According to a World Bank report, Odisha has witnessed a significant economic transformation over the past three decades, with its per capita income now 75% higher than Uttar Pradesh. While India remains in the 'lower-middle income' category, five states including Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have entered the 'upper-middle income' bracket. Delhi leads with a per capita income of $6,217. The report highlights growing economic disparity among Indian states, noting that Bihar remains the poorest while states like Karnataka and Telangana have surpassed the incomes of countries like Indonesia and Vietnam. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/odisha-emerges-as-indias-fast-rising-economy-on-world-bank-income-benchmark-12139171

Iran has expressed gratitude to India for sending a high-level delegation to attend the funeral of its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei. The Iranian Embassy highlighted that this gesture reflects the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations. The Indian delegation included the Governor of Bihar, the Minister of State for External Affairs, political leaders like Salman Khurshid and Mehbooba Mufti, as well as religious heads from various faiths. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/iran-thanked-india-for-attending-khameneis-funeral-12139155

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the new Puri-Koraput Express. The train connects coastal Odisha with southern and western parts via Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, and Rayagada. Additionally, the Berhampur-Surat Amrit Bharat Express will now run daily instead of thrice a week. The central government is investing 97,000 crore rupees to strengthen Odisha's railway network, including the redevelopment of 50 stations. https://odishasambad.in/new-train-runs-from-puri-to-koraput-ahead-of-world-famous-rath-yatra/

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the Puri-Koraput Express from Puri station. The train connects coastal Odisha to Western and Southern regions via Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, and Balangir. Additionally, over 300 special trains have been announced for the Rath Yatra festival, and the Berhampur-Surat Amrit Bharat Express has also commenced its service. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/cm-mohan-charan-majhi-and-railway-minister-flag-off-puri-koraput-express/3261880

In Thuamul Rampur, Kalahandi, an open 'switch valve chamber' of the Basudha water supply project caused two consecutive accidents for the same car. The car fell into open chambers at Kalampur Chhak and later near Panchayat Chhak as the structures were not relocated during road expansion. Local residents rescued the vehicle and the driver escaped unhurt. Despite repeated complaints and media reports, lack of coordination between departments has left these hazardous pits uncovered, posing a constant threat to commuters and livestock. https://www.dharitri.com/car-falls-into-ditch-at-two-different-places-in-thuamul-rampur/

The Indian Armed Forces are considering increasing the permanent recruitment quota for Agniveers beyond the current 25%. Reports suggest the Navy wants to retain 70-75% of Agniveers, while the Army and Air Force are proposing to increase the limit to 50%. This discussion intensified as the first batch completes its four-year tenure in October 2026. Retaining trained Agniveers is seen as a way to strengthen defense capabilities due to their expertise in modern weaponry and technology. https://odishasambad.in/agniveers-likely-get-permanent-armed-forces-seek-larger-retention-agnipath-scheme-india/

The Election Commission has directed K. Kavitha to choose a new name for her proposed political party, 'Telangana Rakshana Sena' (TRS), following over 1,100 objections. The primary objection came from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), noting the similarity with its former name, Telangana Rashtra Samithi. Kavitha has been given 15 days to submit three alternative names, failing which her party's registration application may be rejected. https://odishasambad.in/why-does-k-kavitha-have-to-change-the-name-of-her-party-trs/

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has declared 10 ivory tusks and 13 ivory idols in his possession to the Kerala Forest Department under the state's wildlife amnesty scheme. The collection, weighing approximately 46 kg, includes idols of Lord Krishna and Ram. While the actor claims these were inherited or received as gifts, the forest department will conduct DNA testing to verify their origin. This disclosure comes amid an ongoing legal battle dating back to a 2011 Income Tax raid where the items were first discovered. The Kerala High Court had previously cancelled the ownership certificate issued to the actor, allowing criminal proceedings to continue. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/mohanlal-have-10-elephant-tusks-12139224

Heavy rains in Maharashtra over the past three days have claimed at least 13 lives, including two minors swept away in Thane and one person killed in a landslide in Pune. The downpour has severely disrupted rail and air services, with over 20 trains cancelled due to landslides in the Bhor Ghat section. Schools and colleges in Mumbai were closed, and IT employees were advised to work from home. IMD has issued a red alert for Pune and an orange alert for Mumbai. Emergency teams rescued 37 passengers from a bus stranded in floodwaters near Ghorawadi station. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/maharastra-rain-13-died-in-2-days-12139254

Odisha Chief Minister has issued strict instructions to the District Collector regarding the upcoming Puri Rath Yatra. He emphasized that no extra cordon passes should be issued beyond the necessary sevayats and employees involved in rituals. Unauthorized persons should be politely escorted out without humiliation. The CM also stressed the safety of female devotees and warned against any misconduct. He urged coordination between sevayats and officials to ensure a flawless and smooth conduct of the world-famous festival, for which preparations in health, sanitation, and traffic are almost complete. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/odisha-strengthens-security-measures-and-crowd-management-ahead-of-the-world-famous-rath-yatra-festival-12139239