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: March 3, 2026

MoD signs Rs 5,083 crore ALH, Shtil deals

by

New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III in the Maritime Role for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.

The agreements were signed at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The contract for six ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru. The deal, valued at Rs 2,901 crore, falls under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, according to an official statement.

The package includes operational role equipment, engineering support, and performance-based logistics support.

These twin-engine helicopters are equipped with advanced features. They are more capable than the platforms currently in service. The helicopters can operate from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea.

Their induction will strengthen the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to protect artificial islands, offshore installations, fishermen, and the marine environment. They will also support a wide range of maritime security missions.

The project will involve over 200 MSMEs. It is expected to generate nearly 65 lakh man-hours of employment. The deal supports the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives while enhancing India’s maritime security framework.

The MoD also signed a Rs 2,182 crore contract with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russian Federation for Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles and related missile holding frames.

The procurement will boost the air defence capability of frontline Indian Navy warships. The system is designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats.

It will strengthen the Navy’s layered air defence system. The missiles offer rapid-reaction and all-weather engagement capability. They will improve the survivability of naval platforms in challenging maritime conditions.

The agreement reflects the long-standing defence partnership between India and Russia, built on mutual trust and strategic alignment.

Assam CM inaugurates Kaziranga Orchid Garden in Golaghat

by

New Delhi: In a major boost to Assam’s eco-tourism and cultural landscape, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday inaugurated the Kaziranga Orchid Garden at Kohora in Golaghat district.

Spread across 20 bighas, the garden features more than 900 indigenous and exotic orchid species. These are housed in seven modern glass houses. The facility also includes a children’s park, a 500-seat cultural stage, food outlets, and educational display sections.

The project has been developed at Rs 16 crore. It aims to promote conservation, research, and local employment opportunities near the UNESCO-listed Kaziranga National Park, which has drawn nearly 100,000 visitors this season.

In a post on X, the CM said: “Unlike the Cong Govt, we don’t just promise, we deliver. In 2021, I mentioned our plans to set up an Orchid Park in Kaziranga. Today, in 2026, I am glad to have inaugurated this park, which will house over 1,600 varieties of orchids and will be a major tourist attraction.”

Currently, the garden showcases over 900 orchid species. The CM highlighted that it has the potential to expand to 1,600 varieties in the future. He said the initiative would encourage tourists to extend their stay beyond wildlife safaris, thereby supporting the local economy.

Free entry has been announced for schoolchildren and visitors below the age of 12.

A key highlight of the inauguration was the launch of a new hybrid orchid named “Seujia Kaziranga.” The variety has been developed by renowned orchid expert Dr. Mohan Pradhan of Sikkim after eight years of dedicated work.

The launch of the Kaziranga Orchid Garden marks a significant addition to Assam’s tourism infrastructure. Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen eco-tourism, promote biodiversity awareness, and create new livelihood opportunities in the region.

India expresses ‘Great Anxiety’ over West Asia conflict, calls for immediate de-escalation

by

New Delhi: India on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in West Asia, stating that the widening hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region evoke “great anxiety” given New Delhi’s close proximity and critical stakes in regional stability.

In a statement issued on March 3, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that India had earlier urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritise civilian safety when the conflict began on February 28. However, the situation has since deteriorated significantly, even during the holy month of Ramadan, with the fighting intensifying and spreading to additional countries.

“As a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region, these developments evoke great anxiety,” the MEA said, noting that destruction and loss of life have mounted while normal life and economic activity in parts of the region have come to a halt.

The government highlighted that nearly one crore Indian citizens live and work in the Gulf region, making their safety and well-being an overriding priority. “We cannot be impervious to any development that negatively affects them,” the statement said, adding that India’s trade and energy supply chains pass through the region and that any major disruption could have serious consequences for the Indian economy.

India also firmly opposed attacks on merchant shipping, stating that some Indian nationals have lost their lives or remain missing in recent days as a result of such incidents. The statement comes amid heightened maritime tensions in the Gulf waters following drone and missile attacks linked to the ongoing hostilities.

ALSO READ: US urges citizens to leave Middle East as Iran war escalates | India reviews Middle East airspace disruption

Reiterating its position, India called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis and urged an early end to the conflict. “Already, many lives have been regrettably lost and we express our grief in that regard,” the MEA said.

Indian embassies and consulates in affected countries are in close contact with Indian nationals and community organisations, issuing regular advisories and extending assistance to those stranded by the conflict. The government said diplomatic missions will continue to proactively address consular concerns.

The MEA further stated that India is in touch with governments in the region as well as key international partners. The Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister have held discussions with their counterparts regarding the evolving situation.

The government said it will continue to closely monitor developments and take appropriate decisions in the national interest.

BJP announces Manmohan Samal, Sujeet Kumar as RS candidates from Odisha

by

Bhubaneswar: The BJP on Tuesday officially announced the names of Manmohan Samal and Sujeet Kumar as its candidates from Odisha for the upcoming Rajya Sabha (RS) elections.

The declaration was made by the party’s central committee through a press statement, finalising their candidature for the polls scheduled on March 16.

Soon after the announcement, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated Samal and Kumar.

In a post on X, he said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Hon’ble State President Shri @SamalManmohan7 and senior party leader Shri @SujeetKOfficial on being nominated as the BJP’s Rajya Sabha candidates from Odisha. I pray to Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath for your success and a bright journey ahead.”

Samal, a former state minister and current Odisha BJP president, had lost the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections. Sujeet Kumar is a sitting RS MP, and his tenure is set to conclude in April.

The BJP nominees will contest two of the four RS seats from Odisha that are going to the polls this month.

Four Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha will fall vacant in April as the terms of two BJP MPs and two BJD MPs come to an end.

The opposition BJD, which has 48 MLAs in the Assembly, is expected to secure one seat. The Congress, with 14 MLAs, is likely to support the BJD candidate for the remaining seat.

The RS elections in Odisha are scheduled to be held on March 16, setting the stage for a closely watched political contest in the State.

US urges citizens to leave Middle East as Iran war escalates

by

The United States has urged its citizens to immediately depart more than a dozen countries across the Middle East amid escalating hostilities linked to ongoing US-Israeli military operations against Iran and retaliatory strikes in the region.

In a statement posted on social media, the US State Department’s assistant secretary for consular affairs, Mora Namdar, advised Americans to “DEPART NOW” using available commercial transportation due to “serious safety risks.” The advisory applies to Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

The warning follows updated travel advisories in recent days, including existing Level 4 “Do Not Travel” notices for Iran, Iraq and Lebanon. The US Embassy in Amman, Jordan, also confirmed that its personnel had departed the diplomatic compound due to a security threat.

The advisory comes as embassies and military facilities in the region face heightened risks. The US Embassy in Riyadh was struck by drones early Tuesday, according to Saudi defence officials, causing limited damage and a small fire but no reported injuries. Smoke was also seen near the US Embassy in Kuwait City on Monday after what officials described as Iranian drone activity, prompting shelter-in-place instructions for American citizens.

The conflict sharply intensified after the United States and Israel announced a joint military campaign targeting Iran over the weekend. Iran has since launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and US-linked targets in the region.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for a drone and missile attack on a US air base in Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa area, alleging significant damage, though no independent confirmation of the extent of the impact was immediately available.

Regional military movements have also expanded. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that the overnight strike in the Lebanese capital killed Hussein Makled, whom it called “the head of Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters”, the Times of Israel reported.

Israeli military has also had deployed additional forces to southern Lebanon in what it described as defensive positioning to prevent attacks on northern Israeli communities. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that additional strategic positions in Lebanon would be taken following attacks attributed to Hezbollah.

“To prevent the possibility of direct fire at Israeli communities, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have authorized the IDF to advance and hold additional dominant terrain in Lebanon and defend the border communities from there,” Katz was quoted by the Times of Israel as saying in a statement.

Diplomatic tensions have widened beyond the battlefield. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington acted after learning that Israel was preparing to strike Iran, arguing that pre-emptive action was necessary to avoid higher casualties. His remarks appeared to differ in emphasis from earlier justifications provided by President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

President Trump indicated that US operations could extend longer than initially anticipated, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war may take time but would not be prolonged indefinitely.

In Europe, Spain refused to allow the United States to use jointly operated military bases at Rota and Morón for strikes on Iran. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the US-Israeli action as a unilateral military move contributing to global instability. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticised Sánchez, accusing him of siding with hostile actors.

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Parliament that Britain would not participate in offensive operations but would focus on defensive measures. Drone incidents near RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus have heightened concerns about the conflict’s spillover effects. President Trump, in interviews with British media, expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of US-UK relations over the issue.

With commercial air traffic disrupted in parts of the region due to missile and drone activity, questions remain over how quickly Americans can depart affected countries. The US State Department has provided contact numbers for citizens seeking assistance in arranging travel.

As military operations and retaliatory strikes continue, the conflict appears to be widening geographically, drawing in multiple Gulf states and raising concerns about broader regional instability.

MWC26 Barcelona opens with call for urgent action on 5G, AI

by

New Delhi: Mobile World Congress 2026 (MWC26) opened on Monday in Barcelona, Spain, bringing together global exhibitors, industry leaders, startups, and policymakers. The event is widely regarded as the world’s largest and most influential gathering for the connectivity ecosystem.

This year’s edition comes at a critical time for the global industry. Advanced 5G networks, artificial intelligence, and growing digital threats are rapidly reshaping economies and societies.

During the opening keynote, Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) Director General Vivek Badrinath outlined three key priorities for the years ahead. He stressed the need for stronger investment in standalone 5G networks, wider access to open and inclusive AI, and coordinated efforts between industries and governments to create a safer digital environment.

Badrinath said that mobile technology connected 5.8 billion people last year and contributed USD 7.6 trillion to the global economy. He noted that unlocking the full potential of 5G and using AI responsibly would require urgent action. He also emphasised that the industry carries a responsibility to promote cross-border collaboration to secure networks, reduce digital gaps, and strengthen trust in the digital economy.

The GSMA also launched its Mobile Economy 2026 report at MWC26. The report shows that the sector is moving beyond basic connectivity towards advanced digital platforms powered by 5G standalone, AI, and open APIs, MWC26 said in a media release.

According to the report, mobile technologies and services generated USD 7.6 trillion in economic value in 2025. This represented 6.4% of global GDP. The figure is expected to reach USD 11.3 trillion, or 8.4% of global GDP, by 2030.

Although 96% of the world’s population lives within mobile broadband coverage, more than three billion people remain unconnected. The usage gap is nearly ten times larger than the coverage gap.

The mobile ecosystem supported 50 million jobs worldwide in 2025. It also contributed over USD 800 billion in public revenues through taxes.

By 2030, 57% of all mobile connections are expected to run on 5G networks. Legacy 2G and 3G technologies are projected to account for just 1% and 5% of connections, respectively.

Operator revenues are forecast to grow from USD 1.19 trillion in 2025 to USD 1.36 trillion by 2030. This growth will be backed by USD 1.2 trillion in capital expenditure over the period.

The report also highlights growing cybersecurity concerns. It projects that the global cost of cybercrime, including fraud, will increase from USD 9.22 trillion in 2024 to USD 15.63 trillion by 2029.

Govt issues heat wave SOP for Higher Education Institutions

by

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Higher Education Department has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on heat wave management for all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the State as part of its summer preparedness plan. The department shared this information in an official statement on Monday.

The move follows an advisory from the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner on steps to manage heat wave conditions during summer. The SOP aims to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff across colleges and universities in Odisha.

As per the guidelines, classes, internal assessments, and examinations should be held in the morning hours as far as possible. Institutions have been asked to adjust daily schedules depending on local weather conditions to reduce exposure to extreme heat.

Outdoor academic, sports, and co-curricular activities will be restricted during peak afternoon hours. If such activities cannot be avoided, they should be conducted during relatively cooler parts of the day with proper safety measures in place.

All HEIs must ensure uninterrupted access to safe and potable drinking water at multiple points on campus. Institutions have also been directed to maintain adequate stocks of Oral Rehydration Salts. These should be readily available in classrooms, hostels, common areas, and examination centres.

The SOP mandates inspection of all tube wells, hand pumps, and drinking water facilities on campus. Non-functional units must be repaired on priority to prevent any disruption in the water supply during the summer months.

Colleges and examination centres have been asked to keep basic first aid facilities ready to handle heat-related issues such as dehydration, dizziness, and heat exhaustion. Institutions must also identify responsible staff members to provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies.

Heads of Institutions have been instructed to sensitise students, faculty, and staff about heat wave precautions. The focus areas include the importance of staying hydrated, identifying early symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and following do’s and don’ts during extreme heat conditions.

Where applicable, parents and guardians may also be advised to ensure that students carry drinking water while attending classes and examinations.

India reviews Middle East airspace disruption

by

New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation is monitoring the changing airspace situation in parts of the Middle East and its impact on international flight operations.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu on Monday night reviewed the situation at a high-level meeting. Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and senior officials attended the meeting.

The ministry said it is in constant touch with airlines, airport operators, regulators, and the Ministry of External Affairs. It will issue further updates if needed.

Indian airlines have revised their schedules. Several long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights are resuming through alternative routes that avoid restricted zones. Carriers have started repositioning aircraft and crew to stabilise operations, according to an official statement.

Airlines are making special arrangements for stranded passengers. They are adding capacity where needed. They are also coordinating with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad to ensure safe travel.

IndiGo has scheduled 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to India on March 3. The plan is subject to approvals and airspace conditions. The airline is working with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to facilitate passengers.

Foreign carriers operating between India and the Gulf region are running limited services. Operations depend on airspace and operational clearances.

The ministry has directed airlines to keep passengers informed. It has asked them to follow all rules related to refunds, rescheduling, and assistance.

Passengers should check flight status with their airlines before leaving for the airport. They should rely only on official updates.

Govt opens arhar procurement at Rs 8,000 MSP

by

Bhubaneswar: The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment has opened mandi centres at multiple locations across the State to procure Fair Average Quality (FAQ)-grade arhar (pigeon pea) at a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 8,000 per quintal.

The procurement drive began on February 14 and will continue until May 14, aiming to ensure remunerative prices for pulse growers in the State, the department said in a post on X.

Farmers have been advised to contact their nearest agriculture Officer and complete the registration process by submitting land records, photo identity proof, and a copy of their bank account details. They can register at the Seva Cooperative Samiti or the Farmers Producer Institutions near their village. The department has also enabled self-registration through the e-Samrudhi mobile app to simplify access and improve transparency in procurement.

The move is expected to strengthen pulse procurement infrastructure, prevent distress sales, and provide direct financial support to farmers through assured government purchase.

Separately, Sachin R. Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the department, visited pilot agriculture projects in Sambalpur district to assess on-ground implementation of innovative farming models.

During the visit, he interacted with award-winning farmer Shubhadra Nayak, who has adopted a diversified Integrated Farming System model and achieved an annual income of around Rs 10 lakh. He appreciated her efforts and highlighted the importance of market-led extension services and crop diversification to enhance farmers’ income and long-term sustainability, the department said in a post on X.

The commissioner also held discussions with scientists at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra and planted an avocado sapling at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Chipilima campus. The gesture underscored the department’s focus on innovation, capacity building, and sustainable agricultural practices.