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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: January 14, 2026

Mitchell’s masterclass levels series as New Zealand beat India by seven wickets

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Rajkot: Daryl Mitchell produced a commanding unbeaten century to guide New Zealand to a seven-wicket win over India in the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium here today, drawing the three-match series level and setting up a decisive finale in Indore.

Chasing 285, the visitors recovered from an early wobble to register their highest successful ODI chase against India on Indian soil. After Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls departed cheaply, Mitchell joined Will Young with New Zealand at 46 for 2. What followed was a match-defining 162-run partnership that steadily wrested control from the hosts.

Young anchored the innings with a composed 87, while Mitchell counter-attacked with authority, regularly piercing the field as dew eased batting under lights. He reached his century in just 96 balls and remained unbeaten on 131, finishing the chase with a trademark ramp over the wicketkeeper. Glenn Phillips added urgency with a brisk 32 not out as New Zealand crossed the line with 15 balls to spare.

Earlier, India had relied heavily on KL Rahul’s fluent unbeaten 112 to post a competitive 284 for 7 after being put in. The innings threatened to unravel when the middle order faltered, with India slipping to 118 for 4 following the dismissals of Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli.

Rahul steadied the ship alongside Ravindra Jadeja before accelerating in the final phase. He found support from Nitish Kumar Reddy as India harvested 85 runs in the last ten overs. Shubman Gill’s 56 had earlier provided momentum, but New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Kristian Clarke’s 3 for 56, ensured India never fully broke free.

Despite Rahul’s late surge, India’s prolonged middle-overs slowdown proved costly as Mitchell’s clinical chase handed New Zealand a memorable victory and revived the series.

Government cracks down on edible oil firms over compliance lapses

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New Delhi: The Union government has stepped up regulatory action across the edible oil sector, issuing show-cause notices to several large companies for failing to comply with mandatory reporting norms under the amended Vegetable Oil Products, Production and Availability (Regulation) Order, 2025.

The revised framework requires all manufacturers, processors, blenders and re-packers of edible oils to register on the National Single Window System and the VOPPA portal, and submit detailed monthly returns on production, stocks, imports, dispatches, sales and consumption. The move is aimed at creating a transparent, data-driven ecosystem to strengthen monitoring and improve food security planning.

As part of a nationwide compliance drive, the Department of Food and Public Distribution has carried out inspection campaigns, including in Indore, to verify registrations and review the accuracy and timeliness of monthly filings. According to an official release, these inspections are part of a broader effort to ensure transparency across the edible oil value chain, alongside capacity-building measures such as national workshops on data reporting and portal usage.

Based on the findings, the department has issued show-cause notices to some major edible oil companies for repeatedly failing to submit mandatory monthly returns despite multiple reminders. Such lapses constitute a violation of the VOPPA Order, which is issued under the Essential Commodities Act.

The concerned firms have been given seven days to respond and explain why action should not be initiated against them. The government has cautioned that violations could invite measures including inspection and confiscation under the Act, following due process.

Officials said similar notices will be sent to all units that remain unregistered or continue to default on filings, to ensure uniform compliance across the sector. Further inspection drives are planned in January, particularly in Haryana and Rajasthan.

The government reiterated that strict enforcement of the amended order is essential to ensure accountability, strengthen policy formulation and safeguard national food security.

UAE welcomes US terror listing of Muslim Brotherhood branches

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Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday welcomed a sweeping move by the administration of US President Donald Trump to formally designate several Muslim Brotherhood branches in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt as terrorist organisations, describing the decision as a decisive step in restricting extremist activity in the region.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the action underscores what it called Washington’s sustained and systematic drive to counter violence and destabilisation linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliated networks. The ministry said the UAE “strongly supports measures that prevent terrorist groups from gaining the resources, platforms or legitimacy that allow them to spread messages of extremism, hatred or unrest”.

The US decision comes under Executive Order 14362 and forms part of an expanded framework designed to suppress organisations accused of threatening American interests. As part of the rollout, the US Department of State has listed the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity. In a press release, the State Department also named the group’s leader, Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh, as an SDGT.

Simultaneously, the US Treasury Department has designated the Egyptian and Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood branches as Specially Designated Global Terrorists, citing what it described as financial and material support to Hamas.

The ministry said the UAE views the designations as a central component of broader global efforts to curb extremist networks and strengthen collective security. It added that depriving such organisations of funding, recruitment capacity, and operational freedom is crucial in reducing their ability to influence or disrupt regional stability.

US officials characterised the action as the opening phase of what they called a sustained, long-term campaign. The administration says it intends to deploy all legal tools available to prevent identified Muslim Brotherhood entities from continuing to organise, support, or justify activity linked to terrorism.

The UAE reiterated that it remains committed to cooperating with international partners in addressing extremism and safeguarding regional and global peace.

Israel suspends engagement with multiple UN agencies

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Jerusalem: Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday announced that the country will cut off contact with a number of UN agencies and international bodies, following the recent US decision to withdraw from dozens of multilateral organizations.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed that Israel will immediately end all cooperation with several entities named in the US list and will evaluate its participation in others. Sa’ar has also instructed ministry officials, together with relevant government departments, to carry out a detailed review of existing relationships before any further decisions are taken.

Israel clarified that it had previously ended engagement with multiple UN organizations before this latest announcement:

Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict – Israel ended cooperation in June 2024 after the IDF was placed on the office’s blacklist. Israel was the only democratic nation listed, alongside extremist groups such as ISIS and Boko Haram.

UN Women (UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women) – Israel notified the UN of the cessation of all cooperation in July 2024, after the organization failed to address documented cases of sexual violence against Israeli women during the October 7, 2023 attacks. The former UN Women country representative completed her term at Israel’s request.

UN Conference on Trade and Development – The ministry cited years of critical reporting as the reason for Israel ending its engagement. Israel has been disengaged from the body for an extended period.

UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia – Israel has long refused cooperation, arguing that the commission issues persistent anti-Israel reports and is used to promote resolutions against the country.

In addition to reiterating past decisions, the ministry confirmed that Israel will now cease cooperation with three more bodies:

UN Alliance of Civilizations – Despite its stated mandate of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, Israel says it has been repeatedly excluded from participation and used as a forum for criticism of the State of Israel.

UN Energy – The ministry described the initiative as an unnecessary duplication of existing international work, reflecting what it called the UN system’s excessive bureaucracy.

Global Forum on Migration and Development – Israel argues that the forum undermines the sovereignty of member nations by challenging national immigration and border control policies.

In a post on X, the ministry emphasized that this phase represents the first step in a broader reassessment of multilateral engagement. Additional organizations will be examined in consultation with government ministries responsible for the relevant policy areas, and further decisions will follow after internal discussions are concluded.

Pongal teaches gratitude to nature, strengthens India’s cultural unity: PM Modi

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that Pongal inspires people to make respect for nature a way of life, describing the harvest festival as a reminder of balance between the earth, family and society. Addressing Pongal celebrations in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said the festival has become a global celebration, embraced by Tamil communities and admirers of Tamil culture across the world.

Extending greetings in Tamil, Modi said it was a privilege for him to celebrate Pongal alongside the community, noting that the festival reflects gratitude towards farmers, the land and the Sun. He pointed out that at the same time, other parts of the country are marking Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu, highlighting India’s shared cultura

According to an official release, the Prime Minister spoke of offering prayers at the ancient Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, participating in the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, and witnessing the grandeur of Tamil history during the inauguration of the Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram. He said Tamil culture is a shared heritage of the entire nation and that festivals like Pongal strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Modi underlined that in Tamil tradition, farmers are regarded as the foundation of life, with classical works like the Thirukkural deeply rooted in agricultural wisdom. He described farmers as key partners in nation-building and said their efforts are strengthening the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. The government, he added, remains committed to empowering them.

The Prime Minister said Pongal reminds citizens that gratitude towards nature must extend beyond words and become part of everyday life. Stressing the need to preserve soil, conserve water and use resources responsibly for future generations, he linked the festival’s ethos to national campaigns such as Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Amrit Sarovar.

He said sustainable farming, water management, natural farming, agritech and value addition would play a crucial role in the years ahead, noting that young people, particularly in Tamil Nadu, are driving innovation in these areas. Modi urged youth engaged in agriculture to expand the movement for sustainable farming, saying the national goal should be that plates remain full, pockets remain secure and the earth remains safe.

Describing Tamil culture as one of the world’s most ancient living civilizations, Modi said it connects centuries and guides the present towards the future. He concluded by saying that on Pongal, India experiences the faith of a nation rooted in its culture, respectful of its land and confident about its future.

Odisha steps up preparations for Rath Yatra 2026

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Bhubaneswar: Principal Secretary to the government Anu Garg on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra. She instructed officials to maintain close coordination and ensure that all works related to the festival are completed within the scheduled timelines so that Rath Yatra operations proceed smoothly and without error.

During the meeting, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration informed that the Basanta Panchami rituals for consecrating the chariot wood will be held as scheduled, the cutting and shaping of the chariot wood will begin on Shri Ram Navami, the construction of the chariots will formally commence on Akshaya Tritiya, and the Snana Yatra will be observed on June 29.

At the same meeting, Garg reviewed the progress of rural drinking water supply projects that are operational as well as those still being built across the State.

Under the Single Village Piped Water Supply Programme, 18,233 schemes are already functioning, while 872 more are presently under execution, according to reports. Within the solar-powered tubewell-linked system, work has been completed on 6,435 schemes, and 2,189 remain in progress. Of the 207 mega projects sanctioned under Jal Jeevan Mission, Basudha, the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund, OMBADC, DMF, and SFC, 26 have been finished, and 181 are at various stages of construction.

At the meeting, officials examined the progress of 134 schemes that have crossed the halfway mark. Progress was also assessed on 15 mega projects in Rayagada district, 11 in Mayurbhanj, and 10 in Sundargarh – the three districts with the highest number of ongoing works.

In addition, the status of mega piped water supply projects under execution in all remaining districts was reviewed, and instructions, along with guidance, were issued for timely completion. Departments were also advised to finish the schemes within the targets already set.

Jaishankar, Rubio discuss trade, nuclear cooperation and strategic partnership

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New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation focused on deepening cooperation across trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, defence and broader strategic issues, signalling renewed momentum in the India–US partnership.

Dr Jaishankar, in a social media post, described the exchange as a “good conversation” and said the two leaders discussed a wide-ranging agenda, including trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence and energy. He added that both sides agreed to remain in close touch on these and other matters in the days ahead.

The U.S. side welcomed India’s recent legislative steps to modernise its civil nuclear framework, with Rubio conveying interest in using this development to expand civil nuclear cooperation, open new opportunities for American companies and advance shared energy security goals. The discussion also reflected a common priority on securing critical mineral supply chains, seen as vital for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence technologies.

“Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar discussed ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiations and their shared interest in strengthening economic cooperation. They also exchanged perspectives on regional developments, reaffirming the United States’ and India’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” a US Department of State release stated.

Trade talks formed a key part of the exchange, with both leaders reviewing ongoing negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement and expressing interest in strengthening economic ties. The conversation comes amid efforts to manage tariff-related frictions while keeping channels open for a broader reset in commercial engagement.

The call follows recent signals from U.S. officials that further engagement on trade is imminent, indicating that both governments are keen to translate shared priorities into tangible outcomes across energy, technology and security cooperation.

Denmark, Greenland close ranks ahead of Washington talks

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Copenhagen: Denmark and Greenland presented a united position on Tuesday, dismissing any outside claims to Greenland in advance of critical discussions in Washington. The show of alignment followed a warning from Germany that an American attempt to secure control of the Arctic territory would mark an unprecedented moment for NATO.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen appeared together in Copenhagen. The two leaders presented a shared stance that Greenland’s future is not open to negotiation with any foreign power, according to reports.

Frederiksen said the matter went beyond the immediate dispute. She argued that borders cannot be redrawn by coercion. She stated that nations cannot be bought or traded. She highlighted that smaller states should not be intimidated by larger ones. She also described the position as defending the international system that supports democracies worldwide. Frederiksen stressed that the three parts of the Danish Realm remain linked, and she addressed viewers in Greenland directly, saying that Denmark stands with them.

Nielsen restated Greenland’s position just as firmly. He said Greenland has no desire to join the US. He explained that Greenland seeks cooperation and dialogue, not confrontation. He pointed to respect for constitutional arrangements, international law, the right of the Greenlandic people to manage their own territory, and their right to decide their political future.

The Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers, Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Vivian Motzfeldt, are scheduled to take part in discussions in Washington. They are expected to meet US Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Talks are happening while pressure between the parties has been rising. Since returning to the White House in 2025, President Donald Trump has spoken openly about wanting to obtain Greenland. He has repeatedly left open the possibility of force.

Meanwhile, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday that any US effort to take control of Greenland would be without precedent in NATO or in any other defense pact. He shared the assessment during a briefing in Berlin with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Kallas said European states were discussing the situation and reviewing options available to them. She did not outline which responses were under consideration.

Pistorius restated support for Denmark’s sovereignty. He described Greenland’s safety and stability as a NATO responsibility. He added that allies are assessing how to reinforce the protection of the territory within the alliance.

Lakshya Sen moves into 2nd round at India Open 2026

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New Delhi: Lakshya Sen launched his campaign at the India Open 2026 with a sharp straight-games victory over fellow Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty on Tuesday at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

The world No. 14 delivered a brisk 21-12, 21-15 result in just over half an hour to secure his place in the men’s singles second round. Sen was in command early, racing ahead in the opener with assertive shot-making and a strong lead that left his opponent chasing throughout.

Next up for the former Olympic semifinalist is Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto.

India’s campaign also enjoyed a bright start in the women’s doubles draw. Commonwealth Games bronze winners Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand registered a polished 21-15, 21-11 win over Thailand’s Ornnicha Jongsathapornparn and Sukitta Suwachai. The young pair, currently ranked 21st in the world, now face a much tougher assignment against China’s top-10 duo Li Yi Jing and Luo Xu Min.

In a gripping all-Asian tussle elsewhere in the draw, Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra narrowly lost to Lui Lok and Tsang Hiu Yan of Hong Kong China in three hard-fought games, going down 21-11, 20-22, 24-22.

Results were mixed in the mixed doubles as Dhruv Rawat and Maneesha K fell to Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa and Nami Matsuyama in straight games.

There was cheer again from the men’s doubles courts where MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan delivered a composed 21-15, 21-18 triumph over Malaysian contenders Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi. Their reward is a blockbuster second-round clash with China’s Paris 2024 silver medallists Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, according to reports.

The India Open shifts gears on Wednesday when two-time Olympic podium finisher PV Sindhu, Malvika Bansod, and top home favourites Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy begin their campaigns. Experienced singles names Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy also return to the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt reopened debate around training conditions at the India Open, arguing that a change of venue has not solved what she considers to be unhealthy surroundings for athletes.

After booking her place in the second round, the world No. 20 said she welcomed the feel of the competition courts but remained disappointed with the broader environment. She noted that the warm-up zone and adjoining areas still felt cold, dusty, and uncomfortable. According to her, players were layering up in heavy winter clothing – jackets, gloves, and even hats – simply to stay warm before matches.

She acknowledged that organisers were working to improve facilities but insisted more progress was required.

The Badminton Association of India, however, strongly countered her assessment. Secretary General Sanjay Mishra said her remarks were general and misunderstood. He maintained that she had separately pointed out that the match courts inside the Indira Gandhi arena were in good shape.

Mishra added that her remarks on cold and dusty surroundings applied to the KD Jadhav complex – used only for training – rather than the India Open’s main competition hall.