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 4, 2026

87 killed as US submarine sinks Iranian warship returning from India

by

New Delhi: At least 87 people were killed after a United States submarine sank an Iranian naval vessel in the Indian Ocean, according to reports citing Sri Lankan authorities, in one of the most dramatic naval developments in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The vessel, identified as IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate of the Iranian Navy, had recently participated in the multinational naval exercise MILAN 2026 in India before heading back towards Iranian waters when it was reportedly struck by a torpedo launched from a US submarine.

While the United States has not officially confirmed the casualty figures, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that an American submarine had carried out the strike on the Iranian warship. Speaking to reporters, he said the attack demonstrated the reach and capabilities of the US military amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The Pentagon also released black-and-white footage showing what appeared to be a submarine periscope view followed by an explosion at sea. Analysts noted that the public release of near real-time visuals of a submarine strike is rare and reflects changing approaches to information dissemination during modern conflicts.

According to officials in Sri Lanka, rescue teams recovered 87 bodies after the warship sank off the country’s coast, while dozens of sailors were rescued. Search operations were continuing for several crew members who remain missing.

“The Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Air force engaged in rescue operations as per the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue for which Sri Lanka has signed way back in 1979,” Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Hearth was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.

IRIS Dena had previously taken part in the MILAN naval exercise hosted by India, one of the largest multilateral maritime drills in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise brings together navies from across the world to strengthen interoperability, maritime domain awareness and cooperation in complex maritime operations.

Defence experts suggested that the US submarine may have been monitoring the Iranian vessel during or after its participation in the exercise, as it is common for navies to track foreign warships for intelligence purposes during international deployments.

The sinking marks a significant escalation in maritime hostilities linked to the broader US-Israel conflict with Iran. US officials have indicated that weakening Iran’s naval capabilities forms part of the military objectives of the ongoing campaign.

Allen’s record century powers New Zealand into T20 World Cup final

by

Kolkata: New Zealand stormed into the final of the 2026 T20 World Cup with a commanding victory over South Africa at Eden Gardens, riding on a sensational unbeaten century from Finn Allen that dismantled the Proteas in a one-sided semifinal.

Chasing a target of 170, New Zealand made a blistering start as Finn Allen and Tim Seifert tore into the South African attack, racing to 84 runs inside the Powerplay. Allen dominated proceedings with an extraordinary display of power hitting, smashing 10 fours and eight sixes in a breathtaking 33-ball century — the fastest hundred in T20 World Cup history. His unbeaten 100 guided New Zealand to victory with 7.1 overs to spare, sealing a place in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Earlier, New Zealand’s bowlers had set up the contest after captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to field on a dry surface. Cole McConchie made an immediate impact by dismissing Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton off successive deliveries to leave South Africa struggling at 12/2. Although Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis attempted to rebuild the innings, New Zealand’s bowlers struck regularly to keep the pressure on.

Rachin Ravindra removed Markram before also dismissing David Miller in the same over, leaving South Africa in deep trouble. When Brevis departed soon after, the Proteas were reduced to 77/5 and facing a major collapse.

Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs steadied the innings with a patient partnership before accelerating towards the end. The pair added valuable runs in the final overs, with Jansen reaching a quick half-century off 27 balls. However, Lockie Ferguson broke the partnership by bowling Stubbs with a well-disguised leg cutter, halting South Africa’s late charge.

Despite Jansen’s efforts, South Africa could only manage 169, a total that proved insufficient against New Zealand’s explosive batting.

Allen and Seifert then produced a devastating opening stand of 117 runs to put the result beyond doubt. Seifert scored a brisk half-century before Kagiso Rabada finally broke the partnership, but by then the contest had already slipped away from South Africa.

Allen continued his assault, racing from fifty to his century in just 14 deliveries and finishing the match with the shot that brought up the landmark. The emphatic win sends New Zealand into the final as they look to capture the T20 World Cup title that narrowly eluded them in 2021.

Brief scores: South Africa 169/8 in 20 overs (Marco Jansen 50, Tristan Stubbs 40; Rachin Ravindra 2 wickets) lost to New Zealand 170/1 in 12.5 overs (Finn Allen 100*, Tim Seifert 55) by 9 wickets.

Russian national ballet ‘Kostroma’ stages spectacular show in New Delhi

by

New Delhi: The Russian National Ballet “Kostroma” delivered a grand choreographic performance titled “Russian National Dance Show” at the Kamani Auditorium in New Delhi on Tuesday. The event was organised with the support of the Russian Embassy in India and formed part of Russia’s international cultural and educational project “Global Dance Overture.”

The evening began with a welcoming address by Russian Ambassador to New Delhi Denis Alipov. Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the history of the “Global Dance Overture” project. He underlined that the initiative was supported at the highest state level and was announced during the BRICS summit in Kazan in 2024, according to the Russian Embassy.

The ambassador said the project aims to strengthen humanitarian cooperation among member countries. He also noted that the programme has already been successfully presented in the UAE, Egypt, and China.

The performance unfolded as a large-scale artistic narrative of Russia’s centuries-old history, folk traditions, and cultural diversity. The show took the audience on a journey across regions, from the Caucasus and Siberia to the Far North and Central Russia. The full auditorium responded enthusiastically to the brilliant choreography, the artists’ precision, and the vibrant traditional costumes.

In a special highlight, the show featured the composition “Jayati Jaya Mama Bharatam” for the first time. The piece was performed by Indian dancers and showcased 45 dance forms from different regions of India, symbolising cultural unity and diversity.

Vivek Aggarwal, secretary to the Union government, Ministry of Culture, attended the event as the chief guest from the Indian side. The evening also saw the presence of representatives from Indian business, public, academic, scientific, and cultural circles.

Tourism Minister Shekhawat inaugurates India Pavilion at ITB Berlin

by

New Delhi: Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, inaugurated the India Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2026 on Tuesday.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is presenting its wide range of tourism offerings. These include heritage, spirituality, wildlife, wellness, and emerging destinations, Shekhawat said in a post on X.

“The India Pavilion reflects our commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and experience-driven tourism. It is a platform for our states, industry partners, and stakeholders to engage with global markets and strengthen India’s position as a leading tourism destination,” he stated.

Addressing the media at ITB Berlin, Shekhawat reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening tourism partnerships with Germany and Europe.

In 2025, India recorded 20.09 million international arrivals and over 4.13 billion domestic tourist visits, demonstrating the scale and dynamism of its tourism sector.

The minister emphasized efforts to strengthen connectivity, expand road and rail infrastructure, improve airports, leverage digital public infrastructure, and use AI-driven destination management. He also highlighted the promotion of sustainable, community-based tourism.

Shekhawat stated: “India invites the world to experience not just a destination, but a living civilisation rooted in heritage, innovation, and shared prosperity.”

During the event, he met Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism. They discussed destination-led development, sustainable growth, climate responsibility, and community participation in tourism ecosystems. India also shared its experience in leveraging domestic tourism, expanding connectivity, and building future-ready infrastructure.

“Over the past decade, we have pursued a balanced approach by enabling world class infrastructure while safeguarding our rich heritage and fragile ecosystems. Operational airports have expanded from 74 to over 160, unlocking access to remote and emerging destinations,” the tourism minister noted.

India celebrates Holi, leaders extend warm greetings

by

New Delhi: India celebrated the festival of colours, Holi, on Thursday with people across the country marking the occasion with joy and enthusiasm, as national leaders extended their greetings and wished happiness, prosperity and harmony for all.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the nation, expressing hope that the festival of colours and joy brings happiness, prosperity and success into everyone’s lives. In a message shared on X, he said Holi fills the entire atmosphere with new energy and spreads a spirit of celebration everywhere.

President Droupadi Murmu also greeted citizens on the occasion, noting that the festival spreads love and hope while strengthening unity and brotherhood among people. She expressed hope that Holi would bring happiness to all and inspire people to work together towards building a developed nation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah described Holi as a festival of joy, enthusiasm and renewed energy, and wished that it brings progress, prosperity and good fortune to everyone.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also extended greetings, expressing hope that the festival brings happiness, peace and renewed enthusiasm into people’s lives.

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan said Holi symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring, reflecting renewal, hope and the vibrant spirit of Indian civilisation. He added that the festival strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect in society.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also conveyed his wishes to the people of the state, saying the festival should fill everyone’s lives with peace, happiness and prosperity while strengthening social harmony and brotherhood.

Lakshya Sen stuns Shi Yuqi at All England Open

by

New Delhi: Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen produced a stunning upset at the All England Open Badminton Championships on Tuesday, defeating world No. 1 Shi Yuqi of China 23-21, 19-21, 21-17 in a thrilling Round-of-32 encounter at the Utilita Arena.

The match started with a tense first game, which Shi Yuqi narrowly won 23-21. Sen bounced back strongly in the second, taking it 21-19 to level the contest. In the decider, the Indian shuttler maintained composure, leading 11-9 at the break and gradually pulling ahead to seal the match 21-17 after one hour and 18 minutes of high-intensity badminton.

This victory marks Sen’s second career win over Shi Yuqi and cements his growing reputation on the world stage. With this win, Sen now progresses to the Round of 16, where he will face Ng Ka Long Angus of Hong Kong, China, according to olympics.com.

Sen’s triumph adds to a string of memorable performances by Indian shuttlers on international courts, highlighting the rise of India as a serious contender in men’s singles badminton.

In the women’s draw, reigning Olympic champion An Seyoung of South Korea defeated Neslihan Arin of Türkiye 21-8, 21-6 to advance to the round of 16. An, who has won her last seven tournaments, will now face Lin Hsiang-Ti of Chinese Taipei.

She will now face Lin Hsiang-Ti of Chinese Taipei for a spot in the quarter-finals. Lin earned this matchup after defeating South Korea’s Sim Yujin 21-16, 21-13.

Ashwini Vaishnaw approves regularization of three Odisha special trains

by

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to enhance rail connectivity and passenger convenience, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday approved the regularization of three special trains in Odisha.

Vaishnaw wrote a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi regarding the regularization of the special trains.

The newly regularized trains include:

Shalimar – Bhanjpur Express (18015/18016): Formerly running as 08007/08008 Shalimar – Bhanjpur Special, this train will operate via Jaleswar, Basta, Rupsa, Jugpura, Betnoti, Krishnachandrapur, Jamsole, and Baripada.

Charlapalli – Shalimar Amrit Bharat Express (17065/17066): Previously 07225/07226 Charlapalli – Shalimar Special, it will now run through Brahmapur, Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Bhadrak, and Balasore.

Bhanjpur – Puri Express (18017/18018): This train, earlier 08011/08012 Bhanjpur – Puri Special, will provide regular service between Bhanjpur and the temple city of Puri.

The regularization aims to streamline train operations, ensuring reliable and convenient travel for passengers across key routes in the State.

With these developments, rail travelers in Odisha can look forward to improved scheduling, better connectivity, and enhanced comfort on these crucial routes.

NHAI clears six-lane Bhubaneswar bypass to boost regional connectivity

by

Bhubaneswar: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a Letter of Award for the construction of the six-lane, access-controlled Greenfield Capital Region Ring Road (Bhubaneswar bypass).

The 111 km project will run from Rameshwar to Tangi in three packages under the Hybrid Annuity Mode.

The project is expected to be completed in 30 months from its start, according to an official statement.

Package I has been awarded to Patel Infrastructure Limited for a 40 km section from Rameshwar to Bilipada. It includes paved shoulders, 12.4 km long service roads on both sides, two interchanges, one ROB, 10 minor bridges, 142 culverts, one wayside amenity, seven elevated underpasses, and eight VUPs, LVUPs, and SVUPs.

Package II will be built by VRC Constructions (India) Limited, covering 30 km from Bilipada to Gobindpur. It includes six-lane carriageways, 7.2 km service roads on each side, three interchanges, 11 minor bridges, 90 culverts, one wayside amenity, three elevated underpasses, three VUPs, six LVUPs, and three SVUPs.

Package III has been awarded to HG Infra Engineering Limited for the 40 km stretch from Gobindpur to Tangi near Bandola Toll Plaza. The plan features six lanes with paved shoulders, 10 km service/slip roads on each side, one interchange, 23 minor bridges, 69 culverts, one wayside amenity, two elevated underpasses, six VUPs, 16 LVUPs, and three SVUPs.

Designed for 100 kmph, the Capital Region Ring Road will improve connectivity and mobility in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Khordha. The access-controlled corridor will ease urban congestion, reduce logistics costs, generate jobs, and support long-term economic growth. It will also provide safer, faster, and more sustainable travel for commuters and freight.

India ensures energy security amid Middle East tensions

by

New Delhi: Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, said on Tuesday that India has ample stocks of crude oil and key petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel, to handle short-term disruptions from the Middle East.

Puri was addressing the media on the country’s preparedness, according to an official statement.

He added that India is the third-largest importer, fourth-largest refiner, and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products in the world.

The minister highlighted that India has diversified its energy sources in recent years. Energy companies now access supplies that do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Such cargoes can help mitigate temporary supply disruptions in the region.

A 24×7 Control Room has been established to monitor petroleum stocks and supply across the country, according to Puri. The minister noted that it is reasonably comfortable with current inventory levels.

Puri further said the government’s priority is to safeguard the interests of Indian consumers. Continuous monitoring allows phased measures if needed to further strengthen energy security, he noted.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the evolving airspace situation in parts of West Asia and its impact on international flights. So far, 1,221 flights by Indian carriers and 388 flights by foreign carriers have been cancelled due to the ongoing situation.

Indian carriers have adjusted schedules, with long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights progressively resuming through alternative routes that avoid restricted airspace, according to an official statement.

Special arrangements are being made for stranded passengers. Airlines are deploying additional capacity and coordinating with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad to ensure safe and orderly movement.

On Wednesday, Indian carriers plan 58 flights, including 30 by IndiGo and 23 by Air India and Air India Express. Foreign carriers between India and the Gulf region are also operating limited flights, subject to operational and airspace restrictions.

Airlines have been advised to maintain clear communication with passengers and follow all regulations on refunds, rescheduling, and assistance.