July 4, 2026 - IndiaVerve

OMSA suspends strike as govt forms panel to review doctors’ demands

July 4, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Healthcare services in Odisha returned to normal after the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) suspended its strike following discussions with the state government.

Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said the government had decided to constitute a high-level committee to examine the demands raised by OMSA. The committee will comprise senior officials from the Finance, General Administration, Health and Family Welfare, and Law departments, with its first meeting scheduled for July 22, according to reports.

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

The minister said the government was sympathetic to the genuine concerns of doctors and assured them that their demands would be examined by the committee.

He welcomed OMSA’s decision to suspend the strike, saying it would help restore healthcare services across the state.

OMSA President Dr Kishore Chandra Mishra said the association decided to withdraw the protest after the government assured it that the doctors’ demands would be taken up by the newly constituted committee.

Doctors resumed duties on Saturday following the suspension of the strike. The move is expected to ease pressure on hospitals and restore normal healthcare services across Odisha.

Law Minister Harichandan highlights ADLs’ role in speedy case resolution

July 4, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Law, Excise and Public Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Saturday said Assistant Directors of Law (ADLs) play a vital role in managing pending government cases and providing legal advice to various departments.

Addressing the performance review meeting of ADLs at the Convention Centre in Lok Seva Bhawan, the minister reviewed the status of pending cases across different state government departments and assessed the progress made in their disposal.

Harichandan said ADLs serve as an important link between the Law Department and other government departments. He noted that their role is crucial in ensuring the timely resolution of pending cases and promoting the effective implementation of the Mediation Act.

The minister said the responsibilities of ADLs have increased significantly and urged them to upgrade their skills and keep pace with changing legal and administrative requirements.

He also said the state government is considering fresh recruitment of ADLs, cadre restructuring, the formulation of a litigation management policy, and the issuance of a standard operating procedure for efficient case management.

On the occasion, Harichandan released the Achievement Report booklet of the Law Department for 2025-26.

Law Department Principal Secretary Dr Pabitra Mohan Samal guided the officials during the meeting. Special Secretary Pranab Kumar Patra, Additional Secretary Shiv Prasad Mahapatra, and other senior officials were also present.

Iran begins week-long funeral for Ayatollah Khamenei; India sends official delegation to Tehran

July 4, 2026July 4, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Tehran: Iran has commenced a week-long state funeral for its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, with thousands of mourners gathering in Tehran to pay their final respects. The funeral ceremonies, among the largest in the country’s recent history, will continue across several cities in Iran and Iraq before his burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad.

The procession is scheduled to pass through Tehran, the holy city of Qom, and Karbala in neighbouring Iraq before returning to Iran for the final burial rites. Iranian authorities have appealed to citizens, government officials, and members of paramilitary organisations to participate in the mourning ceremonies.

President Masoud Pezeshkian described the funeral as a defining moment for the nation, saying, “The martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei marks the beginning of a new chapter of national unity. I urge all Iranians to participate in the funeral ceremonies as a demonstration of our resilience and solidarity.”

Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, but his funeral was postponed for several months as hostilities involving Iran, Israel, and the US continued.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, during his Fourth of July address, made a fresh remark on Iran, stating, “I gave Iran a week off, because I’m nice.” The comment came as the funeral ceremonies were getting underway and is likely to draw international attention amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

India has sent an official delegation to represent the country at the funeral. The delegation is led by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, along with senior Ministry of External Affairs officials.

Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid is attending the ceremony on behalf of his party, while BJP president Nitin Nabin, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, and Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al Safavi have also received invitations to participate in the state funeral.

The funeral is being closely watched by the international community as Iran prepares for a political transition while navigating heightened regional tensions following months of conflict in West Asia.

PM Modi launches modified UDAN scheme

July 4, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the modified Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme and inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, giving a major push to regional air connectivity and aviation infrastructure.

The event was attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol and other dignitaries.

Approved by the Union Cabinet on March 25, 2026, the modified UDAN scheme has an outlay of nearly Rs 29,000 crore over the next 10 years. The scheme aims to expand regional aviation infrastructure and improve connectivity across the country, according to an official statement.

Under the scheme, 100 aerodromes will be developed from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of Rs 12,159 crore. It also provides Rs 2,577 crore for the operation and maintenance of regional airports, Rs 3,661 crore for the development of 200 modern helipads, and Rs 10,043 crore as Viability Gap Funding to support regional airline operations.

The scheme also promotes the use of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, to improve connectivity in remote and underserved regions.

Since its launch in October 2016, the UDAN scheme has operationalised 669 routes and connected 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, benefiting more than 1.66 crore passengers.

Addressing the event, Naidu Kinjarapu said the launch of the modified UDAN scheme with an outlay of nearly Rs 29,000 crore marked a new chapter in India’s aviation journey. He said the scheme had transformed the PM’s vision of making air travel affordable and accessible into a nationwide movement.

The minister further said UDAN had evolved beyond a connectivity scheme and was creating new opportunities for farmers, students, entrepreneurs, artisans and businesses. He added that aviation had become a key driver of economic development, tourism, employment and social inclusion, particularly in Tier-2, Tier-3 and remote regions.

PM Modi also inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, developed by the Airports Authority of India at a cost of Rs 480 crore.

Spread across 23,342 square metres, the terminal can handle 1,500 passengers during peak hours and up to 20 lakh passengers annually. It features 20 check-in counters, six aerobridges, advanced security screening systems, and modern baggage handling facilities.

The newly developed apron can accommodate 11 A321 aircraft and one ATR-72 aircraft. The city-side infrastructure also provides parking space for around 320 cars.

Gujarat ATS arrests eight alleged JeM operatives, probes terror network

July 4, 2026July 4, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested eight alleged operatives linked to the Pakistan-based banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) during simultaneous raids in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

According to the ATS, the accused were in contact with handlers based in Pakistan and were allegedly working to establish an active JeM network in Gujarat to further the outfit’s activities.

Investigators said the group was also allegedly translating JeM literature into Gujarati to spread the organisation’s ideology in the state.

During the operation, the ATS recovered 254 items, including literature linked to JeM and the outfit’s flag.

The investigation has also revealed alleged financial links between the accused and the Pakistan-based terror group, according to reports.

The arrested individuals have been remanded to 14 days of police custody.

Seven of the accused were arrested from different districts of Gujarat, while one was apprehended in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. The arrests included three from Banaskantha, three from Patan, one from Navsari, and one from Dewas in Madhya Pradesh.

The ATS has registered a case against all eight accused under multiple provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, including offences related to unlawful activities, raising funds for terrorist acts, conspiracy, membership of a terrorist organisation and support to a terrorist organisation.

The accused have also been booked under Sections 148 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

According to ATS officials, these provisions deal with conspiracy to commit specified offences and criminal conspiracy. Officials said the investigation into the alleged terror network is continuing.

Home Minister Amit Shah reviews below-normal rainfall situation

July 4, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Friday reviewed the situation arising from below-normal rainfall and the possibility of drought conditions in parts of the country due to El Niño.

He directed all concerned ministries to remain vigilant and strengthen coordination with state governments.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the meeting along with senior officials, including the Union home secretary, the Union Agriculture Secretary, and representatives from various ministries and agencies, according to an official statement.

Shah said the Centre is continuously monitoring the situation arising from below-normal rainfall and the possibility of drought conditions due to El Niño. He directed the Ministry of Agriculture and other concerned ministries to work closely with state governments and advise farmers on suitable crops based on local conditions.

He also asked the Department of Water Resources to closely monitor water levels in reservoirs across the country. Stressing the need for efficient water use, Shah called for greater focus on alternative crops that require less water, including fodder, millets and pulses.

The home minister also directed the Ministry of Power to take necessary steps to ensure a smooth and adequate supply of electricity.

Officials informed the meeting that adequate stocks of essential food grains, including rice and wheat, are available in the country and that the prices of essential commodities remain stable.

Separately, Shah directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to depute an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to assess the damage caused by recent heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides.

The IMCT will conduct on-the-spot assessments to evaluate damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and human habitations. Assam has witnessed rising floodwaters in several districts, while Arunachal Pradesh has reported landslides and road blockages in several hilly areas.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the ministries of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Water Resources, Consumer Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Power, Rural Development, and Science and Technology. Representatives of the National Disaster Management Authority, the India Meteorological Department, and the National Remote Sensing Centre were also present.

Odisha appoints 10 senior IAS officers as electoral roll observers for SIR

July 4, 2026July 4, 2026 by IndiaVerve Staff

Bhubaneswar: The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha, has appointed ten senior IAS officers as Electoral Roll Observers to oversee the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across the state, with July 1, 2026 as the qualifying date.

The appointments were made through an official communication issued by Additional Chief Electoral Officer-cum-Special Secretary to the Government, Sushanta Kumar Mishra, under the powers vested in the Election Commission of India under Article 324 of the Constitution.

The appointed observers are Rajesh Pravakar Patil, Aravind Agrawal, Balwant Singh, B. Parameswaran, Bijay Ketan Upadhaya, D. Prasantha Kumar Reddy, Sudhansu Mohan Samal, Rashmita Panda, Md. Sadique Alam and Sangram Keshari Mohapatra. They represent various departments, including Cooperation, Higher Education, Tourism, ST & SC Development, MSME, Public Enterprises, Industries (IDCO), and the offices of the Revenue Divisional Commissioners.

As part of the revision process, the observers will undertake three rounds of field visits. The first will coincide with the receipt of claims and objections; the second with their disposal by Electoral Registration Officers; and the third with verification by Booth Level Officers, printing of supplements, and final publication of the electoral rolls.

The CEO’s office has directed the observers to inspect polling stations in Assembly constituencies rather than limiting visits to district headquarters. They will also interact with MPs, MLAs, recognised political parties and members of the public to address grievances related to the revision process.

Observers have been instructed to examine constituencies that report unusually high voter additions or deletions and to submit detailed reports to the CEO after each visit.

Meanwhile, the CEO has convened a meeting of all Electoral Roll Observers in Bhubaneswar on July 4 to brief them on their roles and responsibilities and review their proposed tour plans.

FIFA World Cup: Argentina, Egypt, Colombia reach Round of 16

July 4, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Defending champions Argentina cruised into the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a hard-fought 3-2 win over Cabo Verde.

Mercurial striker Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute after controlling a long pass from Lisandro Martínez.

Cabo Verde responded in the 59th minute through a goal from central midfielder Deroy Duarte, which silenced thousands of Argentine spectators.

Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made several stunning saves, sending the game into extra time.

However, the South American giants retook the lead in the 92nd minute after Martínez beat Vozinha to find the net.

But left-back Lopes Cabral levelled the scores in the 103rd minute with a stunning strike, which could be one of the contenders for the goal of the tournament.

Eventually, Argentina won the match after Messi’s corner touched Diney Borges, who unfortunately put the ball into his own net.

Argentina will take on Egypt in the Round of 16 in Atlanta on July 6.

Earlier, Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 1-1 draw in Dallas.

Emam Ashour’s sharp header in the 13th minute put Egypt ahead, but Australia equalised in the 55th minute thanks to an own goal from Mohamed Hany. The match was eventually decided by a penalty shootout, which Egypt won.

Mohamed Salah was named the Superior Player of the Match. It was Egypt’s first knockout win at the FIFA World Cup finals.

Meanwhile, unbeaten Colombia reached the Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 win over Ghana at Kansas City Stadium.

Jhon Arias scored the only goal of the match in the 14th minute. Colombia will play Switzerland on July 7 in Vancouver.