X-twitter Facebook Instagram Youtube Linkedin
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.
X-twitter Facebook Instagram Youtube Linkedin

Day: February 22, 2026

Arunachal Pradesh installs first Assam border pillar

by

New Delhi: A historic milestone was achieved in the Arunachal Pradesh-Assam boundary resolution process on Sunday with the successful installation of the first official border pillar at Seijosa in Pakke Kessang district.

This move marks a significant transition from decades of uncertainty toward clarity, stability, and peaceful coexistence for communities living along the border.

The project reflects the spirit of the Namsai Declaration and was executed through close coordination between senior officials from both states, ensuring mutual agreement and precise demarcation on the ground, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said in a post on X.

He said the achievement was driven by sustained dialogue and proactive leadership, particularly by Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge, Chairman of the Regional Committee for Pakke Kessang, along with dedicated support from district administrations and local representatives.

The Seijosa pillar now serves as a blueprint for the remaining boundary demarcation process, strengthening cooperation between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Authorities highlighted that this initiative will pave the way for lasting harmony, development, and confidence among residents of the border regions.

PM inaugurates Namo Bharat, Meerut Metro in UP

by

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and the Meerut Metro on Sunday, describing the projects as a new surge of energy for a “Viksit Uttar Pradesh” and a “Viksit Bharat.”

This marks the first time in India that both a rapid rail and a metro service have been launched from a single platform on the same day.

Modi said the project offers a glimpse of what connectivity will look like in a developed India. He noted that the integrated system combines the Metro for intra-city travel with the Namo Bharat trains to accelerate the “Twin Cities” vision.

Emphasizing the work culture of the Double-Engine government, the PM added that projects no longer remain incomplete, pointing out that his government completes the work it lays the foundation for, with both the foundation and inauguration personally overseen by him.

During his visit, Modi traveled on the Meerut Metro and interacted with students and passengers, according to an official statement. He highlighted that most train operators and station control staff are women, calling the project a symbol of ‘Nari-Shakti.’

He congratulated the people of Uttar Pradesh for witnessing the country’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail service.

Recalling his special connection with Meerut, Modi noted that his national election campaigns in 2014, 2019, and 2024 all began from the city. He thanked the farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs of the region for their continued support.

He pointed out that before 2014, metro services operated in only five cities, whereas now they run in more than 25 cities, making India the third-largest metro network in the world.

Meanwhile, the PM criticised the Congress over a shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi, saying that while the global event was a success, the Congress turned it into a platform for its “dirty and naked politics.”

PM praises Odia farmer Hirod Patel for innovative multi-crop farm

by

Bhubaneswar: Young Odisha farmer Hirod Patel is making waves in Indian agriculture with his innovative approach to farming, earning praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 131st episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

Until eight years ago, Hirod traditionally cultivated paddy with his father, Shiv Shankar Patel. Today, his farm has become a model of sustainable and integrated agriculture.

He built a mesh structure over his pond to grow creeper vegetables, planted banana, guava, and coconut trees around it, and introduced fish farming in the pond. This combination of crops, fruits, vegetables, and aquaculture maximizes land use, saves water, and generates additional income, Modi said in his address.

The PM called Indian farmers “true devotees of the earth” and highlighted how they are now blending tradition with technology, focusing not just on production but also on quality, value addition, and exploring new markets. Patel’s farm has become a learning hub, attracting farmers from across the state to witness his model firsthand, according to an official statement.

This story exemplifies the modern, innovative face of Indian farming, where tradition and technology work together to boost productivity and sustainability.

IISc study finds wild animals fear hunters more than tourists

by

New Delhi: Scientists at the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), have found that wild animals respond strongly to lethal human activities such as hunting and fishing but show weaker and inconsistent reactions to non-lethal human presence.

The researchers published their findings in the journal Ecology Letters after conducting a comprehensive meta-analysis of nearly three decades of global research. The team analysed how wild animals changed their behaviour in response to different types of human interactions across ecosystems and species.

The study examined key behavioural patterns such as foraging, vigilance, and movement, the IISc said in a press release. The researchers found strong evidence that animals exposed to hunters and fishers increased vigilance and reduced the time spent feeding. In contrast, animals showed more variable and often weaker responses to non-lethal human activities such as tourism and research.

Lead author Shawn D’Souza, a PhD scholar at CES, reported that lethal human presence consistently triggered fear responses in wildlife. He explained that animals adjusted their behaviour when they faced direct threats, but reacted less predictably when human presence did not involve harm.

The study also found that passive human infrastructure, such as roads and settlements, sometimes reduced vigilance in certain species. The researchers observed that some prey animals used areas near humans as perceived refuges because large predators often avoided human activity.

Co-author Maria Thaker, Professor at CES, noted that roadsides frequently have cleared vegetation, which attracts grazing animals. However, these areas still expose wildlife to risks such as vehicle collisions.

The researchers selected foraging, vigilance, and movement as indicators because these behaviours reflect how animals balance survival trade-offs. Time spent staying alert reduces feeding opportunities, while changes in movement affect energy use and access to resources. These behavioural adjustments directly influence survival and reproduction.

The findings support the “risk allocation hypothesis,” which states that animals adjust their behaviour based on the intensity and predictability of threats. The researchers found that animals remained cautious when danger remained frequent and severe, but relaxed when threats appeared predictable or minimal.

Co-author Kartik Shanker, Professor at CES, said that lethal management measures can influence animal behaviour in ways that may help reduce human-wildlife conflict. He stated that limited culling could reduce the movement of wild animals into human-dominated landscapes more effectively than some existing approaches.

The researchers emphasised the need for stronger predictive frameworks that link behavioural responses to ecological and evolutionary contexts. They called for long-term and experimental studies to determine whether animals are merely adapting to human presence or undergoing bigger evolutionary changes.

The study highlights how different types of human activity shape wildlife behaviour and influence broader ecological balance.

IDFC First Bank flags Rs 590 crore fraud at Chandigarh branch

by

New Delhi: IDFC First Bank on Saturday disclosed that it has identified a suspected fraud of approximately Rs 590 crore at its Chandigarh branch, involving certain accounts linked to the Haryana government.

In a regulatory filing, the private lender said it initiated a preliminary internal assessment after receiving communication from a department of the Haryana government.

The discrepancies surfaced when a Haryana government department requested the closure of its account and the transfer of funds to another bank. During the process, bank officials noticed a mismatch between the amount mentioned in the transfer request and the balance available in the account.

From February 18 onwards, other Haryana government entities also contacted the bank regarding their accounts. The bank observed further differences between the balances recorded in its systems and the figures cited by the respective government departments.

Following its preliminary internal review, the bank stated that the issue remains confined to a specific group of government-linked accounts operated through the Chandigarh branch. It clarified that the matter does not affect other customers of the branch.

The bank said in its filing that it would determine the financial impact after receiving further information, validating claims, and carrying out recoveries.

The bank said it will assess recoveries through lien marking of balances in fraudulent beneficiary accounts maintained with other banks, examine liabilities of entities involved in the transactions, and pursue legal recovery processes.

IDFC First Bank has placed four suspected officials under suspension pending investigation. It said it will initiate strict disciplinary, civil, and criminal action against employees and any external individuals found responsible.

The bank convened a meeting of the Special Committee of the Board for Monitoring and Follow-up of Cases of Fraud on Friday to review the matter. It informed the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors on Saturday.

Odisha School Department issues heat wave guidelines for summer 2026

by

Bhubaneswar: The State School and Mass Education Department on Saturday issued detailed guidelines to all schools to ensure preparedness and precautionary measures during the upcoming summer heat wave in 2026.

In an official letter, Additional Secretary to the government Durga Prasad Mohapatra directed all directors of the Department and all District Education Officers to implement mandatory heat wave safety measures across government, government-aided, and private schools in the State.

The department instructed schools to ensure the uninterrupted availability of safe drinking water for students and staff. Authorities advised schools to repair tube wells within campus premises wherever required to maintain a continuous water supply during peak summer conditions.

Officials also directed schools to stock sufficient Oral Rehydration Solution packets and provide them to students and staff whenever necessary. The department emphasised restricting outdoor activities to prevent students from direct exposure to extreme heat wave conditions.

The advisory further urged schools to sensitise parents and ensure that children carry water bottles to school daily. Schools must adequately publicise heat wave precautions among parents to raise awareness and prevent heat-related illnesses.

In addition, schools may allocate time during school hours to educate students about heat wave precautionary measures and safety practices.

The School and Mass Education Department has asked all concerned authorities to take appropriate action to tackle the heat wave situation effectively during the summer of 2026 and ensure student safety across Odisha.

The move follows precautionary communication from the Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha, dated February 10, regarding heat wave preparedness in the State.

Operation ‘Cyber Kavach’ intensifies crackdown on cyber fraud across Odisha

by

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has intensified its statewide crackdown on cyber financial crimes under “Operation Cyber Kavach,” targeting mule account networks and organised cyber fraud syndicates across the Central Range districts and beyond.

In the Central Range districts, police registered four cases, verified 256 accounts, traced Rs 18,79,634 in fraud proceeds, and served 38 notices. Authorities also seized Rs 9 lakh during the enforcement drive. District-wise action revealed that in Puri, police detected two mule accounts and traced Rs 50,000 and Rs 6,684.

In Khordha, investigators identified multiple suspicious accounts and continued verification. In Kendrapara, police detected two accounts and traced Rs 18,000 and Rs 4,950, IGP, Central Range Cuttack, said in a post on X.

Boudh District Police continued enforcement under the same operation and identified 604 suspected mule accounts across various banks. Officers verified 68 accounts, initiated an enquiry into a disputed amount of Rs 20,55,923, and issued notices to 68 suspected fraudsters.

Separately, the Cyber Crime Unit of the Commissionerate Police identified and dismantled three cybercrime networks operating in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Investigators deactivated benami bank accounts used for cyber fraud and initiated legal action against those involved.

Police arrested 10 cyber fraudsters in connection with the crackdown and neutralised three syndicates.

Investigators found that the syndicates had operated nationwide for over two years through platforms such as Telegram, Binance, and cryptocurrency channels. During the operation, police seized a luxury vehicle, 37 debit cards, 16 cheque books, high-end electronic devices, and several benami SIM cards from the accused, Commissionerate Police said in a post on X.

Odisha Police has stated that Operation Cyber Kavach aims to dismantle the financial backbone of cyber criminals by disrupting mule account networks and choking illegal money trails. The force continues to strengthen monitoring, verification, and enforcement mechanisms to protect citizens from cyber fraud.

Police have urged citizens to report cybercrime incidents immediately by calling 1930 or registering complaints at http://cybercrime.gov.in.

HLCA approves Rs 44,241.97 crore investment across 10 projects

by

Bhubaneswar: The 44th meeting of the High Level Clearance Authority (HLCA), chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved 10 major industrial projects with a total proposed investment of Rs. 44,241.97 crore, reinforcing Odisha’s expanding industrial ecosystem and investor confidence.

The meeting took place at Lok Seva Bhawan, where the CM reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to fast-tracking industrial growth and attracting large-scale investments to Odisha.

Skill Development and Technical Education Sampad Swain stated that the approved projects span key sectors, including rare earth, cement, automobile and auto-components, semiconductor, telecom infrastructure, and power and renewable energy.

Authorities expect these projects to generate around 8,765 employment opportunities, providing a significant boost to job creation in the State.

The investments will cover eight districts – Khordha, Koraput, Malkangiri, Dhenkanal, Puri, Nayagarh, Kalahandi, and Deogarh. The government expects the projects to strengthen local industries, create new livelihood opportunities, and support balanced regional economic development.

With this round of approvals, the State government aims to sustain industrial growth momentum while enhancing Odisha’s position as an emerging investment destination in eastern India.

In a post on X, Industries, Swain said: “Odisha is steadily moving towards the vision of Samrudh Odisha and Viksit Odisha.”

T20 World Cup: Rain washes out Pakistan vs New Zealand Super Eight opener

by

New Delhi: The opening Super Eight fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo was abandoned on Saturday due to persistent rain, forcing officials to call off the match without a ball being bowled.

Both teams will share one point each.

Pakistan Skipper Salman Agha opted to bat after winning the toss. Shortly after the coin flip, rain disrupted the proceedings, and officials asked the ground staff to bring the covers onto the playing surface.

Pakistan and New Zealand compete in Group 2 of the Super Eight stage alongside England and co-hosts Sri Lanka. Tournament organisers have scheduled all Group 2 matches to be played in Sri Lanka, according to icc-cricket.com.

With no play possible, match officials abandoned the contest, awarding one point to each side. As a result, Pakistan and New Zealand begin their Super Eight campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with shared points, keeping the contest for semifinal qualification wide open.

AI Impact Summit 2026 concludes with adoption of New Delhi Declaration

by

New Delhi: The AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded in New Delhi on Saturday with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, marking a significant milestone in global cooperation on artificial intelligence.

Eighty-eight countries and international organisations endorsed the Declaration, reflecting a broad-based global consensus on leveraging AI for economic growth and social good.

The Declaration draws guidance from the principle of “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” (Welfare for all, Happiness for all) and asserts that stakeholders must share the benefits of AI equitably across humanity.

The document calls for stronger international cooperation and deeper multistakeholder engagement. It stresses respect for national sovereignty and promotes the advancement of AI through accessible and trustworthy frameworks, the External Affairs Ministry said in a media release.

The Declaration structures global AI cooperation around seven pillars of action. These pillars include democratizing AI resources, advancing economic growth and social good, building secure and trusted AI, promoting AI for science, expanding access for social empowerment, strengthening human capital development, and developing resilient, efficient, and innovative AI systems.

The Summit also announced a series of voluntary and collaborative global initiatives. The Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI promotes affordable access to foundational AI resources and supports locally relevant innovation ecosystems.

The Global AI Impact Commons will function as a platform to scale and replicate AI use cases globally and enable cross-country collaboration for development impact. The Trusted AI Commons will serve as a repository of tools, benchmarks, and best practices to support the development of secure and trustworthy AI systems.

Leaders also introduced the International Network of AI for Science Institutions to facilitate global scientific collaboration and enhance AI-driven research capabilities. The AI for Social Empowerment Platform will enable knowledge exchange and scalable solutions with a focus on equitable AI adoption.

The AI Workforce Development Playbook and Reskilling Principles will support AI skilling, reskilling, and literacy initiatives and prepare nations for an AI-driven economy. The Guiding Principles on Resilient and Efficient AI will focus on energy-efficient AI systems and will receive support from a Playbook on AI Infrastructure Resilience.

The Declaration highlights AI’s role in driving economic transformation. It underscores the importance of open-source and accessible AI ecosystems, emphasises the need for energy-efficient AI infrastructure, and calls for expanding AI’s role in science, governance, and public service delivery.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing shared global priorities in AI governance. They agreed to promote voluntary, non-binding frameworks and to translate the collective vision into action through continued collaboration.

Organisers expect the Summit to catalyse long-term international partnerships and position artificial intelligence as a key driver of global economic growth.