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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: October 1, 2026

Amit Shah chairs meeting on Mahanadi dispute; Odisha CM Majhi says solution is closer

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New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to discuss the long-pending Mahanadi water dispute.

Following the meeting, Majhi said the two states were gradually moving closer to a solution and expressed hope that a final framework would be announced soon.

“We are gradually moving closer to a solution. I hope the final framework will be announced very soon,” Majhi said.

The Chief Minister said the meeting discussed the interests and requirements of both Odisha and Chhattisgarh. He said the Mahanadi is the lifeline of Odisha and supports the livelihoods of crores of people in the state.

Majhi said issues relating to irrigation, flood management, hydropower generation, drinking water and the environment were raised during the discussions. He emphasised the importance of ensuring adequate water availability for Odisha.

The Chief Minister thanked Amit Shah for taking personal responsibility for facilitating discussions on the dispute and expressed hope that the ongoing efforts would lead to a resolution.

According to the Odisha government, Majhi had held discussions with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in July and August 2025. Several meetings were subsequently held between the chief secretaries and water resources secretaries of the two states.

A meeting chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil was also held in July 2026. Following the meeting, the Central Water Commission (CWC) began receiving data and information from both states.

The Odisha government said a three-month period had been set for the technical discussions and two months had already elapsed.

The Mahanadi water dispute has been a long-standing issue between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Odisha had approached the Centre in 2016, seeking resolution of the dispute, following which the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted in 2018.

Majhi said the latest efforts could help address the concerns of both states and expressed hope that the process would result in a settlement.

Odisha government reviews water supply, sewerage projects under WATCO

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Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday reviewed the progress of ongoing water supply and sewerage projects under the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO), with a focus on timely execution, financial utilisation and uninterrupted service delivery.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra reviewed the projects and related operations during a meeting attended by senior officials of the Housing & Urban Development Department, WATCO, the Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board (OWSSB) and other concerned agencies.

WATCO Managing Director Debabrata Mohanty made a detailed presentation covering the corporation’s operational jurisdiction, ongoing water supply and sewerage projects, and the status of Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).

The review covered the physical and financial progress of major projects, expenditure against budgetary provisions, project timelines and measures required to ensure timely completion of ongoing works.

The minister reviewed the status of water supply infrastructure and sewerage projects, with particular emphasis on effective utilisation of funds and improved services for citizens. The functioning and progress of WTPs and STPs were also discussed, along with issues related to project execution and operational requirements.

Financial performance of WATCO was another key area of discussion. The meeting examined budget allocations, expenditure, and the pace of financial utilisation across different projects. Officials were advised to closely monitor project-wise expenditure and resolve implementation-related issues in a timely manner.

The meeting also discussed arrangements for the taking over and handing over of the newly constituted Notified Area Councils (NACs) falling under WATCO’s jurisdiction.

The proposed transfer of sewerage works from WATCO to OWSSB, in accordance with the Government Notification, was also reviewed. The transition process focused on clearly defining responsibilities and ensuring continuity of services during the handover.

The meeting further reviewed WATCO’s planned Information, Education and Communication activities under the SUJAL scheme, scheduled from October 2 to October 16, 2026.

The campaign will focus on creating greater public awareness about water supply services, responsible water use, service-related practices and citizen participation. The importance of effective communication and public outreach in strengthening citizen engagement was also discussed.

Dr Mahapatra directed officials to closely monitor ongoing projects and associated activities, with emphasis on timely execution, financial discipline, quality of works and effective service delivery. He also stressed better coordination among implementing agencies and prompt action to address bottlenecks.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by the Director (Projects), WATCO, who expressed gratitude to the Minister and all participants.

Odisha Board of Revenue restores Mahaprabhu’s land record near Gundicha Temple

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Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Board of Revenue has directed that around 1.5 acres of valuable land near Shree Gundicha Temple in Puri be recorded again in the name of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath, after examining how the property’s original temple record was changed and subsequently transferred through sale deeds.

The land, located in Mouza Talabania near Sharadha Bali, was recorded in the 1889 Sabik record in the name of Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu with Amruta Manohi status. However, the record was changed to the name of a private individual in 2002, following which the land was transferred to other persons through registered sale deeds.

The matter came before the Odisha Board of Revenue, which took up the case suo motu under Section 32 of the Odisha Survey and Settlement Act. The Board examined the Sabik and Hal records, sale deeds, the source of the land, and the legal provisions governing Shree Jagannath Temple property.

A key issue before the Board was the change in the land’s kisam and the subsequent claims of private rights over the property. The Board also examined the legal requirement under Section 16(2) of the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955, which requires prior approval of the State government for the sale or other transfer of immovable property in the possession of the Temple Committee.

No proof of such prior approval was presented in the case. The Board held that where the legal validity of an original transfer is not established, the defect cannot be cured merely through subsequent sale deeds.

The Board also considered the claim that the temple managing committee had given consent or a no-objection. It held that such consent could not substitute the mandatory prior approval of the State Government.

Following its examination, the Board directed the concerned settlement authority to reconcile the Hal and not-final records with the Sabik record and record the land as “Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu Bije, Puri, through the Temple Managing Committee, Amruta Manohi status.”

The order effectively restores the original record status of the land, which had subsequently entered private records and been transferred through sale deeds.

Board of Revenue Member Satyabrata Sahu directed the Chief Administrator of Shree Mandir to bring approximately 1.5 acres of the land into the khata of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath.

Government Advocate Ambika Prasad Mishra presented the legal case on behalf of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath.

The proceedings have highlighted the legal protection applicable to Amruta Manohi property and the importance of the original temple records in determining the status of such land.

Odisha governor meets PM Modi, discusses state development

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday and discussed matters related to the development of Odisha.

During the meeting, the governor apprised Prime Minister Modi of the implementation and progress of various Central government schemes in the state.

Kambhampati also briefed Modi about the IGBC Platinum certification recently conferred on Odisha Lok Bhavan.

The discussions covered the state’s development and the implementation of key Central government schemes in Odisha.

The governor and the PM also exchanged mementos during the meeting.

India shines with medals and finals berths on Asian Games Day 12

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New Delhi: India’s Day 12 at Asian Games 2026 on Thursday was marked by medals, major finals berths and a series of hard-fought exits as Indian athletes remained active across a wide range of disciplines.

India currently occupies eighth position in the medal tally with 10 gold, 22 silver and 32 bronze medals.

The day produced a silver medal for wrestler Nitesh Siwach in the men’s Greco-Roman 97kg category, while Manu Francis and Prince Kurisinkal Noble opened India’s sailing medal account with silver in the men’s skiff event. Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru added a bronze in men’s individual compound archery, according to reports.

India also strengthened its position in team sports. The men’s cricket team stormed into the final with a 124-run victory over Sri Lanka, setting up a gold-medal clash with Pakistan. The men’s hockey team also reached the gold-medal match after defeating Pakistan 4-3 in the semi-final.

India’s women’s squash team secured a bronze medal after losing 1-2 to Hong Kong, China, in the semi-final. The men’s squash team also ended its campaign with a bronze after losing to Malaysia in the semi-final.

In another significant development, India made history in sepaktakraw by defeating Vietnam 2-0 in the men’s quadrant Group A match to enter the semi-finals and assure itself of a medal.

Nitesh Siwach’s silver came after he lost to Japan’s Yuri Nakazato in the Greco-Roman 97kg final. Earlier, Nitesh had secured his place in the medal round with his run through the event.

In compound archery, Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru won the bronze medal in the men’s individual event after suffering defeat in the semi-final. However, Chikitha Taniparthi’s campaign ended in the women’s individual compound quarterfinals, where she lost 143-144 to Indonesia’s Nurisa Dian Ashrifah.

Sailing brought another podium finish for India as Manu Francis and Prince Kurisinkal Noble finished second in the men’s skiff event to claim silver.

The men’s cricket team produced one of the day’s biggest wins, beating Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the semi-final to book its place in the gold-medal match against Pakistan.

In men’s hockey, India defeated Pakistan 4-3 in the semi-final to advance to the gold-medal match.

The women’s squash team had to settle for bronze after Hong Kong, China, won the semi-final 2-1. India’s men’s squash team also finished with bronze after its semi-final defeat against Malaysia.

The day also saw India assure itself of another medal in sepaktakraw. The Indian men’s quadrant team defeated Vietnam 2-0 in Group A to qualify for the semi-finals.

There were several setbacks across individual events. Mansi lost her women’s 62kg wrestling semi-final 0-6 to Japan’s Nonoka Ozaki but moved into the bronze medal bout. Inunganbi Takhellambam lost her women’s -70kg quarter-final but progressed to the bronze medal bout through the repechage before losing that contest as well.

Yamini Mourya lost her women’s 57kg judo quarterfinal and later suffered defeat against Japan’s Shirakane in the repechage. Aman was beaten in the men’s Greco-Roman 77kg quarterfinal and failed to enter the repechage, while Sumit suffered a quarterfinal defeat in the men’s Greco-Roman 60kg category and also failed to get into the repechage.

In shooting, Anish Bhanwala qualified for the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol final after finishing ninth in the qualification round. He eventually finished seventh in the final.

Tennis player Sumit Nagal’s campaign ended in the men’s singles quarterfinals after he lost to China’s Wu Yibing.

Cyclist Harshveer Singh Sekhon finished 10th in the first of four races in the men’s omnium scratch race. In the women’s sprint, Keerthi Rangaswamy Chikka and Celestina were eliminated in the 1/16 stage.

In taekwondo, Rupa Bayor finished fifth in the women’s individual poomsae semi-final and missed out on a medal.

India’s men’s volleyball campaign also ended in the quarterfinals after a 0-3 defeat to Pakistan.

Bhubaneswar can top cleanliness ranking if citizens take responsibility: CM Majhi

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Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday called for greater public participation in keeping Bhubaneswar clean, saying the city can move from its current ninth position in the national cleanliness ranking to the top if every citizen takes responsibility.

Addressing the “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” cleanliness programme organised by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation at Khandagiri, Majhi urged residents to extend the same care they give to their homes to the roads, lanes and neighbourhoods around them.

“Keeping the road in front of our house and our colony clean is also the responsibility of all of us,” the CM said.

Majhi urged households to separate wet and dry waste and hand it over to regular sanitation vehicles. He also appealed to citizens not to litter public spaces and to discourage others from doing so.

Highlighting the contribution of sanitation workers, the CM said Bhubaneswar has become cleaner and more beautiful than before and credited the Safai Mitras for their uninterrupted service. He said the state government is committed to ensuring social security and housing for Safai Mitras.

Majhi also recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on cleanliness before Independence. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had transformed the vision into a mass movement through the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign since 2014.

Describing the “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” initiative as an innovative effort to involve society in cleanliness, the CM said collective participation was essential for sustaining a clean city.

He also congratulated the authorities, officials and Safai Mitras of Bhubaneswar and Puri after the two cities were selected among the country’s 50 “Model Sanitation Cities” for development.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, BMC Mayor Sulochana Das, former MLA Priyadarshi Mishra, social worker Jagannath Pradhan, BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana, corporators, BMC employees and Safai Mitras were present at the programme.

Indian pilot Machchhar hailed as hero after mid-air sabotage attempt

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New Delhi: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been hailed for his bravery after he reportedly fought off his co-pilot during a mid-air cockpit confrontation on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, helping prevent a potentially catastrophic incident.

The flight, carrying 174 passengers, was forced to make an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft, according to reports.

The confrontation inside the cockpit turned violent, with Machchhar sustaining stab wounds. Despite his injuries, the Indian captain fought back and managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and off-duty pilots on board to intervene and overpower the alleged attacker.

The aircraft was subsequently brought to safety at Tabuk, with all 174 people on board reported to have survived the incident.

Videos from after the emergency landing showed passengers praising the injured captain for his actions. Machchhar, who was reportedly bloodied and struggling to speak, was thanked by passengers who credited him with saving the aircraft.

Machchhar is currently recovering in a hospital in Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is following his condition, while flydubai is understood to be in contact with his family and Indian authorities.

In a post on X, the embassy said: “Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah have been following the health condition of Mr Smit Machchhar, the brave Indian pilot of Flydubai flight that was diverted to Tabuk today. He is admitted in a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and receiving necessary medical attention.”

It added: “A full update on his health is awaited but he is reported to be in stable condition. We hope that he recovers from his injuries at the earliest. We are in touch with his family and assure them that we will continue to follow up on his health with Saudi authorities and extend all possible assistance for his wellbeing.”

Machchhar has been working with flydubai for the past four years. Before joining the UAE-based low-cost carrier, he spent 10 years with SpiceJet.

The incident has also drawn international attention. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar’s actions, describing his response as extraordinary bravery and saying that the pilot’s actions prevented a catastrophic mid-air disaster.

Netanyahu said Machchhar’s actions helped save the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and passengers of other nationalities, and wished the Indian pilot a speedy and full recovery.

In a post on X, he said: “My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker – preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster. He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. I wish Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery. He is a true hero.”

US President Donald Trump also said he had spoken with Netanyahu about the incident. He said the motive behind the alleged attack remained unclear.

The incident is now under investigation by flydubai, while Machchhar continues to recover from his injuries.