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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.
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Day: March 14, 2026

Centre briefs media on energy, shipping situation amid West Asia tensions

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New Delhi: The Central government on Saturday held the fourth inter-ministerial briefing at the National Media Centre to share updates on the situation arising from recent developments in West Asia. Similar briefings were held earlier on March 11, 12, and 13.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shared updates on energy supplies, maritime operations, and the safety of Indian nationals in the region, according to an official statement.

An official from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said all refineries in the country are operating at high capacity and maintaining adequate crude oil inventories. The official added that India remains self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel, and the country does not require imports of these fuels to meet domestic demand.

The ministry also said no cases of fuel dry-outs have been reported at retail outlets by oil marketing companies. The government advised citizens not to resort to panic buying, stating that adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available and supplies continue regularly.

On natural gas supplies, the ministry said priority sectors remain fully protected. It confirmed 100% supply to PNG and CNG consumers without any cuts. Supplies to industrial and commercial consumers are currently regulated at around 80%.

State-run GAIL also held a virtual meeting with City Gas Distribution entities operating in major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Jaipur. The company advised them to expedite new commercial PNG connections for hotels and restaurants to reduce pressure on LPG supplies.

The ministry noted that LPG supply remains an area of concern due to the prevailing geopolitical situation. However, it said no dry-out has been reported at LPG distributorships across the country.

Officials said LPG bookings surged due to panic buying. Daily bookings increased from an average of 55.7 lakh to 88.8 lakh on Friday. Authorities have made commercial LPG cylinders available for priority distribution in 29 States and Union Territories. Online bookings currently account for around 84 percent of total cylinder requests.

Several state governments have also reviewed the supply situation. The chief ministers of Haryana and Goa held meetings with senior officials and oil companies to assess LPG demand and supply. The Telangana chief secretary also reviewed LPG stocks, supply, and distribution with oil marketing companies and civil supplies officials. Oil companies held a similar meeting with the Andhra Pradesh Commissioner of Civil Supplies to discuss developments related to LPG and other petroleum products.

Officials said 17 States and Union Territories have set up control rooms to monitor the supply of essential commodities, including petrol, diesel, and LPG.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways said no new shipping incidents involving Indian seafarers were reported in the past 24 hours, and all Indian crew members in the region remain safe.

Two Indian-flag LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying about 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG, crossed the Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday. The vessels are scheduled to reach Mundra Port and Kandla Port on March 16 and 17, respectively.

Authorities said 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 seafarers are currently operating in the Persian Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping continues to monitor the situation in coordination with ship owners, recruitment agencies and Indian missions abroad.

In the last 24 hours, the DG Shipping control room handled about 312 calls and 460 emails from seafarers, families, and maritime stakeholders. Over the past 15 days, it has handled 2,737 calls and more than 4,900 emails.

A Quick Response Team at DG Shipping is operating round the clock to coordinate with shipping companies, embassies, and insurers. Officials said concerns raised by around 1,300 seafarers and their families have been addressed.

Authorities also repatriated 30 seafarers from airports and regional locations across the Gulf in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of repatriations to 253.

The government is also working with ports, shipping lines, and logistics stakeholders to minimise disruptions to maritime trade. Major ports have prioritised berthing for LPG vessels to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies.

The Ministry of External Affairs said India continues to monitor the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region. It reiterated that the safety and welfare of Indian nationals remain the government’s top priority.

India has called for the de-escalation of tensions and the resolution of issues through dialogue. Officials said the country remains in close contact with key stakeholders, including GCC countries, Iran, the US, and Israel, at political and diplomatic levels.

Indian missions in the region continue to assist citizens through 24×7 helplines and advisories. Since February 28, around 1.72 lakh passengers have returned to India from the region as air connectivity gradually improves.

In Sohar, Oman, two Indian nationals died and 10 others sustained minor injuries in an incident reported on Friday. The Indian Embassy is assisting the affected persons and coordinating with local authorities.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting warned citizens against misinformation circulating on social media, including AI-generated videos and misleading messages.

Officials urged people to rely only on verified information shared through official government platforms. The ministry also advised consumers to book LPG cylinders through online or digital platforms such as SMS, portals, or IVRS instead of visiting distributors.y and availability of essential commodities across the country.

Modi targets Congress in Assam, launches ₹18,000 crore projects in Kolkata

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress during a rally in Assam, accusing the opposition party of spreading panic in the country amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, even as he unveiled major infrastructure projects in both Assam and West Bengal.

Addressing an election rally in Silchar in poll-bound Assam, Modi alleged that the Congress was attempting to create fear among citizens during a sensitive international situation while the government was working to minimise the impact of the conflict on Indians.

“Our government is making every possible effort to ensure that the citizens of our country face the fewest hardships possible. Our objective is to minimise the impact of this war on the nation’s citizens,” the Prime Minister said.

He criticised the Congress for what he described as irresponsible political behaviour at a time of national concern. “Instead of acting as a responsible political entity, the Congress is trying to create panic so that the country faces difficulties and they can then blame the government,” he said.

Modi further alleged that the opposition party had become a “puppet in the hands of forces hostile to India’s development”, claiming that those uncomfortable with India’s rapid progress were influencing the party’s narrative.

Taking a swipe at the party’s electoral performance, the Prime Minister said the Congress had been defeated repeatedly in elections across the country and predicted that it could soon reach a “century of defeats”.

During his Assam visit, Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth ₹23,550 crore. These included a ₹22,864-crore, 166-kilometre access-controlled expressway between Silchar and Shillong, expected to significantly reduce travel time between Guwahati and Silchar.

He also announced the foundation for a ₹565-crore elevated corridor on National Highway-306 in Silchar and a ₹122-crore College of Agriculture at Patharkandi in Karimganj district. According to officials, these projects are part of development initiatives worth ₹47,800 crore announced in the state since Friday.

Later in the day, Modi addressed a programme in Kolkata where he launched and laid the foundation for infrastructure projects worth more than ₹18,000 crore aimed at boosting connectivity and economic activity across eastern India.

The projects include road, railway and port infrastructure aimed at strengthening logistics networks and supporting trade and industry in the region.

Among the key projects is the Kharagpur–Moregram Expressway, which is expected to accelerate economic activity across several parts of West Bengal. The Prime Minister also inaugurated six redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Station scheme, including Kamakhya Guri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum and Siuri.

In addition, automatic block signalling systems in the Kalaikunda–Kanihmohuli railway section were dedicated to the nation to enhance safety and increase capacity on busy rail routes.

Modi also flagged off a new express train service between Purulia and Anand Vihar Terminal, which will improve connectivity for passengers travelling between West Bengal and several northern states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

“These projects will give new speed to West Bengal and eastern India. They will boost trade and industry, make life easier for millions of people and open new opportunities,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of maritime infrastructure, the Prime Minister said projects related to port modernisation at Kolkata and Haldia would strengthen eastern India’s logistics network. Upgrades at the Haldia Dock Complex and improvements in cargo handling capacity at Kidderpore Dock were also announced.

“For decades, the potential of waterways in eastern India remained neglected. Today, waterways are opening new avenues for trade and industrial progress,” Modi said. Referring to ongoing upgrades at Kolkata and Haldia ports, he said the projects would strengthen the region’s logistics network and support future economic expansion.

Modi said improved road, rail and port connectivity would benefit farmers, traders, entrepreneurs and students while also creating new opportunities in sectors such as tourism and local industry.

Emphasising the broader development vision for the region, he said modern infrastructure would play a key role in building a “Viksit Bengal” and strengthening eastern India’s contribution to the country’s growth.

Sonam Wangchuk released as Centre revokes his NSA detention

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New Delhi: In a major development, the Union Government on Saturday revoked the detention of Ladakh-based activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), paving the way for his immediate release from Jodhpur jail where he had been lodged since his detention on September 26, 2025.

The decision was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, marking a significant turn in the high-profile case even as a habeas corpus petition filed by his wife challenging the detention was pending before the Supreme Court.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the decision was taken after due consideration and as part of efforts to restore peace and facilitate constructive dialogue with stakeholders in Ladakh. The order revoking Wangchuk’s detention takes immediate effect.

Wangchuk had been detained under the provisions of the National Security Act following a law and order situation that arose in Leh on September 24, 2025. The detention order had been issued by the District Magistrate of Leh with the aim of maintaining public order in the region.

According to the ministry, Wangchuk has already served nearly half of the permissible detention period under the Act.

The government said it has been engaging with community leaders and various stakeholders in Ladakh to address the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region. However, it noted that ongoing bandhs and protests had affected the social and economic environment in the area.

“The prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests has been detrimental to the peace-loving character of the society and has adversely affected various sections of the community including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators and tourists, as well as the overall economy,” the ministry said.

The government added that it remains committed to fostering an atmosphere of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh in order to enable meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.

It also reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Ladakh and expressed hope that the issues concerning the region would be resolved through constructive engagement, including through discussions under the High-Powered Committee and other appropriate platforms.

The development comes while a habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo challenging his detention was pending before the Supreme Court of India.

AI rumours around Netanyahu video spark social media debate

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New Delhi: Speculation about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spread widely on social media on Saturday after users questioned the authenticity of a video posted from his official account, with some claiming the clip appeared to show an artificial intelligence-generated anomaly.

The controversy began after Netanyahu shared a video message on X on Friday addressing the ongoing Israel–US war against Iran, which has entered its 15th day and has significantly escalated tensions across the Middle East. In the video, several social media users claimed that Netanyahu’s right hand appeared to show six fingers, triggering speculation that the footage may have been generated or altered using artificial intelligence.

Posts highlighting the alleged anomaly quickly gained traction online, drawing millions of views and prompting widespread debate. Some users described the image as a “classic AI finger glitch”, while others questioned whether the video had been digitally manipulated. Some online posts also suggested that Iran had launched attacks specifically targeting Netanyahu or members of his family suggesting that the Israeli prime minister might have died.

These claims surfaced amid the broader escalation between Israel, the United States and Iran following the conflict that began on February 28.

Among those who raised questions online was American political commentator Candace Owens, who posted on X asking about Netanyahu’s whereabouts and whether the video was authentic.

However, fact-checking reviews and official clarifications indicate that the claims circulating online are misleading. Analysts say many of the viral posts relied on fabricated screenshots, misinterpreted visuals and unverified social media commentary that spread rapidly during the heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding the conflict with Iran.

Addressing the speculation, Grok said, “The image showing Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu apparently with six fingers is misleading and effectively “fake” in the sense that it does not accurately depict reality—it’s not evidence of an extra finger, AI generation, or anything unusual.”

Multiple independent fact-checks from sources like PolitiFact, Snopes, Lead Stories, and others examined the original footage from official Israeli Government Press Office channels and concluded that Netanyahu has the normal five fingers on each hand, and the “sixth finger” appearance is an optical illusion caused by the angle of his hand while pointing/gesturing at the podium.

“This is a classic case of a misleading screenshot taken out of context, similar to past viral “AI finger count” claims that fall apart under motion or better resolution. Netanyahu does not have polydactyly (extra fingers) in real life, and there’s no credible evidence this particular video was AI-generated or deepfaked,” Grok replied.

‘Odisha Parba 2026’ begins in New Delhi

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New Delhi: The three-day cultural festival “Odisha Parba 2026” has begun at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, celebrating the rich art, culture and heritage of Odisha while bringing together members of the Odia diaspora in the national capital.

Organised by Odia Samaj, the annual festival has grown into a prominent cultural platform since its inception in 2017 and now attracts wide national and international attention. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday inaugurated the event as the chief guest, while Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Delhi Government Education Minister Ashish Sood attended as guests of honour.

Addressing the gathering, Pradhan said the primary aim of the festival is to inspire the younger generation to take pride in their Odia identity and actively promote the Odia language and culture at national and global levels. He emphasised that Lord Jagannath forms the foundation of Odia identity and that the blessings of Mahaprabhu have helped the people of Odisha build a distinct cultural presence across the world.

“This festival organised in the national capital provides a meaningful platform to celebrate and reaffirm the pride of Odia heritage,” Pradhan said in a series of posts on X. He thanked Odia Samaj, a leading socio-cultural organisation based in New Delhi, for organising the event and said the festival has gradually evolved into a national movement strengthening the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.

The minister also invited members of the Odia diaspora and residents of Delhi to attend the event and experience the diverse art forms, traditions and natural beauty of Odisha.

This year’s Odisha Parba holds special significance as it coincides with the 600th birth anniversary of Adikavi Sarala Das and the 200th anniversary of Satya Mahima Dharma.

Highlighting the importance of the coming decade, Pradhan noted that 2036 will mark the centenary of Odisha becoming a separate state. He said the next ten years should be a period of commitment and collective effort for building a prosperous and developed Odisha in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat”.

The festival features a vibrant lineup of cultural performances showcasing Odisha’s traditional and contemporary art forms. Classical, folk and tribal dance presentations such as Chhau, Bagha Nacha and Sambalpuri dance are among the highlights of the programme, drawing enthusiastic audiences.

Apart from cultural performances, the event also celebrates Odisha’s rich culinary traditions. Food stalls serving a variety of regional dishes, including seafood and traditional Odia delicacies, have attracted large numbers of visitors.

The festival also includes “Pratibha Utsava”, a talent platform for emerging artists, along with recreations of traditional festivals such as Raja and Nuakhai, offering visitors an immersive experience of Odisha’s living cultural traditions.

Several eminent dignitaries are expected to participate in the remaining days of the festival, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati.

Over the years, Odisha Parba has emerged as an important cultural bridge connecting Odisha with the national capital, providing a platform for artists, performers and entrepreneurs to showcase the state’s vibrant traditions to a wider audience.

INS Sudarshini arrives in Malta during Lokayan-26 voyage

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New Delhi: The Indian naval sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived at the historic port of Valletta in Malta on Thursday, marking a key milestone in its transoceanic expedition Lokayan‑26.

The visit highlights the long-standing maritime ties between India and Malta and forms an important leg of the ship’s 22,000-nautical-mile global voyage. The vessel reached Valletta after a successful transit through the Suez Canal and a recent port call at Alexandria, according to an official statement.

After arrival, the ship’s Commanding Officer called on Rachita Bhandari, High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Malta. The interaction highlighted the role of the Indian Navy in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

Bhandari said the presence of INS Sudarshini in Malta reflects the vision of MAHASAGAR and reinforces maritime cooperation while encouraging stronger people-to-people ties.

During the visit, the crew will hold professional interactions and courtesy calls with the Armed Forces of Malta to promote mutual trust and interoperability. The ship will also organise community outreach activities, including a guided “Open Ship” event for schoolchildren and members of the Indian diaspora.

INS Sudarshini is currently in the second month of its voyage, which began at Kochi on January 20, 2026. After Malta, the vessel will sail to the French coast to participate in the Escale à Sète, where it will represent India alongside several renowned tall ships from around the world.

India-EFTA TEPA to deepen economic ties with Europe: Piyush Goyal

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New Delhi: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday said the India–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) marked the beginning of India’s deeper economic engagement with Europe.

He was addressing a commemorative session marking two years of the signing of the India–EFTA TEPA, organised by Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) via video conference in New Delhi, according to an official statement.

Goyal said industry leaders must fully leverage the opportunities created under the India–EFTA Trade and TEPA.

The minister highlighted the USD 100 billion legally binding FDI commitment from the four EFTA nations and the potential to create one million jobs in India.

He said that after concluding the EFTA agreement, India successfully finalised a trade agreement with the UK and subsequently completed negotiations with the EU, which was described by Ursula von der Leyen as the “mother of all deals”.

Goyal said the ratification of the India-UK trade agreement was progressing rapidly. He said the agreement could become one of the fastest trade deals ever approved by the UK Parliament under the stewardship of the Indian diplomatic team in London.

The minister said the agreement was signed on July 24 during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UK at Chequers and expressed optimism that it could come into force soon.

Goyal called on industry associations to actively participate in what he described as the transition from “deal to delivery”. He said trade agreements become meaningful only when they translate into higher trade flows, investments, and technology partnerships.

He highlighted the USD 100 billion investment commitment secured from Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland, calling it an unprecedented development in global trade negotiations. He said no previous trade agreement under the World Trade Organization framework had combined a free trade pact with a legally binding investment commitment.

The minister said the investment commitment is not merely an announcement or memorandum of understanding but a legally binding provision under the agreement. He added that it also includes the creation of one million jobs in India’s economic ecosystem.

Goyal said the agreement also contains a safeguard clause that allows India to claw back benefits extended under the free trade agreement if investment commitments are not fulfilled. He noted that such a provision had not been included in earlier trade agreements globally.

He said other countries had started exploring similar frameworks after India introduced the model, but none had secured legally binding investment commitments of this scale.

Highlighting early progress, the minister said Iceland had already made an initial investment of USD 30 million in the fisheries sector in Maharashtra. He said such early investments could pave the way for a larger wave of investments in India.

Goyal described the TEPA as a comprehensive agreement covering trade, technology, innovation, and investment. He said it would open major opportunities across sectors and provide nearly 100% market access across the four EFTA countries.

He also encouraged members of ASSOCHAM and businesses in the services sector to utilise the opportunities created under the agreement. He said the framework would support technology collaboration, capacity building, and deeper partnerships with European businesses.

At the same time, the minister said the government had protected India’s sensitive sectors while negotiating trade agreements. He said sectors such as agriculture and other sensitive industries had been safeguarded to avoid adverse impact on domestic stakeholders.

Goyal added that the government had consistently protected the interests of farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs in all trade agreements. He said sensitive sectors such as dairy remained protected, and genetically modified products had not been granted concessions or market access.

Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the minister said the India–EFTA TEPA reflected a strong commitment to shared prosperity and a deeper partnership among the participating nations.

Industries department key to Odisha economy: Sampad Swain

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Bhubaneswar: Industries Minister Sampad Swain on Friday said the key role of the Industries Department is to strengthen the State’s economy.

The minister presented the Budget Estimates for the Industries Department for the financial year 2026–27, focusing on accelerating industrial growth, attracting investments, and generating large-scale employment.

The Odisha Legislative Assembly later passed the budget, according to a government release.

Later, speaking to reporters, Swain said the department continues to promote investment, develop industrial infrastructure, facilitate projects, and implement progressive policies to support industrial growth.

He said Odisha expanded its investment outreach during the past year through several national engagements and industry platforms, including Odisha-Tex 2025, the Odisha Pharma Summit, and Enterprise Odisha in Rourkela.

During 2025, the Government of Odisha grounded and inaugurated 80 industrial projects with a combined investment of more than Rs 1.78 lakh crore. These projects are expected to generate employment for over 1.43 lakh people.

The latest edition of Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 received 593 investment proposals with an investment intent of Rs 16.73 lakh crore and employment potential of nearly 12.88 lakh jobs across 20 sectors.

Since June 2024, the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority and the High-Level Clearance Authority have approved 392 projects involving a proposed investment of Rs 8.15 lakh crore and employment potential of more than 5.05 lakh jobs.

The State’s regulatory reforms have also received national recognition. Odisha has been ranked a “Top Achiever” in the Business Reform Action Plan by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Government of India.

To strengthen industrial infrastructure, the government is developing and upgrading industrial estates, external infrastructure projects, industrial corridors, and sector-specific parks. These include new food parks, textile parks in Khordha district, expansion of the Aluminium Park at Angul, and the Plastic Park at Paradip.

For FY 2026-27, the government has proposed programme expenditure of Rs 1,200 crore and Rs 7.29 crore for establishment and operational costs.

Key allocations include Rs 243 crore for industrial workers’ hostels under the SIDBI Cluster Development Programme and Deen Dayal Karmachari Niwas, Rs 160 crore for the Industrial Infrastructure Maintenance Fund, and Rs 150 crore under the Industrial Infrastructure Development Fund for external infrastructure such as pipelines and power supply.

The budget also provides Rs 125 crore for Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha initiatives and Rs 101.72 crore under the Land Bank scheme to ensure ready-to-use land for industrial projects.

Sector-specific allocations include ₹90 crore for the expansion of the Aluminium Park at Angul, ₹40 crore for the development of an industrial corridor, and Rs 45 crore for the redevelopment of Kalinga Studio, along with grants to the Odisha Film Development Corporation.

The government has also allocated Rs 22 crore for textile parks, Rs 20 crore for mega food parks, and Rs 15 crore for the Plastic Park at Paradip.

Officials said the State’s industrial strategy aligns with the vision of Viksit Odisha 2036, which aims to transform Odisha into a prosperous and industrially advanced economy while generating large-scale employment.

Odisha students impress at Tokyo Global Financial Forum

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Bhubaneswar: Students from Odisha who represented the State at the Tokyo Global Financial Forum on Friday paid a courtesy visit to Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

The minister congratulated the students for their performance and achievements at the international forum, according to a government release. He said that the success of the students had brought pride to Odisha.

Suraj said that the innovative and entrepreneurial ideas presented by the students at the forum highlighted their creativity and problem-solving skills. He added that students pursuing studies in the general stream are not merely working toward degrees but are also developing solutions to real-world problems through innovation. He said their project presentation on a global platform had inspired the youth of the State.

The government of Odisha, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore’s Asian Institute of Digital Finance and the Global Finance & Technology Network, had earlier launched a Certification Programme in Fintech and Insurtech for students of colleges and universities in the State.

As part of the programme, 195 students worked on various capstone projects. A seven-member team that secured the top position was selected to present its fintech project at the forum in Tokyo.

The team included B. Simran, Rajeshwari Behera, Pushpanjali Behera, Manisha Lenka, and Soumya Ranjan Baithalu from Ravenshaw University; Shivanshi Nayak from Utkal University; and Arniban Kar from Salepur Autonomous College.

The students presented their project titled “TranchiFy – A Trust-Based Working Capital Platform for Next-Generation Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).” The fintech solution seeks to simplify and digitize the process through which SMEs can access working capital and secure bank loans more easily.

The students expressed happiness over their participation in the programme. They said the Fintech and Insurtech Certification Programme helped them gain exposure to innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development in finance and technology. They also said the State government’s initiative enabled them to present their project on an international platform.

Officials said the second phase of the Fintech and Insurtech Certification Programme will begin soon, and the application process for the next phase is currently underway.