Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has announced a significant increase in the farm loan waiver limit under the Mahatma Phule scheme, raising it from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh. The government has also removed the mandatory condition of repaying 2026-27 crop loans to qualify for benefits. Now, farmers who have repaid loans for at least two out of the last three years will be eligible. This decision comes after continuous protests from farmers and pressure from various political leaders. https://argusnews.in/national/farm-loan-waiver-maharashtra-2026

The BJP has named Niraj Kumar Sinha as its candidate for the Bankipur assembly by-election in Bihar after the previous candidate, Abhishek Kumar Sinha, withdrew his nomination citing family reasons. The by-election was necessitated after Nitin Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha. Voting is scheduled for July 30, with results to be announced on August 3. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/bjp-neeraj-kumar-sinha-bankipur-bypoll-candidate-12153038

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken strict action against three major cricket stadiums in India: DY Patil Stadium (Navi Mumbai), Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium (Raipur), and Sawai Mansing Stadium (Jaipur). The action was taken due to the misuse of groundwater and failure to use treated sewage water for maintenance. Despite multiple notices from the Central Ground Water Authority, the stadium managements failed to respond. Currently, hosting any games at these venues is prohibited. The next hearing is scheduled for August 17. https://odishasambad.in/ngt-restraints-sports-activity-in-dy-patil-sawai-mansingh-and-raipur-cricket-stadiums/

Construction work for the Kolkata Metro Purple Line has officially commenced. This project aims to enhance the city's transport infrastructure and provide a faster commute for passengers. Managed under the railway ministry, this development is expected to significantly improve local connectivity in West Bengal. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/work-has-started-on-kolkata-metro-purple-line-12152983

Gangadhar Sahu presents a unique perspective and different thought process in this OTV Podcast short. The content focuses on a non-traditional viewpoint shared via OdishaTV's digital platforms, emphasizing their commitment to diverse and unbiased storytelling. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/a-different-take-on-gangadhar-sahu-otvshorts-gangadharsahoo-otvpodcast-12152954

A woman in Kharvela Nagar, Bhubaneswar, alleged that authorities demolished her house without prior notice while her child was still inside. The mother is in distress as she is unable to find her child following the eviction drive. The incident has sparked tension and concerns over the administration's handling of the eviction process. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/my-child-was-in-the-house-he-broke-my-house-without-notice-i-did-not-find-my-child-12152986

Odisha's Panchayat elections are scheduled to be held in April-May 2027, with the process expected to conclude by June. State Election Commission Secretary Santosh Kumar Das announced that for the first time, a door-to-door survey will be conducted starting in October to resolve ward and booth-related issues. While the SIR process is ongoing, the ruling BJP and opposition BJD and Congress have entered a political spat over the slight delay in the election schedule. Preparations, including coordination with district collectors and ballot paper printing, have already commenced. https://argusnews.in/odisha/odisha-panchayat-elections-april-may-2027

A major eviction drive was carried out at a government quarter in Kharvela Nagar, Bhubaneswar, which had been illegally occupied for 30 years. High drama ensued as the occupant resisted the eviction process. Despite the protests, the administration proceeded with the demolition and recovery of the government property. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/30-years-of-seizing-government-quarters-the-drama-of-ousting-the-government-12152971

The State Institute for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD & PR) in Bhubaneswar organized a unique two-day training program for 63 Sarpanches from 8 districts. Using a 'Raja-Rani' game as a simulation, the training taught participants how to prepare effective Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) within limited budgets and timeframes. The initiative aimed to enhance project management skills, prioritize local needs, and boost self-reliance in Panchayats to achieve the vision of 'Viksit Odisha'. https://sambad.in/state/sarpanches-trained-for-viksit-odisha-through-raja-rani-game-in-bhubaneswar-12152993

Patients and their relatives are facing long wait times of 2 to 4 hours for OPD tickets at Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar. Despite the availability of digital ticket printing machines and online registration facilities through the eSwasthya Odisha portal, many remain unaware of these services. By registering online and scanning a generated QR code at the hospital kiosks, patients can get their tickets in seconds. Increased awareness of these digital tools could significantly reduce waiting times and crowding at the counters. https://argusnews.in/odisha/capital-hospital-opd-ticket-long-queues