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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: April 10, 2026

Hardeep Puri holds talks with Qatari energy minister in Doha

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New Delhi: Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has held talks with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and QatarEnergy President and CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi during his two-day official visit to Doha.

Puri conveyed greetings and a message of solidarity on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Amir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He also conveyed the message to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

He referred to the two telephone conversations between Modi and the Amir in March 2026 after the start of the conflict. Both leaders had stressed the need to restore peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy. Modi had also expressed gratitude for the care and support extended to the Indian community in Qatar, Puri said in a lengthy post on X.

Both ministers reviewed the full spectrum of India-Qatar relations. They discussed high-level engagements, trade, investment, energy cooperation, culture, and people-to-people ties. They expressed hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region. They also underlined the need to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Al-Kaabi reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to remain a reliable energy supplier. He expressed interest in continuing and strengthening energy cooperation with India.

Both ministers welcomed the two-week ceasefire agreed on April 8. They stressed the need for an early end to disruptions in global energy supplies. They also called for the restoration of normalcy. They emphasized the importance of unimpeded freedom of navigation and smooth global trade flows to sustain supply chains.

Puri thanked Al-Kaabi for hosting him. Both ministers agreed to remain in regular contact in the coming weeks.

Bihar’s Nitish Kumar takes oath as Rajya Sabha member

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New Delhi: Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan administered the oath to newly elected member Nitish Kumar at Parliament House on Friday. Newly elected Rajya Sabha member Nitish Kumar represents Bihar. He took the oath in Hindi.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the ceremony. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh was present. Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal also attended. Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, Jagat Prakash Nadda, was present. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary attended the event.

Rajya Sabha members Jairam Ramesh, Rajeev Shukla, and Sanjay Kumar Jha were also present. Lok Sabha member Rajiv Pratap Rudy attended the ceremony. Rajya Sabha Secretary General P.C. Mody and other senior officers of the secretariat were also present, according to an official statement.

Nitish Kumar’s induction in the Rajya Sabha will clear the path for a new leader in Bihar. It will also enable the formation of a fresh government in the state. The leadership transition is expected around April 14 or 15.

In another ceremony, Radhakrishnan administered the oath to the newly nominated member, Harivansh. He took the oath in Hindi.

Justice Yashwant Varma resigns amid impeachment over cash recovery row

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New Delhi: Justice Yashwant Varma has resigned from his post as a judge of the Allahabad High Court amid an ongoing impeachment process linked to corruption allegations.

Justice Varma had faced scrutiny after a large amount of cash was recovered from his official residence in Delhi last year. He had denied any connection to the cash, stating that neither he nor his family had stored money at the location.

In his resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, the judge did not specify the reasons behind his decision. He conveyed that he was stepping down with immediate effect and expressed anguish over the circumstances leading to the move, according to media reports.

It is believed that the resignation could bring the impeachment proceedings against him to an end.

Following his resignation, Justice Varma will remain eligible for pension and other post-retirement benefits available to High Court judges. Such benefits could have been withdrawn if he had been removed through the parliamentary process.

The impeachment proceedings were linked to an incident on March 14, 2025, when a significant amount of cash was reportedly recovered from his official residence in Lutyens’ Delhi. At the time, Justice Varma was serving as a judge of the Delhi High Court and was not present at the residence, as he and his wife were in Bhopal.

He had maintained that the storeroom where the cash was found was accessible to multiple individuals and denied any ownership of the money.

On March 22, 2025, the Supreme Court constituted a three-judge committee to conduct an in-house inquiry into the matter. The panel later submitted its findings in May to then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

Subsequently, the court withdrew judicial work from Justice Varma at the Delhi High Court and transferred him to the Allahabad High Court, directing that no judicial responsibilities be assigned to him. In an unprecedented step, the court also made public images and videos related to the alleged cash recovery.

Asif calls Israel ‘evil’, Netanyahu terms remarks ‘outrageous’ ahead of Islamabad negotiations

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New Delhi: Diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and Israel escalated sharply after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticised Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, prompting strong reactions from Israeli leadership ahead of likely ceasefire negotiations in Islamabad this week.

In a social media post that was later deleted, Asif described Israel as “evil” and a “curse for humanity” while referring to ongoing strikes in Lebanon amid a fragile US-Iran ceasefire. “Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran and now Lebanon, bloodletting continues unabated. “I hope and pray that the people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European Jews [sic] burn in hell,” Asif wrote.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the remarks, calling them “outrageous” and saying such statements “cannot be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace.” Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also criticised the comments, terming them “blatant antisemitic” rhetoric and warning against language that implies the destruction of Israel.

The exchange marks a rare direct confrontation between the two countries, which do not maintain formal diplomatic relations. Israel has also expressed scepticism over Pakistan’s role as a mediator in ongoing West Asia peace efforts.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon, which have intensified despite a two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. Israel has maintained that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, with Netanyahu stating that operations against Hezbollah are separate from the Iran truce.

This position contrasts with claims by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had indicated that the ceasefire should apply across the region, including Lebanon. Iran has backed Pakistan’s interpretation, while the United States has aligned with Israel in excluding Lebanon from the agreement.

Amid mounting international pressure, Netanyahu has said Israel is willing to begin negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible,” focusing on disarming Hezbollah and working towards a broader peace arrangement.

“In light of Lebanon’s repeated appeals to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the cabinet yesterday to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying said in a statement by The Times of Israel.

However, differences remain, with Lebanon reportedly seeking a ceasefire before talks, while Israel has insisted negotiations can proceed alongside ongoing military operations.

The situation has also cast uncertainty over planned diplomatic engagements between the US and Iran. Iranian media reports suggest Tehran may reconsider upcoming talks in Islamabad unless Israeli strikes on Lebanon are halted.

The latest developments underscore the fragility of the current ceasefire framework and highlight widening geopolitical divisions, even as efforts continue to prevent further escalation in the region.

Jaishankar reaffirms India-Mauritius partnership with development push

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New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has engaged in a series of high-level engagements in Mauritius, reinforcing India’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties across multiple sectors. He joined Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam for key initiatives focused on development cooperation, governance, and strategic partnership.

During the visit, both sides witnessed the signing of a Line of Credit agreement for a special economic package, underlining India’s continued support for Mauritius in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and security.

Jaishankar also inaugurated 11 India-supported High Impact Community Development Projects across Mauritius. These projects span sectors including sustainable development, energy, sports, and infrastructure, and aim to deliver tangible benefits at the grassroots level across the island nation, the minister said in a post on X.

In a significant step towards capacity building, the external affairs minister launched the iGOT Karmayogi portal for Mauritian civil servants. The platform, introduced for the first time in a partner country, is expected to strengthen governance and promote efficient, people-centric administration.

The visit also saw the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University Grants Commission and the Higher Education Commission of Mauritius, aimed at enhancing cooperation in the education sector.

In another development, a royalty cheque of USD 45,000 was handed over for the sale of nautical charts, reflecting ongoing collaboration between the two countries in the field of hydrography.

Jaishankar later called on Ramgoolam and conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral relations and discussed a wide range of areas, including development cooperation, health, education, mobility, technology, maritime security, and people-to-people ties.

They also exchanged views on developments in West Asia and their broader implications. Jaishankar acknowledged Ramgoolam’s strong commitment to strengthening the enduring partnership between India and Mauritius.

Chess: Sindarov extends lead, Vaishali on top in FIDE Candidates

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New Delhi: Uzbek chess grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov returned to winning form in Round 10 of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, defeating R Praggnanandhaa to strengthen his lead in the Open section on Thursday. Sindarov now has eight points and has completed a double victory over the Indian grandmaster.

The result, combined with Anish Giri holding Hikaru Nakamura to a draw, helped Sindarov open a two-point gap at the top ahead of the rest day on Friday.

Praggnanandhaa began the game on a positive note but faltered on move 22 with Bd7. The move allowed Sindarov to build pressure along the f-file and target the king. Sindarov responded with a decisive rook lift, followed by a calculated exchange sacrifice that exposed the black king, according to fide.com.

He converted the advantage with precise play, gaining full control of the position. With sustained checks and active rook play, Sindarov left Praggnanandhaa without counterplay, forcing his resignation in a losing position.

In other Open section games, Andrey Esipenko drew with Matthias Bluebaum, while Fabiano Caruana shared the points with Wei Yi.

In the women’s section, R Vaishali moved into the sole lead with six points after Zhu Jiner suffered a defeat. Vaishali secured a composed draw against Anna Muzychuk, handling a kingside attack with timely exchanges and central counterplay.

She simplified the position into an equal endgame after neutralising pawn advances and maintaining king safety. The game ended in a balanced draw as neither side found opportunities to press further without risk.

In another encounter, Divya Deshmukh came under time pressure in a favourable position. Aleksandra Goryachkina capitalised on the inaccuracies that followed, and Divya eventually resigned.

Elsewhere, Kateryna Lagno drew with Tan Zhongyi, while Bibisara Assaubayeva defeated Zhu Jiner.

Odisha government orders fast-tracking of ‘Gramodaya’ scheme in maoist-hit districts

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Bhubaneswar: The Revenue and Disaster Management Department has issued directions to the district collectors of 10 Left Wing Extremism-affected districts – Bargarh, Boudh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, and Rayagada – to expedite the implementation of the ‘Gramodaya’ programme.

In this regard, Additional Chief Secretary of the department, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, has written to the collectors of these districts.

It is worth noting that a state-level review meeting was held on March 19, 2026, under the chairmanship of the chief secretary. As discussed in the meeting, the objective of the ‘Gramodaya’ scheme is to ensure effective delivery of government schemes and basic services to Maoist-affected villages, while also reducing the gap between the public and the administration and strengthening mutual trust.

Accordingly, the concerned districts have been instructed to take swift steps to achieve the targets within the stipulated timeline. As part of these measures, homeless families living in 484 villages across 39 blocks are to be identified through surveys by May 15, 2026, and provided land and land ownership documents under the ‘Basundhara’ scheme.

Similarly, eligible beneficiaries in these areas who have applied through the e-District portal are to be provided certificates such as residence, income, legal heir, and caste certificates within the prescribed time frame on a priority basis.

It has also been decided to maintain proper data related to the progress of the ‘Gramodaya’ scheme and ensure regular monitoring through periodic reviews by district collectors. Instructions have been issued to fill vacant posts in the Revenue Department in Maoist-affected areas on a priority basis.

Districts have also been asked to document and submit success stories, photographs, and videos for publication on the department’s website and for wider dissemination. Additionally, suggestions have been invited from district collectors to further improve the effectiveness of this important scheme.

Through these measures, the state government aims to ensure comprehensive development in Maoist-affected regions and further strengthen people-centric governance, the Revenue Secretary emphasised.

MP Aparajita Sarangi urges review of Bhubaneswar metro project decision

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Bhubaneswar: MP Aparajita Sarangi has urged the Odisha government to reconsider its decision to halt the proposed metro rail project for Bhubaneswar and the surrounding regions, citing strong public sentiment and long-term urban needs.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Bhubaneswar MP highlighted the rapid pace of urbanisation and population growth in the capital city, which has led to increasing traffic congestion and mounting pressure on existing public transport systems. She noted that the city is nearing a critical point where a high-capacity and sustainable mobility solution has become essential.

Sarangi emphasised that a metro rail system remains a viable long-term solution to transform public transport in Bhubaneswar and adjoining areas, including Cuttack, Jatni, and Khurda. She pointed out that such a system would significantly improve accessibility for senior citizens, women, students, working professionals, vendors, and differently-abled individuals.

Referring to her earlier efforts, the MP stated that she had previously advocated for the metro project in a letter written in September 2022 to former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. She also reviewed the progress of the project during a visit to the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project Limited office in November 2024, where she found the implementation and administrative setup to be satisfactory.

Questioning the rationale behind the project’s closure, Sarangi said the reasons cited do not appear to be supported by a comprehensive assessment of the city’s future requirements. She argued that the expanding urban footprint of Bhubaneswar, along with its growing integration with Cuttack and Khurda, provides a strong case for a metro network.

She further noted that the state government’s vision of positioning Bhubaneswar as an investor-friendly and tourism-driven city necessitates the development of modern urban transport infrastructure. A metro system, she said, would enhance connectivity to major landmarks such as Lingaraj Temple, Khandagiri-Udayagiri, Dhauli, and Nandankanan, thereby improving the overall experience for visitors.

Highlighting broader trends, Sarangi pointed out that metro rail systems are already operational, under construction, or in planning stages across several Indian cities, including many that do not strictly meet population benchmarks. She stressed that a capital city should lead by example and not fall behind in adopting advanced transport solutions.

The MP also raised concerns over the financial implications of discontinuing the project, noting that approximately Rs 274 crore has already been spent from the state exchequer. She urged the government to take a comprehensive view of the situation and reconsider the decision in the larger public interest.

Bangladesh Railway to import 200 Indian BG coaches under EIB funding

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New Delhi: Bangladesh Railway is preparing to expand its rolling stock fleet by importing 200 Broad-Gauge (BG) passenger coaches from India. Railway Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam informed the Bangladesh Parliament that the coaches will be procured under a financing arrangement supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), with deliveries expected to begin this year.

He further stated that the induction of these 200 BG coaches into the Bangladesh Railway system is scheduled to take place over a period stretching from June 2026 to December 2027. The minister also noted that decisions on introducing new train services and expanding routes will be made after the arrival and deployment of these coaches, according to The Daily Star.

The remarks were made in response to queries raised by Jamaat-e-Islami Members of Parliament Ilyas Molla and Ruhul Amin during a parliamentary question-and-answer session.

As part of a broader modernisation drive, the minister highlighted that Bangladesh Railway is also planning additional procurements, including 260 BG passenger coaches, 46 BG locomotives, and 50 metre-gauge locomotives in the coming period. He said these upgrades are aimed at improving passenger facilities, enhancing operational capacity, and boosting revenue generation through expanded freight services.

He added that once the new coaches are introduced, the number of intercity train services connecting Dhaka with northern regions is expected to increase. At present, 15 intercity trains operate on this corridor.