Managing Director Soumyendra Kumar Priyadarshi, to Chief Secretary Anu Garg, IAS, at a programme held in the Chief Secretary’s Conference Hall on Friday. Home Department Special Secretary Radha Kishan Sharma and other senior officials were also present.

OPHWC has reported steady growth in operational efficiency and financial performance over the past few years.

During the financial year 2025-26, OPHWC recorded a turnover of about Rs 1,520 crore, up from Rs 1,366 crore in the previous financial year, registering nearly 11% growth and its highest-ever annual turnover.

A self-sustaining state government undertaking under the Home Department, OPHWC has been paying dividends to the state government regularly since the financial year 2014-15. With the latest payment, the corporation’s cumulative dividend payout to the state government has reached Rs 86.05 crore.

The corporation has also earned national recognition for quality construction and timely execution of projects. The Construction Industry Development Council, under NITI Aayog, honoured OPHWC with the Vishwakarma Award for the construction of the Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police Building in 2025 and the new hostel of Gopabandhu Academy of Administration in 2026.

OPHWC is currently executing several major infrastructure projects across Odisha. These include the Taraksi Hub in Cuttack, the Excise Building in Bhubaneswar, the hostel of Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, truck terminals at multiple locations, the new model jail in Bhubaneswar, Jajpur District Jail, Paradip Blue Flag Beach, Dumuduma Waterfall and tourism infrastructure at Jirang.

The corporation is also constructing Atal Bus Stands across the state for the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation.

According to the corporation, its focus on operational efficiency, financial discipline and timely execution of projects has strengthened its position as one of Odisha’s leading government infrastructure agencies.

Central University of Odisha gets new Vice-Chancellor

July 3, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The government of India has appointed Dr Ajit Kumar Shasany as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Odisha.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education, the appointment has been made by the president of India in her capacity as the Visitor of the Central University of Odisha.

Dr Shasany, currently Director of the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, has been appointed Vice-Chancellor for a term of five years from the date he assumes office or until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

The notification stated that the terms and conditions of his service as Vice-Chancellor will be governed by the provisions of the Central University of Odisha Act, the University’s Statutes, Ordinances, and other applicable regulations.

The appointment order, dated July 2, 2026, has been issued by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education and communicated to the Registrar of the Central University of Odisha in Koraput.

Copies of the notification have also been forwarded to the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, the University Grants Commission, the Association of Indian Universities, the President’s Secretariat, and other concerned authorities.

Agriculture Department signs MoUs with four corporations for FY 2026-27

July 3, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment on Friday signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with four state-run corporations for the financial year 2026-27.

The MoUs were signed with the Odisha Agro-Industrial Corporation (OAIC), Odisha Agriculture Promotion and Capital Investment Corporation Limited (APICOL), Odisha State Seed Corporation Limited (OSSC) and Odisha State Cashew Development Corporation Limited (OSCDCL).

The agreements were executed by the managing directors of the respective corporations and representatives of the Agriculture Department.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo attended the signing ceremony at Krushi Bhawan. He said all four corporations should work in close coordination with the department to accelerate agricultural development and improve the welfare of the state’s farmers.

Under the MoUs, OAIC has set a target to procure 54,000 tonnes of fertilisers, 8,400 tractors, 1,200 power tillers and other agricultural equipment during 2026-27.

Under the Jalanidhi scheme, the corporation plans to implement 6,240 electric-powered lift irrigation points and 1,200 shallow tubewell projects. It also aims to achieve horticultural input sales worth around Rs 24 crore.

APICOL plans to establish 1,659 commercial enterprises with a targeted capital investment subsidy of Rs 330 crore during FY 2026-27. Of the total allocation, Rs 300 crore will be utilised under the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana, while Rs 30 crore will be used to provide financial assistance for cold storage projects.

OSCDCL will undertake a hybrid cashew replantation programme across 500 hectares during FY 2026-27 to promote cashew cultivation. It will also carry out third- and fourth-year maintenance of previously established cashew plantations covering 761.22 hectares.

Under the agreement, OSSC will strengthen the state’s seed production and supply system by introducing high-yielding and climate-resilient seed varieties. It will also organise joint training and capacity-building programmes for government officials and seed farmers.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department and Chairman of the corporations, Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, also attended the signing ceremony.

Trump calls US-NATO relationship ‘one-sided’ ahead of alliance summit

July 3, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has criticised Washington’s relationship with NATO, calling it “one-sided” and “ridiculous” just days before the military alliance’s summit in Ankara, Turkey.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump questioned the value of the US commitment to NATO, arguing that the alliance had not supported Washington in the same way.

He also shared a chart comparing defence spending by NATO members, highlighting that the United States spends significantly more than several allies, including the UK and France.

Trump has repeatedly criticised European allies in recent weeks, particularly over their response to the conflict involving Iran. He has expressed dissatisfaction after several countries reportedly restricted the use of military bases for US forces during operations in the region.

The US president has also maintained that European nations should take greater responsibility for their own defence, while his administration has already begun reducing certain US security commitments, according to the theguardian.com.

Last year, NATO leaders agreed to increase defence-related spending to 5% of their gross domestic product by 2035 following sustained pressure from Trump.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump remained disappointed with some NATO allies over their reluctance to take a more active role in military operations against Iran. Rubio indicated that the issue was expected to be a key topic at the upcoming NATO summit, describing the meeting as one of the most significant in the alliance’s 77-year history.

The NATO summit will be held in Ankara on July 7 and 8 and will bring together leaders of all 32 member states.

Founded in 1949, NATO has long served as a US-led military alliance that has played a central role in European security and transatlantic defence cooperation.

DAC clears Rs 52,000 crore military procurement proposals

July 3, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday approved defence acquisition proposals worth about Rs 52,000 crore to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

The council accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the in-principle administrative approval required before procurement, for a range of advanced defence systems across the three services, according to an official statement.

For the Indian Army, the DAC approved the procurement of the Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Electronic Warfare System ‘AKASH TARANG’, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile Weapon System (MRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS), Active Protection System for tanks, and Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System.

According to the Defence Ministry, AKASH TARANG will provide effective protection against hostile drones for Army formations. The MPATGM will strengthen the infantry’s capability to counter enemy armoured vehicles, while the MRSAM system will provide medium-range air defence against multiple aerial threats.

The V-SHORADS, equipped with multi-spectral sensing, will improve air defence by enhancing resistance to countermeasures. The Active Protection System will boost the survivability of tanks, while the Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System will enhance electronic warfare capability with greater lethality, survivability, and cost-effectiveness.

For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM), Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial System (NSUAS), and the establishment of a Land-Based Testing Facility for Electric Propulsion Systems.

The ministry said the MIGM will help deny freedom of manoeuvre to adversaries at sea. The NSUAS, equipped with advanced sensors, will improve maritime surveillance and situational awareness.

The proposed testing facility will support the evaluation of motors and propulsion systems used in Indian naval platforms.

For the Indian Air Force, the council approved the procurement of a Fixed-Wing Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (FW-HAPS), and other proposals.

The FW-HAPS platform will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, along with telecommunication and remote sensing capabilities, significantly enhancing the Indian Air Force’s operational reach.

The approvals were granted during the Defence Acquisition Council meeting held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on July 3.

The procurement proposals are aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force through the acquisition of advanced defence systems.

Odisha signs ₹67,000 crore green energy pact with Japanese firms; 7,600 jobs expected

July 3, 2026 by IndiaVerve Staff

Bhubaneswar: Odisha took another major step towards positioning itself as a global green energy destination on Friday by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with ACME Group and Japan’s IHI Corporation for three large-scale clean energy projects involving an investment of ₹67,000 crore.

The proposed projects, to be developed at Paradip and Gopalpur, are expected to generate around 7,600 employment opportunities and strengthen Odisha’s ambition of emerging as a global hub for green energy and sustainable industrial development.

Speaking at an interaction with a Japanese business delegation at Lok Seva Bhavan, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said Odisha’s next phase of industrial growth would be driven by technology, innovation and the green economy. He said the state aims to transform itself into a “Global Green Hub” through the adoption of advanced technologies and environmentally sustainable industrialisation.

The cooperation agreement will facilitate investments in clean energy and related industrial projects while promoting technology transfer, sustainable manufacturing practices, employment generation and economic growth in the state.

Under the proposed investment plan, a 0.4 MTPA Green Ammonia Project will be established at Gopalpur with an investment of ₹20,000 crore, creating around 3,400 jobs. An additional ₹1,000 crore will be invested to develop a jetty-free floating terminal to support the project.

A second 0.8 MTPA Green Ammonia Project is planned at Paradip with an investment of ₹34,000 crore, generating approximately 3,600 jobs. The third project, a 0.1 MTPA Green Methanol Plant, will also come up at Paradip with an investment of ₹12,000 crore, creating around 600 employment opportunities.

Highlighting Odisha’s long-term vision, the Chief Minister said the state has already approved 12 major Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia projects, expected to attract investments exceeding ₹2 lakh crore and create over 36,000 jobs. He said two green industrial corridors are being developed around Paradip, Kendrapada and Gopalpur to strengthen Odisha’s position in green steel production.

Majhi also noted that the state’s industrial momentum has accelerated since the Utkarsh Odisha business summit held earlier this year. He said projects worth over ₹10 lakh crore have been approved during the past one-and-a-half years, with industrialisation expanding across 29 districts, while efforts are underway to extend industrial development to every district of Odisha.

During the interaction, the Chief Minister invited IHI Corporation to establish a Japanese Green Engineering and Innovation Centre in Odisha and encouraged Mitsubishi Corporation to explore investment opportunities in green chemicals and sustainable fuels.

Senior representatives from IHI Corporation, Mitsubishi, ACME Group, TRL Krosaki, TYK Corporation, Indo Nissin, along with officials from the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Asian Development Bank (ADB), participated in the discussions.

CBI raids Odisha, Rajasthan; arrests three in digital arrest scam

July 3, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three accused and conducted searches at seven locations across Odisha and Rajasthan in connection with a digital arrest scam in which a retired public servant was allegedly duped of Rs 2.07 crore.

According to a CBI press release issued on Friday, the searches were carried out on June 30 as part of an ongoing investigation ordered by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The agency had registered the case on March 25, 2026. The victim, a retired public servant, was allegedly coerced into transferring Rs 2.07 crore after being threatened with a fake “digital arrest”.

The investigation revealed that the defrauded money was routed through a bank account opened in the name of a trust. The funds were then allegedly layered and transferred through multiple bank accounts to conceal the proceeds of the crime.

The arrested accused are Bibekananda Dixit and Jayant Kumar Acharya, both from Balasore in Odisha, and Kanhaiya Lal from Nagaur in Rajasthan. The agency said the accused were actively involved in transferring and layering the fraud proceeds.

During the searches, the CBI seized several incriminating documents and electronic devices from the premises of the accused. The seized materials are being examined as part of the investigation.

The agency reiterated its commitment to taking stringent legal action against individuals and entities that facilitate cybercrime by providing access to or misusing banking infrastructure.

The CBI also cautioned the public against cyber frauds, including fake investment schemes, impersonation calls made in the name of law enforcement or regulatory authorities, and scams involving the fictitious concept of “digital arrest”. It clarified that there is no legal provision for any such form of arrest and urged citizens not to panic or comply with such fraudulent demands.

Puri’s Matiapada ROB service road to be ready before Rath Yatra: Govt

July 3, 2026 by IndiaVerve Staff

Bhubaneswar: With lakhs of devotees expected to converge on Puri for the annual Rath Yatra, the Odisha Government has stepped up efforts to ensure smooth and hassle-free movement of pilgrims by expediting work on the Matiapada Rail Over Bridge (ROB), one of the city’s key entry and exit corridors.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has laid emphasis on ensuring orderly traffic management and providing a seamless travel experience for devotees during the festival. In line with this, Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has directed departmental officials to ensure timely execution of all preparatory works.

The Matiapada ROB is expected to play a crucial role in managing the heavy inflow and outflow of vehicles during the Rath Yatra. Keeping this in view, Principal Secretary of the Works Department Sanjay Kumar Singh has been making regular visits to Puri to review the progress of the project and monitor its timely completion before the festival.

During his latest visit, Singh inspected the construction site and held discussions with engineers and officials supervising the project. The department said the launching of the bow-string girders has already been completed successfully.

Reviewing the remaining work, the Principal Secretary directed officials to expedite the casting of the deck slab over the bow-string girders. He also instructed the construction agency to complete the launching of the remaining PSC girder span and finish the associated deck slab casting work at the earliest so that the project progresses as scheduled.

Apart from reviewing the bridge construction, Singh placed special emphasis on making the ROB fully convenient for public use before the Rath Yatra. He directed officials to complete the construction of the service road and make it operational ahead of the festival to facilitate smooth vehicular movement.

The Principal Secretary also instructed the executing agency and senior officials to remove all construction materials, debris and waste from the site and ensure that the surrounding area remains clean, safe and well organised for pilgrims and commuters.

The inspection was attended by the Chief Engineer (National Highways), the Superintending Engineer of the NH Division and other officials associated with the execution of the project

Odisha Govt, OMSA remain at loggerheads as doctors’ strike enters third day

July 3, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Government appeals for immediate resumption of duties and offers talks, while striking doctors continue agitation over career progression, incentives, cadre reforms and safety measures.

Bhubaneswar: With no breakthrough in sight, the indefinite strike by Odisha government doctors entered its third day on Friday, as the state government renewed its appeal to the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) to end the agitation and return to work, assuring fresh talks on their pending demands while stepping up measures to keep public health services running.

The strike has affected healthcare services at several government hospitals, prompting the government to step up measures to ensure uninterrupted patient care.

In a statement issued late Thursday, the Health and Family Welfare Department urged the agitating doctors to withdraw the ceasework in the larger interest of patients and join duty without delay. The government said uninterrupted healthcare services remain its top priority and appealed to doctors to participate in a constructive dialogue after normal services are restored.

The department said Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary and the Director of Health Services had held extensive discussions with OMSA representatives before the agitation began. It added that several rounds of talks had already taken place in an effort to resolve the issues.

According to the government, many of the doctors’ longstanding demands have already been addressed, including cadre restructuring, implementation of the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme, special incentives, place-based incentives and measures to support higher education for doctors.

Invoking the principle of “Seva Hi Param Dharma” (Service is the highest duty), the government urged doctors to return to patient care, assuring them that all legitimate demands would be discussed after they resume work. It also warned that if essential healthcare services continue to be disrupted, it would be compelled to take necessary action.

The appeal comes amid OMSA’s indefinite statewide agitation launched on July 1 over its 10-point charter of demands. The association is seeking implementation of the DACP scheme in line with the Central pay structure from the date of eligibility, proportionate cadre restructuring, enhanced incentives for specialists and super-specialists, revised post-mortem allowances, a three-year exit policy for doctors serving in KBK and Tribal Sub-Plan areas, stronger security measures, regularisation of ad hoc doctors, comprehensive health insurance for healthcare personnel and construction of Capital Hospital-II in Bhubaneswar.

The strike has impacted healthcare services in several districts. Reports from across the state indicate disruptions in outpatient services and delays in routine medical procedures. In one instance, the post-mortem examination of an 18-year-old youth who died in a landslide was delayed before the body was shifted to another hospital for autopsy.

Meanwhile, the government has adopted a tougher stance against the agitation. It has directed authorities to withhold the salaries of Odisha Medical and Health Services (OMHS) cadre doctors participating in the ceasework until further orders. Contractual doctors absent from duty have also been warned of termination after due process. The government has maintained that the ongoing strike violates the Odisha Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, which remains in force, and may amount to misconduct under the Orissa Government Servants’ Conduct Rules.

With neither side indicating any immediate breakthrough, uncertainty continues over when normal health services across Odisha’s government hospitals will be fully restored.

FIFA World Cup: Spain, Portugal progress into Round of 16

July 3, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Mikel Oyarzabal scored a brace as Spain reached the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a convincing 3-0 win over Austria in Los Angeles.

They will take on Portugal, who edged past Croatia 2-1 in a thrilling game in Dallas.

Marc Cucurella’s early goal was disallowed for a foul on goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. Oyarzabal opened the scoring for Spain in the 36th minute following a low ball pass from Cucurella.

A bullet header from Pedro Porro in the 66th minute gave the European champions a 2-0 lead. Austria never threatened the Spanish side throughout the match.

Spain sealed the victory in the 89th minute with an easy goal from Oyarzabal.

Goncalo Ramos turned out to be the hero for Portugal as it came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1. The first half witnessed both teams wasting numerous opportunities.

Ivan Perisic broke the deadlock for Croatia shortly after the break, but veteran Ronaldo levelled the scores for Portugal from the penalty spot in the 68th minute.

Ramos’s header in the 94th minute, following a cross from Rafael Leão, was enough for Portugal to qualify for the next round.

Also, Switzerland advanced to the next round with an easy 2-0 win over Algeria.

Breel Embolo opened the scoring for Switzerland in the 10th minute, and Dan Ndoye wrapped up the victory with a powerful strike in the 46th minute.

Switzerland will meet the winner of the Colombia-Ghana match on July 7 in Vancouver.