April 27, 2026 - IndiaVerve

KIIT-DU signs MoU with Indian Army to offer education benefits to personnel

April 27, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: KIIT-DU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army to provide higher education opportunities to serving and retired Army personnel and their wards in engineering and medical programmes.

The MoU was formalised between Brigadier Thakur Mayank Sinha, Brigadier Welfare at Army Headquarters, representing the Indian Army, and Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor of KIIT-DU, in Bhubaneswar.

Under the agreement, wards of serving and retired Indian Army personnel will receive a 50% concession in tuition fees for all courses except medical programmes, while a 10% concession will be applicable for medical courses. Additionally, a 100% tuition fee waiver will be granted to families of Indian Army personnel who have attained Veergati, excluding programmes in Medical Science and Dental Science, KIIT University said in a press release.

As per the eligibility criteria, candidates seeking admission to Medical and Dental Science programmes must qualify through the NEET, while admissions to other courses will be based on the KIITEE.

Speaking on the occasion, Registrar Prof. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty welcomed the dignitaries attending the signing ceremony. Vice Chancellor Prof. Saranjit Singh said the initiative aims to ensure access to quality education along with financial support for Army families.

Brigadier Thakur Mayank Sinha appreciated the infrastructure and facilities at KIIT and KISS, and thanked Achutya Samanta, Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, for recognising the contribution of Indian Army personnel in nation-building and extending the concessions.

On the sidelines of the event, Brigadier Sinha also paid a courtesy visit to Samanta and lauded his vision for inclusive education and nation-building.

Lingaraj Temple Committee submits 2nd interim report to Law Minister

April 27, 2026 by IndiaVerve Staff

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has received the second interim report of the Sattwalipi Committee on the Lingaraj Temple, outlining a series of recommendations aimed at improving temple administration, rituals, and infrastructure.

The report was submitted to Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan by the two-member committee constituted under the chairmanship of Justice Dr. Durga Prasanna Choudhury, with Prof Prafulla Kumar Mishra as a member.

The committee, according to an official release, has proposed around 16 measures covering key aspects such as the conduct of rituals and seva-puja, ensuring discipline in temple practices, repair and maintenance of the sanctum and kitchen, improved illumination system, structured training programmes for sebayats, management of the temple hundi, and resolution of land-related issues.

Among the key suggestions are proposals to streamline ritual procedures, introduce welfare-focused measures for sebayats, and appoint a dedicated officer to oversee certain aspects of temple administration. The recommendations also include infrastructure upgrades such as repair works in the temple complex and its kitchen, along with enhanced lighting arrangements.

After receiving the report, Minister Harichandan stated that it would be thoroughly examined and appropriate decisions would be taken to ensure orderly rituals and improved arrangements for servitors, temple functionaries, and devotees.

Senior officials, including Law Department Principal Secretary Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal and Additional Secretary Shiva Prasad Mahapatra, were present during the submission of the report.

India and New Zealand sign Free Trade Agreement

April 27, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: India and New Zealand on Monday signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal signed on India’s behalf, while New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay represented his country.

The ceremony was attended by business leaders and a cross-party New Zealand parliamentary delegation, along with over 30 New Zealand companies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the India-New Zealand FTA will create opportunities for farmers, youth, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs.

In a message, he said: “The India-New Zealand FTA marks a major milestone towards deeper global engagement and shared prosperity. It strengthens economic ties between two vibrant democracies, unlocking opportunities for farmers, artisans, youth, entrepreneurs, women, and MSMEs.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called the deal a historic milestone. He said it opens major opportunities in trade, investment, and innovation, and reinforces a commitment to rules-based trade.

Minister McClay described it as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity. He said it will create jobs, open new export avenues, and deepen economic ties. Over 40 New Zealand exporters and business leaders travelled to India for the signing, according to an official statement.

McClay also noted the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations. Around 6% of New Zealand’s population has Indian heritage. He pointed to shared history from World War I and enduring cricket ties as further bonds between the countries.

Talks were formally launched on March 16, 2025, on the sidelines of a bilateral meeting between Modi and Luxon. The deal was concluded on December 22, 2025 – just nine months later, making it one of India’s fastest FTAs with a developed country. Five formal negotiating rounds and several intersessions were held.

Total India–New Zealand bilateral trade in goods and services stood at USD 2.4 billion in 2024. Merchandise trade in FY 2024–25 was USD 1.3 billion, up 49% from the previous year. New Zealand is India’s second-largest trading partner in Oceania.

Key Highlights: India gets duty-free access for all its exports to New Zealand from the day the agreement enters into force. This covers textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, and processed foods. Previously, New Zealand charged tariffs of up to 10% on several Indian goods.

India has offered tariff cuts on 70% of tariff lines, covering 95% of the bilateral trade value. Sensitive sectors – including dairy, most agricultural products, sugar, gems, copper, and aluminium – are excluded from liberalisation.

Selected agricultural goods from New Zealand – apples, kiwifruit, Mānuka honey, and milk albumin – will enter India under a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) system with Minimum Import Prices and seasonal windows to protect Indian farmers. A Joint Agriculture Productivity Council will monitor all TRQs alongside Agriculture Productivity Action Plans.

New Zealand has offered market access in around 118 service sectors. Key areas include IT, professional services, telecom, education, construction, finance, and tourism. Most-Favoured-Nation commitments cover around 139 sub-sectors. A new Temporary Employment Entry visa allows 5,000 Indian professionals at any given time to work in New Zealand for up to three years. It covers AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, Indian chefs, IT professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers.

New Zealand has committed to facilitating USD 20 billion in investment into India. A rebalancing clause ensures accountability if the target is not met.
Pharmaceuticals. India’s pharma and medical device exports will benefit from streamlined approvals. New Zealand will accept inspection reports from regulators such as the US FDA, EMA, and UK MHRA, cutting compliance costs and delays.

New Zealand will amend its GI law within 18 months to allow registration of Indian wines, spirits, and other goods – the same protection it previously gave only to the EU.

The agreement includes targeted support for small businesses, women-led enterprises, and startups through export readiness programmes, trade information access, and linkages with New Zealand’s SME ecosystem.

Ladakh to get five new districts

April 27, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh, calling it a historic decision aimed at fulfilling a long-pending demand of the people.

The new districts – Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass – will increase the total number of districts in the Union Territory from two to seven, he said in a post on X.

He stated that the move had been approved earlier by the Ministry of Home Affairs in August 2024 under the leadership of Amit Shah and aligns with the vision of Narendra Modi for a developed and prosperous Ladakh.

“This transformative decision, already approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs in August 2024, under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister of Home Affairs, Shri @AmitShah ji, would strengthen grassroots governance, decentralise administration & ensures faster delivery of public services to the people of Ladakh, especially those in remote & far-flung areas,” Saxena noted.

The lieutenant governor further said the decision would strengthen grassroots governance, decentralise administration, and ensure faster delivery of public services, particularly in remote and far-flung areas.

Saxena added that the creation of new districts would also open up opportunities for growth, employment, and entrepreneurship.

He further affirmed that the administration remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of this decision reach every citizen as Ladakh moves towards a more inclusive and development-oriented future.

Sun Pharma to acquire Organon in USD 11.75 billion all-cash deal

April 27, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited and US-based healthcare company Organon & Co. have entered into a definitive agreement under which Sun Pharma will acquire all outstanding shares of Organon at USD 14 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at USD 11.75 billion.

Organon, a global healthcare firm spun off from Merck & Co. in 2021, operates across women’s health and general medicines, with a portfolio of over 70 products marketed in more than 140 countries. Its key markets include the US, Europe, China, Canada, and Brazil, supported by six manufacturing facilities across the EU and emerging markets.

The acquisition aligns with Sun Pharma’s strategy to expand its innovative medicines business while strengthening its position in established brands and branded generics. The deal will also mark Sun Pharma’s entry into the biosimilars segment, positioning it among the top global players in this space, the Indian company said in a press release.

Following the completion of the transaction, the combined entity is expected to have a presence in 150 countries with a combined revenue of USD 12.4 billion. It is also projected to become a top-three company in global women’s health and the seventh-largest biosimilar player worldwide, while significantly enhancing its cash flow and earnings capacity.

The transaction has been approved by the boards of both companies and remains subject to regulatory approvals and approval by Organon shareholders.

Executive Chairman of Sun Pharma Dilip Shanghvi said the deal represented a significant opportunity for Sun Pharma to expand its global reach and build a more diversified platform, adding that Organon’s portfolio and capabilities were highly complementary and would support long-term growth.

Managing Director Kirti Ganorkar said the acquisition was a logical step in strengthening the company’s global business and that the combined entity would aim to ensure business continuity, disciplined integration, and value creation, while leveraging Organon’s talent and exploring potential revenue synergies in the coming years.

CM Majhi congratulates gymnast Tapan Mohanty for clinching All-Around title

April 27, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday congratulated Tapan Mohanty for clinching the All-Around title in the Senior Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) category at the ongoing Junior and Senior Artistic Gymnastics National Championships 2026-27 at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.

In a post on X, the chief minister said: “Many congratulations to Tapan Mohanty for bringing pride to Odisha by becoming the ‘All-Around Champion’ in the ‘Senior MAG’ category at the Junior and Senior Artistic Gymnastics National Championships 2026-27, currently being held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

“His remarkable performance has helped the Odisha team reach the final of the ‘Senior MAG Team Championship’. Wishing Tapan a bright future and extending my best wishes to the Odisha team for the final match,” he added.

According to reports, Mohanty delivered an impressive all-around performance to claim the top spot in the Senior MAG category, earning a total score of 73.433 and bringing glory to the host state of Odisha.

His technically polished routines across every apparatus reflected the growing strength of Odishan gymnastics on the national stage.
Haryana’s Yogeshwar Singh put up a strong challenge, finishing as runner-up with 72.667. At the same time, Shreyas Choudhari rounded out the podium in third place with a score of 71.467 in what proved to be a fiercely contested competition.

The host state had further reason to celebrate as the Odisha team secured a berth in the Senior MAG Team Championship final, capping off a standout showing at the national championships.