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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 26, 2026

AAP seeks disqualification of seven MPs after BJP merger

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New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party has sought the disqualification of seven of its Rajya Sabha MPs who recently merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party, triggering a legal and constitutional debate over the anti-defection law.

The MPs — Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh and Rajinder Gupta — announced their exit from AAP on Friday, stating that their decision was backed by two-thirds of the party’s strength in the Upper House. With AAP having 10 MPs in the Rajya Sabha, the support of seven members meets the numerical threshold required to claim protection under the merger provision.

Following the development, AAP leader Sanjay Singh submitted a petition to Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan seeking their disqualification. Singh argued that the MPs had effectively given up their party membership, making them liable for action under the anti-defection framework.

The dispute centres on the interpretation of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, introduced through the 52nd Amendment. The law provides for disqualification if a legislator voluntarily leaves their party or acts against its directives in the House. However, it also includes an exception in cases where at least two-thirds of a party’s legislators agree to merge with another party — a clause cited by Chadha and the other MPs to justify their move.

ALSO READ: Raghav Chadha, six Rajya Sabha MPs quit AAP, merge with BJP

AAP, however, has contested the applicability of this exception, maintaining that the merger does not meet the required legal standards and should attract disqualification.

The party is also preparing to escalate the matter beyond Parliament. According to reports, AAP plans to approach both the Rajya Sabha Chairman and President Droupadi Murmu seeking action against the MPs.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to seek an appointment with the President to demand the “recall” of the defecting MPs elected from the state. However, the Constitution does not currently provide for any such recall mechanism for sitting legislators.

Interestingly, Chadha himself had earlier advocated a “Right to Recall” system, proposing that voters should have the power to remove elected representatives before the end of their term — a position that now adds a political dimension to the ongoing controversy.

The matter now rests with the Rajya Sabha Chairman, who will examine the petition and determine whether the MPs’ merger with the BJP is valid under the anti-defection law or warrants their disqualification from the House.

Odisha pays tribute to Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati on birth anniversary

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Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha today paid tributes to Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo on his birth anniversary, remembering his pivotal role in the unification of Odia-speaking regions and the formation of a separate Odisha state.

Described as the architect of modern Odisha, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati continues to be regarded as a symbol of Odia pride and identity. According to an official release, his visionary leadership, people-centric governance and contribution to state formation laid a strong foundation for Odisha’s historical and cultural legacy.

On the occasion, floral tributes were offered at his statue located near AG Square in front of Paribahan Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Sunday morning. Several dignitaries participated in the ceremony and paid their respects.

Among those present were Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy, who offered floral tributes.

Officials from the Information and Public Relations Department, including Deputy Director Sucheta Priyadarshini, Assistant Financial Advisor-cum-Deputy Secretary Prithviraj Pani, Assistant Director Deepak Kumar Sahu, and District Information and Public Relations Officers Jitendriya Jena and Pramodini Tete, were also present along with other staff and representatives from the Culture Department.

Members of the Paralakhemundi Gajapati Development Forum, representatives of various social organisations, intellectuals and members of the public joined the programme to pay homage to the revered leader.

India to set up space laboratories in universities and colleges

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New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Sunday, reviewed plans to establish space laboratories in universities and colleges across the country, with seven labs to be launched in the first phase.

The proposed labs aim to provide students with hands-on exposure to satellite systems, rocketry, and mission design, as part of efforts to build a skilled workforce for India’s fast-growing space sector.

The review followed a detailed presentation by Pawan Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center, who outlined progress in space sector reforms and the increasing role of private players, according to an official statement.

India’s space ecosystem has seen significant expansion since the sector was opened to non-government entities, attracting over USD 600 million in private investment over the past five years. The number of space startups has grown sharply from single digits in 2019 to more than 400 by early 2026.

These startups are now active across multiple segments, including launch vehicles, satellite and payload manufacturing, ground infrastructure, data services, and emerging in-orbit operations. The sector is also witnessing growing international interest, with rising engagements from global clients.

To sustain this momentum, several targeted initiatives have been rolled out. A Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund, being operationalised with Small Industries Development Bank of India, is aimed at supporting growth-stage startups. In addition, a Rs 500 crore Technology Adoption Fund is facilitating the commercialisation of early-stage innovations.

A separate seed fund scheme is offering grants of up to Rs 1 crore to startups at the ideation and prototype stage, along with mentoring and ecosystem support.

On the skilling front, 17 specialised training programmes have been completed so far, with nearly 900 participants certified in areas such as satellite manufacturing, launch systems, and space cybersecurity. The upcoming space labs are expected to further strengthen this talent pipeline through practical learning.

Infrastructure development is also being expanded through initiatives such as a privately-led Earth Observation satellite constellation under a public-private partnership model, a shared satellite bus platform for startups, and enhanced access to design, integration, and testing facilities at the IN-SPACe Technical Centre in Ahmedabad.

Technology transfer programmes, including the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, are progressing with industry participation.

India’s global engagement in the space sector continues to grow, with partnerships now extending to more than 45 countries. Recent collaborations include agreements with Singapore and the UAE, along with increased participation of Indian companies in international space forums.

Since its inception, IN-SPACe has received over 1,000 applications from startups, MSMEs, academic institutions and industry, and has granted 129 authorisations, indicating rising confidence in India’s reformed space ecosystem.

SWISS flight aborts takeoff in Delhi after engine fire, six injured

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New Delhi: A Zurich-bound SWISS International Air Lines flight was forced to abort takeoff at Delhi airport early Sunday after an engine failure triggered a fire, leaving six passengers injured.

According to initial reports, flight LX147, an Airbus A330, began its takeoff roll around 1:08 am when one of its engines malfunctioned and caught fire. The crew immediately rejected the takeoff and initiated emergency protocols.

All passengers were evacuated on the runway using emergency slides as a precautionary measure. Authorities said six passengers sustained injuries during the evacuation and were taken to hospital for treatment. The crew members were reported to be safe.

In a statement, SWISS confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft, registered as HB-JHK, was carrying 228 passengers and four infants. “Shortly after takeoff, just after 1 am local time in India, an issue occurred with one of the engines. The crew rejected the takeoff and, following an assessment of the situation, decided as a precaution to evacuate the aircraft. Six passengers currently receiving medical attention, crew unharmed,” the airline said.

Delhi airport also issued a statement confirming the emergency response. “In the early hours of this morning, a full emergency was declared at Delhi Airport involving Swiss International Airlines flight LX 147 (DEL-ZRH) on Runway 28/10.

All prescribed safety protocols were promptly executed, and passengers were safely evacuated. Airport operations remained unaffected,” it said.

The airline added that a task force has been set up to manage the situation. For a few passengers who were unable to use emergency slides, stairs were arranged to facilitate evacuation.

SWISS said its ground teams in Delhi are assisting affected passengers with rebooking options and hotel accommodation.

“Such a situation is stressful for everyone involved. Our local teams are taking care of our passengers on site and are in direct contact with them,” the statement said.

The airline also said its technical experts will travel to Delhi to inspect the aircraft and determine the cause of the incident.

“We are working closely with local authorities and are committed to fully understanding what led to the incident. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority,” it added.

DRDO unveils advanced armoured platforms

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New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled advanced armoured platforms designed to meet evolving battlefield needs of the armed forces.

The tracked and wheeled platforms, developed by the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment, were unveiled by Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence and Chairman DRDO, at the laboratory premises in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, on Saturday.

Both platforms are equipped with an indigenously developed 30 mm crewless turret. They are designed to enhance mobility, firepower, and protection. The systems are powered by high-output engines with automatic transmission, enabling better speed, gradient handling, and obstacle negotiation, according to an official statement.

The platforms offer STANAG Level 4 and 5 protection with modular blast and ballistic shielding. They also feature amphibious capability with hydro jets, allowing improved water obstacle crossing and operational flexibility.

The turret is integrated with a 7.62 mm PKT gun and is capable of launching anti-tank guided missiles. The base design allows configuration for multiple operational roles. Indigenous content currently stands at around 65 per cent, with plans to scale it up to 90%.

Manufacturing has been carried out in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Limited, along with support from MSMEs, strengthening the domestic defence ecosystem.

Senior DRDO officials, industry representatives, and scientists from multiple laboratories, including armament, metallurgical, and combat vehicle research units, were present at the event.

In a related development, DRDO’s Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, in collaboration with the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy, has completed hydrodynamic performance assessment and model testing for a frontline naval ship project.

The exercise covered key parameters such as resistance, propulsion, sea-keeping, and manoeuvrability using both computational simulations and experimental testing. The results matched leading international benchmarks in terms of accuracy and reliability, DRDO said in a post on X.

Project deliverables were formally handed over by Samir V Kamat to Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, in the presence of senior DRDO and Indian Navy officials.

Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates BEML’s ‘Aditya’ high-speed rail complex in Bengaluru

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New Delhi: Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has inaugurated BEML’s ‘Aditya’ high-speed rail complex in Bengaluru, marking a key milestone in India’s indigenous high-speed rail journey.

The event was attended by Satish Kumar, Chairman of the Railway Board, and Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML Limited, along with senior officials from Indian Railways and National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited.

Developed as a future-ready facility, the ‘Aditya’ complex will anchor the indigenous design and manufacturing of India’s first high-speed bullet train platform. It will support production of the upcoming B-28 train sets, equipped with advanced, precision-driven manufacturing systems, BEML said in a post on X.

The minister noted that high-speed rail is expected to transform connectivity by bringing cities closer and accelerating economic integration across regions.

The facility features advanced technologies such as robotic laser welding, universal hydraulic jigs, and integrated systems for mechanical and electrical outfitting, ensuring both scale and precision in production.

Officials said the complex will not only cater to immediate manufacturing needs but also strengthen India’s long-term capabilities in high-speed rail development.

With the launch of the ‘Aditya’ plant, BEML Limited is set to play a crucial role in advancing indigenous rail technologies, positioning India on the global high-speed rail map.

Odisha showcases sports development vision at Chintan Shivir 2026

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha has showcased its sports development vision at the Chintan Shivir 2026, Srinagar, organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, underlining its commitment to strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem.

State Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj attended the deliberations and noted that the discussions were guided by the vision of Narendra Modi, reflecting a shared commitment to building a strong and future-ready sports ecosystem in the country.

In a post on X, he stated that Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, had addressed ministers and officials from across states, setting the tone for collaborative progress.

Suraj further said that he had the opportunity to present Odisha’s perspective during the panel discussion on India’s medal strategy under the Khelo India Mission. He emphasised that, representing the land of Jagannath, Odisha had reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening sports culture, nurturing talent, and contributing to India’s journey towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse.

Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya called upon states to move beyond policy adoption towards active implementation, stating that real progress should be measured through visible outcomes across districts, training systems, and grassroots ecosystems.

He noted that the Khelo Bharat Mission reflects the energy of the youth as well as the commitment of the nation, according to an official statement.

Mandaviya also stressed the need to bridge the long-standing gap between state governments and sports federations, urging closer alignment to build a strong and unified talent pipeline.

He highlighted the importance of convergence with the education system, stating that early talent identification depends on such coordination and that physical education teachers form the backbone of grassroots sports development.

He further pointed out that missing even a single talented child due to a lack of opportunity would amount to a loss for the entire nation.

Mandaviya added that sports can act as a transformative tool, particularly in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir and other challenging areas, contributing to social harmony and national integration.

The discussions reflected a collective resolve to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem through coordinated, outcome-driven efforts.

White House dinner gunfire scare; Trump safe, Modi condemns violence

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New Delhi: A security scare disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday after gunfire was reported at the venue, leading to the swift evacuation of US President Donald Trump and senior officials.

CNN reported that the president, Vice President JD Vance, and members of the Cabinet were moved to safety as security personnel secured the premises. The suspected shooter was apprehended shortly after the incident.

Trump later stated that the attacker had been taken into custody and commended law enforcement agencies for their quick response. He also indicated that he was returning to the White House on the advice of security officials and would address the media soon, adding that the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days.

In a press address later, Trump said the suspect in the shooting was from California and indicated that he could be a “lone wolf.” “These are sick people…” he said, adding that authorities may be conducting raids at the individual’s residence. “The man has been captured. They’ve gone to his apartment,” Trump said. “I guess he lives in California, and he’s a sick person, a very sick person, and we don’t want things like this to happen,” the president continued.

Eyewitnesses described moments of panic as the incident unfolded.

Authorities confirmed that a member of the US Secret Service was injured during the incident. Officials said the agent was wearing protective gear when struck and was taken to a hospital, though the condition was not immediately known.

Providing details about the venue, CNN.com noted that attendees were initially required to present tickets before reaching security checkpoints, adding that screening of individuals and belongings took place later in the process, which could raise concerns.

House Speaker Mike Johnson was also evacuated safely, according to his office.

Meanwhile, White House Correspondents’ Association President Weijia Jiang informed attendees that law enforcement had directed everyone to leave the premises as per protocol and conveyed that the president had emphasised that all key officials were safe. She also confirmed that the event would be rescheduled. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with security arrangements expected to come under scrutiny.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed relief after reports confirmed that Donald Trump, the First Lady and the Vice President were safe following the shooting incident at a Washington DC hotel. Condemning the episode, he emphasised that “violence has no place in a democracy” and must be firmly rejected, while conveying his wishes for their continued safety.

“Relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady and Vice President are safe and unharmed following the recent security incident at a Washington DC hotel. I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Odisha pitches growth roadmap as India reviews Urban Challenge Fund rollout

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New Delhi: Odisha has outlined an ambitious urban growth roadmap while participating in a high-level consultation on the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi following the release of its operational guidelines on April 15, 2026.

Representing the state, Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra described the UCF as a catalyst for a “new take-off” in India’s urban transformation, aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He said the fund would leverage market-based mechanisms and private investment to build self-reliant, growth-driven cities.

Highlighting Odisha’s approach under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Mahapatra identified the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Puri–Paradip Economic Region as a key growth engine. He noted that a pipeline of “investment-ready” projects is being developed to deliver world-class infrastructure, strengthen climate resilience, and generate employment.

Additional Chief Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Usha Padhee, presented a roadmap for Viksit Odisha @ 2036 aligned with the national vision. She emphasised convergence-driven planning, data-led governance, and institutional capacity building for the timely execution of large-scale projects, while stressing the need for scalable and sustainable urban ecosystems.

The consultation, chaired by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, brought together ministers and senior officials from states and Union Territories to deliberate on implementation strategies.

With a central outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, discussions focused on project prioritisation, faster approvals, and efficient fund utilisation. Key areas included Integrated Command and Control Centres, municipal digitisation, drone-based land management, transit-oriented development, dumpsite remediation, and strengthening core urban infrastructure.

Senior officials from Odisha’s Housing and Urban Development Department, including Arindam Dakua, Satrughna Kar, Shikha Biswal, Chanchal Rana, and Sneha Arugula, also participated in the deliberations.

The consultation is seen as a step towards accelerating high-impact urban investments and advancing the goal of building sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready cities.