May 2, 2026 - IndiaVerve

India-Russian spring culture festival opens in Himachal Pradesh

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: The annual Spring Russian-Indian Festival of Culture commenced on May 1 at the International Roerich Memorial Trust in Naggar, Himachal Pradesh, bringing together artists, educators, and cultural representatives from both nations in a celebration of shared heritage and dialogue.

A long-standing feature on the cultural calendar, the festival showcased a range of artistic and educational initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between Russia and India. The programme included multiple art exhibitions, notably “Under the Banner of Peace”, which featured works by young Russian and Indian artists recognised at the international “Roerich State” festival.

Other curated displays, including “Unity in Harmony” and “Divine Nature”, explored the enduring relationship between humanity and the natural world through diverse visual expressions, the Russian Embassy in New Delhi said in a post on FB.

The event began with a traditional puja held near the Roerich family’s memorial house-museum, followed by the hoisting of the national flags of Russia and India alongside the Banner of Peace. Floral tributes were also paid at the monuments dedicated to Nicholas Roerich and Helena Roerich.

Representing the Embassy of Russia in India, Counsellor Yulia Aryaeva addressed the gathering. The event was attended by members of the International Centre of the Roerichs, the BRICS Culture Ambassadors Alliance, as well as students and teachers from the Alexander Kadakin School at the embassy and School No. 653 in St Petersburg, known for its advanced Hindi studies named after Rabindranath Tagore.

The cultural programme continued at the Green Theatre, where performances by young participants from Russia were staged alongside students of the Helena Roerich Academy in Naggar. The musical repertoire blended elements from both Russian and Indian traditions, reflecting the spirit of cultural exchange central to the festival.

As part of the celebrations, winners of the children’s art competition “Russia-India: From Heart to Heart” were awarded creative kits presented by the Russian Embassy in India.

Noida International Airport to start operations from June 15

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Commercial operations at Noida International Airport are set to begin on June 15, 2026, marking a significant step in the expansion of aviation infrastructure in northern India.

The upcoming launch is expected to strengthen connectivity across the National Capital Region, while also creating new opportunities for airlines, passengers, and cargo movement. IndiGo will operate the inaugural flight, with services by Akasa Air and Air India Express scheduled to follow soon after, the Airport said in a post on X.

The airport was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 28, after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security cleared its aerodrome security programme, paving the way for operational readiness.

In a recent leadership change, Nitu Samra has been appointed interim chief executive officer of Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) from April 24. The move follows regulatory requirements mandating that the head of an airport operator in India must be an Indian national. Samra, who has been serving as chief financial officer since October 2021, will oversee operations until a permanent appointment is finalised.

Meanwhile, Christoph Schnellmann, who had led the company as CEO since August 2020, has moved into the role of executive vice chairman on the board. In this capacity, he will continue to guide the project through its transition into full-scale operations.

YIAPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, secured the concession for the greenfield airport project in 2019 and has since been responsible for its development, construction, and upcoming operations.

CM Majhi raises daily wages for workers on International Labour Day

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has attended the state-level celebration of International Labour Day at the OUAT Agricultural Education Auditorium in Bhubaneswar, where he paid tribute to the relentless contribution and sacrifices of the labour community.

Addressing the gathering, the chief minister highlighted a series of welfare measures aimed at strengthening the social and economic security of workers across the state. He noted that more than five lakh workers have been registered under the Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, with financial assistance exceeding Rs 541 crore already disbursed. In addition, around 6,000 workers were provided with new identity cards, while benefits worth Rs 150 crore were extended to eligible beneficiaries, Majhi said in a post on X.

The government has also approved an increase in the Variable Dearness Allowance, revising daily wages to a range between Rs 472 and Rs 622. Recognising individual contributions, five workers were conferred with the “Chief Minister’s Shramik Bandhu Samman” for their exemplary service.

In a key infrastructure push, Majhi laid the foundation stone for 50 permanent office buildings for Divisional Labour Commissioners and Assistant Labour Officers, with an estimated outlay of Rs 130 crore. He said the initiative would significantly improve the last-mile delivery of government services and ensure that workers can access benefits more efficiently.

Reaffirming the government’s vision of a developed rural Odisha, Majhi stated that multiple projects have been initiated to accelerate growth in villages. These efforts, he said, are designed to transform rural infrastructure while elevating social and economic standards. The focus remains on boosting agricultural productivity, ensuring access to safe drinking water for every household, strengthening transport connectivity, and expanding access to education and healthcare services.

Trump doubts Iran deal progress, signals strike option amid ongoing tensions

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Trump questions Iran’s proposal, keeps military option open as nuclear concerns stall talks, while Hormuz tensions and oil price volatility reflect deepening geopolitical uncertainty.

US President Donald Trump has expressed fresh scepticism over the prospects of a deal with Iran, indicating that negotiations remain uncertain while warning that military action remains an option if talks fail.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump said he was “not happy” with the proposals put forward by Tehran and was unsure whether an agreement could be reached. “We just had a conversation with Iran. Let’s see what happens, but I would say that I’m not happy… They’ve got to come up with the right deal. At this moment, I’m not satisfied with what they’re offering,” he said.

Highlighting the choices before Washington, Trump remarked, “There are options. Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finish them forever, or do we want to try and make a deal?… on a human basis, I’d prefer [a deal].” He also declined to comment on any immediate military plans, saying, “Why would I tell you that?” when asked about possible strikes.

The remarks come as Iran has reportedly submitted a fresh proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, even as the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted for global oil trade. Details of the latest proposal have not been made public, though earlier suggestions from Tehran included reopening the strait and ending hostilities while deferring discussions on its nuclear programme.

According to reports, the United States has pushed back on any framework that sidelines nuclear concerns. Proposed amendments to negotiation terms include a demand that Iran refrain from moving enriched uranium or resuming activity at its damaged nuclear facilities during the course of talks. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly reiterated Washington’s position, stating that “President Trump has been clear that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon, and negotiations continue to ensure the short- and long-term national security of the United States,” while declining to comment on specific diplomatic exchanges.

ALSO READ: Iran vows defiance as US blockade escalates Gulf tensions

The geopolitical standoff has had a direct impact on global energy markets, with oil prices rising sharply amid uncertainty over supply routes. Prices recently surged past $114 per barrel before stabilising around the $110 mark, reflecting continued volatility linked to the situation in the Gulf region.

Meanwhile, international concern over the conflict persists. A recent Washington Post-ABC-Ipsos poll found that 61 per cent of respondents in the United States believe the use of military force against Iran was a mistake.

China has also emphasised the importance of maintaining the ceasefire, with its envoy to the United Nations warning that the situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical issue.

Tensions across the broader region continue to remain high, with reports of ongoing violence in parts of West Asia even as diplomatic efforts to stabilise the situation remain inconclusive.

India storms into Thomas Cup 2026 semi-finals

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: India has marched into the Thomas Cup 2026 semi-finals with a commanding 3-0 sweep of Chinese Taipei, securing their fifth medal in the men’s team badminton championship.

Lakshya Sen set the tone in a pulsating opener against World No. 6 Chou Tien Chen, recovering from two match points down in the second game to win 18-21, 22-20, 21-17 in a gruelling 88-minute battle. The 24-year-old’s composure under pressure proved to be the defining moment of the tie.

Doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty kept the momentum going, edging Wang Chi-lin and Chiu Hsiang Chieh 23-21, 19-21, 21-12 in 75 minutes after saving two game points in the opener, according to reports.

Ayush Shetty then sealed the win with a confident 21-16, 21-17 victory over All England Open champion Lin Chun-yi, overcoming an early deficit to close out in 48 minutes. India, the 2022 champions, will face either Japan or France in Saturday’s semifinals.

Narcotics Control Bureau busts Rs 1,745 crore cocaine network in Mumbai

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: A major cocaine trafficking network with international links has been dismantled by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) under Operation WHITE STRIKE, with officials seizing around 349 kg of high-grade cocaine worth an estimated Rs 1,745 crore from Mumbai and its surrounding logistics belt.

The operation followed over six months of intelligence gathering and surveillance. Acting on precise inputs, NCB teams carried out coordinated raids across the Kalamboli–Bhiwandi corridor in the Navi Mumbai–Thane region, uncovering a well-organised supply chain that used warehouses and concealed transport systems, according to an official statement.

Reacting to the development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on X that authorities remain committed to eliminating narcotics networks. He noted that the agency tracked a smaller consignment to expose a much larger operation and congratulated the NCB team for the success.

In the first phase, officers intercepted a Maruti Suzuki Super Carry vehicle near a warehousing complex in Kalamboli, Navi Mumbai. A search led to the recovery of 136 packets of cocaine, each weighing about one kilogram. The drugs were hidden inside cartons using cricket gear, such as pads and gloves. One person was detained at the spot.

Further questioning of the accused led investigators to another consignment stored in Bhiwandi, a key warehousing hub. Acting quickly, officials conducted a second raid at a warehouse in the area and recovered 213 more packets, each weighing one kilogram.

Preliminary findings suggest the cocaine was hidden inside the cavities of imported machinery. Each packet was sealed in multiple layers of polythene, including one coated with a greasy black substance to avoid detection.

Investigators believe the operation relied on a structured logistics chain involving the import of equipment carrying concealed drugs, storage in warehouses, and subsequent distribution.

Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the main operators, including the kingpin, handlers, financiers, and intended recipients. Officials noted that the quantity seized is significant, as annual cocaine recoveries in India typically range between 200 and 300 kg.

IIMCAA Odisha meet celebrates alumni bond, honours Ankita Sahoo for public service

May 2, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha chapter of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication Alumni Association (IIMCAA) convened its alumni meet in Bhubaneswar, bringing together members of the growing IIMC fraternity to celebrate professional camaraderie, collaboration, and a shared commitment to media and society.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the IIMCAA Award for Public Service to Ankita Sahoo, widely known as the “Pad Woman of Odisha,” for her nearly 13 years of work in advancing menstrual hygiene awareness. An alumna of the 2012–13 Odia Journalism batch, Sahoo has been at the forefront of efforts to break taboos surrounding menstruation and improve access to hygiene practices across the state.

Receiving the award, she underscored the need for male participation in conversations on menstrual health, stressing that meaningful social change requires equal involvement from both men and women in awareness and community initiatives.

The meet also felicitated silver jubilee alumni Manaswini Mishra and Biswajit Sahoo for their association with the institute.

The Odisha chapter has been actively working to strengthen alumni ties through mentorship, collaboration, and collective growth. The gathering served as a platform to reflect on shared experiences, discuss emerging trends in media and communication, and explore avenues for meaningful societal contributions.

Addressing the gathering, Anand Pradhan, Regional Director of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, highlighted the enduring strength of the institute’s alumni network. “IIMC’s strength lies in its people. The alumni meet is a reminder of how our graduates carry forward the institute’s values into diverse fields while staying connected to their roots and to each other,” he said.

He also spoke about the introduction of new MA programmes, including the MA in New Media Communications and the MA in Strategic Communication, alongside the institute’s flagship postgraduate diploma courses. Pradhan added that plans are underway to set up an incubation centre, which will be open to both students and alumni interested in innovation and startups.

IIMCAA President Sandeep Sethi emphasised the importance of such gatherings in fostering a supportive and inspiring professional community.

The event was attended by several distinguished personalities and alumni, including veteran journalist Kasturi Ray, Bibhudatta Mohapatra, Biraj Swain, award-winning journalist Sarada Lahangir, as well as Vice Presidents Sangita Agarwal and Byomakesh Biswal, among others.

Odisha has emerged as the second-largest base for the IIMC alumni network in the country, with members contributing across media, communication, governance, academia, and allied sectors. The IIMCAA Odisha chapter continues to expand its network, fostering a strong sense of fraternity while promoting professional excellence and engagement in the broader field of media and communication.