X-twitter Facebook Instagram Youtube Linkedin
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.
X-twitter Facebook Instagram Youtube Linkedin

Day: January 16, 2026

PM says startups now define India’s future

by

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India’s startup revolution has become central to the nation’s idea of progress, noting that millions now see young innovators as the face of the future. Speaking at the National Startup Day event in New Delhi, he observed that people no longer need explanations on why startups matter – job creation, technology shifts, social transformation, and rising global ambition all offer the answer.

Modi emphasised that the ecosystem has become a national force, inspiring students, professionals, and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. What was once considered a risky career detour has turned into a mainstream aspiration as families increasingly encourage children to build companies, not simply chase salaried roles.

Reflecting on the decade-long transformation since the launch of Startup India, the PM said the initiative has democratised opportunity. Startups today are as likely to emerge from small towns as from major metros, he remarked, adding that the participation of women has reshaped the landscape and delivered new models of leadership. He stated that the surge of fresh ideas proves India is not only embracing innovation, but also rewriting who gets to innovate.

Modi also linked the success of startups to changing attitudes in governance, arguing that a country must be willing to take risks if it hopes to lead the world. He suggested that his administration has consistently pushed into new territory – whether in technology regulations, space and defence sectors, or digital reforms – so that young innovators find fewer barriers and more support, according to an official statement.

He noted that major policy measures have laid the foundation for this growth, partly through education and incubation programmes, and partly by simplifying processes that previously discouraged entrepreneurship. Government procurement reforms, liberalised market access, and a push for transparency, he said, have allowed thousands of new firms to compete and earn from public platforms.

The PM urged founders to continue thinking beyond incremental gains and to develop solutions that place India at the forefront of global competition. Calling startups a mirror of national confidence, he said the next leap will come through deep technology, AI, and manufacturing-led innovation – areas where India is now positioning itself for leadership.

Closing his address, Modi said the transformation of the last ten years proves that the country is capable of scaling new peaks. The next decade, he added, will show whether India not only nurtures startups but turns them into companies that shape markets worldwide.

BMC inks MoU to drive Bhubaneswar toward a rabies-free city

by

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar took a decisive step toward eliminating rabies on Friday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mission Rabies India – Worldwide Veterinary Service, which will serve as the technical partner for the campaign. The College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry at OUAT has also joined the initiative as the scientific advisor.

The MoU was formalised in the presence of the Mayor of Bhubaneswar Sulochana Das, the BMC commissioner, the additional commissioner, the dean of the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, and the Project Director of Mission Rabies, along with senior officials and implementing teams.

The collaboration is designed to accelerate the city’s goal of becoming “rabies-free” by intensifying mass anti-rabies vaccination of stray dogs and improving surveillance and public awareness around animal health, according to BMC.

This MoU aims to strengthen rabies prevention, surveillance, diagnostics, and response mechanisms through structured technical and scientific interventions. It also supports mass anti-rabies vaccination of dogs andthe disease response activities using data-driven planning and monitoring
tools.

The effort is expected to bolster both public safety and animal welfare across Bhubaneswar, marking a structured and long-term response to one of the city’s leading zoonotic threats.

Officials emphasised that the project will be rolled out in a phased manner and supported by sustained veterinary expertise, community engagement, and scientific monitoring.

Separately, an MoU was signed between BMC and the Centre for Green Mobility for technical assistance and advisory support to the Non-Motorized Transport Cell.

This initiative aims to promote pedestrian-friendly streets, enhance #nonmotorizedtransport infrastructure, and ensure safe and inclusive accessibility for all.

MoU signed to boost Mission Shakti’s drive for ‘Lakhsapati Didi’

by

Bhubaneswar: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Mission Shakti Department and the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who attended the signing ceremony, stated that this initiative will play a pivotal role in creating more and more “Lakhsapati Didi” in the State.

Under this MoU, women self-help groups will be trained in entrepreneurship in the tent house and catering management service sectors.

They will receive training in sustainable management of business units, enhancement of professional skills, issuance of FSSAI certificates, preparation of DPRs, procurement of equipment, business expansion, and more, according to an official statement.

Girish SN, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary for the department, provided a detailed explanation of the objectives and goals of the MoU.

A total of 4,000 women members from 1,000 self-help groups will be trained in food supply, event management, tent services, and catering services. An allocation of Rs9.3 crore has been made for the scheme.

Table tennis: Manika Batra shines in Doha

by

Doha: Manika Batra showcased grit and tactical discipline to outlast China’s Qin Yuxuan on Friday in a dramatic Round of 64 encounter at the WTT Star Contender Doha 2026.
The Indian star was pushed to the edge throughout the five-game contest but held firm to claim a 3–2 victory, winning 9–11, 13–11, 5–11, 11–7, 11–8 in a match that stretched late into the night and repeatedly shifted in momentum.

Manika’s triumph keeps India’s hopes alive in the women’s singles draw after a challenging opening round for the other Indian representatives. Ayhika Mukherjee exited after a straight-games loss to Germany’s Annett Kaufmann, who secured her passage with scores of 11–1, 11–9, 11–7.
Taneesha Kotecha also fell in three games, losing 13–11, 11–8, 11–2 against Wang Xiaotong of China, while Swastika Ghosh was beaten 11–6, 11–5, 13–11 by Singapore’s Zeng Jian.

The men’s singles session produced similar setbacks. Manav Thakkar opened strongly against China’s Zhou Qihao with back-to-back game wins, but the world-class left-hander mounted a sharp turnaround to prevail 8–11, 5–11, 11–6, 11–9, 11–5.
Sathiyan Gnanasekaran pushed Korean opponent Park Ganghyeon but could not sustain momentum, going down 11–6, 7–11, 11–4, 11–8.
Japan’s Ryoichi Yoshiyama closed the day with an 11–4, 7–11, 11–7, 11–8 win over Manush Shah.

Despite a string of early exits, Manika’s passage to the Round of 32 ensures India remains in contention as the tournament heads into its deeper stages.

ICG intercepts Pakistani fishing boat inside Indian waters

by

Mumbai: In a well-coordinated late-night action, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) intercepted a Pakistani fishing vessel that had crossed into Indian territorial waters in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday.

According to officials, a Coast Guard ship on routine patrol detected the vessel close to the International Maritime Boundary Line. When orders to halt were issued, the boat attempted to speed back towards Pakistani waters, prompting a quick pursuit by the patrol team.

The Coast Guard vessel successfully intercepted and boarded the fishing boat, identified as Al-Madina, within India’s maritime limits. Nine crew members were present onboard at the time of the interception.

The detained vessel is now being escorted to Porbandar, where it will undergo a detailed search. The crew will also face questioning by multiple security and intelligence agencies to determine the circumstances of the border breach, according to the ICG’s X account.

Officials said the operation highlights the ICG’s constant vigilance and operational readiness in safeguarding India’s exclusive economic zone and preventing unlawful entry across the maritime frontier.

They noted that the incident reinforces the force’s commitment to protecting national maritime interests, maintaining surveillance, and enforcing maritime laws across the country’s vast ocean areas.

BJD suspends two MLAs over alleged anti-party actions

by

Bhubaneswar: The BJD on Thursday removed two of its legislators – Arvind Mohapatra and Sanatan Mahakud – from the party, accusing them of activities that go against its interests. Senior members also hinted that the duo had acted in ways inconsistent with the organisation’s values.

The party did not detail what actions led to the disciplinary measure. Mohapatra represents Patkura in Kendrapara district, while Mahakud is the MLA from Champua in Keonjhar.

An order issued by BJD President Naveen Patnaik confirmed the decision and stated that the suspension is effective immediately. The communication has been placed before the speaker of the Assembly, according to a party post on X.

Mohapatra is the son of Bijoy Mohapatra – once a close aide turned critic of Patnaik – who was first expelled from the BJD, later joined the BJP, and was ultimately removed from that party in 2024.

In the current Assembly, the BJD holds 50 of the 147 seats. The BJP commands the Treasury benches with 79 MLAs, backed by three Independents. The Congress accounts for 14 members, while the CPI(M) retains a single seat.

Taiwan-US pact aims to reshape America’s chip industry

by

Washington: A major economic accord between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Washington has set the stage for a large expansion of semiconductor activity inside the US. The move is being described as a significant milestone intended to improve national resilience, generate skilled employment, and reinforce America’s technological security.

The new framework creates a structured partnership built around strengthening domestic chip supply chains and supporting American leadership in crucial industries. Taiwanese manufacturing and technology companies are expected to deploy more than USD250 billion in fresh capital for advanced research sites, production lines, and innovation work across the US. A matching volume of credit guarantees from Taiwan is designed to unlock additional investment and help build out the broader ecosystem needed for chip fabrication on American territory.

Both governments plan to support new industrial centers in the US meant to anchor next-generation hardware, artificial intelligence tools, and energy technologies. These clusters aim to boost technical capability, elevate American innovation, and place the country at the forefront of global manufacturing trends.

The agreement makes space for American companies to increase their presence in Taiwan as well. US firms will be able to pursue new opportunities in areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, defense-linked systems, telecommunications, and biotechnology, with the intention of widening market access and deepening research cooperation.

A major element of the pact involves the tariff architecture designed to stabilize commerce. The US has committed to maintaining predictable duty levels on goods from Taiwan, with reciprocal tariffs capped at a ceiling of 15%. Section 232 duties applied to vehicle parts, timber, lumber, and wood-derived products will not exceed that same upper threshold. At the same time, Washington will levy no duty at all on generic medicines, essential ingredients used to produce them, aircraft-related parts, and selected raw materials that are unavailable domestically, according to the US Department of Commerce.

New tariff structures for chips are directly linked to Taiwanese investment in US manufacturing. Enterprises that construct new semiconductor plants in the US are allowed to import as much as roughly two-and-a-half times their planned production without facing Section 232 charges during the approved construction phase. Imports above that amount will face a reduced, preferential rate. When those fabs begin operating, the same firms may still bring in around one-and-a-half times their US output at a zero-duty level.

Semiconductors remain central to modern industry, underpinning devices, transportation networks, communications platforms, and national defense. A drastic decline in the American share of global wafer output since the early 1990s has heightened dependence on overseas manufacturing hubs. The administration in Washington says it is determined to change that trajectory, with the Commerce Department coordinating a broad campaign to rebuild domestic capacity and restore a more secure industrial base for the future.

EU chiefs to attend India’s 77th Republic Day

by

New Delhi: – India will welcome two of the EU’s most senior leaders later this month for a landmark State Visit coinciding with the 77th Republic Day celebrations. President of the European Council António Luís Santos da Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will visit New Delhi from January 25 to 27 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The two dignitaries will attend the Republic Day parade as chief guests, marking a rare joint appearance by the EU’s top institutional heads at India’s annual national ceremony.

During the three-day visit, the leaders will meet President Droupadi Murmu and engage in both restricted and delegation-level discussions with Modi, according to an External Affairs Ministry release. The high-level dialogue will be accompanied by an India-EU Business Forum planned on the margins of the official engagements, bringing together business leaders and policymakers.

The visit will culminate in the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, co-chaired by Modi, Costa, and von der Leyen. The Summit is expected to review progress in the partnership and set priorities across political, economic, technological, and security cooperation.

India and the EU have maintained a Strategic Partnership since 2004. The 15th Summit, held virtually in July 2020, set the tone for renewed engagement. Ties have since expanded significantly, including momentum generated by the visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February 2025.

The participation of both EU leaders as Republic Day Chief Guests, coupled with the back-to-back Summit and business dialogue, is projected to further elevate political trust, drive economic cooperation, and reinforce shared priorities across emerging and traditional sectors of collaboration.