November 4, 2026 - IndiaVerve

Cabinet approves additional two-year engagement for 75% Agniveers

November 4, 2026 by IndiaVerve Staff

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved an additional two-year engagement period for 75% of Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme, creating a further pathway for their enrolment as regular soldiers in the Defence Forces.

The decision follows an assessment of the performance of Agniveers during the four years of implementation of the scheme. The evaluation highlighted their skills, motivation, physical fitness and technological capabilities, while also considering organisational requirements and operational efficiency.

Under the existing arrangement, 25% of Agniveers will continue to be offered regular employment in the Defence Forces on the basis of merit, according to an official statement.

The remaining 75% will now have the option of another two-year engagement period, as approved by the Cabinet on the recommendations of the Indian Defence Forces.

Following the completion of the additional engagement period, all Agniveers will be offered enrolment as regular soldiers, provided they are willing to continue and meet the prescribed selection criteria.

The decision to introduce the second engagement period was taken after a detailed assessment and feedback exercise, with the objective of balancing the career aspirations of Agniveers with the operational requirements and efficiency of the Defence Forces.

Agnipath scheme records several achievements

The government said the four-year implementation of the Agnipath scheme had produced several positive outcomes, based on feedback received from the Defence Forces.

These include a wider geographical spread of Agniveer recruitment across districts, a more standardised and transparent selection process, and high levels of physical fitness, morale, motivation, competitive spirit and discipline among recruits.

The assessment also highlighted improvements in skills, technological adaptability and education during service. The scheme has additionally opened recruitment opportunities in various branches of the Defence Forces for women.

In view of these outcomes, the government has decided to continue the Agnipath scheme with the revised engagement arrangement.

The second engagement period will come with higher remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits.

With the additional two-year engagement followed by an opportunity for regular enrolment, the Cabinet has sought to establish a pathway for Agniveers to pursue longer-term careers in the Defence Forces, subject to their willingness and fulfilment of the prescribed selection requirements.

Democrats sweep US midterm elections, deal major blow to Trump agenda

November 5, 2026November 4, 2026 by IndiaVerve Staff

New Delhi: Democrats have secured control of both chambers of the US Congress following a sweeping midterm election victory, marking a significant setback for President Donald Trump and his political agenda.

The results point to a nationwide shift in voter sentiment, with Democrats crossing the required thresholds in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

According to the results available so far, Democrats have secured 54 seats in the Senate, exceeding the 51 needed to regain control. In the House, the party has won 225 seats against the 218 required for a majority. However, results in some constituencies remain pending, including several closely contested races in Alaska.

The election also produced several historic victories for Democratic candidates across the country. In Texas, James Talarico ended a 38-year gap by winning a Senate seat for the Democrats. Adam Hamilton achieved a similar breakthrough in Kansas, becoming the first Democrat to win a Senate election there since 1932.

In Maine, Troy Jackson defeated long-serving Republican Senator Susan Collins, ending her three-decade hold on the state’s Senate seat. Michigan also witnessed a closely watched contest in which Abdul El-Sayed defeated Mike Rogers to secure a place in the US Senate.

Some Senate contests remained undecided, with Mississippi emerging as a potential site of a Democratic upset. The Alaska Senate race was also yet to be called, according to guardian.com.

The gubernatorial elections brought further milestones for the Democratic Party. Keisha Lance Bottoms’ victory in Georgia will make her the first Black woman to serve as governor of a US state.

In Texas, Gina Hinojosa became the state’s first Latina governor and ended the Democrats’ absence from the governor’s office that had continued since 1990. David Crowley also made history in Wisconsin by becoming the state’s first Black governor.

El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan carried particular significance. An Egyptian American doctor, he became the first Muslim elected to the US Senate after defeating Republican candidate Mike Rogers in a key battleground contest.

His campaign faced repeated attacks targeting his religious identity. Trump described him as a “jihadist”, while Rogers questioned his loyalty to the US. El-Sayed responded firmly to the criticism and told Trump that he could “just go on and call me senator after November”.

Trump, meanwhile, indicated that he was prepared to accept the election outcome.

The Democratic Socialists of America also reported a strong performance, saying that more than 50 candidates backed by the organisation had won their respective races. Reacting to the outcome, the organisation said: “Workers deserve more and a reality where all of us live with dignity and hope is closer than we think.”

Former US President Barack Obama welcomed the Democratic gains, describing the outcome as a clear public preference for less divisive politics and leaders capable of offering practical solutions.

In his statement on X, Obama said: “Tonight, the American people sent a clear message – they want a politics that brings people together rather than divides them, and leaders who offer concrete solutions to the challenges they face.”

He also credited the victories to candidates who contested elections across different regions, including traditionally difficult constituencies. Obama highlighted their diverse backgrounds and political perspectives, noting that their shared commitment to public service and the interests of their communities had contributed to the party’s success.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also welcomed the results, describing them as evidence of a progressive political resurgence and the weakening of what he termed the “ultra wave”.

In his reaction on X, Sánchez said: “Yesterday, the American people voted against policies that only serve to impoverish people,” adding, “Against hate. Against sexism. Against climate denialism and against the privileges of the elites.”

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who reportedly spent an estimated USD 445 million supporting Republican candidates during the election cycle, responded to the party’s losses with sarcasm. Musk, whose financial backing made him the biggest donor in the elections, wrote on X: “Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn’t work this time.”

Odisha govt, J-PAL South Asia sign MoU to strengthen evidence-based policymaking

November 4, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) South Asia to strengthen evidence-based policymaking across the state in line with Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047.

Under the partnership, J-PAL South Asia will work with various state government departments to identify priority policy challenges, generate rigorous research evidence and translate findings into actionable policy recommendations.

The MoU was signed by Rashmi Kabi, FA-cum-Additional Secretary of the Planning and Convergence Department, government of Odisha, and Shobhini Mukerji, Executive Director of J-PAL South Asia.

The signing ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, J-PAL South Asia Acting Associate Director (Policy) Murali Mallikarjunan and secretaries of various state government departments.

Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047 outlines the state’s roadmap to becoming Samruddha Odisha by 2036 and Viksit Odisha by 2047. The partnership builds on J-PAL South Asia’s engagement with Odisha since 2006, covering areas such as early childhood education, foundational literacy and numeracy, governance, sanitation, agriculture and gender.

As part of the collaboration, J-PAL South Asia will coordinate with government departments to understand their policy priorities and support the development of research-based solutions.

One of the ongoing initiatives highlighted under the partnership is Barnali, a gender-equity curriculum currently being taught in around 23,000 government schools. J-PAL South Asia serves as the knowledge and research partner to the School and Mass Education Department and Breakthrough Trust for the initiative.

The partnership will be guided by a Steering Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary, with senior government officials and representatives of J-PAL South Asia as members. The committee will meet every six months to review project proposals. Nodal officers from both sides will coordinate the activities, while the scope and deliverables of individual projects will be developed in consultation with the concerned departments.

Garg said the state’s ambition of achieving Viksit Odisha as part of Viksit Bharat required strong engagement with research institutions, policy research and the piloting of innovative approaches.

She highlighted the importance of adopting data- and AI-based interventions in line with global best practices.

She outlined J-PAL South Asia’s role in bringing relevant global evidence to the state’s policy priorities, helping departments adapt promising approaches to Odisha’s requirements, and supporting the design and testing of evidence- and data-based solutions before their wider implementation.

J-PAL South Asia Executive Director Shobhini Mukerji said Odisha had a longstanding record of generating and using evidence for policymaking. She noted that the organisation would continue working with the state government to address policy priorities by bringing in global research evidence, adapting it to local needs, co-developing programmes, and testing and scaling effective interventions.

She also acknowledged the state’s existing monitoring and evaluation capacity as a strong foundation for the partnership.

Odisha plans Rs 10 crore budget for Cuttack Bali Jatra

November 4, 2026 by IndiaVerve Staff

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has proposed an allocation of Rs 10 crore for organising this year’s historic Bali Jatra in Cuttack, with a focus on promoting the state’s cultural heritage and making the annual festival environmentally friendly.

The preparations for the festival were reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj at the Culture Department conference room.

Bali Jatra will be held from November 24 to December 1. As part of the government’s plans, the festival will be organised as a plastic-free event this year.

The Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) will set up 500 stalls at prominent locations across the fairground to showcase the state’s handloom and handicraft products.

Two stages will also be arranged for cultural programmes, while a delegation from Bali is expected to visit the festival.

A special attraction will be the presentation of cultural links between Bali and the ancient Kalinga kingdom at the Cuttack-in-Cuttack pavilion. Visitors will get an opportunity to explore similarities in language, food, clothing and traditional manuscripts. The exhibition will feature Odisha’s palm-leaf manuscripts alongside Lontar, the traditional palm-leaf manuscripts of Bali, supported by a digital information wall.

The meeting also reviewed preparations for the State Book Festival, scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar from December 4 to 14.

The Minister suggested developing special pavilions based on the life and achievements of Kapilendra Deva, along with themes such as Vande Mataram and Gyan Bharatam. The festival will also feature a dedicated children’s literature section, a Meet the Author corner, quiz competitions and open-mic sessions.

Several ongoing infrastructure and heritage projects under the Culture Department were also reviewed. Suraj directed IDCOL officials to expedite the completion of Kalamandal. The meeting assessed progress on the proposed auditorium of Utkal Sanskruti Viswavidyalaya, renovation of the auditorium and classrooms at Kala Vikash Kendra, and the Bakulabana development project.

Other projects discussed included the modern museum in Bhubaneswar, identification of land for the Shree Jagannath Interpretation Centre and Museum in Puri, and renovation of Bhanja Kala Mandap.

The Minister also reviewed plans to establish a regional campus of the National School of Drama, implementation of the Barputra Heritage Village scheme and installation of statues honouring eminent personalities recognised as Barputras.

He instructed officials to ensure that all projects under the Culture Department are completed within their stipulated timelines.

Culture Department Secretary Dr Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, officials of IDCOL and OBCC, and senior department officials attended the meeting.

ED attaches Rs 24.60 crore property in money laundering case linked to Maa Tarini Industries

November 4, 2026 by IndiaVerve Staff

Bhubaneswar: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bhubaneswar Zonal Office, has provisionally attached immovable property worth Rs 24.60 crore in connection with a money laundering investigation involving Maa Tarini Industries Limited (MTIL) and others.

The attached property comprises the ground floor, first floor, and part of the second floor of Pluto Plaza Mall in Chhend, Rourkela, Odisha. The property is registered in the name of Pluto Plaza Private Limited, a company controlled by Hanuman Khedaria, the ED said in a press release.

According to the ED, the attachment has been made under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, as an equivalent value of the alleged proceeds of crime identified during the investigation.

The agency initiated its investigation following an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation’s Anti-Corruption Branch (CBI-ACB), Bhubaneswar, under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

The case involves allegations against MTIL, its directors and certain officials of PEC Limited, a government of India enterprise.

The FIR alleged that MTIL, in collusion with certain PEC Limited officials, fraudulently secured financial assistance of Rs 19.40 crore for procuring iron ore by misrepresenting its financial position and concealing existing charges on its assets.

The ED investigation also covered financial assistance of Rs 16 crore obtained by Tathagat Exports Private Limited (TEPL), a related company, from PEC Limited. The combined outstanding liability of MTIL and TEPL to PEC Limited stood at approximately Rs 56.89 crore, including interest, when the loans turned into non-performing assets.

During the investigation, the ED found that funds received from PEC Limited were allegedly diverted through the bank accounts of MTIL and TEPL and used to pay the share purchase consideration to MTIL’s erstwhile shareholders, including Hanuman Khedaria.

Further investigation revealed that Khedaria and entities associated with him received approximately Rs 15.31 crore. Including the proportionate interest component, the amount was assessed at Rs 24.60 crore.

The agency stated that the funds were subsequently transferred through multiple bank accounts and used for various purposes, including cash withdrawals, investments and business expenses.

Based on these findings, the ED provisionally attached the Rourkela property owned by Pluto Plaza Private Limited, treating its value of Rs 24.60 crore as equivalent to the identified proceeds of crime under the PMLA.

The agency said further investigation into the case is underway.

Dr Sanghamitra Pati tops ICMR scientists in Stanford–Elsevier Global top 2% ranking

November 4, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Bhubaneswar: Odisha-based scientist Dr Sanghamitra Pati has secured the top position among 22 researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) featured in Stanford University–Elsevier’s World’s Top 2% Scientists list for 2025–26.

Dr Pati, Additional Director General of ICMR and Director of the ICMR–National Institute of Health Research (ICMR-NIHR), Bhubaneswar, has been ranked 19,407th globally in the field of Clinical Medicine, with Microbiology as her subfield.

Her research contributions are reflected in a career H-index of 56 and more than 50,000 citations. She has also retained her place in the prestigious global ranking for the second consecutive year, having featured in the 2024–25 edition as well, according to reports.

The recognition also brings another achievement for ICMR-NIHR Bhubaneswar, with Dr Chita Ranjan Sahoo, a postdoctoral fellow at the institute, earning a place on the global list in the field of Chemistry.

Dr Pati’s achievement places her at the forefront of the 22 ICMR scientists recognised in the latest ranking and highlights the research contributions emerging from Odisha.

The recognition of both scientists from ICMR-NIHR Bhubaneswar also underscores the institute’s contribution to scientific research and its growing presence in the international academic community.

Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi congratulated Dr Pati on her phenomenal achievement.

In a post on X, she said: “Her exceptional contributions to biomedical research, infectious diseases and public health reflect India’s growing leadership in global scientific research. Her scientific leadership and contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with her continued efforts in addressing critical public health challenges, are truly commendable.”

Sarangi said the remarkable accomplishment had brought immense pride to Odisha and the nation, adding that Dr Pati’s dedication and scientific leadership were truly inspirational.

“Wishing her continued success and many more laurels for India!” Sarangi stated.