July 8, 2026 - IndiaVerve

CM Majhi reviews Godavarish Mishra Model Primary School project

July 8, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday directed officials to complete land identification for all 2,200 Godavarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamik Vidyalayas (Model Primary Schools) proposed in the first phase by March 2027, aiming to accelerate Odisha’s flagship primary education initiative.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at Lokseva Bhavan, the CM instructed district collectors to conduct weekly reviews of the project’s progress and submit reports to the secretary of the School and Mass Education Department.

He also announced that he would personally review the implementation of the project every month.

The Godavarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamik Vidyalaya scheme is a flagship programme of the Odisha government aimed at strengthening primary education by establishing world-class schools at the panchayat level.

For the 2026-27 financial year, the state government has allocated more than Rs 2,200 crore for the project.

Emphasising the need to speed up land identification, Majhi said the initiative is intended to achieve the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020 and the Right to Education Act, 2009, by providing quality primary education infrastructure across the state.

The CM said foundation stones have already been laid and construction has begun for 322 model schools. He asked district collectors to make focused efforts to identify land for the remaining schools without delay.

Majhi also directed officials to involve local MLAs in the land identification process to facilitate quicker and smoother implementation of the project.

DRDO successfully tests Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket at Chandipur

July 8, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday successfully flight-tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, marking another milestone in India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

The rocket was tested for a user-defined minimum range of 60 km. It successfully executed all planned in-flight manoeuvres and hit the designated target with textbook precision, exactly following the predicted trajectory. All deployed range instruments tracked the rocket throughout its flight.

The Pinaka LRGR has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory and the Research Centre Imarat.

The flight trial was coordinated by the ITR and the Proof & Experimental Establishment, according to an official statement.

The rocket was launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating the platform’s capability to launch different Pinaka variants with varying ranges from the same launcher.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and industry partners on the successful flight test. He described it as a major milestone in India’s indigenous design and development capability for long-range guided rockets.

Defence Secretary, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, Rajesh Kumar Singh, closely monitored the trial and congratulated all the teams associated with the successful test.

Centre reviews Odisha fisheries sector

July 8, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The Centre on Wednesday reviewed the implementation of fisheries and aquaculture schemes in Odisha, with Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh urging the state to strengthen its fisheries value chain, boost seafood exports and accelerate the implementation of key development projects.

The review meeting, organised by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, was chaired by Singh in the presence of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, and Odisha Fisheries, Animal Resources Development & MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallik.

Officials from the Department of Fisheries, Odisha Fisheries Department, National Fisheries Development Board, ICAR institutes, National Cooperative Development Corporation, and Paradip Port Trust also attended, according to an official statement.

Ranjan Singh appreciated Odisha’s emergence as a major fisheries hub with a diversified freshwater, brackish water, and marine fisheries base.

The state recorded 12.70 lakh metric tonnes of fish production during 2025-26, supporting more than 16 lakh fishers and generating Rs 5,429 crore in seafood exports.

He noted that projects worth over Rs 1,301 crore have been approved for Odisha under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). These projects focus on fish production enhancement, infrastructure development, technology adoption, fisher welfare, and post-harvest facilities.

Ranjan Singh urged the Odisha government to unlock the state’s untapped export potential by fostering closer collaboration among fishers, fish farmers, exporters, cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations, and other stakeholders.

He also called for enhanced capacity building, greater value addition through modern processing, and diversification of fish species and fisheries products to improve competitiveness, expand export opportunities, and increase incomes.

Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, stressed the need for effective convergence between Central schemes, state initiatives, financial institutions and research organisations. He emphasised timely project execution, outcome-based monitoring, innovation, sustainability and institutional strengthening to accelerate the growth of Odisha’s fisheries sector.

A detailed presentation by Dr Surabhi Rai, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, government of India, reviewed the implementation of major Central schemes in Odisha, including the PMMSY, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, Kisan Credit Card and PM-MKSSY.

The presentation covered progress in fisheries infrastructure, fishing harbours, hatcheries, feed mills, reservoir cage culture, climate-resilient coastal fishing villages, artificial reefs, fisheries cooperatives and FFPOs. It also identified areas requiring greater attention, including KCC coverage, traceability, project implementation, and export-oriented value chain development.

Revenue minister reviews Revenue Bhawan, Disaster Management Bhawan projects

July 8, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Wednesday reviewed the progress of key infrastructure projects under the department and directed officials to complete the proposed Revenue Bhawan within two years and the Disaster Management Bhawan within 18 months.

The directions were issued during a review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, where the minister also assessed the proposed construction of a new auditorium complex at the Revenue Officers’ Training Institute in Gothapatna and a new Special Circuit House in Bhubaneswar.

During the meeting, the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation and the Works Department presented the architectural designs of the proposed projects. Reviewing the proposals, Pujari said strengthening the infrastructure of the Revenue & Disaster Management Department would be a significant step towards ensuring efficient governance and improving public service delivery in the state.

The meeting was informed that construction of the new Revenue Bhawan near Kalpana Square in Bhubaneswar is expected to commence shortly. The proposed 10-storey building will house the Board of Revenue Camp Court, courtrooms for officers adjudicating various revenue cases, an auditorium for departmental meetings and conferences, and other essential support facilities. The minister directed officials to complete the project within the next two years.

Reviewing the proposed Disaster Management Bhawan, Pujari directed that its foundation stone be laid in August this year. The building will accommodate the offices of the Special Relief Commissioner, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, the State Emergency Operations Centre, ODRAF, and other disaster management-related establishments.

The proposed Disaster Management Bhawan will be a green, environmentally sustainable and disaster-resilient structure with earthquake-resistant features. It will include a dedicated Media Centre equipped with modern facilities to help journalists disseminate timely information during disaster situations.

The building will also provide space for departments and agencies associated with disaster management, including the Energy Department, Works Department, National Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Response Force, as well as other national and international organisations. It will feature a control room equipped with advanced technological systems for early warning and emergency response.

Stressing the need for better coordination, the minister directed that the project be completed within 18 months, stating that bringing all key disaster management institutions under one roof would ensure more effective disaster response.

The meeting was attended by Dr Arvind Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Department; Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Special Relief Commissioner; senior officers of the Revenue & Disaster Management Department; and officials of the OBCC and the Works Department.

SAIL RSP reports strong Q1 performance

July 8, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Bhubaneswar: Steel Authority of India Limited’s (SAIL) Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) delivered a strong performance in June 2026 and the first quarter (April–June) of FY2026-27 by optimising saleable steel loading and prioritising direct order fulfilment.

In June 2026, the plant dispatched 3,16,467 tonnes of saleable steel. Of this, 2,77,018 tonnes were directly dispatched against customer orders, reflecting RSP’s focus on meeting customer requirements while reducing intermediate handling, the RSP said in a press release.

During the April–June 2026 quarter, the RSP recorded a total order despatch of 10,23,988 tonnes, of which 8,27,780 tonnes were directly dispatched to customers, achieving a direct fulfilment level of approximately 81%. Including stockyard movements, the plant’s total despatch during the quarter stood at 9,64,350 tonnes.

According to the company, the performance was driven by a structured strategy and meticulous planning aimed at maximising direct despatches and optimising production capabilities. The initiative has helped RSP strengthen its domestic market position while making notable inroads into overseas markets.

The RSP said its focus on aligning production with confirmed customer orders has reduced handling time, improved delivery reliability and enhanced operational efficiency, resulting in better customer satisfaction.

Dilip Buildcon bags Rs 160.20 crore road project in Odisha’s Sundargarh

July 8, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Bhubaneswar: Infrastructure major Dilip Buildcon Limited has secured a Rs 160.20 crore contract from Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) Limited for the construction of a six-lane diversion road with service roads in Odisha’s Sundargarh district.

In an exchange filing with the National Stock Exchange, the company said it has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from OBCC Ltd. for the project on an Engineering, Procurement and Construction basis.

The project involves the construction of a diversion road from km 4.700 to km 11.500 on the Duduka–Gopalpur–Toparia Road. The road will be developed as a six-lane corridor with service roads.

The contract, valued at Rs 160.20 crore excluding GST, is scheduled to be completed within 18 months.

According to the company, the contract has been awarded by a domestic entity under a general Letter of Award.

It also confirmed that neither its promoters nor promoter group companies have any interest in the awarding authority and that the contract does not fall under related-party transactions.

The company disclosed the project award under the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

FIFA World Cup: Argentina to face Switzerland in quarter-finals

July 8, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Argentina staged one of the greatest comebacks in FIFA World Cup history, defeating Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 in Atlanta.

Egypt stunned the South American side by taking a 1-0 lead in the first half.

Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring for Egypt in the 15th minute with a fine header. Argentina could have levelled the scores in the 21st minute, but Mostafa Shoubir brilliantly saved Lionel Messi’s penalty.

M. Z. Abdelraouf doubled Egypt’s advantage in the 67th minute. The match took a dramatic turn when Argentina pulled one back in the 79th minute, thanks to a header from Cristian Romero. There was no looking back after that, as Messi equalised in the 83rd minute.

Enzo Fernandez completed the remarkable comeback with the winning goal in the 92nd minute, giving his side plenty of reason to celebrate.

Messi was adjudged the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match.

Later, Argentina Coach Lionel Scaloni said: “I can’t look up, I’m sorry. I’m really emotional right now. What a group of players. That’s it, I’ve got to go.”

Argentina will meet Switzerland in the quarter-finals. The Swiss side beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a thrilling goalless draw in Vancouver.

Home Minister Amit Shah oversees Narmada dues settlement

July 8, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: A breakthrough was achieved on Tuesday as the Centre facilitated a historic agreement to resolve long-pending payment disputes related to the Narmada Award among Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil.

The pact was signed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

Senior officials from the Centre and the four states were also present, according to an official statement.

The agreement resolves long-standing disputes over the cost-sharing arrangement for the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Project. The pending financial liabilities have been settled through a one-time payment arrangement, bringing the issue to a close.

Speaking on the occasion, Shah said the pending payment issue under the Narmada Award had remained unresolved for years but was settled amicably through mutual consensus.

He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening water security and promoting cooperative federalism in the country. Shah said governments at the Centre and in several states have worked together to reduce political differences and accelerate the resolution of long-pending inter-state disputes.

The home minister appreciated the cooperation shown by the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra in reaching a broad consensus on the important inter-state project.

He said the Sardar Sarovar Project has significantly benefited Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan by improving access to water and electricity. Shah added that although Rajasthan’s share of benefits may appear limited, the arrival of Narmada waters has transformed agricultural land and improved the livelihoods of farmers in the affected areas.

Highlighting recent progress in resolving water-related issues, Shah said several disputes are being settled under the leadership of Patil. He referred to the recent resolution of the water dispute between Rajasthan and Haryana and said issues such as the Kishau Dam Project and the latest Narmada agreement reflect the spirit of cooperative federalism.

He said water, irrespective of the state in which it is used, ultimately serves the people of India, particularly farmers. Every Indian, he added, benefits when such disputes are resolved.

Shah also urged all stakeholders to settle inter-state disputes by keeping the national interest in mind. He said the prosperity of one state contributes to the development and growth of neighbouring states as well.