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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: February 10, 2026

No proposal for Jan Aushadhi vans in Odisha: Centre

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New Delhi: The Union government on Tuesday informed the Rajya Sabha that no proposal has been received from the Odisha government for the introduction of mobile Jan Aushadhi vans aimed at improving access to affordable medicines in tribal and flood-prone areas.

Responding to a written question, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel said that Odisha currently has a substantial network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras operating across the State. As of December 31, 2025, a total of 803 Kendras have been opened, including 21 outlets functioning from government premises.

The minister, as reported by PIB India, explained that existing legal provisions do not allow for the sale of medicines through mobile units. Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the associated rules, retail licences for drug sales are issued only for fixed premises that meet mandatory infrastructure and storage norms, including cold-chain facilities required for certain life-saving medicines.

She added that since the current regulatory framework does not permit issuing retail drug licences to mobile units, Jan Aushadhi vans cannot be introduced unless the rules are amended.

Raghav Chadha pitches blockchain land records

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New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha on Tuesday urged Parliament to adopt blockchain technology to reform India’s land and property records. He said the move is necessary to address inefficiencies, corruption, and long-running legal disputes affecting millions of citizens.

Explaining the scale of the problem, Chadha said India’s land records remain deeply fragmented and opaque, forcing ordinary citizens to navigate complex bureaucratic processes while middlemen exploit loopholes in the system.

He pointed out that land-related issues dominate the country’s civil litigation landscape and shared key data to underline the urgency of reform. He said that nearly 66% of all civil disputes in India are related to land matters, while about 45% of properties lack clear ownership titles.

He added that 48% of land parcels are already under dispute and that India ranks 133rd out of 190 countries in terms of efficiency of property registration.

Chadha noted that even routine property transactions can take anywhere between two and six months, and when disputes arise, cases often take an average of seven years to be resolved in civil courts. He further highlighted that around 6.2 crore property documents are still pending digitisation, according to an official statement.

To address these challenges, Chadha proposed the creation of a National Blockchain Property Register. He said such a system would be time-stamped, tamper-proof, and fully transparent, enabling instant title verification and ensuring that every sale, mutation, or inheritance is recorded cleanly and traceably in real time.

In a post on X, the MP said: “India must move from chaos to clarity. From a land record system that creates obstacles to one that prevents them.”

The MP also spoke on the need to reform India’s approach towards Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs), including cryptocurrencies. He argued that while the government taxes VDAs as legal assets, it continues to regulate them as if they were illegal.

Chadha pointed out that India imposes a 30% capital gains tax along with 1% TDS on cryptocurrency transactions, but provides no legal recognition, investor protection framework, or dedicated anti-money laundering regime.

As a result, he said, nearly 12 crore Indians are investing through overseas platforms, ₹4.8 lakh crore worth of VDA trading has moved offshore, 73% of trading volume has shifted to foreign exchanges, and around 180 Indian crypto startups have relocated abroad. economic potential.

India Post, NSE join hands to expand mutual fund access nationwide

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New Delhi: The Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications entered into a strategic partnership with the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) on Tuesday to make mutual fund products available through India Post’s vast nationwide network.

Under the agreement, India Post will leverage its more than 1.64 lakh post offices to help extend mutual fund services to people across the country, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions where access to formal investment channels remains limited.

NSE will support the initiative through its digital mutual fund transaction platform, which manages the full process – from order placement to settlement – while complying with SEBI regulations.

The collaboration reflects the central government’s broader push to deepen financial inclusion by combining the reach and public trust of India Post with NSE’s technology-driven market infrastructure. Officials said the initiative is expected to improve investor awareness, transparency, and participation in capital market–linked products.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in New Delhi by Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager (Citizen Centric Services & Rural Business) at the Department of Posts, and Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer of NSE, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

The partnership aims to boost mutual fund penetration in Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural areas, helping more citizens participate in organised investment avenues and strengthening confidence in regulated financial products. The MoU will remain valid for three years and can be extended with mutual consent, according to an official statement.

Implementation will take place in phases, starting with a pilot project in selected locations. The initiative is aligned with ongoing national efforts to promote financial literacy, investor protection, and inclusive access to financial services.

Bandipur Tiger Reserve hosts ITEC Executive Course on wildlife conservation

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Bhubaneswar: The inaugural session of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Executive Course on Capacity Building for Wildlife and Conservation Practitioners was held successfully at Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka on Monday, marking an important step in strengthening global cooperation on wildlife conservation.

The programme brought together 38 senior officials and conservation experts from 22 countries, providing a platform for meaningful international dialogue and knowledge exchange on contemporary conservation challenges and best practices.

During the opening session, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) shared key insights on big cat conservation, highlighting India’s codified tiger conservation framework. The model, built on rigorous fieldcraft, robust scientific monitoring, and decades of on-ground experience, was presented as a global best practice for evidence-based wildlife management.

The course reflects India’s strong commitment to international knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and collaborative leadership in wildlife conservation. It aims to enhance professional competencies in conservation planning, policy implementation, and adaptive management across diverse ecological landscapes, the NTCA said in a post on X.

Opposition moves no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker

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New Delhi: The Opposition on Tuesday escalated its confrontation with the Lok Sabha Chair by submitting a notice to move a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla, alleging partisan conduct and repeated denial of speaking opportunities to Opposition members.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi told media the motion, carrying 118 signatures, was submitted to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh. The notice seeks the Speaker’s removal under Article 94(c) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.

According to media reports, the Opposition has accused the Speaker of conducting proceedings in a “blatantly partisan manner” and claimed that leaders of Opposition parties have repeatedly been prevented from speaking, amounting to a denial of basic democratic rights within the House. However, Rahul Gandhi has reportedly not signed the no-confidence notice citing the dignity of parliamentary democracy.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore called the no-confidence motion an “extraordinary step” taken under “extraordinary circumstances.” In a post on X, Tagore said the Opposition placed its faith in constitutional propriety and has regard for the position of the speaker but they were pained by consistent denial of opportunities to Opposition MPs to raise issues of public important. “After many years, a no-confidence notice against the Speaker has been moved—an extraordinary step born out of extraordinary circumstances,” he wrote.

The motion refers to recent incidents in the House, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi being unable to complete his speech during the Motion of Thanks debate and the suspension of eight Opposition MPs amid ongoing disruptions.

The development comes amid a prolonged deadlock in the Lok Sabha. In an effort to restore order, the Speaker had earlier held meetings with senior leaders across parties, including Rahul Gandhi, Abhishek Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav and TR Baalu. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also met the Speaker later the same day.

Opposition leaders have maintained that their key demands include allowing the Leader of the Opposition to speak in the House and reviewing the suspension of MPs. Congress leader KC Venugopal had earlier indicated possible action against the Speaker, accusing the Chair of sidelining the Opposition and blocking discussion on important national issues.

The Lok Sabha has witnessed repeated disruptions in recent days, with Opposition members pressing for a discussion on the India–US trade framework.

The current impasse began last week after Rahul Gandhi raised references from an unpublished book by former Army chief MM Naravane on India-China relations. The disruptions were so severe that, for the first time in over two decades, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unable to reply in the Lok Sabha to the debate on the President’s address, which was eventually passed by voice vote.

On the same day, the Speaker alleged that he had received information suggesting some Congress MPs might approach the Prime Minister’s seat during the scheduled speech, raising concerns over security and decorum. The Opposition has strongly rejected the allegation.

A Lok Sabha functionary, however, said the atmosphere in the House had deteriorated sharply from the start of proceedings, leading to serious concerns about safety, parliamentary decorum, and the dignity of legislative functioning.

CM Majhi launches 250 new ‘108’ emergency ambulances

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Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday inaugurated 250 new ‘108’ emergency ambulances at a special programme held at Kalinga Stadium, significantly boosting the state’s emergency healthcare response system.

The newly inducted ambulances form part of a larger initiative to deploy 428 new emergency vehicles across the State with an investment of nearly Rs111 crore. Earlier, 150 ambulances had already been dedicated to public service, while the latest addition marks the second phase of the rollout.

Addressing the gathering, the CM said the government’s priority is to ensure timely and equitable access to quality healthcare for people across the State – from remote rural areas to urban centres. He emphasised that strengthening emergency medical transport is crucial to reducing treatment delays and preventable deaths.

The expanded fleet is expected to improve response times and serve as a critical lifeline for patients during medical emergencies. The government has reiterated its commitment to reinforcing emergency healthcare infrastructure and making the delivery system more efficient and responsive.

In a post on X, Majhi said the initiative would play a key role in enhancing emergency medical services and advancing the State’s goal of building a healthier and safer Odisha.

Bangladesh, US sign reciprocal tariff agreement

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New Delhi: Bangladesh and the US on Monday signed an Agreement on Reciprocal Tariff, marking a significant step forward in bilateral trade relations after nine months of negotiations that began in April last year.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Bangladesh by Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, while US Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the US Trade Representative, signed for the American side.

Welcoming the development, Greer credited Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for providing overall leadership during the negotiations and commended the Bangladesh delegation for its sustained efforts.

He said the agreement would align Bangladesh more closely with US trade policy and strengthen economic engagement between the two countries.

Bashir Uddin, who led the Bangladesh negotiating team, described the pact as a milestone in bilateral economic relations. He said the agreement would significantly improve market access for both countries and open new opportunities for trade and investment.

Under the agreement, the US will further reduce the reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi goods to 19%, down from the original 37% and the revised rate of 20% introduced in August last year.

The US has also committed to setting up a mechanism that will allow certain Bangladeshi textile and apparel products made using US-produced cotton and man-made fibre to enter the American market at zero reciprocal tariff.

Khalilur Rahman, who served as Bangladesh’s chief negotiator, said the tariff reductions would provide a competitive boost to Bangladeshi exporters. He added that the zero-tariff facility for select garments using US inputs would offer a strong incentive to the country’s ready-made garment sector.

In a post on X, Yunus said: “The agreement was approved by the Council of Advisers on Monday and will be operational once notifications are issued by the two sides.”

India named ‘Country of the Year’ at Biofach 2026

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New Delhi: India has been named ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH 2026, the world’s largest trade fair for organic food and agriculture, scheduled to take place in Nuremberg, Germany, from February 10 to 13, 2026. The recognition places India at the centre of the global organic movement at one of the sector’s most influential platforms.

India’s participation is being coordinated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The country is set to make a strong and expanded presence at the event, showcasing its diverse organic farming base and growing role as a key supplier in the international organic market.

BIOFACH Germany is widely regarded as the most important global exhibition dedicated exclusively to organic products, according to an official statement.

APEDA has maintained a consistent presence at BIOFACH for over a decade. The 2026 edition marks a major scale-up, driven by rising global demand for Indian organic produce and wider participation from exporters, cooperatives, and Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs).

After a gap of 14 years, India’s organic sector will once again take centre stage at BIOFACH, highlighting the steady expansion of organic cultivation and exports across the country.

The India Country Pavilion, spread across 1,074 square metres, will host 67 co-exhibitors, including organic exporters, FPOs, cooperatives, organic certification laboratories, and state government bodies. A wide array of products will be on display, ranging from organic rice, to herbs, cashew, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, mango pulp, and essential oils.

Exhibitors from more than 20 States and Union Territories are participating, underlining India’s regional and agricultural diversity. States such as Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand are among those represented, each highlighting region-specific organic produce and value-added food products.

The pavilion will also offer visitors curated tasting experiences to showcase the flavours of Indian organic cuisine. Live sampling sessions will feature aromatic biryani prepared with organic basmati rice and spices, along with tastings of five GI-tagged rice varieties – Indrayani, Navara, Gobindbhog, Red Rice, and Chak Hao (Black Rice) – to highlight India’s heritage grains.

Pakistan withdraws boycott, India match set for T20 World Cup

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New Delhi: Pakistan has withdrawn its boycott of the high-profile match against India at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, bringing an end to a tense ten-day standoff that had cast uncertainty over one of the tournament’s marquee fixtures.

The India–Pakistan group-stage encounter will now go ahead as scheduled on February 15 in Colombo, following coordinated announcements from the Pakistan government and the International Cricket Council (ICC) late Monday.

In a formal statement, the Pakistan government said it had directed the national team to take the field after multilateral consultations and appeals from several ICC member nations, including Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. These countries reportedly raised concerns over the financial and sporting impact that a boycott could have on other participating teams and the tournament as a whole.

The statement also confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had discussed the issue with Sri Lankan President Kumara Dissanayake before the final decision was taken. The government said the move was guided by the need to uphold the spirit of cricket and ensure continuity of the global sport. It emphasised that Pakistan’s participation in the fixture was aimed at protecting the integrity of the World Cup and supporting the interests of all nations involved.

The ICC, in a separate statement, said discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had been constructive and carried out in a spirit of cooperation.

“The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation,” it said. “In that prevailing spirit, it was agreed that all members will respect their commitments as per the terms of participation for ICC events and do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a success.”

Pakistan’s initial refusal to play India was linked to the controversy surrounding Bangladesh’s absence from the World Cup after it declined to tour India. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had publicly criticised the ICC over what he described as “double standards” and had sought clarity on why Bangladesh faced no punitive action.

The ICC has now confirmed that no penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh, and also announced that the Bangladesh Cricket Board has been awarded hosting rights for an additional ICC tournament in the 2028–2031 cycle.

“With respect to Bangladesh, the ICC reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket’s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team’s non-participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 does not have any long-term effects on cricket in the country.”

“It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter,” the statement read, adding that “an agreement has been reached that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to the usual ICC hosting processes, timelines and operational requirements.”

Media reports indicate that Pakistan also raised concerns over broader governance issues, including revenue sharing within the ICC, during negotiations, though these were not mentioned in official statements. The PCB has, meanwhile, denied speculation that it sought assurances of future bilateral or trilateral series with India as a condition for playing the World Cup match.

Talks intensified over the past few days, culminating in a meeting in Lahore involving PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam and ICC director Imran Khawaja. Pakistan had been the only ICC member, apart from Bangladesh, to oppose Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament at a recent ICC board meeting and had pushed for a resolution that addressed Dhaka’s concerns as well.

Following the ICC’s clarification on Bangladesh and the subsequent statement of appreciation issued by the BCB, the Pakistan government formally announced its decision to allow the team to play India, clearing the final hurdle for the much-anticipated clash.

With the standoff resolved, the India–Pakistan match is now set to proceed, restoring a key fixture that is widely seen as the commercial and competitive centrepiece of the T20 World Cup.

Government weighs Cuttack outer ring road

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s urban and transport infrastructure is set for a major push, with a proposed outer ring road for Cuttack, modelled on the Bhubaneswar City Expansion Plan, emerging as a key focus area.

Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan chaired a high-level review meeting of the Works Department at Lok Seva Bhavan on Monday. A series of road, highway, and connectivity projects was discussed in detail at the meeting.

The minister underlined that Odisha’s overall development cannot rely solely on the growth of a few large cities and stressed the need to strengthen connectivity across regions.

One of the most significant proposals discussed was the preparation of a detailed plan for an outer ring road around Cuttack, aimed at easing congestion, improving traffic flow, and supporting future urban expansion. The concept mirrors the Bhubaneswar City Expansion Plan and is expected to play a crucial role in decongesting the historic city while improving regional mobility.

To enhance east–west connectivity, the meeting also reviewed the proposal to widen National Highway-55 (Cuttack–Sambalpur) to six lanes. The project is seen as vital for improving access between western and eastern Odisha and boosting economic activity along the corridor.

The minister further emphasised the need to upgrade key State highways to four lanes to ensure seamless connectivity to all parts of the state. Departmental officials were directed to begin survey work and submit detailed reports to the government at the earliest.

Several urban and regional road projects were reviewed, including the Jayadev Vihar–Nandankanan Road and Left Parallel Road, Patharagadia–Daruthenga Road. Discussions covered construction, widening, and land acquisition where required, Harichandan said in a post on X.

Major national highway projects were also taken up, such as the widening of the Konark–Puri–Satapada Road, a new alignment for the Pipili–Konark Road, improvement of the Cuttack–Kandarpur and Kandarpur–Balikuda stretches, and the construction of the Jeypore and Balangir bypass roads.

Senior officials, including the principal secretary of the Works Department, Engineers-in-Chief, representatives of the National Highways Authority, officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and departmental engineers, were present at the meeting.