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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 27, 2026

Hindalco expands aluminium operations in Odisha

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Bhubaneswar: Hindalco Industries Ltd on Tuesday announced a major expansion of its aluminium operations in Odisha, reinforcing the State’s position as a key manufacturing hub.

As part of this expansion, the Aditya Birla Group company unveiled a Rs21,000-crore smelter expansion at its Aditya Aluminium complex in Sambalpur, adding 3.6 lakh tonnes per annum capacity. At the same time, it commissioned a 1.7 lakh-tonne-per-annum Flat Rolled Products (FRP) and battery-grade aluminium foil facility, built with an investment of Rs4,500 crore.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the projects, according to a company release.

Importantly, the newly commissioned battery-grade aluminium foil unit is India’s first such facility. Moreover, it will support up to 100 GWh of lithium-ion cell manufacturing capacity. In addition, the unit draws inputs directly from the FRP complex, strengthening domestic supply chains for electric mobility and energy storage.

Meanwhile, Hindalco expects the expanded FRP capacity to reduce India’s dependence on flat-rolled aluminium imports. Currently, nearly 40% of such products are imported. As a result, the expansion will significantly support domestic manufacturing.

At the same time, the smelter expansion aligns with Hindalco’s energy transition plans. Specifically, the company plans to meet a portion of its power requirement through round-the-clock renewable energy, integrating sustainability into industrial growth.

Importantly, these investments form part of Hindalco’s broader capital expenditure programme. In Odisha alone, the company has planned investments of around Rs37,000 crore. Overall, this forms a key component of its Rs55,000-crore growth capex across India.

Commenting on the development, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said the company remains focused on integration and sustainability.

“India’s manufacturing growth depends on integration, value addition, and sustainability. Through Hindalco, we are building a fully integrated aluminium ecosystem,” he said.

He added that the company’s long-standing partnership with Odisha continues to strengthen India’s self-reliance.

Similarly, Hindalco Managing Director Satish Pai highlighted the importance of upstream–downstream integration.

“This enables Hindalco to deliver high-quality aluminium solutions across packaging, defence, electric mobility, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hindalco has operated in Odisha for over 15 years. During this period, the company invested more than ₹25,000 crore across mining, refining, smelting, and downstream manufacturing.

Currently, Hindalco’s integrated operations support around 23,000 jobs. Going forward, the next phase will generate over 15,000 additional direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Odisha bandh on January 28 over paddy procurement, PUCC fines

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Bhubaneswar: A farmers’ organisation has called for an eight-hour Odisha bandh on January 28 to protest alleged irregularities in paddy procurement, penalties under the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) system, and what it terms arbitrary actions by Tata Power on electricity tariffs and smart meters.

The Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS), which has called for the strike from 6 am to 2 pm, said the shutdown is meant to highlight difficulties faced by farmers and the public due to administrative lapses and rising costs.

“We will observe an Odisha bandh on January 28 from 6 am to 2 pm in protest against irregularities in mandis, the PUCC system, and the installation of smart meters by Tata Power. Emergency services will remain operational,” said Akshay Kumar, national coordinator of the organisation.

He added that rail roko protests may also be held at some railway stations, which could lead to brief disruptions in train services in parts of the state.

The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee has extended its support to the bandh. OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das said all district Congress units have been asked to support the shutdown and participate in the protest in a peaceful manner.

Das said the issues raised by the farmers’ group are linked to public interest. He also referred to the party’s ongoing protests against what it describes as the scrapping of MGNREGS, saying rural livelihoods have been affected.

The Bharatiya Janata Party criticised the bandh call. BJP spokesperson Manoj Mahapatra termed it a “fake farmers’ movement” and claimed the organisation lacks grassroots support. He alleged that the Congress is using the group as a proxy to mobilise people.

Mahapatra said farmers were neglected during the previous BJD government, while middlemen benefited. He claimed that farmers are now being encouraged under the Mohan Majhi-led BJP government and said the bandh would have little impact across the state.

Normal life in several areas is expected to be affected during the shutdown period, though emergency services are expected to function as usual.

Jharkhand cuisine at Bharat Parv brings tribal flavours to Red Fort

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New Delhi: Visitors are discovering the earthy taste of Jharkhand cuisine at Bharat Parv here at Red Fort through a unique food stall run by the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Ranchi, under Jharkhand Tourism. The stall offers a rare chance to experience dishes rooted in tribal life, village kitchens, and millet-based traditions.

The stall has been designed to reflect simplicity and authenticity. A rustic blackboard menu greets visitors. It mirrors the earthy roots of Jharkhand’s food culture. The setup celebrates local ingredients and age-old cooking methods.

The menu showcases everyday and festive dishes from across the state. Dhuska with Aalo Chana ki Sabji stands out. The crispy lentil-rice bread pairs with a hearty potato and chickpea curry. Arsha Pitha, made from rice flour and jaggery, brings festive sweetness. Indigenous snacks like Dumbu invite visitors to explore lesser-known flavours.

A key theme of Jharkhand cuisine at Bharat Parv is its focus on millets. The stall aligns with national goals on nutrition and climate-resilient farming. Items like Ragi Sev and Ragi Samosa give popular snacks a healthy twist. Chawal Chilka with Sabji and Madua Chilka with Sabji offer filling, balanced meals using traditional grains and seasonal vegetables, according to an official release.

The beverage list adds a local touch. Chawal ki Chai offers a mild, comforting rice-based tea. For take-away, the stall sells Madua Cookies and Madua Ladoo in neat packs. A Madua Ragi Wrap blends native grains with a modern format.

Through this spread, IHM Ranchi turns the stall into more than a food counter. It becomes a window into Jharkhand’s culture. The effort promotes nutrition, sustainability, and pride in local traditions. Visitors leave with both flavour and a story from the heart of Jharkhand.

IRRI partners with Govt. of Odisha to combat drought with climate-resilient landscape-led approach

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Bhubaneswar: During the inaugural session of Krushi Odisha 2026, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE), Government of Odisha, to implement the Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme (OADMP) under the broader National Drought Mitigation Programme framework.

The OADMP has been conceptualised as an integrated, landscape-based initiative that will be implemented across three identified clusters. Unlike conventional, stand-alone schemes, the programme adopts a coordinated approach that simultaneously addresses soil health, water management, crops, livestock, and market linkages, treating them as interconnected components of a single agricultural ecosystem. This design aims to build long-term resilience in farming systems and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Highlighting the shift in strategy, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, DA&FE, said the programme marks a departure from fragmented, scheme-driven interventions. He explained that OADMP follows a “landscape-first” approach, integrating water, soil, and crop management at the cluster level to ensure that each intervention reinforces the other. The emphasis, he noted, is on creating a robust, science-based agricultural system that delivers sustained impact rather than short-term relief.

The initiative brings together a consortium of leading national and international institutions, including ICRISAT, IRRI, and ICAR-CRIDA, to address drought risks through evidence-driven and community-centred solutions. Key focus areas include stabilising farm yields, enhancing cropping intensity through drought-tolerant varieties, and promoting community-managed water recharge mechanisms.

In addition, the programme seeks to empower Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) by improving access to farm mechanisation and connecting producers with high-value markets.

The collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening climate resilience, fostering innovation, and empowering farmers, paving the way for a more secure and sustainable agricultural future for Odisha.

India, EU sign historic free trade agreement

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New Delhi: India and the European Union on Tuesday sealed a historic free trade agreement, bringing to a close nearly 18 years of negotiations and creating one of the world’s largest economic partnerships, spanning close to two billion people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the breakthrough alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa at the 16th India-EU Summit at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Calling it a “historic milestone”, Modi said the pact marked a defining moment in ties between the two sides and showcased how major economies can work together on the global stage.

“Today is a day that will be remembered forever, marked indelibly in our shared history,” Modi said, adding that the agreement would strengthen economic ties, create jobs, open new opportunities for businesses and build resilient global supply chains.

In his address, the Prime Minister said the deal opens new pathways for growth, investment and strategic cooperation. “This agreement will drive trade, investment and innovation while strengthening our strategic relationship. It reflects our shared resolve to shape a stable, prosperous and future-ready economic partnership,” he said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the agreement as “mother of all deals” and said Europe and India had created a free trade zone of two billion people, with both sides set to benefit. She said the pact was only the beginning of a much deeper strategic relationship.

According to the EU, the agreement will save its exporters around EUR4 billion annually in duties as India cuts or removes tariffs on nearly 97 percent of goods imported from Europe. On the Indian side, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the pact offers “unprecedented” access to the EU market at concessional duties for over 99% of India’s exports by value, providing a major boost to labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery.

Media reports say the deal slashes tariffs across a wide range of products. Duties on machinery, electrical equipment, aircraft, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, plastics, iron and steel will fall to zero for most items. Tariffs on processed foods such as biscuits, pasta and chocolate will also be eliminated. In a sensitive sector, motor vehicle duties, currently as high as 110 percent, will be reduced to 10% under a quota system.

Leaders said the agreement represents nearly a quarter of global GDP and about one-third of world trade, positioning the India-EU corridor as a central pillar of global supply chains at a time of economic uncertainty.

The summit also delivered a Security and Defence Strategic Partnership, signalling deeper cooperation on maritime security, counter-terrorism and the protection of a rules-based international order. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the three service chiefs joined the talks, highlighting the strategic weight of the new framework and the opening of European defence programmes to Indian firms.

With this agreement, India adds another major trade pillar after recent pacts with other partners, anchoring itself firmly in global commerce. For both sides, the deal goes beyond tariffs, laying the foundation for long-term economic integration, technological cooperation and strategic alignment in a changing world.

Oman signs Artemis Accords for space exploration

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New Delhi: The Sultanate of Oman signed the Artemis Accords on Monday in Muscat. This made Oman the 61st country to commit to responsible space exploration. NASA attended the ceremony, according to reports.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said Oman’s accession sets an important example of responsible behavior. He noted it highlights the shared pursuit of discovery. Isaacman added that Oman joins the US and other partners in ensuring the peaceful exploration of space for future generations.

He mentioned that humans are returning to the Moon. These missions will lay the groundwork for future exploration. Isaacman emphasized that a community of like-minded nations will form the foundation of success.

The signing coincided with the opening day of the Middle East Space Conference, an international forum on space and innovation. US Ambassador Ana Escrogima and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator Casey Swails attended it. Said al-Maawali, Oman’s Minister of Transportation, Communication, and Information Technology, signed the Accords for the country.

The Artemis Accords were first established in 2020 during the Trump administration. NASA and the US Department of State led the effort with seven founding nations. The Accords responded to growing interest in lunar activities from governments and private companies.

The Accords introduced principles to improve the safety, transparency, and coordination of civil space exploration on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. They commit nations to explore peacefully and transparently, provide aid to those in need, and share scientific data for all humanity.

The Accords also require countries to avoid interference with others’ activities. They encourage the preservation of historically significant sites and artifacts. Nations must develop best practices for space exploration that benefit everyone.

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers win men’s Hero Hockey India League Title

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Bhubaneswar: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers lifted the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) title after edging Ranchi Royals 3–2 in the final at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Monday. A packed home crowd watched the high-intensity contest.

Alexander Hendrickx struck twice in the 4th and 27th minutes to give the Lancers early control. Dilpreet Singh added another goal in the 25th minute. Araijeet Singh Hundal scored in the 9th minute for Ranchi Royals, while Captain Tom Boon pulled one back in the 59th minute.

The HIL declared a total prize pool of Rs6 crore following the final match. Champions Vedanta Kalinga Lancers took home Rs3 crore. Ranchi Royals earned Rs2 crore as runners-up, according to reports.

Hyderabad Toofans secured third place in the tournament. They claimed Rs1 crore after defeating HIL GC earlier in the day.

HIL GC earned the Fairplay Award for discipline and sportsmanship. Prince Deep Singh of Tamil Nadu Dragons claimed the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament honour. Talem Priyobarta of HIL GC secured the Upcoming Player of the Tournament award. Both players received Rs10 lakh each.

Ranchi Royals captain Tom Boon topped the scoring charts with 19 goals. He received Rs10 lakh for the achievement. Amandeep Lakra of Hyderabad Toofans claimed the Hero Player of the Tournament award and collected Rs20 lakh.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated the champions during a grand closing ceremony. He praised the players and organisers for delivering a successful tournament.

India can meet global energy demand: Modi

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Goa: India is the world’s fastest-growing economy, and the demand for energy products is rising steadily, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday, while addressing the inauguration of India Energy Week 2026 via video conferencing.

At the same time, the country offers growing opportunities to meet global energy demand, Modi noted.

Addressing an international audience in Goa, Modi said representatives from nearly 125 countries had gathered to discuss an energy-secure and sustainable future. He welcomed the participants and described the event as a growing global platform for dialogue and cooperation.

The PM further said India Energy Week has quickly evolved into an important forum for governments, investors, and industry leaders. He added that India’s expanding economy is creating strong demand for energy while also positioning the country as a reliable supplier to global markets.

Modi noted that India is among the top five exporters of petroleum products, supplying energy to more than 150 countries. He said this capability presents significant opportunities for global partnerships and long-term collaboration.

Highlighting a recent development, Modi referred to the India–EU free trade agreement, which he said has attracted global attention. He described the deal as a major step that would strengthen trade, manufacturing, and services while reinforcing supply chains. According to him, the agreement also reflects shared democratic values and confidence betweenthe two major economic blocs.

Turning to the energy sector, Modi said India has opened large parts of its oil and gas exploration space. He highlighted deep-sea exploration under the Samudra Manthan Mission and said India aims to attract USD100 billion in oil and gas investment by the end of the decade. Exploration activity, he added, is expanding rapidly, with the Andaman and Nicobar basin emerging as a key area.

During his speech, Modi pointed to India’s strong refining base. He said the country currently ranks second globally in refining capacity and is moving towards the top position. India’s refining capacity, he noted, is expected to cross 300 million tonnes per annum in the coming years.

He noted that LNG demand in India continues to grow. He highlighted investments across the LNG value chain, including pipelines, city gas distribution networks, and domestic shipbuilding for LNG transport. He said these areas offer substantial opportunities for investors.

With population growth and rising consumption, Modi said demand for petrochemical products will continue to increase. He added that downstream energy infrastructure will play a critical role in meeting future needs.

Nato-EU defence cooperation vital, says Rutte

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New Delhi: NATO-EU defence cooperation is critical to Europe’s long-term security, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Monday.

He was addressing members of the European Parliament in Brussels. Rutte made the remarks during an exchange of views with lawmakers from the Committees on Security and Defence and Foreign Affairs, according to reports.

He stressed that closer alignment between NATO and the EU was essential to meet today’s complex security challenges, particularly amid Russia’s continued war in Ukraine. The NATO secretary general further said that effective cooperation was necessary to improve military mobility, accelerate defence industrial production, and ensure Ukraine continues to receive the support it needs to defend itself.

Highlighting the practical benefits of NATO-EU defence cooperation, Rutte called for a realistic and results-driven approach that avoids duplication and instead leverages the strengths of both organisations. While NATO provides collective defence capabilities, he said the EU plays a crucial role in regulatory frameworks, industrial capacity, and long-term investment.

The NATO chief also linked defence cooperation directly to the situation in Ukraine. He warned that Russia’s sustained attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, particularly during winter, underline the urgency of maintaining military and humanitarian assistance. Rutte noted that sustained support was not only about immediate defence but also about securing Ukraine’s future stability and prosperity.

Rutte also said that NATO Allies are already responding to evolving threats by increasing defence spending, boosting innovation, and expanding production capacity. He welcomed the EU’s initiatives to support higher defence investment, while emphasising that NATO’s non-EU Allies remain indispensable to Europe’s collective security.

He further underlined that NATO-EU defence cooperation plays a vital role in strengthening Europe’s overall resilience, whether through enhanced logistics, improved infrastructure for rapid troop movement, or a stronger and more competitive defence industry.

Indian Navy ships arrive in Phuket

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New Delhi: Ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron – INS Tir, INS Shardul, and INS Sujata – along with Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, arrived at Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand, on Sunday, as part of an ongoing training deployment to Southeast Asia.

The vessels were accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), marked by traditional honours and a performance by the RTN Band.

The port call highlights the expanding maritime partnership between India and Thailand, rooted in shared interests in regional security, stability, and cooperation. The visit holds added significance as 2026 is being observed as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation. It reflects New Delhi’s focus on strengthening engagement with Southeast Asian maritime partners.

During the visit, personnel from the Indian Navy and the RTN will participate in a series of professional and training interactions aimed at enhancing operational coordination and mutual understanding.

Activities planned include engagements with senior RTN leadership, professional exchanges, yoga sessions, friendly sports fixtures, and a Passage Exercise, according to an official statement.

India and Thailand maintain a close and steadily evolving naval relationship, reinforced through regular exercises and institutional engagements. Key bilateral initiatives, such as Exercise Ayutthaya and the Indo–Thai Coordinated Patrol, continue to strengthen coordination in shared maritime domains.

In addition, the SITMEX trilateral maritime exercise, conducted last year, underscored growing interoperability among regional navies, including the RTN.

The Indian Navy also looks to build upon Thailand’s stewardship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), as India is set to assume the IONS Chair from Thailand in February 2026.

The deployment of the First Training Squadron aligns with the Indian government’s Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions vision.

It also underscores New Delhi’s role as a responsible maritime partner committed to promoting security, stability, and cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region.