February 23, 2026 - IndiaVerve

West Indies crush Zimbabwe with record T20 World Cup total

February 23, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Mumbai: West Indies produced one of the most explosive batting displays of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, hammering Zimbabwe by 107 runs in their Super Eight clash at the Wankhede Stadium.

Powered by blistering half-centuries from Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell, the Caribbean side piled up 254/6 — the highest total of this World Cup and the second-highest in tournament history. Zimbabwe, faced with a daunting chase, were bowled out for 147.

Zimbabwe made early inroads after opting to field, restricting West Indies to 55/2 in the PowerPlay. However, the momentum quickly shifted as Hetmyer launched a ferocious counterattack.

Hetmyer, reprieved twice during his innings, made Zimbabwe pay heavily. He reached his fifty in just 19 deliveries, registering the fastest half-century by a West Indies batter in T20 World Cup history and the joint-fastest of this edition. His stunning 85 off 34 balls, featuring seven fours and seven sixes, finally ended when Brian Bennett completed a catch near the boundary off Graeme Cremer.

At the other end, Powell built steadily before accelerating in trademark fashion. His 59 came off 29 balls and included a sequence of clean strikes that kept the pressure firmly on Zimbabwe. Together, Powell and Hetmyer stitched a rapid century partnership, one of the quickest seen in the tournament.

West Indies surged past 150 inside 13 overs and continued the assault even after both set batters departed. The innings featured a remarkable 19 sixes and 16 fours, marking the first 250-plus total of the competition.

Zimbabwe’s response faltered almost immediately under scoreboard pressure. They slumped to 20/3 within the opening three overs as Matthew Forde and Akeal Hosein triggered a top-order collapse. Hosein’s dismissal of Bennett was particularly significant, marking the opener’s first failure of the tournament.

Dion Myers (28) and Sikandar Raza (27) attempted to rebuild, but the required rate spiralled out of control. Brad Evans provided late entertainment with a fearless 43 off 21 balls, smashing five sixes, while his 44-run stand with Richard Ngarava set a new T20 World Cup record for the highest 10th-wicket partnership.

West Indies’ left-arm spinners proved decisive in sealing the contest. Gudakesh Motie starred with 4/28, while Hosein claimed 3/28, dismantling Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order.

With five wins in five matches, West Indies have firmly established themselves as one of the most dominant teams of the tournament, while Zimbabwe’s impressive run met a harsh reality against a batting masterclass.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar launches liver transplant programme, advanced robotic surgery

February 23, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark move for healthcare in Odisha and Eastern India, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has launched a comprehensive Liver Transplant Programme and commissioned a state-of-the-art Surgical Robotic System. The facilities were inaugurated virtually by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday.

Aparajita Sarangi, MP, and Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava were also present.

Nadda called the occasion “momentous and historic,” highlighting that AIIMS Bhubaneswar has rapidly developed into a centre of excellence in tertiary healthcare, medical research, and academic programs.

He said the new facilities will strengthen healthcare infrastructure and provide world-class, life-saving treatments for patients across Odisha and neighbouring states.

The minister congratulated the AIIMS Bhubaneswar team, according to an official statement. He noted that the Institute already performs kidney and bone marrow transplants, and the liver transplant programme marks a major milestone in advancing tertiary healthcare in the region.

Nadda also emphasized the national priority on organ donation. He recalled the PM’s call to make organ donation a mass movement. The liver transplant launch reflects AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s commitment to this vision and is a step forward in promoting organ donation, Nadda said.

The liver transplant facility aims to bring advanced treatment for end-stage liver disease to patients in Odisha and neighbouring states, including West Bengal and Assam. Economically weaker patients can now undergo transplantation and follow-up care without financial hardship, reducing the need for long-distance travel.

The Institute has developed a state-of-the-art Liver Transplant Operation Theatre, a highly advanced ICU, and a dedicated Liver Transplant Specialty Clinic for structured post-transplant care. This ensures seamless treatment, recovery, and long-term monitoring.

As a promising start, two successful liver transplants have already been performed. Both patients are recovering well and leading normal lives, demonstrating the Institute’s growing clinical capabilities.

Govt extends deadline for 2025 property statement submission on HRMS portal

February 23, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The government on Monday extended the timeline for submission of the annual property statement for 2025 on the HRMS portal. The order comes from Ghasiram Murmu, Special Secretary to the government, issued under letter no. 336/SE.

In accordance with the Odisha Government Servants’ Conduct (Amendment) Rule, 2021, all government employees from Group A to Group D are required to declare all assets – both movable and immovable – and their values as of January 1 every year.

Previously, the deadline for the 2025 property statement was set as January 31, 2026, as communicated in sensitization letters issued by the department on December 29, 2025 (letter no. 1855/SE) and January 20, 2026 (letter no. 92/SE).

However, a significant number of employees have not yet submitted their statements. After careful consideration, the government has extended the deadline to March 31, 2026.

This extension is being provided as a final opportunity for defaulting employees to submit their property statements online through the HRMS portal, the General Administration & Public Grievances Department said in a notice.

All departments, RDCs, collectors, and district magistrates have been instructed to inform employees under their administrative control and ensure strict compliance. Employees are advised not to wait until the last minute and to submit their statements well before the deadline. Failure to submit the property statement will result in disciplinary action.

After March 31, 2026, each department must forward the list of defaulting officers to their respective departments, with a copy sent to the Department for records.

This move underscores the State government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to conduct rules among state employees.

FSSAI launches Holi 2026 ‘Anti-Adulteration Drive’

February 23, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched the “Holi- Anti-Adulteration Drive – 2026”. The initiative aims to prevent adulteration and ensure the quality of food products during the festive season.

The directive comes from Dr. Satyen Kumar Panda, Executive Director & Advisor of FSSAI. He has stressed the need for strict enforcement to safeguard public health and maintain consumer confidence.

With Holi approaching, the demand for sweets, savouries, edible oils, ghee, milk, and milk products rises sharply across the country. This seasonal surge often creates opportunities for adulteration, putting consumers at risk, the FSSAI said in a statement.

FSSAI has instructed Commissioners of all States and UTs and Regional Directors to ensure that Designated Officers, Food Safety Officers, and Central Food Safety Officers carry out inspections and sampling in their areas. The drive will focus on hot spots and sensitive locations.

Where available, Food Safety on Wheels will be deployed in busy marketplaces or based on intelligence inputs. These mobile units will conduct on-the-spot testing, strengthen vigilance, and create awareness. The goal is to reassure consumers about the safety and quality of festive foods.

All inspection and sampling data must be updated on FoSCoS / FoSCoRiS platforms by March 31. FSSAI has marked this initiative as the most important priority for the festive season.

INS Sudarshini reaches Egypt’s Safaga under Lokayan-26 deployment

February 23, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini reached Safaga, Egypt, on Saturday, as part of its ongoing Lokayan-26 deployment, strengthening maritime ties between the two countries.

The visit to Safaga highlights India’s maritime outreach under the “Bridges of Friendship” initiative.

The ship covered 1,832 nautical miles in 16 days during its voyage from Salalah to Safaga. The journey marked a key milestone in the deployment and showcased the crew’s endurance, resilience, and professional seamanship.

Officials of the Egyptian Navy and representatives of the Indian Embassy welcomed the ship on arrival, according to an official statement.

The Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini met Rear Admiral Ramy Ahmed Ismail Mohamed, Base Commander of the Red Sea and Safaga Naval Base. Both sides discussed ways to expand naval cooperation and improve interoperability between the two countries.

During the port call, the Indian Navy will hold professional exchanges with Egyptian naval personnel. Sailors will share best practices in sail training and conduct community outreach programmes to promote mutual understanding and goodwill.

The ship navigated through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea during its transit. The crew handled challenging weather conditions and heavy maritime traffic with high levels of competence and discipline.

The deployment reinforces the longstanding and strategic partnership between India and Egypt in the maritime domain.

NHRC takes cognizance of Odisha workers held in Thailand

February 23, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that at least six workers from Odisha’s Kendrapara district have been held captive by their employer in Thailand for the past six months.

The reported incident surfaced on February 17 after the workers recorded and circulated a video detailing their ordeal. They claimed their employer confined them inside a factory near Bangkok and subjected them to physical and mental torture.

Taking serious note of the report, the Commission observed that, if the allegations prove true, they point to a grave violation of human rights. The NHRC has sought a detailed report from the Ministry of External Affairs and asked whether the government can extend assistance to the affected families. The Commission expects a response within one week, according to an official statement.

According to the report published on February 19, the six workers had travelled to Thailand in August last year through a labour contractor who promised them well-paying jobs. Instead, they allege that they now work 12-hour shifts daily at a plywood factory without receiving any salary or proper food.

The workers further alleged that their employer confiscated their passports, leaving them stranded and unable to return home. In their video message, they appealed to Indian authorities to intervene and facilitate their safe return to Odisha.

Family members in Kendrapara have expressed deep concern over the situation and urged the government to take swift diplomatic action.

India advises Indian nationals to leave Iran

February 23, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The Embassy of India in Tehran issued a fresh advisory on Monday, urging Indian nationals currently in Iran to leave the country in view of the evolving situation.

In continuation of the advisory issued by the government of India on January 5, 2026, the embassy advised Indian students, pilgrims, businesspersons, and tourists in Iran to depart using available means of transport, including commercial flights.

The embassy, in a post on X, reiterated its January 14 advisory, directing all Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to exercise due caution. It asked them to avoid areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place, remain in regular contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran, and closely monitor local media for updates.

The advisory also instructed Indian nationals in Iran to keep their travel and immigration documents, including passports and identity cards, readily accessible at all times. The embassy asked those requiring assistance to get in touch directly.

To support citizens during the situation, the Embassy released emergency contact helplines: +989128109115, +989128109109, +989128109102 and +989932179359. It also provided an email contact: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in.

Additionally, the embassy urged all Indian nationals in Iran who have not yet registered to do so through the official link https://www.meaers.com/request/home, which is also available on the Embassy’s website. It requested families in India to complete the registration on behalf of their relatives if internet disruptions in Iran prevent them from doing so.

The advisory reflects the government of India’s continued monitoring of the situation and its efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in Iran.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region.

“Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario,” he said in a post on X.

Seven Odisha students leave for Japan under ‘BharatNetra’ programme

February 23, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Seven students from Odisha have departed for Tokyo, Japan, under the ‘BharatNetra’ programme, a joint initiative of the Odisha government and GFTN Singapore. The students, selected as part of the first batch during the recently held Black Swan Summit in Bhubaneswar, will undergo specialised training as part of an international exposure programme.

The selected students will participate in the 15-day MUFG Young Innovators Immersion Programme in Tokyo. The initiative is sponsored by MUFG, Japan’s largest bank. The programme will be conducted under the supervision of GFTN Singapore CEO Sopnendu Mohanty.

During their stay in Japan, the students will explore the GFTN Japan Forum and study Japan’s fintech and insurtech ecosystem. They will also visit the Indian Embassy in Tokyo to present their winning Capstone Project, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Health and Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, and Electronics and Information Technology minister, said in a post on X.

The BharatNetra initiative aims to expand its reach significantly in the coming years. Under the programme, more than 7,000 students are expected to receive training, equipping them with skills to contribute to the vision of a developed Odisha and a developed India.

The initiative has received policy backing in the Odisha Budget 2026–27, with a separate allocation made for this sector. The programme is being implemented under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Majhi. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has been credited as the driving force behind the initiative, while Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has extended support for its implementation, Mahaling noted.

India lose to Australia in FIH Hockey Pro League after shootout

February 23, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Australia on Sunday showed remarkable resilience in the FIH Hockey Pro League in Hobart, fighting back from a two-goal deficit to hold India to a 2-2 draw before clinching the bonus point with a 5-4 win in the shootout.

India looked sharp from the opening whistle and appeared determined to bounce back after their previous defeat. They edged the first quarter and earned the breakthrough in the 15th minute through a well-worked penalty corner.

Amit Rohidas moved the ball cleverly away from the defensive runners before firing a powerful strike into the left corner, giving India a deserved 1-0 lead. The second quarter turned into a midfield battle, with both sides contesting possession fiercely, but India maintained their narrow advantage going into halftime.

The third quarter brought high-intensity action, much to the delight of the Tasmanian crowd, according to fih.hockey.

India continued to threaten inside the circle and extended their lead in the 43rd minute when Jugraj Singh converted a drag flick with precision, putting Australia under real pressure.

Trailing by two goals, the unbeaten Kookaburras responded with urgency in the final quarter. They dominated territory, launching repeated attacks and earning as many as 13 penalty corners. Joel Rintala emerged as the key figure in the comeback, scoring twice from drag flicks in the 47th and 56th minutes to level the scores at 2-2.

India were forced into a defensive stand in the closing minutes, with goalkeeper Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar and his defenders producing crucial saves to push the contest into a shootout.

In the decisive shootout, Australia kept their composure to seal a 5-4 victory and claim the valuable bonus point, extending their unbeaten run in the competition.

Despite finishing on the losing side, Jugraj Singh was named Player of the Match.

BAFTA 2026: Manipuri film ‘Boong’ wins Best Children’s & Family Film

February 23, 2026February 23, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: India on Sunday celebrated a proud milestone at the 2026 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards as the Manipuri-language film ‘Boong’ clinched the Best Children’s & Family Film honour.

The emotionally layered drama stood out in a competitive international field, surpassing titles such as Arco, Lilo & Stitch, and Zootropolis 2 to take home the prestigious award.

Backed by Farhan Akhtar, the film’s victory signals a defining moment not just for Indian cinema but particularly for storytelling emerging from the Northeast. The recognition underscores how rooted, regional narratives can resonate powerfully with global audiences when told with authenticity and emotional clarity.

Farhan Akhtar attended the ceremony with his wife Shibani Dandekar, adding a celebratory presence to an already historic evening, according to BAFTA.

Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong unfolds in Manipur against the backdrop of social and political tension. The title, which translates to “little boy” in Manipuri, reflects the film’s intimate emotional core. The story follows a young boy determined to reunite his fractured family.

Before its theatrical release in September 2025, Boong had already generated international buzz on the festival circuit. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 and went on to be screened at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, and the Warsaw International Film Festival, earning praise from critics for its sensitive storytelling and powerful performances.