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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 16, 2026

Nissanka’s century powers Sri Lanka beat Australia in T20 World Cup

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Pallekele: Pathum Nissanka produced the first century of the tournament to guide Sri Lanka to a commanding victory over Australia, sealing the co-hosts’ place in the Super Eights while pushing the former champions to the brink of elimination.

Chasing 182, Sri Lanka set the tone immediately as Nissanka launched a pick-up six over fine leg in the opening over. Kusal Perera fell early after being drafted into the XI, but the setback barely disrupted the momentum. Nissanka’s authoritative strokeplay, combined with Kusal Mendis’ fluent support, carried Sri Lanka to 61 for 1 in the PowerPlay.

Australia’s bowlers struggled to adapt to the conditions, with the spinners particularly erratic in length and pace. Mendis matched Nissanka’s tempo and briefly surged ahead as both batters brought up their half-centuries. Marcus Stoinis eventually broke the 97-run stand, but Pavan Rathnayake ensured there was no shift in momentum, beginning his innings with crisp boundaries.

With the required rate climbing, Nissanka accelerated decisively. A 20-run over off Stoinis tilted the contest firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour. Rathnayake survived two stumping chances during a nervy passage, but Australia could not capitalise. Nissanka then capped his memorable knock with two stunning sixes off Nathan Ellis, showcasing his range by slashing over third man and scooping over fine leg.

The elegant right-hander soon reached his second T20I hundred, drawing a roaring reception from the Pallekele crowd. Rathnayake applied the finishing touches as Sri Lanka completed the chase with two overs to spare.

Earlier, Australia’s innings had promised far more than the final total suggested. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head came out aggressively after Sri Lanka opted to field, racing to 70 runs in the PowerPlay. Marsh was particularly severe on Maheesh Theekshana, striking five consecutive boundaries in the final over of the field restrictions.

The opening pair extended their assault beyond the PowerPlay, with Head reaching a brisk half-century and Australia crossing the 100-mark in quick time. However, Sri Lanka’s spin duo of Dunith Wellalage and Dushan Hemantha engineered a dramatic turnaround. Head holed out after a mistimed slog, Cameron Green was stumped charging down the track, and Marsh was trapped leg-before following a successful review.

Regular wickets stalled Australia’s progress. Tim David miscued a lofted attempt, while Glenn Maxwell’s counterattack ended when Nissanka pulled off a spectacular leaping catch at backward point. Josh Inglis briefly steadied the innings before falling to a sharp short ball from Dushmantha Chameera.

Theekshana delivered a pivotal penultimate over, conceding just two runs and removing Cooper Connolly. Despite Matheesha Pathirana’s injury-enforced absence from the latter stages, Chameera’s disciplined final over, supported by sharp fielding and run-outs, ensured Australia were bowled out for 181.

Sri Lanka’s third consecutive win confirmed their Super Eights qualification, while Australia, having now suffered back-to-back defeats, must rely on other results to keep their campaign alive.

Brief Scores: Australia 181 all out in 20 overs (Travis Head 56, Mitchell Marsh 54, Dushan Hemantha 3-37, Dushmantha Chameera 2-36) lost to Sri Lanka 184/2 in 18 overs (Pathum Nissanka 100*, Kusal Mendis 51, Marcus Stoinis 2-46) by 8 wickets

England vs Italy

Earlier in the day, England secured their Super Eights berth but were made to work hard by World Cup debutants Italy in a high-scoring contest at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Chasing 203, Italy suffered early jolts as Jofra Archer struck twice in the opening over and England’s pacers maintained relentless pace. Justin Mosca and Ben Manenti then revived the innings with a brisk counterattack, with Manenti racing to a 22-ball fifty and powering Italy back into contention. Even after Manenti’s dismissal for a quickfire 60, Grant Stewart kept the chase alive with a fearless assault, smashing five sixes across two overs. However, Sam Curran’s composed penultimate over and Jamie Overton’s double-wicket maiden in the last sealed a 24-run win for England.

England’s innings had been patchy despite crossing 200. Phil Salt provided early impetus, but wickets through the middle overs stalled progress as Italy’s spinners applied the brakes. At 105 for 5, England were under pressure before Will Jacks and Curran rebuilt with a crucial partnership. Jacks shifted gears spectacularly at the death, bringing up a 21-ball half-century — the fastest by an England batter in T20 World Cups — and guiding the total to 202 for 7. The late flourish ultimately proved decisive in a match where Italy’s spirited effort nearly produced an upset.

Brief Scores:England 202/7 in 20 overs (Will Jacks 53*, Tom Banton 30, Crishan Kalugamage 2-41) beat Italy 178 all out in 20 overs (Ben Manenti 60, Grant Stewart 45, Jamie Overton 3-18, Sam Curran 3-22) by 24 runs

Afghanistan vs UAE

In Delhi, Afghanistan registers a nervy five-wicket victory over the UAE powered by an all-round performance from Azmatullah Omarzai and kept their Super Eights hopes alive. Chasing 161, Afghanistan lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz early before Ibrahim Zadran steadied the innings with a fluent half-century. UAE’s bowlers maintained discipline to leave Afghanistan needing 61 off the final six overs. Omarzai then swung the momentum with a calm yet aggressive unbeaten 40 off 21 balls, finding boundaries at crucial moments. Despite Junaid Siddique’s late breakthrough, Omarzai held his nerve to finish the chase in the final over.

Put into bat earlier, the UAE recovered well from 13 for 2, thanks to a productive stand between Sohaib Khan and Alishan Sharafu. The pair guided the side through the PowerPlay and consolidated in the middle overs, with Sohaib raising a well-crafted fifty. Just as the UAE looked set for a stronger finish, Omarzai triggered a collapse with incisive spells at the death, claiming 4 for 15. Wickets fell in clusters in the closing overs, restricting the UAE to 160 for 9 — a total that proved just short as Afghanistan completed the chase with four balls remaining.

Brief scores: UAE 160/9 in 20 overs (Sohaib Khan 68, Alishan Sharafu 40; Azmatullah Omarzai 4-15) lost to Afghanistan 162/5 in 19.2 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 53, Azmatullah Omarzai 40*; Junaid Siddique 2-23) by 5 wickets.

Government reviews Ratna Bhandar inventory process

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Bhubaneswar: Law, Works & Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Monday attended a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to review preparations for the counting and verification of valuables in the Ratna Bhandar of Mahaprabhu Jagannath at the Jagannath Temple.

The meeting focused on the detailed roadmap for conducting the inventory of gold ornaments and precious stones stored in the Ratna Bhandar. The Standard Operating Procedure for the counting process has already been prepared by the Temple Management Committee and will be implemented after receiving formal government approval.

According to Harichandan, both the temple administration and the State government are fully prepared to undertake the process. The CM advised that the entire exercise be carried out with complete transparency under strict security arrangements to ensure accountability and public trust.

It is noteworthy that the last counting and verification of the Ratna Bhandar valuables was conducted in 1978. During the upcoming exercise, the assets will be cross-verified with the 1978 inventory records, and a final updated list will be prepared. The process will also include comprehensive photography and the creation of a digital catalogue for proper documentation and future reference.

The meeting further reviewed preparations for this year’s Rath Yatra, Harichandan said in a post on X. Considering the substantial requirement of phasi wood and sandalwood for the construction of the deities’ chariots, Majhi directed officials to submit proposals under forest plantation schemes to ensure the sustainable availability of these essential materials.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister’s Advisor Prakash Mishra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Shashwat Mishra, Chief Administrator of the Jagannath Temple Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Law Department Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal, and Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida, among others.

Tamil Nadu bags ₹5,980 crore investment

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New Delhi: Tamil Nadu on Monday secured two major investment commitments worth a combined Rs5,980 crore, strengthening its position as a leading destination for advanced electronics and aerospace manufacturing in the country.

In the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, the State’s investment promotion agency Guidance Tamil Nadu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan-based MinebeaMitsumi for an investment of Rs1,980 crore in Tiruvallur district. The project is expected to generate 1,400 high-end jobs.

MinebeaMitsumi is a global manufacturer of precision mechanical and electronic components, with operations across 28 countries, supplying critical components to the automotive, industrial, and electronics sectors worldwide. Its product portfolio includes semiconductors, IGBT modules, battery management systems, ball bearings, motors, sensors, connectors, switches, and power supplies.

In a post on X, Dr. T R B Rajaa, Tamil Nadu Minister for Industries, said: “This investment strengthens our precision engineering and electronics ecosystem and deepens our integration into global supply chains.”

In a separate development, Guidance Tamil Nadu also signed an MoU with Aequs Group for an investment of Rs4,000 crore. The project is set to create 7,000 high-quality jobs and will establish what is described as India’s first fully vertically integrated aircraft engine manufacturing project.

The investment will lead to the development of a 250-acre Aerospace and Defence cluster at SIPCOT Shoolagiri in Krishnagiri district. The proposed “Aerospace and Defence Park” will feature integrated facilities for manufacturing aircraft engines and gearbox components, along with shared industrial infrastructure designed to enable seamless production and exports.

Rajaa said the project will strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position in global aero-engine supply chains and reflects investor confidence in the State’s infrastructure, skilled workforce, and policy continuity. The development is also expected to boost distributed industrial growth, positioning Krishnagiri as a high-technology manufacturing hub and strengthening MSME linkages across the region.

CM seeks cooperation ahead of Budget Session

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Bhubaneswar: Emphasising that the Legislative Assembly reflects the hopes and trust of the people, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday called for positive cooperation and coordination among all political parties to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the upcoming Budget Session.

Addressing the all-party meeting held before the Assembly session, the CM said constructive discussions and mutual understanding are essential for the effective functioning of the House. In a post on X, he reiterated that the government remains fully committed to safeguarding public interest and realising the vision of building a “Developed Odisha.”

The all-party meeting was convened ahead of the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly, which is scheduled to commence on February 17.

The meeting was chaired by Speaker Surama Padhy and attended by Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, along with Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, Electronics & IT.

Among those present were Government Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, Congress Legislature Party Leader Ramchandra Kadam, and senior BJD leader Prasanna Acharya, among others.

Mahaling said detailed discussions were held regarding the orderly and smooth conduct of the House, agenda management, and coordination between the treasury and opposition benches to ensure meaningful deliberations during the Budget Session.

With the session set to begin on February 17, the government and Opposition are expected to deliberate on key policy matters, financial allocations, and development initiatives concerning the state.

Seven workers killed in Bhiwadi chemical factory blaze

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Bhiwadi (Rajasthan): At least seven workers lost their lives in a major fire that broke out at a chemical factory in Bhiwadi on Monday morning. Authorities said several others were injured, while around 10 workers were feared trapped as firefighting and search operations continued.

The blaze, according to media reports, erupted at approximately 9:30 am when an estimated 20 to 25 workers were present inside the private industrial unit. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing a large section of the facility within minutes. While some workers managed to escape, others were caught inside as thick smoke and intense heat hampered evacuation efforts.

Police patrol teams first noticed the incident during routine rounds in the area, prompting an immediate emergency response. Personnel from the fire brigade, local police, medical services and the district administration rushed to the site. The surrounding zone was quickly cordoned off to ensure safe rescue and relief operations.

Firefighters battled the flames for nearly one-and-a-half hours before bringing the situation under control. Cooling operations were subsequently initiated to prevent flare-ups, while teams began combing through the damaged sections of the factory to locate missing workers.

Additional District Magistrate Sumita Mishra informed media confirming the number of fatalities and informing that injured workers had been shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment. However, officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire.

Tijara Deputy Superintendent of Police Shivraj Singh is supervising the preliminary investigation at the scene. Senior district officials, including the Superintendent of Police and the ADM, conducted an on-site assessment. The district administration has announced a magisterial inquiry to ascertain the cause of the blaze and evaluate any potential lapses in industrial safety protocols.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy. In a message shared via the PMO’s official handle on X, he described the incident as “tragic and deeply saddening,” extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also conveyed his sorrow and directed the district administration to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.

Bhiwadi, a key industrial hub in Rajasthan, houses several manufacturing and chemical processing units. Monday’s incident has once again drawn attention to workplace safety measures and emergency preparedness within high-risk industrial facilities.

Rescue teams remained at the site late into the day, continuing efforts to trace the missing and assess structural damage. Further details are awaited as the inquiry progresses.

Minister Harichandan assures Lingaraj Temple development

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Bhubaneswar: Law, Works & Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, said on Sunday that the State government remains consistently committed to the development of the Lingaraj Temple and its surrounding areas.

He was addressing a gathering at the Bhajan Mandap within the temple premises during the “Bhajan and Cultural Mahotsav” organised by Ekamra Sanskrutika Prakashani.

The minister also highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting the spiritual and cultural heritage of Ekamra Kshetra.

The programme was attended by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Speaker Surama Padhy, among other dignitaries.

Harichandan said the Ekamra Project is targeted for completion by the end of the current financial year. The initiative aims to strengthen infrastructure around the temple while preserving its heritage value.

He informed that a proposal is in place to establish a new Interpretation Centre at the far end of the parking area. A grand statue of Lord Lingaraj is also planned as part of the project, which is expected to become a major attraction for devotees and visitors.

The minister further stated that the holy Bindusagar Lake will be developed into a heritage lake with a focus on environmental beautification and improved tourism facilities. The initiative is aimed at enhancing the overall spiritual and cultural experience of pilgrims visiting Ekamra Kshetra in Bhubaneswar, Harichandan said in a post on X.

The Mahashivaratri celebration featured devotional performances by renowned bhajan artists from across the country, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere within the temple complex.

AI Impact Summit opens in Delhi, focus on governance and safety

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New Delhi: The five-day AI Impact Summit 2026 commenced at Bharat Mandapam here on Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming global leaders, technology executives, innovators and researchers to discussions centred on the transformative potential and challenges of Artificial Intelligence.

According to official information, the summit aims to outline a shared roadmap for global AI governance and cooperation. The accompanying expo features participation from global technology firms, startups, academic and research institutions, Union Ministries, state governments and international partners.

In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister said India stands at the forefront of the AI transformation, adding that the country’s advances reflect both “ambition and responsibility.” He described the summit as an opportunity to bring the world together to deliberate on innovation, collaboration and the responsible deployment of AI.

The event is being held from February 16 to 20 at the Bharat Mandapam complex.

A key highlight of the expo is the presence of 13 country pavilions representing Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan and Africa. Organisers expect more than 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates, to attend the summit over its duration.

Media reports noted that leaders and delegates from around 100 countries are expected at the event. Among prominent technology figures anticipated to participate are Sundar Pichai and Sam Altman. Leaders from about 20 countries, including Brazil and France, are also reported to be attending.

The summit marks the fourth edition of the global AI Summit series, following previous meetings hosted in the United Kingdom, South Korea and France. Officials have indicated that this is the first time the summit is being hosted in a Global South nation, underscoring India’s growing engagement in global technology dialogues.

Security has been significantly reinforced for the event. Authorities, including the Delhi Police, have deployed AI-assisted monitoring systems. Over 10,000 security personnel have been stationed, with the venue divided into 10 zones and 22 sectors for coordinated management.

In addition to police forces, paramilitary personnel have been deployed. Senior officers are overseeing operations, supported by 25 anti-sabotage teams and bomb disposal squads. Five anti-drone systems and four air defence guns have been installed around the venue. Surveillance arrangements include at least 350 AI-enabled cameras and more than 750 CCTV units.

Ahead of the summit, UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy described the Delhi gathering as “an important moment” to strengthen international cooperation on AI. In a pre-summit statement, Lammy said the UK delegation would emphasise how AI can drive growth, create jobs and improve public services, while ensuring fair and robust safety standards.

With sessions set to address themes ranging from technological innovation to regulatory frameworks, the AI Impact Summit 2026 is expected to host a broad spectrum of conversations on balancing opportunity, safety and global collaboration in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Indian Navy opens Milan Village in Visakhapatnam

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New Delhi: The Indian Navy on Sunday inaugurated the MILAN Village at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam as part of its flagship multilateral exercise, MILAN 2026.

The facility was formally opened by Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, who also toured the venue and interacted with officials involved in organising the international event.

Designed as an immersive engagement zone, the MILAN Village will host delegates and naval personnel from over 70 countries.

The space has been created to encourage interaction beyond operational engagements, fostering camaraderie, dialogue, and cultural exchange among participating navies.

Officials said the village aims to provide a platform where professional cooperation is complemented by social and cultural connections.

A key highlight of the village is its focus on India’s cultural heritage, according to an official statement. The venue will feature live music performances, folk dances, and cultural presentations representing different regions of the country.

Stalls showcasing naval memorabilia, handicrafts, and handloom products have also been set up, offering visitors a glimpse of traditional craftsmanship from across India. A wide range of Indian cuisine will be served, introducing guests to diverse regional flavours.

In his address, Bhalla said the MILAN Village reflects the spirit of camaraderie and cultural connection that strengthens professional naval engagement. He noted that Visakhapatnam is hosting multiple high-profile maritime events in close succession, marking a significant phase in India’s maritime outreach.

Exercise MILAN 2026 will be conducted in Visakhapatnam from February 15 to 25. It will coincide with the International Fleet Review 2026 and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Conclave of Chiefs, underscoring India’s growing engagement with partner navies.

Mani Shankar Aiyar predicts Vijayan’s return in 2026 Kerala polls

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New Delhi: Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Sunday predicted that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will return to power in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Aiyar was speaking at the international seminar titled ‘Vision 2031: Development and Democracy’, currently underway in Thiruvananthapuram.

The seminar was inaugurated by Vijayan himself.

During his address, Aiyar described Kerala as India’s leading State in implementing Panchayati Raj in practice. Referring to a 1931 remark by Mahatma Gandhi, he said Gandhi had envisioned an India where the poorest would feel they had an effective voice in nation-building.

Aiyar noted that Kerala, despite being governed by a Marxist party, has made significant progress toward that Gandhian vision of grassroots democracy.

He also recalled the contributions of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions across the country. While praising Kerala’s performance in practice, he observed that the state ranks second in terms of legislative framework.

Calling for reforms, Aiyar urged the Kerala government to amend its Panchayati Raj law based on expert recommendations and past committee reports to further strengthen decentralised governance.

CPI-M MP from Kerala John Brittas shared Aiyar’s speech on X: “I’m afraid there is no champion for Panchayati Raj left in the country. So therefore, I have to fall at your feet, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and say, please, sir, pick up the baton that the Congress has dropped. Thank you, and may Kerala prosper.”

Sitharaman holds key talks in Munich

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New Delhi: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman held a series of high-level meetings in Munich on Sunday, engaging with global industry leaders and senior members of the German government to deepen economic and strategic cooperation.

Sitharaman met Keith Svendsen, Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals, who highlighted Maersk’s long-standing association with India. Svendsen spoke about the company’s key investments and partnerships across India’s maritime ecosystem and conveyed its intention to further expand operations in the country.

During the interaction, Svendsen appreciated India’s reform initiatives over the years, particularly deregulation measures and efforts to improve the ease of doing business. He also referred to key announcements made in the recent Union Budget, including initiatives related to container manufacturing.

In a post on X, Sitharaman said: “The two also discussed the advantages of the recently concluded India-EU-FTA w.r.t. opening up Indian and European markets and potential benefits for businesses on both sides in the future.”

Earlier, Sitharaman met Lars Klingbeil, Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance of Germany. The two leaders discussed the January meeting in India between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, which strengthened bilateral ties, particularly in defence, trade, and technology.

Klingbeil described the Free Trade Agreement as a significant step forward for trade and investment between the two countries. He also underlined the importance of bilateral development cooperation and referred to Germany’s engagement in metro rail expansion projects in India.

Sitharaman, in turn, briefed her German counterpart on the success of India’s digital payment systems and expressed India’s willingness to share best practices related to its digital public infrastructure with Germany.

The meetings underscored the growing momentum in India-Germany economic and strategic engagement across sectors.