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At IndiaVerve, we go beyond the noise to bring you meaningful stories of change, resilience and progress—from India to the world stage. Our mission is to bring readers credible, wide-ranging coverage across politics, business, sports, culture, society and more.
At IndiaVerve, we go beyond the noise to bring you meaningful stories of change, resilience and progress—from India to the world stage. Our mission is to bring readers credible, wide-ranging coverage across politics, business, sports, culture, society and more.
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Day: September 29, 2026

Odisha committed to building a well-nourished state, says CM Majhi

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha is committed to building a well-nourished state by improving nutrition outcomes among women and children and strengthening the implementation of nutrition programmes, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Tuesday.

Addressing the state-level ‘Angan Ka Utsav’ and the ninth National Nutrition Month celebration at an Anganwadi centre in Baramunda, Bhubaneswar, Majhi said the government was implementing several nutrition programmes through Anganwadi centres and schools and was increasingly involving the entire family in improving children’s nutritional status.

He stressed the importance of involving fathers and other family members alongside mothers, particularly during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

According to the Chief Minister, more than 46 lakh activities were successfully conducted across Odisha during Nutrition Month, while the state ranked first in the country in Aadhaar verification.

Majhi credited Anganwadi workers, helpers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and ASHA workers for improvements in child immunisation, institutional deliveries and the reduction in child and maternal mortality in Odisha.

“The real credit for these achievements goes to our Anganwadi workers, helpers, ANMs and ASHA workers,” he said, highlighting their grassroots-level service.

Majhi said Odisha, which had earlier been among the states with the highest child and maternal mortality rates, had now reached a satisfactory position on both indicators. He stressed that sustainable development was not possible without the welfare and empowerment of women.

Highlighting government initiatives for women, he referred to schemes including Subhadra Yojana, Lakhpati Didi, Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangal Yojana. He also said that at least 40% of the state government’s total budget was being spent on women.

The Chief Minister further said the government had made education up to the postgraduate level (M.A.) free in government and government-aided educational institutions. He said girls completing undergraduate education would receive financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh.

In healthcare, Majhi highlighted the Ayushman Bharat-Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana, under which cashless treatment is being provided at selected private hospitals across the country.

During the event, the Chief Minister distributed school kits to Anganwadi children and felicitated fathers who participated in a healthy food display. Anganwadi workers, helpers and ASHA workers were also honoured.

Majhi visited the Anganwadi centre, reviewed the quality of the ‘Triranga Thali’ and hot cooked meals, and served food to the children.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Women and Child Development Commissioner-cum-Secretary Dr Mrinalini Darswal and departmental director Monisha Banerjee were among those present at the event, along with Anganwadi workers, helpers, ASHA workers, children and their parents.

Odisha government clears 19 industrial projects worth Rs 3,280 crore, eyes 10,661 jobs

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Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Tuesday approved 19 industrial investment proposals involving a combined investment of Rs 3,280.58 crore and an employment potential of 10,661 jobs, giving a fresh push to manufacturing, services, biofuel and tourism projects across the state.

The approvals were granted at the 150th State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg.

The approved projects cover a wide range of sectors, including textiles and apparel, technical textiles, food processing, steel downstream, Global Capability Centres, biofuel, chemicals and chemical products, circular economy, plastics and tourism.

The projects will be implemented across Anugola, Debagada, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Jharsuguda, Cuttack, Khordha, Koraput, Puri and Sundargarh. One biofuel project will span eight districts – Baleshwar, Balangir, Bargarh, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj and Subarnapur.

Textiles and food processing projects

Dollar Industries will establish an integrated hosiery manufacturing unit in Khordha covering finished hosiery, knitting fabrics, bleaching and dyeing. The project involves an investment of Rs 125 crore and is expected to generate 1,185 jobs.

Sai Workwear Private Limited will set up an integrated technical textiles manufacturing unit in Puri, covering apparel, fire-retardant workwear and protective technical textiles. The project entails an investment of Rs 59 crore and is expected to create 3,650 jobs.

In food processing, Geofast Industries (India) Limited will establish an integrated manufacturing facility for snacks, savouries and namkeen in Khordha with an investment of Rs 120 crore and employment potential of 350.

Jai Bhawani Foods Private Limited will establish an integrated food and confectionery co-packaging unit in Cuttack with an investment of Rs 100 crore, creating 550 jobs.

Steel downstream and technology

Three projects have been approved in the steel downstream sector.

SPS Arihant Steel Structures Private Limited will establish facilities in Debagada for manufacturing 30,000 TPA steel I-girders and box beams, 5,000 TPA fasteners and 1,50,000 TMT rebar couplers. The project involves an investment of Rs 140 crore and is expected to generate 595 jobs.

Steeledge Fabrication will establish a fabrication and machining unit with a capacity of 60,000 MT in Sundargarh, investing Rs 108.82 crore and creating 375 jobs.

Bhubaneswar Udyog Private Limited will establish facilities in Cuttack for colour-coated sheets, corrugated GI sheets, plain GI sheets and GI structural components. The investment stands at Rs 101.99 crore, with 130 jobs expected to be generated.

Tata Power will establish a Global Capability Centre in Khordha with an investment of Rs 54.31 crore. The project is expected to create 110 employment opportunities.

Biofuel investment

The biofuel sector accounts for two major approvals.

Indian Oil Corporation Limited will establish Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) manufacturing facilities with a total capacity of 39,600 Tonnes Per Annum (TPA) across Baleshwar, Balangir, Bargarh, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj and Subarnapur.

The project involves an investment of Rs 960 crore and is expected to generate 760 jobs.

Kineta Global Limited will establish an 8,250 TPA Compressed Bio Gas manufacturing facility in Ganjam with an investment of Rs 170 crore and employment potential of 170.

Chemicals, circular economy and plastics

Aquaproof Wallcare India Private Limited will establish a 3,05,000 MT construction chemicals manufacturing facility in Cuttack with an investment of Rs 62.64 crore, generating 135 jobs.

Asipiya Chemicals and Solvent Private Limited will establish a 500 MT petroleum and petrochemical solvent distillation unit in Jagatsinghpur with an investment of Rs 60 crore and 75 employment opportunities.

Under the circular economy sector, Ramuka Global LLP will establish an iron and steel slag processing facility in Anugola. The unit will produce 990 TPA of iron and steel slag aggregate, slag cement, ready-to-use pothole mix and soil stabiliser. The project involves an investment of Rs 50.15 crore and is expected to create 411 jobs.

Shri Dakshineshwari Maa Polyfabs Limited will establish a Khordha facility for manufacturing 40,000 MT of PP woven and non-woven fabric and bags. The project involves an investment of Rs 401.63 crore and is expected to generate 490 jobs.

Five tourism projects approved

Five tourism projects have also received approval across Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Koraput and Puri.

BBB Hotel Private Limited will establish a five-star hotel in Ganjam with an investment of Rs 208.04 crore and employment potential of 300.

Hotel Sea Pearl Orissa Private Limited will establish a five-star beach resort in Puri under a brand partnership with the ACCOR group of hotels and resorts. The project involves an investment of Rs 180 crore and is expected to create 630 jobs.

Highland Hotels & Resorts Private will establish a four-star resort in Jharsuguda with an investment of Rs 150 crore, generating 250 jobs.

Puri Eco-Tourism and Resorts Private Limited will establish a four-star resort in Puri with an investment of Rs 124 crore and employment potential of 305.

Odyssey Leisure Private Limited will establish a four-star resort in Koraput with an investment of Rs 105 crore, creating 190 employment opportunities.

Chief secretary highlights jobs and regional growth

Garg said the approvals at the 150th Single Window Clearance meeting reflected the growing diversity of Odisha’s investment landscape.

She said the state’s focus was not only on attracting investments but also on creating productive employment and strengthening industrial ecosystems across regions. She added that the government was encouraging investments that add value to local resources, build supply chains and create sustainable economic opportunities.

According to Garg, continued facilitation and coordinated clearances are aimed at helping investors move efficiently from proposal to implementation.

The 19 approved projects, with their combined investment of Rs 3,280.58 crore and employment potential of 10,661, span traditional industries as well as emerging sectors such as biofuels, circular economy, technology-enabled services and technical textiles.

Bhubaneswar, Puri selected among 50 cities under PRAGATI 50 initiative

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Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar and Puri have been selected among 50 cities across India under the PRAGATI 50 Initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0).

The selection recognises Odisha’s efforts towards strengthening urban sanitation and scientific waste management and will focus on developing Bhubaneswar and Puri as Model Sanitation Cities.

The initiative aims to accelerate work in solid waste management, used water management, sanitation, cleanliness and citizen participation through focused monitoring, structured handholding and faster implementation of identified interventions.

The 50 selected cities come from 24 States and Union Territories and are expected to serve as models of good practices for other urban centres.

The virtual national launch of PRAGATI 50 was held on September 29 under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar. During the programme, the Union Minister interacted with Odisha’s Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra. Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, also participated in the virtual meeting.

During the interaction, Mahapatra highlighted Odisha’s ongoing waste-to-value initiatives. He referred to the establishment of Compressed Bio-Gas plants in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri with support through Oil India’s CSR.

Waste-to-Charcoal initiatives are also being pursued in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, according to the department.

Mahapatra reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to implementing PRAGATI 50 in close coordination with MoHUA, the concerned Urban Local Bodies, and in accordance with the guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures prescribed by the Ministry.

The inclusion of Bhubaneswar and Puri is significant as both are major urban centres, with Bhubaneswar serving as the State capital and Puri being a major cultural and religious destination that attracts large numbers of visitors.

The initiative is expected to provide an opportunity to further strengthen sanitation systems, improve waste management and enhance citizen participation in both cities.

The Housing & Urban Development Department, in coordination with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Puri Municipal Corporation and SBM-U teams, will undertake focused interventions and monitor progress against defined Key Performance Indicators.

Through PRAGATI 50, Odisha aims to further strengthen efforts towards cleaner cities and scientific urban development while developing practices that can be replicated by other urban centres.

NIFT students win two silver medals at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

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New Delhi: Students of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) have made a strong showing at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, with Indian participants from the institute winning two Silver Medals and securing a Medal for Excellence across three fashion and creative skill categories.

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 was held in Shanghai, China, from September 23 to 26, bringing together more than 1,400 young competitors from around 68 countries and regions across 64 skills, according to an official statement.

India participated with its largest-ever contingent of 70 competitors across 63 skills and finished 10th with six Silver Medals and 20 Medals for Excellence.

NIFT was represented in four skill areas at the competition – Fashion Technology, Digital Interactive Media Design, Retail Sales, and Visual Merchandising. Its participation reflected the expanding role of fashion education across creative, digital and retail-oriented skill domains.

Kovid Ajay Gangrade from NIFT Mumbai won a Silver Medal in Digital Interactive Media Design, while Saniya Joshi from NIFT Panchkula secured a Silver Medal in Retail Sales.

The two categories are among the new and emerging skill areas highlighted at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, reflecting the growing integration of technology, digital platforms and customer experience with the fashion and creative industries.

In Fashion Technology, Vidhi Niravkumar Suthar, a Fashion Design graduate from NIFT Gandhinagar, represented India and received a Medal for Excellence. Fashion Technology has been an established area of NIFT’s participation at WorldSkills, with the institute competing in the skill since 2011.

Vidhi underwent an intensive four-month training programme at NIFT New Delhi under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Monika Gupta, Indian Expert, and the NIFT training team. The training focused on technical proficiency, precision, adherence to international standards, and performance under WorldSkills competition conditions.

NIFT’s participation also included Anuja Ajay Vare from NIFT Bengaluru, who represented India in Visual Merchandising.

The institute said the WorldSkills experience provides students with exposure to global occupational standards, emerging technologies, international benchmarks and industry expectations. It also helps NIFT strengthen its training methodologies and incorporate global best practices into its academic and skill-development ecosystem.

NIFT said the performance at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 reflects its continued focus on developing professionals equipped to compete at international levels while bringing together fashion, technology, creativity, retail and digital skills.

The institute congratulated its students, experts, trainers, officials, the Ministry of Textiles, and others involved in their preparation and participation at the international competition.

Kharge demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, PM Modi’s exit over SIR row

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New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, Kharge accused the Election Commission of failing to ensure transparency in the electoral-roll revision process and described Kumar as a “puppet” of the Modi government.

The CWC subsequently adopted resolutions seeking Kumar’s resignation, suspension of the SIR exercise and restoration of names that Congress says were removed from the electoral rolls.

Kharge also demanded that Modi resign on “moral grounds”, alleging that the Prime Minister had pressured the Chief Election Commissioner. The CWC resolution additionally called for the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Kharge compared the deletion of voter names under the SIR exercise to “vote-demonetisation”, drawing a parallel with the 2016 demonetisation policy.

“History bears witness that ten years ago, this very Prime Minister devastated India’s economy with the decision of ‘demonetisation’. And now, ten years later, he is destroying our robust democracy through a conspiracy of ‘vote-demonetisation’,” Kharge said.

He said the vote was particularly important for poorer and disadvantaged sections and alleged that the SIR process could deprive citizens of that right.

“The poor bear the brunt of all his flawed policies. During demonetisation, the poor stood in queues; with this move to disenfranchise voters, the poor are being pushed out of the queue altogether,” Kharge said.

Kharge outlined five measures that Congress wants implemented to improve transparency in the electoral process: complete publication of data relating to major changes in electoral rolls; information and an opportunity to appeal for people whose names are removed; timely access to electoral-roll information for political parties; independent and time-bound investigations into serious discrepancies; and greater transparency in election-related data and decisions.

The CWC also demanded immediate suspension of the SIR process and restoration of 13.3 crore names that Congress says have been removed from the rolls.

The figure refers to names excluded from draft electoral rolls during the ongoing revision process; it should not be read as the number of voters permanently deleted from final electoral rolls. An Indian Express analysis reported that more than 13 crore names had been excluded from draft rolls across 30 states and Union Territories, with subsequent verification and claims processes still relevant.

Kharge’s demands come amid reports of differences within the Election Commission. An Indian Express investigation reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months regarding decisions and procedures linked to electoral rolls, including Form 6 and additions and deletions of voters.

The Election Commission, however, has maintained that decisions relating to the SIR were unanimous and that differences during internal deliberations are part of the institutional process. The poll panel has also sought to present a united position amid the controversy.

Kharge said Congress’s objective was not to weaken constitutional institutions but to ensure that the Election Commission commands the confidence of both the ruling party and the Opposition.

The CWC resolved to continue pursuing the issue in Parliament, courts and through public demonstrations. The INDIA bloc is also scheduled to meet in Delhi on Wednesday to discuss a joint course of action on the issue.

Odisha rainfall situation under control as 13,221 people evacuated

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Bhubaneswar: The rainfall situation across Odisha remains under control, with rain activity significantly reduced in most parts of the State.

However, the State government continues to keep a close watch on the situation through the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), in coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres, while district administrations remain alert to localized flooding, waterlogging and other weather-related eventualities.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at one or two places over all districts of Odisha.

A Yellow Warning has been issued for Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghapur, Cuttack, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj.

Odisha recorded an average rainfall of 1.1 mm during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Tuesday. The highest rainfall of 45.0 mm was recorded in Banki-Dampada Block of Cuttack district, while 12 blocks received more than 10 mm of rain.

Among the districts, Cuttack recorded the highest average rainfall at 9.5 mm, followed by Puri at 6.3 mm, Gajapati at 4.9 mm, Khordha at 2.9 mm, Dhenkanal at 2.5 mm, Koraput at 2.4 mm and Malkangiri at 1.9 mm.

The cumulative rainfall recorded across the State from September 1 to September 29 stood at 316.2 mm, against the normal average of 233.4 mm, resulting in a surplus of 35.5 per cent.

As part of the preparedness and response mechanism, 43 ODRAF and NDRF teams are currently deployed across the State. The deployment comprises 36 ODRAF teams and seven NDRF teams. Of these, 14 teams are deployed in Baleshwar, nine in Bhadrak, four in Koraput, four in Jajpur, three in Jagatsinghpur and two in Nabarangpur.

Reserve teams have been positioned at OSAP 6th Battalion, Cuttack and NDRF 3rd Battalion, Mundali.

The trained response teams remain ready to undertake rescue, evacuation and emergency response operations depending on the ground situation.

District administrations have continued precautionary evacuation and relief operations in affected areas. A total of 13,221 people have been evacuated, while 49 relief camps have been opened across the reported affected districts to provide necessary assistance.

The district-wise assessment shows that Baleshwar, Nabarangpur, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Kandhamal and Jagatsinghpur have reported affected areas.

In Baleshwar, six blocks, 72 Gram Panchayats and 479 villages have been affected, with a total affected population of 48,560. As many as 7,452 people have been evacuated, and 15 relief camps are operational.

Nabarangpur has reported one affected block, two Gram Panchayats and two villages, with 85 people affected. Two relief camps remain operational to assist the affected population.

In Jajpur, two blocks, 12 Gram Panchayats and 36 villages have been affected, covering a population of 5,059. A total of 3,876 people have been evacuated, with 19 relief camps operational.

Bhadrak has reported five affected blocks, 57 Gram Panchayats and 172 villages, with an affected population of 18,691. The affected families are being provided food and relief measures for their homes.

In Sambalpur, one Urban Local Body and two wards have been affected, with 215 people affected. As many as 93 people have been evacuated, and three relief camps are operational.

Bargarh has reported one affected block, two Gram Panchayats and four villages, with 978 people affected. All 978 affected people have been evacuated, and four relief camps are operational.

In Kandhamal, one block, two Gram Panchayats and two villages have been affected, with a total affected population of eight.

Jagatsinghpur has reported two affected blocks, six Gram Panchayats and eight villages, affecting 1,188 people. A total of 822 people have been evacuated, with six relief camps operational.

The Government has also arranged cattle feed for affected districts. A total of 907.04 MT of cattle feed has been supplied, including 400 MT to Baleshwar, 380.5 MT to Bhadrak, 67.74 MT to Jajpur, 40 MT to Mayurbhanj and 18.80 MT to Koraput.

There is currently no fishermen warning.

The SEOC is monitoring the situation round the clock in coordination with all DEOCs. District administrations have been advised to take appropriate measures in the event of localized flooding of roads, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and closure of underpasses, particularly in urban areas.

District authorities are also maintaining vigilance over possible minor damage to kutcha roads and vulnerable structures, landslides, as well as damage to horticulture and standing crops caused by inundation.

With rainfall activity significantly reduced and the overall situation under control, the State government and district administrations continue to remain prepared to respond promptly to any localized situation. Public safety remains the foremost priority, with continuous monitoring, timely evacuation, and coordinated response measures being carried out across the State.

Odisha farmer receives first PRAMAAN certificate

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Bhubaneswar: An Odisha farmer associated with the Odisha Bamboo Development Agency (OBDA) on Tuesday received one of the first PRAMAAN certificates under the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS), marking a significant step towards bringing tree-based farming and agroforestry in the state into a nationally recognised certification framework.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav handed over the certificate to Govind Mohapatra at an event held in New Delhi.

The ceremony was organised by the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, which is the operating agency for the certification scheme.

The certificate was presented following a rigorous field and management audit of the plantation associated with the Odisha farmer. The certification marks the transition of IFWCS from a policy framework to field-level implementation covering both forest plantations and tree-based farming.

The event also saw PRAMAAN certification being presented to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation for plantations spread across 33,000 hectares.

Addressing the gathering, Yadav described PRAMAAN as an important instrument for Indian producers, exporters and forest-based enterprises seeking to meet emerging global regulatory requirements.

He said the framework can help provide verifiable sustainability credentials for access to markets where due diligence and responsible deforestation-free timber sourcing are increasingly important.

According to the minister, PRAMAAN is intended not only to support compliance with international requirements but also to strengthen India’s position in sustainable forest management and management of trees outside forests.

He noted that several State Forest Departments, Forest Development Corporations, farmers and industries have applied for Forest Management, Tree Outside Forest Management and Chain of Custody certification, with applications at different stages of the process.

Yadav further said PRAMAAN’s accreditation architecture has been benchmarked against international certification frameworks, enabling certificates issued under the scheme to gain recognition among domestic and global buyers and regulators.

The forest management certification under PRAMAAN is anchored in the National Working Plan Code 2023. The Forest Management certification is assessed against the Indian Forest Management Standards, which form part of the National Working Plan Code 2023.

The certification process is based on independent audits conducted by certification bodies accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies under the Quality Council of India, rather than relying solely on voluntary self-declaration.

Yadav also highlighted the livelihood dimension of the certification framework, saying that it can bring rural and tribal communities, smallholder farmers and forest-dependent communities into a structured and verifiable certification system. He said this could create new income opportunities by connecting compliant producers with premium domestic and international markets without adding to their compliance burden.

PRAMAAN, or the Programme for Recognition and Accreditation of Sustainable Management Practices for Agroforestry and Natural Forestry Resources, is a nationally accepted framework for certification of forests, wood and non-timber forest products. It seeks to strengthen links between certified forests and agroforestry products and domestic and international markets.

Goldy Brar added to FBI’s ‘Ten Most Wanted Fugitives’ list, $1 million reward announced

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Washington: The FBI has placed Indian-origin gangster Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list and announced a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to his capture.

US authorities allege that Brar is a leader of the Lawrence Bishnoi Organised Crime Group’s operations in North America and has been involved in a range of organised criminal activities in the United States and Canada.

According to the FBI, the group is allegedly linked to political and religious assassinations, shootings, murders, kidnappings and extortion, besides drug and weapons trafficking.

“Satinderjeep Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, is a dangerous individual, and the FBI and our partners have made it our priority to apprehend him, which is why we’re adding him to the FBI’s list of Top Ten fugitives and offering a reward of up to $1 million dollars for his capture,” said FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director in Charge Patrick Grandy.

“The amount of attention this list will bring to his face and description cannot be overstated; his photo will be found on every FBI-affiliated website and social media platform, and will be publicized on every phone around the world until he’s caught,” added Grandy.  

The FBI said Brar is believed to be in the United States and warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous, as well as an escape risk. The agency appealed to the public to provide information that could help authorities locate and arrest him.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) also welcomed Brar’s addition to the FBI list. Lisa Moreland, Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing at the RCMP, alleged that Brar and his network had been linked to murders, shootings, death threats, extortion, arson and drug trafficking.

“His addition to the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list speaks to the collective resolve to capture him,” Moreland said, adding that the RCMP would continue working with the FBI.

“If we knew where he was right now, we wouldn’t be here today,” Moreland told reporters at a joint press conference in Los Angeles.

A federal arrest warrant for Singh was issued on July 1 by the US District Court for the Central District of California. He faces charges including conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) Act, conspiracy to interfere with and attempted interference with commerce through extortion, and conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances with intent to distribute.

Singh was identified as one of the alleged fugitives targeted through Operation Hardball, a long-running US federal investigation into India-based transnational organised crime groups.

In July, US authorities announced charges against 37 defendants allegedly associated with three such criminal organisations. The FBI said one of the indictments focused on the Bishnoi enterprise, with Singh allegedly serving as one of its leaders and helping direct members and associates operating across different countries

Essar to build ‘largest steel plant in US history’ in Iowa, says Trump

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India’s Essar Group plans to invest $18 billion in the US, including a $15 billion steel plant expected to begin production in 2030.

Washington: India’s Essar Group is set to invest $18 billion in the United States, including $15 billion in a major steel plant in Iowa that US President Donald Trump described as the “largest steel plant in American history”.

The project will be developed by Essar’s US subsidiary Mesabi Metallics and is expected to begin production in 2030. Once fully operational, the plant is projected to produce around 10 million tonnes of steel annually.

Trump made the announcement at an Oval Office event attended by members of the Ruia family, which owns the Essar Group. The project is expected to form part of an integrated US steel supply chain, with iron ore sourced from Mesabi Metallics’ operations in Minnesota.

“Today we’re thrilled to announce that Mesabi Metallics will be building the largest steel plant in American history in the great state of Iowa,” Trump said.

Mesabi Metallics said the project would produce “100% American steel: mined, melted and poured in Minnesota and Iowa”.

The White House said the entire steel production process would take place in the US. The facility is expected to supply steel for sectors including national defence, automobiles, shipbuilding, household appliances, energy and infrastructure.

Trump linked the investment to his administration’s push to expand domestic manufacturing and said the US steel industry was “roaring back to life”. He attributed the renewed investment partly to the 50% tariffs on steel imports imposed by his administration.

“Everyone is building their plants here because they don’t want to pay tariffs,” Trump said.

Rewant Ruia, Chairman of Mesabi Metallics, thanked the Trump administration for its focus on domestic manufacturing.

“We thank President Trump for bringing back the importance of building things in America,” Ruia said.

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said the announcement reflected the administration’s efforts to expand US manufacturing and create jobs.

“President Trump is delivering on his promise to rebuild American industry, reshore manufacturing, and create new jobs,” Rogers told CNBC.

Joe Broking, CEO of Mesabi Metallics, described the announcement as a “major moment for US-made steel”, saying the facility would support industries and infrastructure that depend on steel.

The announcement comes as Iowa gains political significance for Republicans ahead of the US midterm elections. Trump said he planned to hold a rally in the state in the coming weeks. Several Republican politicians from Iowa attended the Oval Office event.

Essar, founded by brothers Shashi Ruia and Ravi Ruia in India in 1969, has interests spanning energy, mining, technology and other sectors. Its Indian assets include a large single-location steel facility in Hazira, Gujarat, and a major refinery in Vadinar.

Its international operations include the Stanlow refinery in the UK and plans for a low-carbon steel plant in Saudi Arabia. Mesabi Metallics, headquartered in Nashwauk, Minnesota, has operated since 2007 and controls more than 1.4 billion tonnes of iron ore resources, according to the report

Hatsun Agro launches ‘Go-Dhan’ initiative to support 6,000 dairy farmers in Odisha

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Bhubaneswar: Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. launched ‘Go-Dhan’ on Monday, a flagship initiative to strengthen dairy farming in Odisha by improving farmers’ access to finance, government schemes, modern dairy practices, and technology.

The initiative was formally launched at the OUAT Auditorium in Bhubaneswar in the presence of representatives from the Odisha government, banking and the dairy sector.

Prem Chand Chaudhary, Secretary, Department of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, government of Odisha, attended the event as the Chief Guest, while Shubhranshu, Managing Director, Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL), was the guest of honour.

Rakesh Kumar Yadav, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, and R. G. Chandramogan, Chairman of Hatsun Agro Product Ltd., were also present.

Go-Dhan is expected to benefit 6,000 dairy farmers across 15 districts of Odisha. The initiative will facilitate greater access to institutional finance and relevant government support for investments in quality bovine breeds, improved cattle housing, farm mechanisation, nutrition and herd health.

The programme will also seek to leverage government subsidy schemes, including the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana, to help participating farmers access more affordable capital for strengthening and expanding their dairy operations.

Speaking on the initiative, Chandramogan said Hatsun Agro Product had been involved in the development of the dairy and animal husbandry sectors across South India for decades.

He said the company viewed the prosperity of dairy farmers as the foundation of a strong and sustainable dairy industry.

He said the Go-Dhan initiative aims to support the establishment of more than 6,000 dairy farms over the next three years in a phased manner, with a focus on improving farmer incomes, promoting scientific dairy farming and building a sustainable dairy ecosystem in Odisha.

Chandramogan also acknowledged the support of Odisha’s Department of Animal Husbandry, APICOL, State Bank of India and the state’s dairy farmers in making the initiative possible.

He said Hatsun Agro’s focus on dairy farming was linked to the role of dairy as a key component of secondary agriculture. According to him, strengthening dairy farming can also support primary agriculture by providing farmers with a stable and progressive source of income.

The company’s objective is to develop a strong dairy value chain in Odisha by producing and procuring milk within the state. The initiative is also intended to help meet consumer demand in Odisha and create opportunities to supply neighbouring markets, including West Bengal and North Andhra Pradesh.

Hatsun Agro said the initiative is aimed at creating greater opportunities and sustainable growth for dairy farmers while strengthening the regional dairy economy.