February 24, 2026 - IndiaVerve

Brook’s historic century powers England into T20 World Cup semifinals

February 24, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Pallekele: Harry Brook produced a captain’s knock for the ages, becoming the first skipper to score a century in T20 World Cup history as England sealed a tense two-wicket win over Pakistan and became the first team to confirm a semifinal berth in the 2026 tournament.

On a surface that again favoured spin, Pakistan chose to bat first in search of scoreboard pressure. Early setbacks, however, disrupted their plans. Saim Ayub fell attempting an aggressive pull, while Salman Agha’s brief stay ended soon after. With wickets tumbling, Sahibzada Farhan once more anchored the innings, counterattacking during the PowerPlay with a flurry of boundaries against Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton.

Babar Azam started positively but found run-scoring difficult once England’s spinners settled. Adil Rashid applied sustained pressure through tight lines and variations, and Overton eventually removed Babar for 25. Fakhar Zaman injected momentum with a brisk cameo, combining with Farhan to push Pakistan past the 100-run mark.

Just when Pakistan looked set for a late surge at 112/3 after 15 overs, England clawed back. Overton trapped Farhan with a fuller delivery, and Liam Dawson’s disciplined left-arm spin (3/24) triggered a collapse through the death overs. Despite a few lusty blows, Pakistan closed on 164/9 — competitive on the sluggish track but potentially vulnerable with dew forecast.

Pakistan’s defence began emphatically. The returning Shaheen Afridi ripped through England’s top order, striking with his opening delivery to dismiss Phil Salt before removing Jos Buttler cheaply. Jacob Bethell’s early exit left England wobbling at 30/3.

Brook, promoting himself to No. 3, responded with controlled aggression. He dominated the PowerPlay, taking advantage of the fielding restrictions and unsettling Pakistan’s spin options with clean hitting down the ground and behind square. Even after Usman Tariq’s breakthrough reduced England to 58/4, Brook held firm.

With a deep batting unit behind him, Brook rebuilt alongside Will Jacks. The pair rotated strike smartly while punishing loose deliveries, gradually shifting the equation. Tariq and Nawaz managed occasional strikes, including Sam Curran’s dismissal, but Jacks’ positive intent ensured England stayed ahead of the rate.

Brook then accelerated decisively. Targeting Afridi’s final over, he advanced down the track for a towering six and followed up with a boundary to bring up a landmark hundred — his maiden T20I century and a World Cup first for a captain. Afridi responded with a pinpoint yorker to end Brook’s innings, yet England required only 10 more runs.

A late wobble briefly raised Pakistan’s hopes as England lost quick wickets attempting expansive strokes. Entering the final over needing three runs with two wickets in hand, England avoided further drama when Archer pulled the first ball to the boundary, clinching victory with five deliveries to spare.

Afridi’s superb 4/30 stood out for Pakistan, but Brook’s extraordinary century ultimately defined the contest, propelling England into the semifinals and complicating Pakistan’s path to qualification.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 164/9 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 63; Liam Dawson 3-24, Jamie Overton 2-26) lost to England 166/8 in 19.1 overs (Harry Brook 100; Shaheen Afridi 4-30) by 2 wickets

Scindia condemns racial harassment of Arunachal women

February 24, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said that any injustice against citizens from the North Eastern Region would not be tolerated.

Scindia expressed deep concern over the recent incident of racial harassment faced by three young women from Arunachal Pradesh in South Delhi.

He held a telephonic conversation with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and the Delhi Police commissioner in this regard.

According to an official statement, Scindia sought immediate and stringent action against the accused.

In a post on X, he said: “Deeply disturbed by the racial harassment faced by three young women from Arunachal Pradesh in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi. A minor residential issue escalating into abuse and intimidation rooted in prejudice is profoundly shameful.”

The minister also said that an FIR has already been registered and that he has been assured that strict action will be taken against the accused.

Following a minor altercation, the three women were allegedly targeted with racist remarks and threats by neighbours in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi. The incident led to the filing of a police complaint and drew sharp criticism over the discriminatory behaviour.

Union Cabinet clears proposal to rename Kerala as Keralam

February 24, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today approved a proposal to alter the name of the State of Kerala to “Keralam,” setting in motion the constitutional process required for the change.

According to an official release, the President of India will now refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala Legislative Assembly to seek its views under the proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution. After receiving the Assembly’s response, the Government of India will proceed further and obtain the President’s recommendation for introducing the Bill in Parliament.

The move follows a resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly on June 24, 2024, which unanimously urged the Centre to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution to reflect the State’s name as “Keralam.” The resolution noted that “Keralam” is the name used in the Malayalam language and highlighted the historical context of linguistic reorganisation of states on November 1, 1956, observed in Kerala as Kerala Piravi Day.

Subsequently, the Government of Kerala formally requested the Union Government to initiate steps for the alteration of the State’s name. Article 3 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to alter the name of any State, subject to procedural requirements, including the President’s recommendation and consultation with the concerned State Legislature.

The Ministry of Home Affairs examined the proposal before placing it before the Cabinet. The draft note was circulated to the Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department under the Ministry of Law and Justice, both of which concurred with the proposal, the release stated.

Kerala joins a list of Indian cities and states that have undergone official name changes in recent years. Observers have drawn parallels with earlier renaming exercises, including Gurgaon’s change to Gurugram in 2016.

Once enacted, the alteration will update references in the Constitution and official records from “Kerala” to “Keralam.”

7th edition of exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ begins in Uttarakhand

February 24, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The seventh edition of the joint military exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force commenced on Tuesday at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand.

The exercise will be conducted from February 24 to March 9.

This year’s drill features 120 personnel from each country, according to an official statement. The Japanese contingent is represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment, while the Indian side has deployed soldiers from the Ladakh Scouts.

Held alternately in India and Japan, the exercise continues to serve as an important component of defence cooperation between the two nations.

Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN is designed to deepen military ties and improve the ability of both forces to operate together in semi-urban environments. During the two-week engagement, troops will work on enhancing physical endurance, strengthening joint planning mechanisms, and aligning tactical procedures.

The training framework also integrates modern technologies to boost interoperability and address evolving operational challenges.

As part of the drill, participating forces will establish a Temporary Operating Base and develop an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance grid to enhance situational awareness.

They will also set up mobile vehicle check posts and carry out cordon and search operations in simulated hostile settings. The exercise further includes heliborne missions and specialised house intervention drills, aimed at sharpening coordination and response capabilities in complex scenarios.

Patnaik targets government over ‘neglect’ of farmers

February 24, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched a strong attack on the State government, alleging that farmers have been left behind despite repeated assurances and campaign promises.

While addressing the “Chasi Samabesh” in Bhubaneswar, he said that while the ruling dispensation frequently invokes slogans in support of cultivators, the realities on the ground tell a different story.

According to him, nearly two years into its tenure, the government has failed to introduce meaningful reforms or concrete measures to address agrarian distress.

Patnaik recalled that during the election campaign, commitments were made to safeguard farmers’ interests, but those assurances, he claimed, have not translated into tangible benefits.

He contrasted this with the Biju Janata Dal’s tenure, highlighting initiatives such as a dedicated agriculture budget, the KALIA assistance programme, easier access to crop loans, and expanded irrigation coverage.

Questioning the performance of what he termed the “double-engine” administration, he alleged that farmers continue to face shortages of fertilisers, delays in paddy procurement, and pending payments.

The former chief minister also stated that he had written to the government outlining steps to honour its electoral commitments.

Among the measures he proposed were the creation of special enforcement teams to curb exploitation, dismantling alleged collusion between millers and officials, removing caps on input subsidies, ensuring direct benefit transfers within 48 hours, and completing paddy purchases within 72 hours.

He expressed disappointment that no response had been received even after more than two weeks, the BJD said in a post on X.

Patnaik further accused the government of prioritising publicity campaigns over addressing farmers’ pressing concerns. He asserted that the BJD would continue to raise the issue inside the Assembly and intensify its efforts to hold the government accountable.

Massive blaze guts supermarket in Bhubaneswar

February 24, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: A massive fire engulfed a multi-storey supermarket near Dhauli–Lingipur in Bhubaneswar, late Monday night, prompting an extensive firefighting operation that continued for more than 14 hours.

According to media reports, the blaze erupted at approximately 10:20 PM on the fourth floor of the commercial building situated on Lingipur Lewis Road under Dhauli police jurisdiction. The fire spread swiftly through the structure, fuelled by highly flammable materials stored inside.

More than five fire tenders were deployed to the spot as crews battled intense flames and heavy smoke. Authorities stated that significant quantities of plastic goods kept across the second, third, and fourth floors worsened the situation, accelerating the spread and complicating containment efforts. Firefighters used cranes to access upper floors and break portions of the exterior walls to control the blaze.

Four staff members were inside the premises when the incident occurred. One employee reportedly detected the fire and immediately alerted the owner, who then contacted emergency services.

Preliminary indications suggest a possible short circuit may have triggered the fire, though the exact cause is yet to be officially confirmed. Officials estimate that property and merchandise worth over Rs 1 crore have been destroyed.

No injuries or fatalities have been reported. Fire personnel remain at the site to ensure complete extinguishment and prevent any re-ignition. An investigation is ongoing.

Nirmala Sitharaman launches National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0

February 24, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday launched the second phase of the National Monetisation Pipeline, titled ‘National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 (NMP 2.0)’. The new phase will guide asset monetisation by Central ministries and public sector entities from FY2026 to FY2030.

NITI Aayog developed NMP 2.0 in consultation with infrastructure ministries. The plan follows the Asset Monetisation Plan 2025-30 announced in the Union Budget 2025–26.

NMP 2.0 estimates a total monetisation potential of Rs 16.72 lakh crore over five years, according to an official statement. This figure includes Rs 5.8 lakh crore in private sector investment. The government aims to unlock value from existing public assets and reinvest the proceeds into new infrastructure projects.

The minister released NMP 2.0 in the presence of the CEO of NITI Aayog and Secretaries from key infrastructure ministries. Senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Law, and the office of the Chief Economic Adviser also attended the launch.

In her address, Sitharaman praised ministries and departments for achieving nearly 90% of the ₹6 lakh crore target set under NMP 1.0 over four years. She said NMP 2.0 aligns intending to achieve Viksit Bharat through faster infrastructure growth. She added that the expanded pipeline can strengthen India’s growth momentum.

The minister said NMP 1.0 was the first large-scale asset monetisation pipeline in the country. She urged departments to apply lessons learned from the first phase. She called for process simplification and standardisation to make monetisation more efficient.

Sitharaman described the Rs 16.7 lakh crore target as ambitious. She said ministries must work proactively and aim to exceed the targets set under NMP 2.0.

She also highlighted the importance of asset monetisation in recycling productive public assets. The approach unlocks capital for fresh investments and reduces pressure on the government budget. It supports capital expenditure while improving infrastructure quality and maintenance.

NMP 2.0 reflects inputs gathered through consultations among NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Finance, and line ministries. The government has adopted a whole-of-government approach for implementation.

An empowered Core Group of Secretaries on Asset Monetisation, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, will monitor progress. The government said it remains committed to making asset monetisation value-accretive for both public sector bodies and private investors.

Abhinav Bindra ends eight-year IOC Athletes’ Commission tenure

February 24, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Indian shooting legend Abhinav Bindra on Monday drew the curtain on his eight-year tenure as Vice Chair of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athletes’ Commission, calling the experience one of the most meaningful chapters of his life in sport.

Bindra, 43, etched his name in history as India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Over the past eight years, however, his impact extended far beyond the shooting range, as he worked to amplify athlete voices within the Olympic Movement.

His tenure officially concluded during the ongoing 2026 Winter Olympics, where Kenyan rugby star Humphrey Kayange was named as his successor following a reshuffle of the panel.

Reflecting on his journey with the IOC Athletes’ Commission, Bindra expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent competitors from around the world.

“As I complete my term on the IOC Athletes’ Commission, my heart is filled with gratitude,” he said. “Serving athletes from across the world has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my journey in sport.”

He emphasised that carrying the hopes, concerns, and dreams of athletes was a responsibility he never took lightly. According to Bindra, every discussion and decision was anchored in a simple yet powerful belief – that athletes must remain at the centre of the Olympic Movement.

During his time on the commission, Bindra worked alongside fellow members to strengthen pathways for athlete representation and ensure their voices were not just heard but respected at the highest levels of global sport governance.

“I leave this role with deep pride in what we have built and with optimism for what lies ahead,” he noted in a post on X.

He added that the future of athlete representation remains strong because it is driven by courageous and passionate individuals committed to something larger than themselves.

Though his formal stint with the IOC Athletes’ Commission has ended, Bindra made it clear that his service is far from over. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the sporting community with the same dedication and conviction that defined both his competitive and administrative careers.

Canada PM to visit India from February 26

February 24, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, will travel to India, Australia, and Japan from February 26 to March 7, 2026, to strengthen trade, energy, technology, and defense partnerships.

The visit is part of Canada’s efforts to diversify trade and deepen engagement with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region, the PM said in a press release.

During his India visit, Carney will travel to Mumbai and New Delhi. In the national capital, he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in trade, energy, technology, artificial intelligence, talent, culture, and defence.

He will also meet business leaders to explore investment opportunities and promote partnerships between Canadian and Indian companies.

India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy and plays a significant role in global trade and technology. In 2024, India was Canada’s seventh-largest trading partner in goods and services, with bilateral trade reaching USD 30.8 billion.

During last year’s G20 Leaders’ Summit, Canada and India agreed to formally begin negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The proposed pact is aimed at helping Canada more than double two-way trade with India to USD 70 billion by 2030.

Separately, on the sidelines of the same G20 Summit, Canada, India, and Australia launched a trilateral technology and innovation partnership. The initiative focuses on strengthening cooperation in critical and emerging technologies and promoting more secure, sustainable, and resilient supply chains.

IIT Delhi partners with Jindal Steel to launch Nodal CoE for structural steel excellence

February 24, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jindal Steel to set up a Nodal Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on structural steel research, design innovation, and skill development.

The initiative emphasizes high-strength and performance-oriented steel applications.

The Centre aims to promote wider use of structural steel in construction, supporting sustainable buildings, faster infrastructure delivery, and reduced life-cycle costs across the country.

The Nodal CoE will serve as a bridge between research, design, fabrication, and construction, according to the IIT Delhi. Its work will cover housing, bridges, tall buildings, and industrial structures, advancing high-strength steel applications. The Centre will also focus on modernising design codes and standards, encouraging performance-based design, durability, multi-hazard resilience, low-damage systems, and reducing carbon footprint.

Capacity building will be a key component, with workshops, specialised courses, digital platforms, and direct design support for infrastructure projects. The Centre will also establish Chair Professorships to attract global expertise and strengthen industry-linked research in performance-oriented structural steel.

As a national nodal body, the Centre will coordinate with multiple IITs, ministries, industry partners, and professional organisations to ensure research, skill development, technology transfer, and outreach are aligned.

Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of the IIT Delhi, said that the institute was pleased to partner with Jindal Steel to establish the Nodal CoE. He stated that the Centre would bring academic rigour to structural steel research, particularly in high-strength applications.

He added that it would help review design methodologies and performance frameworks suited to Indian conditions. According to him, the collaboration would enable IIT Delhi to generate knowledge, develop reference materials, and support capacity building for engineers.

He further noted that it would encourage sustained dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and professionals, which he described as essential for advancing structural steel construction in India.

Under a hub-and-spoke model, IIT Delhi will lead the initiative technically, while IIT Bombay, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Madras, and IIT Roorkee will contribute through research, outreach, training, curriculum development, and handbook preparation. This structured framework aims to strengthen structural steel construction nationwide.