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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 12, 2026

Russia blocks WhatsApp, Telegram to promote State apps

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New Delhi: Russia on Wednesday made moves to block popular social media platforms WhatsApp and Telegram in an effort to promote its home-grown alternatives and tighten control over the country’s internet space.

WhatsApp responded, highlighting that the attempt could isolate over 100 million users and compromise their safety. The company stated that the Russian government’s action is intended to drive people toward a state-owned surveillance app and warned that such a move “can only lead to less safety for people in Russia.”

In a post on X, it said: “We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.”

Telegram founder Pavel Durov described the move as “authoritarian” and said it will not alter the company’s direction. In a post on X, he noted that the restriction is aimed at pushing citizens onto a state-controlled app designed for surveillance and political censorship. However, he emphasized that Telegram remains committed to freedom and privacy, regardless of external pressures.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed skepticism about the military using messaging apps to communicate on the front line. Peskov said he was not an expert in the field and suggested that such questions should be directed to the Defense Ministry. Peskov told TASS that it was hard to imagine frontline communication being conducted via Telegram or any other messenger.

Govt bans 25 OTT platforms in 2025 over inappropriate content

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New Delhi: The government disclosed on Wednesday that 25 OTT platforms were banned in 2025 for streaming inappropriate content.

Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, said in the Lok Sabha.

The government’s policies aim to ensure a safe, accountable, and trustworthy internet for all users, including women and children, the minister further said. Prasada reiterated the government’s commitment to keeping the online space free from unlawful content, particularly material that could incite violence against women or exploit minors.

Under the IT Rules, 2021, intermediaries that fail to comply with their legal obligations risk losing their exemption from third-party liability under Section 79 of the IT Act, making them subject to prosecution under applicable laws, according to an official statement.

On December 29, 2025, the Ministry issued an advisory directing intermediaries to adhere strictly to statutory due diligence under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Platforms were instructed to prevent hosting, publishing, transmitting, sharing, or uploading vulgar, obscene, pornographic, or otherwise unlawful content.

The advisory also called for an immediate review of internal compliance frameworks, content moderation practices, and user enforcement mechanisms to ensure ongoing adherence to legal requirements.

The Ministry highlighted concerns over the creation and dissemination of non-consensual intimate imagery on some social media platforms, which were ordered to halt such services immediately. Compliance with these directives has been noted since then.

BMC signs MoU with NALCO for median beautification

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Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NALCO Foundation Trust for the beautification and maintenance of the road median stretch from Jayadev Vihar Square to Kalinga Hospital Square.

Under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the NALCO Foundation Trust will extend financial support for greening and landscaping activities. The project will cover 2,500 square metres of road median and 1,06,524 square metres around the Jayadev Vihar junction. The Odisha Forest Development Corporation will provide technical support for the initiative.

The scope of work includes tree maintenance, pruning, fertilisation, replantation, irrigation, pest control, and upkeep of other beautification elements. The agreement will remain valid for one year and may be extended for another year with mutual consent, the BMC said in a release.

As part of the arrangement, the Trust will receive branding visibility through signboards and digital display kiosks at designated locations.

The MoU was signed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Kailash Chandra Das and Chief Operating Officer Subrata Kumar Kar. The signing took place in the presence of Mayor Sulochana Das, Commissioner Chanchal Rana, senior BMC officials, General Manager of NALCO Foundation Trust Chittaranjan Bisoi, and CFO Sushil Kumar Swain.

The mayor thanked NALCO for its support and encouraged other corporate organisations to contribute towards making Bhubaneswar cleaner and greener.

Meanwhile, the BMC organized a Mega Mass Cleaning drive at Vanivihar Square on Wednesday, one of the major entry points to the capital city. This was part of the Swachh Survekshan 2025-26 initiative.

India lose to Belgium in FIH Hockey Pro League opener

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Bhubaneswar: India began their FIH Hockey Pro League campaign at home with a 3-1 defeat against Belgium in Rourkela on Wednesday. The visitors looked sharp and controlled key moments of the match to seal victory.

Belgium started strongly and created better chances in the opening quarter. India’s defence, however, stayed compact and denied them an early goal. The first period ended without a breakthrough, according to fih.hockey.

The pressure continued in the second quarter. A loose turnover from India proved costly in the 23rd minute. Nelson Onana reacted quickly and fired Belgium into the lead.

India responded with more intent towards the end of the half. India secured a penalty corner in the final minute of the half. Amit Rohidas took the first shot, but a defender blocked it. Shilanand Lakra collected the rebound and smashed it into the net. India went into half-time at 1-1.

Both teams fought hard in the third quarter but failed to score. The contest remained tight heading into the final stretch.

Belgium regained control in the 53rd minute. Thomas Crols struck from inside the circle to restore the lead. The goal lifted the visitors and put India under pressure.

Four minutes later, Belgium struck again. Crols combined well with Arno van Dessel to break through the Indian defence. Van Dessel finished calmly to make it 3-1 and end India’s hopes of a comeback.

Earlier in Hobart, Australia, Pakistan showed fighting spirit against Germany. However, Germany dominated the match and secured a comfortable 5-2 win.