March 15, 2026 - IndiaVerve

CM Mohan Charan Majhi reviews Paradip industrial projects

March 15, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday chaired a review meeting on the upcoming large industrial projects planned in Paradip.

The meeting focused on the expansion of Paradip Port Authority and plans to set up shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, the CM said in a post on X.

Officials also discussed several infrastructure projects required for port development.

The review covered key industrial proposals such as the Paradip Petrochemical Project and the proposed Integrated Steel Project. Officials discussed issues related to land acquisition, statutory approvals, and other procedures needed to implement the projects.

Industries and Skill Development Minister, Sampad Chandra Swain, also attended the meeting and reviewed the progress of large-scale industrial investments planned in Paradip.

The chief minister directed district administration and industry officials to resolve pending issues within fixed timelines and speed up project implementation.

He also asked officials to take immediate steps to begin major infrastructure and industrial works.

The projects include the expansion of Paradip Port, the development of shipbuilding and repair facilities, and industrial units proposed by Indian Oil Corporation Limited and JSW Group.

Amit Shah hails Assam’s improved healthcare system

March 15, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that Assam’s healthcare system has improved significantly since Himanta Biswa Sarma became the chief minister of the state.

Shah made the remarks after inaugurating several development projects of the Assam government in Guwahati.

Sarma and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion, according to an official statement.

Addressing a gathering, the union minister said the condition of healthcare services in the Northeast was very poor about a decade ago. He alleged that the opposition party that remained in power for years did not focus on improving public health and cared only about the financial well-being of their own families.

Shah said several government hospitals have been constructed in Assam and many medical colleges have been established in recent years. He said the government has given priority to setting up government medical colleges so that children from poor families can also pursue medical education.

He added that hospitals equipped with advanced facilities have been developed to treat various critical diseases. Shah said the CM has also mobilised support from society along with the government to implement these initiatives.

The Union minister said the country needs a comprehensive system of medical education, research and development so that students can conduct research on critical diseases and serve patients not only in India but across the world.

He said the Pragjyotishpur Medical College and Hospital has been inaugurated at a cost of about Rs 675 crore. He also announced the inauguration of the Golaghat Cancer Centre built at a cost of Rs135 crore, the Tinsukia Cancer Centre built at a cost of Rs135 crore, the Diphu Medical College and Hospital built at a cost of Rs220 crore, the Barpeta Medical College and Hospital built at a cost of Rs284 crore, and the Jorhat Medical College and Hospital built at a cost of RS310 crore.

Shah said the foundation stone has also been laid for the Six Mile Swasthya Bhavan at Rs 218 crore and the Abhayapuri District Hospital at a cost of Rs 115 crore. He said these initiatives reflect the efforts made by the state government to strengthen the healthcare sector in Assam.

He said the CM aims to build a system where no patient from Assam needs to travel outside the state for treatment. At the same time, patients from West Bengal and other Northeastern states should be able to come to Assam for medical care and return after receiving treatment.

Shah said the government has worked to expand healthcare facilities for cancer and other diseases across Barak Valley, Upper Assam, Central Assam and Lower Assam. He added that patients will no longer need to travel to cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, Karnataka or Delhi, as they will be able to receive treatment at government hospitals closer to their homes.

The Union minister went on to say that the present government has taken major steps to strengthen healthcare and medical education in the state.

Shah said the state’s health budget has increased from Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 9,000 crore under the current government and the funds have been utilised effectively. He added that Assam earlier had only six medical colleges, but the number has now increased to 14, with plans to establish 10 more in the future. He said this will raise the total number of medical colleges in the state to 24.

He said earlier there were 726 medical seats in the state, but the number has now increased to 1,825 seats across the existing 14 medical colleges.

Election Commission Of India announces poll schedule for five states

March 15, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday announced the schedule for Assembly elections in five states and a Union Territory, setting the stage for a major democratic exercise across the country.

Addressing a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said polling in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23, 2026, while the counting of votes will take place on May 4, 2026.

The ECI also announced the poll schedule for Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Polling in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will be held on April 9, while votes will be counted on May 4.

In West Bengal, polling will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.

The Commission said the elections will involve a large and diverse electorate across the five states and the Union Territory.

Kumar said the total number of electors is about 17.4 crore, covering 824 Assembly constituencies. Around 2.19 lakh polling stations will be set up, and the election process will involve nearly 25 lakh personnel.

He said the Assembly terms of the states are nearing completion, with Assam’s term ending on May 20, Kerala’s on May 23, Tamil Nadu on May 10, West Bengal on May 7, and Puducherry on June 15.

The chief election commissioner also said the electorate includes centenarian voters, first-time voters, and a large number of electors aged between 20 and 29 years. A total of about 2.18 lakh polling stations will be established, most of them in rural areas, with an average of 750 to 850 voters per station.

He said model polling stations will be set up in all states and the Union Territory. Special polling stations managed by women will also be established to improve accessibility and efficiency.

Kumar added that the Commission held extensive consultations with recognised political parties, district election officials, and enforcement agencies while preparing for the elections. Meetings were also held with Chief Electoral Officers, Chief Secretaries, and Directors General of Police of the concerned states and the Union Territory.

He said booth-level officers were recognised for their work in electoral roll management, and the Commission also interacted with young voters and voter awareness campaign representatives.

The chief election commissioner urged young and first-time voters to participate actively in the electoral process. He said voting is one of the most important democratic responsibilities, and citizens should exercise their right with pride and confidence.

India’s space startup ecosystem expanding rapidly: Jitendra Singh

March 15, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: India now has a rapidly expanding space startup landscape, and the space economy is expected to grow significantly as industry, research institutions, and young innovators increasingly collaborate, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the PMO Dr Jitendra Singh, said.

He made the remarks during a fireside chat session at the Alternate Media Conference “Unstoppable Bharat 2026” in New Delhi, according to an official statement.

Referring to reforms in the space sector, he said opening the sector to private participation and startups has encouraged innovation and created new opportunities for entrepreneurs and researchers.

The minister also said the nature of warfare is changing quickly, and technology is becoming central to national security and defence preparedness. He noted that traditional forms of combat are gradually giving way to technology-driven systems.

Dr. Singh also said sectors such as space, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced scientific research will shape India’s future security framework and support national development.

The minister further said India has strong scientific talent and the government is working to build an ecosystem that supports innovation from an early stage. He said several initiatives are encouraging students at the school and university levels to pursue careers in science and technology.

Dr. Singh said programmes such as Vigyan Jyoti and other mentoring initiatives are helping students, particularly girls, explore opportunities in research and innovation.

He also stressed the need for students to recognise their interests early and pursue diverse fields of research. He added that the National Education Policy has provided greater flexibility for students to move across disciplines and explore emerging areas of science and technology.

Speaking about energy needs in the era of digital transformation, the minister said nuclear energy will play an important role in supporting technologies such as artificial intelligence and large-scale data centres that require a reliable power supply. He said nuclear power offers a clean and dependable source of energy and will remain a key part of India’s long-term energy strategy.

Dr. Singh also highlighted the growing role of nuclear science in healthcare. He said nuclear medicine is creating new possibilities for treating serious diseases such as cancer and blood disorders, and increased research and industry participation can help expand access to advanced medical technologies.

He added that stronger collaboration among government institutions, private industry, and the scientific community will accelerate innovation and strengthen India’s capabilities in areas such as defence, healthcare, clean energy, and advanced technologies.

Bahrain, Saudi Arabian Grands Prix cancelled in April

March 15, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of motorsport, officially announced on Saturday that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April.

In a post on X, the FIA said: “It has been confirmed today that, after careful evaluation and due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April.”

The body further said that although several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions would be made in April.

“The FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3, and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times. The decision has been taken in full consultation with Formula One Group, local promoters, and our member clubs in the region,” it added.

Meanwhile, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, in an Instagram post, said: “The FIA will always put the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues first, and we continue to hope for calm, safety, and a swift return to stability.”

The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled as the fourth race of the season from April 10 to 12, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was set to be held a week later.

Just 11 minutes a day: Tiny exercise, huge health benefits

March 15, 2026 by India Verve Desk

In today’s fast-paced world, squeezing in time for exercise can feel impossible. Between work commitments and modern comforts, physical activity often takes a backseat. But a new study suggests that you don’t need hours at the gym to stay healthy—just 11 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a day can make a life-changing difference.

Researchers from the Medical Research Council (MRC) at the University of Cambridge analyzed 196 peer-reviewed studies involving over 30 million participants, making it the largest systematic review on physical activity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer risk. Their findings provide clarity amid conflicting advice from earlier studies and show that even a small, consistent effort can have remarkable health effects.

Currently, the NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. However, this new analysis found that just 11 minutes of daily moderate exercise can reduce the risk of premature death by 23%. Additional benefits plateau for those exercising beyond 150 minutes per week, suggesting that even minimal daily activity can be powerful.

The impact of short, mindful exercise goes beyond longevity. Daily 11-minute sessions can lower cardiovascular disease risk by 17%, overall cancer risk by 7%, and certain cancers such as myeloid leukemia, myeloma, and gastric cardia by 26%.

The takeaway is simple: small, consistent ripples of physical activity can create significant health waves. Incorporating 11 minutes of moderate movement into your daily routine—whether brisk walking, cycling, or simple bodyweight exercises—can dramatically enhance life quality and longevity.

Even if your fitness journey feels stalled, starting small can save lives. After all, 11 minutes a day could be your easiest step toward a healthier, longer life.

Trump threatens more strikes on Iran’s Kharg island, calls for warships in Hormuz

March 15, 2026 by Saroj Pattnaik

New Delhi: Donald Trump has threatened additional strikes on Iran’s key oil export hub at Kharg Island and called on allied nations to deploy warships to secure the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz as the conflict between the United States and Iran entered its third week.

In remarks to NBC News, Trump claimed that recent American strikes had “totally demolished” large parts of Kharg Island and warned that further attacks could follow. “We may hit it a few more times,” he said, signalling the possibility of continued military action against the Iranian facility.

The comments mark a sharp escalation in rhetoric from the US president, who had earlier indicated that American operations were limited to military targets on the island.

Kharg Island is one of Iran’s most important oil export terminals, and damage to the facility could further disrupt global energy supplies already strained by the ongoing conflict.

At the same time, Trump urged countries that rely on energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to help secure the critical maritime corridor. The narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman is one of the world’s most important energy routes, handling roughly 20 million barrels of oil shipments per day and nearly one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas trade.

In a message posted on social media, Trump said nations affected by Iran’s attempts to restrict movement through the strait should send naval forces to assist in keeping the route open.

“Many countries will be sending warships, together with the United States, to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe,” he wrote, adding that the US Navy would begin escorting oil tankers passing through the region.

Trump also claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely weakened during the conflict, saying they had been “completely destroyed”. However, he acknowledged that Tehran could still pose limited threats in the waterway.

“It is still easy for them to send a drone, drop a mine or launch a short-range missile in the area,” he said.

The escalation comes as global energy markets remain on edge due to disruptions in oil shipments linked to the conflict. Iran reportedly moved to close the Strait of Hormuz in early March, raising concerns about the stability of global energy supply chains.

Meanwhile, Iran has strongly criticised the growing presence of foreign military forces in the region. Seyed Abbas Araghchi urged Middle Eastern countries to expel what he described as “foreign military forces” from the region.

Responding to Trump’s call for international naval deployment, Araghchi said on social media that the US security umbrella in the region had failed and accused Washington of seeking assistance from other countries to safeguard the strategic waterway.

The diplomatic exchange reflects deepening tensions as both sides show little sign of stepping back from the confrontation, raising concerns that the conflict could further destabilise global energy markets and maritime security in the Gulf

India condemns Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan

March 15, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: India on Saturday strongly condemned the recent attacks by Pakistan on Afghanistan, calling them an “act of aggression.”

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India condemns the airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s territory, leading to the death of several civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is yet another act of aggression by the Pakistani establishment, which remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan. India reiterates that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected.”

He was responding to media queries regarding the attacks.

According to reports, the airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan killed 16 people and injured 15 others.

On Friday, the Afghan Taliban government blamed Pakistan for conducting airstrikes in Kabul and several areas of eastern Afghanistan.

On the same day, Afghanistan’s Air Force also targeted Pakistani military installations near Islamabad and in parts of northwestern Pakistan.

Odisha police, UNICEF hold JUVENTICA conclave on children’s digital safety

March 15, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police, in collaboration with UNICEF, organised the JUVENTICA – Digital Rights and Safety of Children Conclave at Police Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Saturday to address growing concerns over children’s safety in the digital world.

The event brought together policymakers, senior police officials, educators, parents, students, and child rights experts. Participants discussed the rising risks children face online and explored ways institutions, families, and communities can work together to safeguard their rights and well-being in the digital space, according to an Odisha Police press release.

Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania highlighted the changing role of law enforcement in dealing with cyber threats involving children.

He said Odisha Police has intensified cyber safety awareness and capacity building within the force. He informed that the state plans to set up 20 more cyber police stations across districts and engage cyber experts at the field level to support investigations.

The DGP also noted that 71 police stations have been upgraded with child-friendly corners. He added that the department aims to make the entire police system more child-friendly in the coming days while stressing the need for cooperation between law enforcement agencies and civil society to protect children online.

DGP, CID-CB, Vinaytosh Mishra pointed to the growing complexity of cyber threats targeting children. He observed that India’s internet user base has expanded sharply from around 125 million in 2011 to over 845 million in 2021.

He said this rapid growth has increased the responsibility of institutions and law enforcement to protect children from cyber risks.

Mishra also outlined the work of the Children and Women Online Abuse Monitoring Unit of the Cyber Wing of CID-CB in removing child sexual abuse material and other harmful content from the internet.

Additional DGP, Crime Against Women and Children Wing, Shyni S., stressed the importance of prevention and awareness. She said authorities must not only respond to cybercrime but also equip children, parents, and teachers with the knowledge and tools to use the internet safely and responsibly.

UNICEF Odisha Chief of Field Office Prasanta Kumar Dash highlighted the need for a rights-based approach to children’s digital engagement. He said technology is transforming childhood and children should be recognised as active learners and creators whose voices must be included in discussions on digital safety.

Three thematic panel discussions were organised during the event. The sessions focused on the role of policing in protecting children online, the influence of digital platforms on young minds, and the importance of privacy, consent, and digital boundaries in safeguarding children’s rights.

Several institutional commitments were announced to strengthen digital safety for children in the State. Odisha Police proposed initiatives such as the Rakshya Saathi volunteer programme, enhanced training for Child Welfare Police Officers, and greater engagement with schools.

The School and Mass Education Department is committed to introducing digital safety education in schools. It also proposed promoting digital hygiene and psychosocial first aid as support mechanisms for children facing online harm.

Both Odisha Police and the School and Mass Education Department also agreed to introduce a mechanism for Child Welfare Police Officers to participate in schools, parent-teacher meetings, and school management committees. UNICEF Odisha will design a training curriculum to support the effective participation of these officers in such engagements.

Odisha launches ‘Gramodaya’ sports kits for maoist-affected villages

March 15, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The State government has launched a major initiative to engage youth in Maoist-affected regions through sports and bring them into the social mainstream.

The Department of Sports and Youth Services will distribute sports equipment to 485 villages across 10 Maoist-affected districts under the “Gramodaya” campaign. The initiative follows a call by the chief minister to promote youth engagement and development in remote areas, according to a government release.

The department has sanctioned Rs 2,42,50,000 for the programme. Each identified village will receive a sports kit worth Rs 50,000.

Youth in Bargarh, Balangir, Boudh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, and Rayagada districts will benefit from the initiative.

Each village kit will include equipment for outdoor games such as cricket, football, volleyball, and badminton. It will also include indoor games like chess and carrom.

Local youth clubs will purchase the sports equipment under the programme. In villages without youth clubs, the district sports officer will help form new clubs to ensure local participation.

The government said the “Gramodaya” campaign aims to promote peace, progress, and social harmony in Maoist-affected regions. The initiative also seeks to identify hidden sporting talent in remote areas while encouraging a healthy and disciplined lifestyle among youth.