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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 2, 2026

44-day campaign launched to make Gram Panchayats child labour free

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Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Friday launched a 44-day statewide campaign to make all Gram Panchayats child labour free, with the initiative beginning on Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and continuing until Children’s Day on November 14.

The campaign began with the adoption of a Resolution Against Child Labour in Gram Sabhas across the state. It is being implemented with the Gram Panchayat as the primary unit of action and seeks to build community participation in efforts to prevent and eliminate child labour.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi released a video message appealing to people across Odisha to actively participate in the campaign and contribute towards making the state child labour free.

Deputy Chief Minister and Women & Child Development Minister Pravati Parida, along with the Ministers of Labour & ESI and Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, also released video messages urging citizens and stakeholders to work together towards making every Gram Panchayat child labour free.

The campaign will use existing grassroots institutions and government mechanisms rather than creating parallel structures. These include Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), schools and School Management Committees (SMCs), Mission Shakti Self-Help Groups, frontline workers and the Labour administration.

For coordinated implementation, the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Mission Shakti and School & Mass Education Department have issued joint communications, with the Labour & ESI Department taking the lead in initiating the campaign.

The campaign has three key strategies.

The first focuses on school retention and community sensitisation to prevent school dropouts and address factors that may push children into labour.

The second involves joint enforcement drives by multiple departments, standardised rescue protocols and post-rescue rehabilitation measures for children found engaged in labour.

The third aims to strengthen grassroots mobilisation through PRI representatives to ensure sustained community participation and ownership.

Under the campaign, Gram Panchayats will be encouraged to engage local communities, identify vulnerable children, promote school attendance and retention, and raise awareness about the harmful effects of child labour.

They will also facilitate coordinated action whenever instances of child labour are identified.

The government said the campaign recognises the need for collective responsibility in eliminating child labour, with families, communities, educational institutions, local governance bodies and government departments expected to contribute to the effort.

The 44-day campaign seeks to translate the commitment towards a Child Labour Free Odisha into sustained grassroots action, with community participation, departmental convergence, prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation forming the key pillars of the initiative.

Over 700 detained as protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, SIR held in Delhi and Mumbai

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New Delhi/Mumbai: More than 700 people were detained in Delhi on Friday as opposition parties, student groups and activists staged protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The protests were held in Delhi and Mumbai, with similar demonstrations reported in Jaipur and Ahmedabad.

In Delhi, members of the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress and Left parties joined the demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Former Delhi chief minister Atishi and AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bhardwaj were among those detained by police.

The Delhi Police had denied permission for the protest and imposed restrictions across the New Delhi district, citing public safety concerns. Police and Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed around Jantar Mantar.

Police also closed entry and exit gates at eleven Metro stations in central Delhi, including Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House and Lok Kalyan Marg. Interchange facilities remained available at selected stations.

The protest had been called by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan. The organisers were seeking Kumar’s removal, alleging irregularities in electoral rolls and the conduct of elections.

Delhi Police said Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was in force in New Delhi and that protests, demonstrations and marches were not permitted in the area.

Reacting to the detentions of protesters in Delhi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said force could stop people from gathering but could not silence their concerns. In a post on X, he alleged that young protesters were being detained for raising questions over what he called “vote theft.”


The protests come amid continuing controversy over the SIR exercise and the functioning of the Election Commission.

The immediate trigger was a report by The Indian Express which said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on at least 14 occasions over a 10-month period to decisions and procedures related to the SIR exercise and other electoral matters.

The report intensified opposition parties’ allegations of “vote theft”. The Election Commission, however, has denied wrongdoing and said differences of views among election commissioners are part of the decision-making process.

In Mumbai, thousands gathered at Shivaji Park for a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), despite police denying permission for the demonstration. Protesters carried the national flag and placards demanding Kumar’s resignation.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke addressed the gathering on Gandhi Jayanti and said the protest was a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Police had deployed a large security contingent around Shivaji Park and barricaded entry routes, while a temporary stage set up for the protest was dismantled. A smaller stage was later permitted for a sound system.

Actors Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, singer-composer Vishal Dadlani and Tushar Gandhi, great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, were among those present at the Mumbai demonstration.

The BJP held a counter-protest in Mumbai’s Fort area, while protests over the SIR process were also reported in Jaipur and Ahmedabad.

Odisha governor calls for climate-resilient growth

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday called for a development model that balances economic growth with environmental protection, stressing the need for cleaner technologies and climate-resilient planning to address growing environmental challenges.

Addressing the third Earth Again Conclave-2026 at the Utkal University Auditorium on Friday, the governor said climate change was no longer a distant threat. Changes in rainfall patterns, rising temperatures and extreme weather events are already affecting agriculture, water resources, health and livelihoods, he said.

The conclave, organised by the Sambad Group, was held around the theme “Gen C-Generation Climate”. The governor urged young people to become ambassadors of climate-friendly practices and incorporate environmentally responsible habits into their everyday lives.

Kambhampati said tackling climate change requires coordinated action from the government, educational institutions, industries, media and citizens. He also highlighted the importance of the industrial sector to employment and economic growth, while stressing that industrial expansion must be accompanied by greater environmental responsibility.

He called for wider adoption of technologies that can reduce pollution, conserve energy and water, minimise waste and protect natural resources. He also encouraged young people to consider electric vehicles and other clean transportation options.

Referring to initiatives at Lok Bhavan, the governor highlighted the installation of a 635 kW solar power plant and said his official cavalcade had started using electric vehicles. He also encouraged universities to install solar energy systems on their campuses and provide free electric vehicle charging facilities to students and staff for at least a year.

Kambhampati advocated greater use of the RESCO model for renewable energy projects and called upon universities across Odisha to work towards obtaining Green Certification.

He also urged young people to plant trees throughout the year under the principle of “every person plants a tree”. Referring to initiatives at Lok Bhavan, he highlighted measures including IGBC Green Certification, expansion of green cover, creation of safe habitats for birds and animals, and rainwater harvesting for water conservation.

According to the governor, measures such as expanding solar energy, promoting electric vehicles, conserving water and reducing waste can also contribute to India’s energy security. Such efforts, he said, could reduce dependence on imported crude oil and help conserve foreign exchange. He also referred to government subsidy schemes aimed at encouraging the adoption of clean energy.

“Saving the Earth must begin at home,” the governor said while emphasising the role individuals can play in addressing environmental challenges.

He also praised the Sambad Group for its environmental awareness initiatives, including Climate Panchayat, Green Campus, Youth Engagement and Environment Assembly, conducted through print, television, radio and digital platforms.

During the event, Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment, was felicitated.

Odisha Minister for Higher Education, Sports and Youth Services, Suryabanshi Suraj, Eastern Media Limited CMD Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Utkal University Vice-Chancellor Professor Chandi Prasad Nanda and others also addressed the gathering. Sambad and Kanak News Editor Tanaya Patnaik delivered the welcome address.

Asian Games 2026: India wins six gold medals on day 13

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New Delhi: India enjoyed a hugely successful Day 13 at the Asian Games on Friday, collecting 10 medals, including six gold, across boxing, wrestling, archery, hockey, sepaktakraw and sailing.

The impressive medal haul took India’s overall tally to 76 medals, comprising 16 gold, 25 silver and 35 bronze, as the country continued its strong campaign in the continental competition, according to reports.

Boxing produced three of India’s six gold medals on the day. Lovlina Borgohain defeated China’s Bao Ziyi by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the women’s 75kg final to claim the top prize. Parveen Hooda also secured gold in the women’s 65kg category, creating a historic moment for Indian boxing as two Indian women boxers won gold medals at the same Asian Games edition for the first time.

Ankush Panghal completed India’s boxing gold rush by winning the men’s 80kg event, giving the Indian boxing contingent another memorable result.

India also celebrated a landmark achievement in archery. The women’s recurve team defeated South Korea to win its maiden Asian Games gold medal in the event. The victory was particularly significant given South Korea’s status as Olympic champions and world champions in the discipline.

Indian archers added two more medals to the tally, finishing with silver in both the recurve mixed-team and men’s recurve team competitions.

Wrestling provided another gold medal through Sujeet Kalkal, who emerged victorious in the men’s 65kg category. His success added to India’s growing collection of titles from the combat sports programme.

The day concluded with another major gold for India as the women’s hockey team defeated China 1-0 in the final. The closely contested match ended with India on top, giving the team the Asian Games title and another gold medal for the country.

India also picked up bronze medals in two other disciplines. The men’s quadrant team finished third in sepaktakraw, while sailor Nethra Kumanan won bronze in the women’s dinghy event.

Odisha launches statewide ‘Sujala’ campaign for water conservation

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra on Friday inaugurated the statewide ‘Sujala’ campaign in Bhubaneswar, calling upon citizens to use water responsibly and make conservation a part of their daily lives.

Organised by the Water Corporation of Odisha under the Housing and Urban Development Department, the campaign will run across the state from October 2 to 16.

The campaign seeks to raise public awareness about water conservation, safe drinking water, and the prevention of waterborne diseases, while encouraging collective efforts to protect water resources and prevent wastage.

The campaign is being conducted under the theme, “Water Conservation – A Necessity Today, the Destiny of Future Generations.”

It will promote simple and sustainable practices that can be adopted by households and communities to reduce water wastage and support the availability of safe water for future generations.

A major focus of the campaign is the link between drinking water quality and public health. Awareness activities will sensitise citizens about the risks associated with contaminated water, including diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid and jaundice.

Citizens will also be encouraged to store drinking water in clean and covered containers, maintain household hygiene, keep water sources free from pollution and handle drinking water safely.

As part of the campaign, people will be encouraged to turn off taps when they are not in use, repair leaking taps and pipelines promptly, and avoid dumping waste near rivers, ponds, tube wells, and other water sources.

The campaign will also promote rainwater harvesting, reuse of water wherever feasible, and regular cleaning and maintenance of household overhead and underground water storage tanks. Citizens will be encouraged to remain vigilant about drinking water quality and follow hygienic practices to reduce the risk of contamination.

The campaign’s motto, “Water Supply Is Our Responsibility; Water Conservation Is Your Duty,” highlights the shared role of the government and citizens in sustainable water management.

While public utilities are responsible for ensuring a regular and safe water supply, the campaign emphasises that preventing wastage, using water judiciously, and protecting water sources require active participation from citizens.

Gandhi, Shastri Jayanti observed at Odisha Assembly

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Speaker Surama Padhy and other dignitaries paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on Gandhi and Shastri Jayanti at the Odisha Legislative Assembly premises on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Majhi said the sacrifice, ethics and service to the nation of Gandhi and Shastri remain an enduring source of inspiration for every Indian.

Majhi said Mahatma Gandhi not only played a historic role in India’s freedom struggle but also gave the world a philosophy rooted in ethics, Satyagraha and non-cooperation.

He also said Gandhi’s vision centred on serving the last person in society, maintaining cleanliness and promoting Swadeshi. According to the CM, these ideals are being carried forward through initiatives aimed at cleanliness, self-reliance and taking development to the poorest sections of society.

Referring to Lal Bahadur Shastri, Majhi highlighted his simple lifestyle, high ideals and honesty, describing him as an example of dedication to public service. He also recalled Shastri’s call of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, which, he said, inspired the nation with a renewed sense of responsibility and energy.

The CM went on to say that the state would continue its efforts to build a prosperous Odisha and a developed India by drawing inspiration from Gandhi’s principles of truth and non-violence and Shastri’s commitment to duty and service to the nation.

The Information and Public Relations Department organised an all-faith prayer meeting on the Assembly premises as part of the observance. Ramdhun, described as Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajan, was also rendered during the programme.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Works, Law and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling, Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, MLAs and other senior leaders were present at the programme

Pujari directs swift assessment of flood damage in Jharsuguda, Bargarh

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Bhubaneswar: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has directed officials to carry out a prompt assessment of damage caused by heavy rain and floods in Jharsuguda and Bargarh districts and ensure timely government assistance and compensation to affected people.

Pujari visited several flood-affected areas in the two districts on Thursday and interacted with local residents to assess the situation and understand their problems.

In Lakhanpur tehsil of the Brajarajnagar Assembly constituency, the minister visited Sukhasoda and Semilia villages and reviewed the flood situation. He also met members of the fishing community and took stock of damage to fishing nets and boats caused by the floods.

The minister directed the district fisheries officer to conduct a proper assessment of the damage to fishing nets and boats and submit a report at the earliest. Agriculture officials were asked to submit detailed reports on crop losses caused by the floods, while the tehsildar was directed to complete the assessment of damage to houses and submit the report promptly.

Pujari also visited Chikili village in Ambabhona block of Bargarh district. He further visited Mahudi, Remta and Chikili villages in the Lakhanpur area to assess flood-related damage.

The minister directed tehsildars and other officials to expedite the preparation of crop-loss reports and the compensation process. He stressed that eligible beneficiaries should receive assistance promptly after proper assessment of the damage.

Pujari also directed the concerned departments to immediately begin repair and restoration of roads damaged by the floods so that normal transportation could be restored.

Later, he held a review meeting with senior officials at the Circuit House in Jharsuguda. The meeting discussed crop damage, losses suffered by fishermen to nets and boats, damage to houses and roads, and other flood-related losses.

The minister directed officials to ensure that there was no delay in assessing damage, submitting reports and providing compensation to affected people. He also called for immediate restoration of infrastructure damaged by the floods.

Bargarh MP Pradip Purohit, Bhatli MLA Irasis Acharya, Jharsuguda Collector Kunal Motiram Chouhan, Bargarh Collector Aditya Goyal, Ambabhona tehsildar and officials from various departments were present during the minister’s visit and review.