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 7, 2026

Modi slams Bengal govt over Santal conclave venue row

by

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday criticised the government led by Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal over alleged protocol lapses during the visit of President Droupadi Murmu and the sudden change of venue for the International Santal Conference scheduled in Bidhannagar.

The remarks came after Murmu expressed displeasure with the State government for allegedly denying permission for the International Santal Conclave in North Bengal. The president also stated that neither the CM nor any state minister received her during the visit, which she said was against established protocol.

In a post on X, Modi described the incident as “shameful and unprecedented”. He criticised the All India Trinamool Congress government for what he called casual treatment of the Santal community. The PM stressed that the office of the president stood above politics and deserved respect.

“It is equally unfortunate that a subject as important as Santal culture is treated so casually by the West Bengal Government. The office of the President is above politics, and the sanctity of this office should always be respected. One hopes better sense prevails among the West Bengal Government and TMC,” the PM said.

The 9th International Santhali Conclave was originally planned in Bidhannagar. However, Murmu alleged that State authorities later shifted the venue to a smaller site in Goshaipur near Bagdogra Airport, citing congestion. Organisers also raised concerns about stage arrangements and inadequate toilet facilities at the new venue.

Murmu later travelled to Bidhannagar in the Phansidewa area, which has a significant Adivasi population. She said many members of the Santal community would not be able to reach the alternative venue and added that the development had left her deeply hurt.

The president also highlighted protocol issues during her arrival. She said the CM and State ministers did not come to receive her at the airport, while only Gautam Deb, the Mayor of Siliguri, was present to welcome her.

Murmu also remarked that she considered herself a daughter of Bengal and referred to Mamata Banerjee as a younger sister. She added that she did not know the reason for the situation but wished well for the CM and the people present at the event.

Speaking at the conclave, Murmu said the Union government had worked over the past decade to strengthen tribal pride and promote development for tribal communities. She questioned whether development and welfare benefits meant for Santhals and other tribal groups were reaching them in the region.

Meanwhile, the BJP accused the Trinamool Congress government of disregarding the dignity of the President’s office.

“When a State government begins to disregard the dignity of the office of the President of India, it reflects not just administrative failure but a breakdown of constitutional propriety and governance. This is not merely discourtesy. It is institutional disrespect and another reminder of how governance in Bengal has descended into chaos,” Amit Malviya, National In-charge of the BJP’s IT Department, said in a post on X.

Civil aviation minister inaugurates Airbus India technology centre

by

Bengaluru: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Saturday virtually inaugurated the Airbus India Technology Centre in Bengaluru. The event was also attended by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar.

In a post on X, Kinjarapu said the facility would allow Indian engineers to design and develop critical systems for Airbus commercial aircraft and helicopters operating across the world.

He further said the centre will use India’s skilled and youthful workforce to support key aerospace projects.

The initiative reflects India’s growing position as a hub for Global Capability Centres under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he noted. Airbus has established the facility as its second-largest digital centre outside Europe.

The new campus features advanced engineering and innovation centres. It highlights India’s strength as a destination for global technology and engineering operations.

The new centre is expected to strengthen collaboration between Airbus and India’s technology ecosystem. It will also create opportunities for Indian talent in the global aerospace sector.

Sudarsan Pattnaik showcases ‘Jugalbandi’ paintings at Contemporary Venice

by

Bhubaneswar: Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has achieved a new milestone in his artistic journey as his “Jugalbandi” paintings are being exhibited at Contemporary Venice 2026 in Venice, Italy.

Pattnaik, who began his artistic journey in Puri, said the moment was deeply emotional for him. His works are being displayed at the international exhibition that features artists from more than 30 countries.

Pattnaik is the only artist from India participating in the exhibition. In a series of posts on X, the artist from Odisha said he felt honoured to represent the country at such a prestigious global platform. The artist also expressed gratitude for the appreciation he received from visitors and art lovers.

He thanked the curator and Director Luca Curci for the encouragement and warm response to his work.

The exhibition is being held at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello from March 6 to March 20. It is organised by ITSLIQUID Group in collaboration with ACIT Venice – Italian-German Cultural Association.

The 18th edition of Contemporary Venice highlights the artistic research of international creators and examines how identities evolve within modern spaces. The exhibition explores the relationship between the human body and the spaces people inhabit in today’s cultural, social, and urban environments.

The show is divided into two curated sections – “Mixing Identities” and “Future Landscapes.” These sections reflect how identities are shaped, transformed, and hybridised in contemporary society.

RSP surges ahead in Nepal election, Balen Shah set for big victory

by

Kathmandu: Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah’s newly formed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was heading towards a sweeping victory in Nepal’s general election, marking a dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape after months of public unrest and youth-led protests.

According to the latest data from Nepal’s Election Commission, the RSP has won 29 seats and is leading in 88 others in the 165 constituencies decided through direct voting, suggesting the party could emerge as the largest force in Parliament. Local media reports said the surge has significantly weakened the hold of Nepal’s traditional political parties.

Shah, popularly known as “Balen”, has also established a strong lead in the Jhapa-5 constituency against former prime minister and CPN-UML chairman K.P. Sharma Oli. Early results show Shah is currently leading with 39,284 votes, ahead of Oli by a margin of 28,991 votes in the constituency that has long been considered the veteran leader’s stronghold.

The 35-year-old engineer, who served as the Mayor of Kathmandu before entering national politics, is widely seen as a potential contender for the prime minister’s post if his party secures enough seats. His rapid rise reflects a growing public demand for political change in Nepal, which has seen 14 governments in the past 18 years.

RSP spokesperson Manish Jha wrote on X on Friday: “Our objective is to bring about positive changes in the country, and we still have to work hard for this.” “We must serve not as leaders, but as facilitators. The people have entrusted us with a mandate and responsibility with great expectations,” writes Jha.

“Our real enemies are corruption, poverty, and bad governance in the country,” said Jha. “Candidates and political parties are only competitors in the democratic process and respecting everyone’s existence, we must stay restrained, generous, and responsible. This is a request to all.

Preliminary results indicate that established parties are struggling to retain their dominance. The Nepali Congress has won five seats and is leading in nine others, while the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) has secured twp seats and is ahead in nine constituencies. The Nepal Communist Party has won two seats and is leading in 10 constituencies, according to early trends.

The elections were closely watched both domestically and internationally following last year’s youth-led “Gen Z” protests that forced the resignation of the government led by K.P. Sharma Oli. The protests were driven by demands for anti-corruption measures, better governance and generational change in Nepal’s political leadership.

Following the political crisis, President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives in September and appointed Sushila Karki as caretaker prime minister until fresh elections could be held.

In the latest polls, nearly 18.9 million voters were eligible to elect the 275-member House of Representatives. About 60 per cent of voters turned out to cast their ballots.

Of the total seats in Parliament, 165 are decided through direct elections while the remaining 110 are filled through a proportional representation system based on the share of votes secured by political parties.

India is closely monitoring the developments in Nepal, with New Delhi expressing hope that the elections would lead to political stability in the Himalayan nation. Ahead of the polls, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India looked forward to working with the new government in Nepal to strengthen bilateral ties and support the country’s progress and stability.

Indian-flagged ships safe, assures government

by

New Delhi: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) confirmed on Friday that Indian-flagged ships continue to remain safe, with no confirmed detention, boarding, or casualty reported.

The update was provided during a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting chaired by the secretary, MoPSW, to assess the evolving maritime situation in the West Asia region.

According to the ministry, all 35 Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf region – 24 west of the Strait of Hormuz and 11 east, including the Gulf of Oman and adjoining areas – along with three vessels in the Gulf of Aden, are being continuously tracked through the LRIT National Data Centre, with regular SITREPs issued to maintain situational awareness.

The ministry said it has strengthened monitoring and preparedness measures to safeguard Indian seafarers, ensure the safety of Indian vessels, and maintain continuity of maritime trade. A 24-hour helpline has been established at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to facilitate coordination and support for seafarers, according to an official statement.

During the review, officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and key stakeholders from shipping and trade organizations, including RIL, INSA, CSLA, and FIEO, participated. The meeting followed up on earlier assessments conducted by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

The ministry also issued advisories instructing Indian-flagged vessels and seafarers to adopt enhanced security measures and follow strict reporting protocols. Earlier, the DGS circular directed all Indian vessels and seafarers to comply with safety protocol.

MoPSW is closely monitoring developments in coordination with major Indian ports, maritime authorities, and other agencies. Shipping companies, vessel operators, and Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees have been advised to exercise caution in crew deployment, conduct voyage-specific risk assessments, and maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families.

The ministry also reviewed vessels and cargo bound for GCC and West Asian destinations, noting that overall port operations across India remain stable. Ports have been directed to extend necessary support to exporters, ensure continuity of EXIM trade, and prioritize handling of refrigerated and perishable cargo.

Major ports have implemented operational measures, including continuous vessel monitoring, real-time assessment of regional developments, and reporting of vessel and cargo status. Additional storage space has been arranged wherever required to ensure uninterrupted maritime logistics.

The ministry continues to coordinate with maritime stakeholders and relevant government departments to safeguard Indian maritime interests, ensure the safety of seafarers, and maintain the smooth functioning of maritime trade and logistics operations.

Domestic LPG price hiked by Rs 60 per cylinder

by

New Delhi: The price of domestic cooking gas (LPG) rose sharply by Rs 60 per cylinder on Saturday. Oil companies cited rising energy costs amid the ongoing West Asia conflict as the reason for the increase.

Non-subsidised LPG, used by household consumers outside the Ujjwala scheme, now costs Rs 913 for a 14.2 kg cylinder in Delhi, according to the Indian Oil Corporation website. The price hike is effective from March 7.

This is the second increase in 11 months, with the last hike of Rs 50 per cylinder in April 2025. Prices in other major cities vary, with Mumbai at Rs 912.50, Kolkata at ₹939, and Chennai at Rs 928.50 per 14.2 kg cylinder, reflecting differences in local sales tax and VAT.

Rates for Ujjwala beneficiaries, covering over 10 crore poor households, remain unchanged. Earlier this month, commercial LPG, used by hotels and restaurants, was increased by Rs 114.5 per 19 kg cylinder, bringing the cost in Delhi to RS 1,883 per cylinder.

Odisha Chief Electoral Officer begins SIR 2026 preparations

by

Bhubaneswar: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha on Friday initiated preparations for the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 by conducting a detailed presentation on the process of mapping the 2002 voter list, which will serve as the baseline for the revision exercise.

Addressing officials and the media at the CEO Media Centre, State Chief Electoral Officer R.S. Gopalan said the 2002 electoral roll will be mapped with the 2025 voter list in line with the guidelines of the Election Commission of India. The mapping exercise is considered a crucial step to ensure accuracy and transparency in the revision of the electoral rolls, according to an official release.

During the process, key details such as voters’ names, names of relatives, age or date of birth, polling station, part number, and EPIC information will be recorded and verified. Booth Level Officers will assist citizens during the exercise, while voters can also verify their information through digital platforms, including the ECINET portal, Voter Services portal, the CEO Odisha website, and the ECINET mobile application, according to an official media release.

Gopalan urged citizens to check their names in both the 2002 and 2025 voter lists to ensure proper mapping. If a voter’s name is not found in the 2002 list, the process can be completed using details of the voter’s father or mother. In the absence of such information, the details of the grandparents can be used for verification.

He also clarified that no documents, including Aadhaar cards, are required for the mapping process. Once the SIR formally begins, registration of names in the electoral roll will follow the procedures prescribed by the Election Commission.

Amit Shah calls for Amul-style dairy cooperatives in every Odisha village

by

Bhubaneswar: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the Ministry of Cooperation and the government of Odisha will work together to build a strong cooperative base in every village on the lines of Amul by integrating dairies across the State.

Shah inaugurated development initiatives of the National Dairy Development Board and Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation in Bhubaneswar. He also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several projects of the Odisha government. The minister also inaugurated Sulphuric Acid Plant-III in Paradip and addressed a Cooperative Development Seminar, according to an official statement.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the event along with other dignitaries.

He said the Odisha government fulfilled its promise of procuring rice at Rs 3,100 per quintal in a short time. Shah also said that the Subhadra Yojana has already extended benefits to one crore women. He announced that authorities will launch a special campaign to form dairy cooperatives across the state. He said the move will bring prosperity to rural citizens, especially mothers and sisters.

Shah said Odisha has abundant water resources and strong potential in the dairy sector. He added that the previous government did not take steps to strengthen cooperatives or dairy development in the state.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said development works worth Rs 3,770 crore were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid in a single day. He said a major sulphuric acid plant of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited was also inaugurated in Paradip. The plant will help IFFCO become self-reliant in sulphuric acid production. He added that in the coming years, IFFCO and Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited will work together to make the country self-reliant in sulphuric acid.

Shah revealed that three projects of the Ministry of Home Affairs, four projects of the Ministry of Cooperation, and 173 projects of the Odisha government have been inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid on Friday. Of the Odisha government’s 173 projects, 61 worth Rs 1,230 crore have been completed, while 112 worth Rs 2,116 crore are being inaugurated today.

The Union home minister also inaugurated an exhibition that explains the three new criminal laws in simple language for citizens, lawyers, the judiciary, and police personnel. He said that after nearly 150 years, the country now follows laws passed by the Parliament under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These laws aim to protect citizens’ legal rights.

Shah said the new legal framework will ensure that courts deliver justice in any FIR case up to the Supreme Court within three years by 2028. He described the laws as among the most modern and scientific legal frameworks in the world.

Odisha flags off 15 mobile forensic vans to boost scientific investigation

by

Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Friday inaugurated and flagged off 15 mobile forensic vans to strengthen scientific investigation in the State.

Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan also attended the event. Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hemant Sharma, and Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania were also present on the occasion.

The Union government has approved 36 mobile forensic vans for the State as part of efforts to strengthen forensic infrastructure. Authorities carried out the procurement process through the National Forensic Sciences University in Gujarat.

Officials equipped each van with modern forensic kits and advanced scientific instruments. These facilities will allow teams to conduct scientific examinations directly at crime scenes.

In a post on X, Singh Deo said: “These vans will empower our law enforcement agencies with modern forensic tools, ensuring quicker investigations and strengthening the delivery of justice across the state.”

Officials said the initiative will strengthen the scientific investigation process and help teams collect evidence quickly from crime scenes across the State.