February 20, 2026 - IndiaVerve

CM presents Rs 3.10 lakh crore budget for 2026-27

February 20, 2026February 20, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday presented a Rs 3.10 lakh crore Budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly, outlining an ambitious roadmap focused on infrastructure expansion, women’s welfare, agriculture, health, and irrigation-led growth.

The State’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has been estimated at Rs 11 lakh 7 crore, with the government setting a 12% growth target for the upcoming fiscal period. The Budget signals a strong push towards capital expenditure and long-term asset creation, alongside social sector expansion.

A major announcement includes the construction of a new Legislative Assembly complex and Secretariat building in Bhubaneswar. The plan also provides for a people’s shelter facility for visiting guests, a global museum, and an Odisha Pavilion Convention Centre aimed at strengthening the state’s institutional and cultural infrastructure.

Flood control and irrigation received substantial allocations. An amount of Rs 350 crore has been earmarked for flood management, while Rs 1,000 crore has been set aside for the In-Stream Storage Structure Programme. The Nabakrushna Choudhury Irrigation Development Scheme will receive Rs 180 crore, and Rs 280 crore has been allocated for the Chief Minister Adibandh Scheme. Another Rs 100 crore has been provisioned for the river rejuvenation initiative ‘Sanjeevani’. The government has set a water irrigation target of 3.33 lakh hectares, with an additional 15,000 hectares planned by 2029.

The Budget also announced the ‘Chilika Rejuvenation’ scheme to address geomorphological instability in Chilika Lake, reinforcing ecological restoration efforts in the region.

Religious and cultural initiatives featured prominently. A sum of Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated for the Shri Jagannath Museum and Library Centre linked to Shri Jagannath Temple. An online digital hundi named ‘Samarpan’ has been introduced to facilitate transparent donations. Additionally, Rs 5 crore has been proposed for the inventory and counting of the Ratna Bhandar, the CM said in a series of posts on X.

In rural and agricultural development, Rs 5,575 crore has been allocated for the VB-G RAM G programme, while Rs 635 crore has been earmarked for the Samruddha Anganwadi Yojana. The government has proposed Rs 100 crore for developing 100 Smart Farm Markets under the Model Mandi initiative and Rs 240 crore for what it described as the world’s largest grain storage project. Allocations also include Rs 10 crore for a Rare Earth Corridor, Rs 23 crore for the state AI Mission, and Rs 150 crore for the Tourism Land Bank Scheme.

Women-centric schemes received significant emphasis. The Subhadra Scheme has been allocated Rs 10,145 crore and is expected to benefit more than one crore women. Rs 12 crore has been set aside for the Chief Minister Kanya Bibaha Yojana. A new Kanya Sumangala Scheme was also announced to support economically disadvantaged girls in pursuing higher education. Under the proposal, a savings instrument worth Rs 20,000 will be created in the name of each eligible girl, and Rs 1,01,000 will be provided upon completion of graduation.

In the health sector, the CM announced the establishment of five new medical colleges. Ayurvedic medical colleges will be set up in Gajapati, Malkangiri, and Rayagada, while two homeopathic colleges will be established in Nayagarh and Nuapada. A total outlay of Rs 140 crore has been proposed for these institutions.

Healthcare financing saw a major boost, with Rs 4,279 crore allocated for Ayushman Bharat and the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana. The National Health Mission will receive Rs 1,958 crore. Provisions include Rs 786 crore for Niramaya health insurance, Rs 371 crore for diagnostics, Rs 198 crore for ambulance services, and Rs 183 crore for the Health Assistance Scheme. The Chief Minister Health Services Mission has been allocated Rs 5,008 crore.

Overall, the Health and Family Welfare Department has been allocated Rs 23,182 crore, including Rs 17,737 crore for programme expenditure. Health spending accounts for 7.5% of the total Budget outlay.

Gold bars donated for Osaka water repairs

February 20, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Japan’s third-largest city, Osaka, has received an extraordinary anonymous donation of gold bars worth JPY 560 million (approximately GBP 2.7 million) to fund the repair of its ageing water infrastructure.

According to city officials, the 21 kilograms of gold were handed over to the Osaka City Waterworks Bureau in November. The donor reportedly specified that the funds be used exclusively to address the city’s deteriorating water pipes.

Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama described the contribution as an astonishing and deeply appreciated gesture. He indicated that the scale of the donation left him overwhelmed, noting that upgrading ageing water infrastructure requires significant financial resources. The mayor expressed strong gratitude on behalf of the city administration.

Osaka, home to approximately 2.8 million residents, currently faces the urgent task of renewing around 260 kilometres of ageing water pipelines, according to theguardian.com. Officials stated that replacing just a 1.2-mile segment would cost roughly JPY 500 million, underscoring the financial burden involved in modernising the system.

City authorities also revealed that there were 92 recorded cases of water pipe leaks beneath municipal roads during the fiscal year ending March 2025, highlighting the pressing need for infrastructure upgrades.

The municipal government has confirmed that it will honour the donor’s request and allocate the funds directly toward waterworks renewal projects aimed at strengthening the city’s ageing pipeline network.

Amit Shah launches ₹6,839 crore vibrant villages programme–II in Assam

February 20, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Nathunpur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today launched the Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II) in Nathunpur village of Assam’s Cachar district, with an outlay of ₹6,839 crore to boost development in border villages.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to providing border villages with facilities similar to those in other parts of the country. According to an official release, Shah noted that villages along the borders were once referred to as the “last villages,” but under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they are now regarded as the “first villages of India.”

The Vibrant Villages initiative aims to strengthen development, employment, education, roads, and telecommunications in such villages.

Shah stated that nearly ₹6,900 crore will be spent under VVP–II, covering 1,954 villages across 334 blocks in 17 states. In Assam, the programme will include nine districts, 26 blocks, and 140 villages, where basic amenities and welfare schemes will be saturated.

Highlighting Assam’s progress, Shah said the state has seen rapid infrastructure expansion in recent years. He pointed out that over the last five years, an average of 14 kilometres of roads have been constructed per day in Assam. He added that more than 24,000 kilometres of roads have been upgraded and numerous bridges built over the past decade.

Referring to socio-economic indicators, Shah said multidimensional poverty in Assam declined from 37 percent to 14 percent by 2023. He noted that the state’s per capita income, which stood at ₹49,000 in 2013–14, has nearly tripled to ₹1.54 lakh in 2024–25. He attributed this transformation to improved governance, rising public confidence, and peace in the state.

Shah also said that bomb blasts and insurgency have been brought under control. He described Assam as emerging as a healthcare hub for the Northeast and mentioned that a ₹27,000 crore semiconductor plant is being established in the state.

Detailing central investments, Shah said the Union government allocated ₹30,000 crore for roads, ₹95,000 crore for railways, and ₹10,000 crore for airports in Assam. He added that a new industrial policy has been introduced to accelerate the state’s growth.

Concluding, Shah said Assam is poised to be among India’s developed states in the coming years, with the Vibrant Villages Programme–II playing an important role. He emphasised the government’s commitment to developing border villages at par with others, preventing migration, and strengthening national security.

3,500-year-old rural settlement unearthed in Cuttack

February 20, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Archaeological excavations at Bharati Huda in Jalarpur village of Cuttack have brought to light the remains of an organised rural settlement dating back approximately 3,500 to 4,000 years.

Preliminary findings indicate that the site represents a well-planned habitation from the proto-historic period of coastal Odisha. Archaeologists have uncovered circular mud structures, suggesting structured dwelling units and a settled community pattern.

Excavations have also yielded a range of artefacts, including diverse ceramic traditions, stone and bone tools, metal objects, and extensive faunal remains. The variety of pottery styles points to developed craftsmanship and possibly evolving cultural practices during the period, according to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Evidence of cultivated rice and mung beans, along with remains of domesticated animals and fish, indicates that the community sustained itself through a mixed subsistence economy. Farming, stock raising, hunting, and fishing appear to have formed the core of daily life, the ASI said in a post on X.

Experts believe the discoveries provide valuable insights into early settlement patterns, agricultural practices, and everyday lifeways in coastal Odisha during the proto-historic era. Further analysis is expected to shed more light on the region’s early socio-economic structures and cultural development.

PM Modi engages AI, Deeptech startup leaders at CEO roundtable

February 20, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roundtable interaction with CEOs and founders of leading AI and deeptech startups at Seva Teerth, highlighting India’s growing momentum in artificial intelligence and innovation-led problem solving. The discussion brought together representatives from 16 startups working across healthcare, agriculture, cybersecurity, space, and social empowerment.

According to an official release, the participating startups are developing AI-driven solutions aimed at addressing population-scale challenges. In healthcare, innovators are deploying artificial intelligence for advanced diagnostics, gene therapy applications, and efficient patient record management to expand quality care to the last mile. In agriculture, startups are leveraging geospatial technologies and underwater intelligence to enhance productivity and better manage climate-related risks.

The cohort also included ventures focused on cybersecurity, ethical AI, space technologies, and social empowerment through vernacular access to justice and education. Several firms are working on modernising legacy systems to strengthen enterprise productivity. Together, the startups were described as reflecting an ecosystem that addresses local priorities while building globally competitive AI capabilities.

During the interaction, the startups praised India’s sustained policy push to strengthen the AI ecosystem. They highlighted the sector’s rapid expansion and significant untapped potential, noting that global momentum in AI innovation and deployment is increasingly shifting toward India. Participants also lauded the India AI Impact Summit, describing it as a reflection of the country’s rising role in shaping global conversations on artificial intelligence.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated the innovators for taking bold risks and building impactful solutions. He discussed the transformative potential of AI across sectors such as agriculture and environmental protection, including applications in monitoring crop productivity and fertiliser usage to safeguard soil health.

Emphasising the importance of linguistic diversity, Modi called for expanding AI tools that support higher education in the mother tongue. He also underscored the need for strong data governance frameworks and cautioned against the risks of misinformation in the AI era.

Referring to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a model of simple and scalable digital innovation, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in India’s technology capabilities. He encouraged entrepreneurs and investors to trust domestic products and solutions. Modi also spoke about expanding private sector participation in the space industry and noted the strong investor interest currently visible in India’s startup landscape.

The meeting was attended by CEOs and founders of Abridge, Adalat AI, BrainSightAI, Credo AI, Eka Care, Glean, Innogle, Invideo, Miko, Origin, Prophaze, Rasen, Rubrik, SatSure, Supernova, and Sypha AI. Senior officials present included Principal Secretary P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary-2 Shaktikanta Das, and Minister of State Jitin Prasada.

Sukhu raises concerns over FTAs’ impact on farmers in Himachal, J&K

February 20, 2026February 20, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday expressed concern over the recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), saying they could adversely affect farmers and orchardists in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, the CM said the agreements may lead to a rise in imports of apples, walnuts, almonds, and other horticultural produce. He cautioned that an influx of imported goods could put pressure on local growers, making it difficult for them to secure remunerative prices.

He added that the long-term impact of such policies could become more visible in the coming years.

Sukhu further said agriculture and horticulture form the backbone of the economies of both Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, supporting a large section of the population. He noted that Himachal Pradesh’s apple industry has an annual turnover of around Rs5,000 crore and provides direct and indirect employment to nearly 2.5 lakh families.

He also pointed out that a significant portion of Jammu & Kashmir’s population depends on horticulture, with apples, walnuts, and almonds being key contributors to the region’s agricultural economy.

The CM further stated that the Union government has entered into FTAs with countries such as New Zealand and the US, under which import duties on apples and dry fruits have reportedly been reduced. According to him, these measures could impact the interests of farmers and orchardists in both States. He called for a reassessment of policies that may affect domestic agricultural sustainability, according to an official statement.

Referring to domestic political developments, Sukhu said the leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, has been raising issues concerning farmers and the general public. He alleged that attempts were being made to silence him, but asserted that such efforts would not succeed.

Reiterating his party’s position, the CM said the Congress Party stands with farmers and orchardists and would continue to advocate for their welfare.

India joins Pax Silica, strengthens strategic tech partnership with US

February 20, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: India formally joined the Pax Silica coalition on the fifth day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, marking a significant step in deepening strategic technology and supply chain cooperation with the United States. The signing ceremony brought together senior leaders from both countries and highlighted a shared commitment to securing the critical technology stack underpinning the AI-driven global economy.

Pax Silica is conceived as a coalition of trusted nations focused on safeguarding the “silicon stack” — spanning critical minerals, semiconductor manufacturing, advanced AI systems, and deployment infrastructure. The initiative seeks to address risks arising from overconcentration in global supply chains, curb economic coercion, and ensure that emerging technologies are developed and governed within open, democratic frameworks.

Addressing the gathering, Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the development represented more than a ceremonial milestone. “We are not just holding a summit; we are building the future,” he remarked, emphasising the creation of new foundations and opportunities for younger generations, according to an official release.

Highlighting India’s long-term economic trajectory, Vaishnaw referred to the compounding effect of growth since Independence. “If we look at India’s growth since 1947, we can all imagine the impact of compounding,” Vaishnaw said. Pointing to India’s expanding semiconductor capabilities, he added, “Today, India’s talented engineers are designing the world’s most advanced two-nanometer chips. The semiconductor industry will require around one million new skilled professionals, and this is a very big opportunity for India.”

Jacob Helberg, United States Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, described the declaration as “not merely an agreement on paper, but a roadmap for a shared future.” Stressing the link between economic and national security, he stated, “As we sign the Pax Silica declaration, we say no to weaponized dependency and blackmail. Together, we affirm that economic security is national security.”

Helberg underscored the broader ambition of the initiative, saying, “We are securing the full stack of the future — the minerals deep in the earth, the silicon wafers in labs and fabs, and the intelligence that will unleash human potential. Pax Silica is our declaration that the future belongs to those who build.”

Echoing similar sentiments, U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor termed India’s participation “strategic and essential.” He noted, “Pax Silica is the coalition designed to secure the entire silicon stack, from critical minerals to chip fabrication and frontier AI deployment.” Framing the initiative within a democratic context, Gor added, “It is about whether free societies will control the commanding heights of the global economy. We choose freedom, partnership, and strength.”

Following the signing, a high-level fireside chat featured S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY); Sergio Gor; Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron Technology; and Randhir Thakur, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Electronics.

Krishnan highlighted India’s coordinated strategy across artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and critical minerals, stating that the goal is “resilient collaboration with trusted partners who share our values.” Ambassador Gor emphasised the immediacy of technological shifts, remarking, “The AI revolution is not on the horizon — it is already here.”

Mehrotra pointed to the importance of robust supply chains, describing Pax Silica as a “shared commitment to building resilient, secure supply chains” and fostering a “win-win ecosystem to advance AI for good.” Thakur described the coalition as “a timely and strategic step,” observing that the semiconductor industry’s evolution has consistently been driven by “materials, innovation, and compute.”

The signing at the Summit reinforced a central theme of the event: that the future of AI and advanced technologies will be shaped through deliberate partnerships aimed at resilience, openness, and democratic governance.

Mahindra, Embraer plan C-390 Millennium MRO facility in India

February 20, 2026February 20, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The Mahindra Group and Brazilian aerospace major Embraer on Thursday announced plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India for the C-390 Millennium aircraft.

The proposal is subject to the aircraft’s selection under the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme.

The proposed MRO capability is designed to provide in-country maintenance and lifecycle support for the C-390 fleet, thereby ensuring higher operational readiness and reduced dependence on overseas facilities.

The two companies had signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement in October 2025 to jointly pursue opportunities related to the C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft in India. The partnership aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and seeks to strengthen local manufacturing and aerospace capabilities.

The C-390 Millennium is designed to carry payloads of up to 26 tonnes and is positioned as a next-generation aircraft in the medium transport category. It can undertake multiple missions, including troop and cargo transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian assistance.

The aircraft is capable of operating from semi-prepared or unpaved runways and can also be configured for air-to-air refuelling, Embraer said in a media release.

According to the companies, the in-service fleet has recorded a mission completion rate of over 99%.

If finalised, the proposed MRO facility in India would offer services such as base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections, component repair and overhaul, avionics support, and training. The move is expected to support the Indian Air Force’s future transport aircraft requirements while enhancing domestic aerospace infrastructure.

SIR exercise in Odisha from April

February 20, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday announced that the next phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls will commence in Odisha in April.

In an official notification, the ECI asked Chief Electoral Officers of the 22 States and Union Territories (UTs) to initiate preparatory activities for the large-scale exercise.

According to the ECI, the next round of SIR will be carried out in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Sikkim, Tripura, Telangana, and Uttarakhand.

The ECI said that detailed schedules for the upcoming SIR exercise will be released later. No elections will be held in any of the above-mentioned States or UTs this year.

The SIR exercise was first launched in June in Bihar and was later expanded to other States, including West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, according to media reports.

The drive includes house-to-house verification to update electoral records, remove duplicate or ineligible names, and ensure that all eligible citizens are properly enrolled.

Meanwhile, the legal framework and procedures of the exercise are under judicial scrutiny, with the Supreme Court currently hearing multiple petitions challenging various aspects of the process.

Rajnath describes ASEAN as central pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy

February 20, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday described the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a central pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

Interacting with visiting Navy chiefs and naval delegations from nine ASEAN member states in Visakhapatnam, the minister said that shared security forms the foundation of regional prosperity.

Singh was speaking on the sidelines of the MILAN 2026 naval exercise, currently underway in Visakhapatnam, according to an official statement.

He added that ASEAN partners could benefit from India’s fully developed defence technology ecosystem, strengthened under the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

The minister also praised the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the Visakhapatnam-class destroyer as symbols of India’s transformation into a “Builder’s Navy.”

He lauded the strong participation of ASEAN navies in MILAN 2026, highlighting the exercise’s remarkable growth since its inception in 1995 with just four foreign navies. The February 2026 edition has become the largest-ever, bringing together representatives from 74 nations and underscoring India’s expanding maritime engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

He stressed the significance of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium – Conclave of Chiefs and the International Fleet Review 2026 in strengthening mutual trust and deepening operational coordination among Indo-Pacific partners.

The deliberations also reviewed the ongoing Sea Phase of MILAN 2026, which features advanced maritime drills such as anti-submarine warfare, air defence manoeuvres, and coordinated search-and-rescue operations, aimed at boosting collective maritime security and preparedness.

Echoing the sentiments expressed during the India-ASEAN informal meeting in late 2025, ASEAN delegates appreciated India’s consistent role as a first responder in the region during times of crisis.

Rajnath also suggested broadening cooperation through more frequent joint engagements, particularly under the ASEAN-India Defence Think-Tank Interaction. He emphasised the need to involve younger naval officers in collaborative initiatives, saying such efforts would help build stronger ties and ensure long-term maritime stability in the Indo-Pacific.