May 6, 2026 - IndiaVerve

L&T’s M&M business secures largest-ever domestic metals order from JSW Steel

May 6, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured its largest-ever order in the domestic metals sector through its Minerals & Metals (M&M) business vertical, with JSW Steel awarding a major contract for its ongoing capacity expansion programme.

In a press release, the company stated that its long-standing association with JSW Steel, spanning over three decades, has been built on collaboration in executing complex metallurgical projects that have contributed to strengthening India’s steel production capabilities through scale, technology, and operational efficiency.

JSW Steel is currently advancing plans to expand its crude steel production capacity from 35 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) to over 50 MTPA by 2031. In line with this expansion strategy, L&T’s M&M vertical has been entrusted with comprehensive engineering, procurement, and installation of key process facilities, including blast furnaces and steel melt shops.

These developments will be carried out across multiple brownfield and greenfield projects, primarily at JSW facilities in Ballari, Karnataka, and Paradip, Odisha.

L&T officials described the order as a significant milestone for the company’s metals business, stating that it reflects both its execution capabilities and the trust placed in it for delivering large-scale industrial assets. The company said the partnership underscores a shared focus on innovation, sustainability, and nation-building, particularly as India moves towards becoming a global steel manufacturing hub.

The company further highlighted that the new contracts reinforce its position in executing large and complex metallurgical projects. It added that its approach focuses on integrating technology, optimising project timelines, and ensuring precision in execution, while continuing to support JSW Steel’s growth ambitions through timely delivery and engineering excellence.

India and Vietnam review economic cooperation

May 6, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Vietnam’s Finance Minister Ngo Van Tuan in New Delhi on Wednesday, where both sides reviewed the strengthening of India-Vietnam economic ties and explored avenues to expand cooperation in key sectors.

The meeting comes as both countries mark 10 years of the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with discussions focused on global economic trends, geopolitical challenges, and ways to enhance resilience and stability in an evolving international environment.

The Vietnamese side expressed strong interest in expanding collaboration with India in technology, innovation, energy, and the pharmaceutical sector. It also highlighted Vietnam’s focus on deeper integration into global value chains, the Ministry of Finance said in a detailed post on X.

Sitharaman appreciated Vietnam’s macroeconomic stability and ongoing institutional reforms, noting improvements in its credit outlook and growing competitiveness.

In response, Van Tuan acknowledged India’s strong economic leadership and expressed interest in learning from India’s experience in areas such as tax reforms, development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and the role of public investment in driving growth.

The Indian finance minister outlined a range of policy measures supporting the MSME sector, including tax reforms, interest subventions, public procurement initiatives, and artificial intelligence-based skilling programmes aimed at workforce development.

She also highlighted India’s efforts to modernise tax administration through faceless assessments and technology-driven systems to enhance transparency and efficiency.

Sitharaman also briefed the Vietnamese delegation on the PM Gati Shakti initiative, describing it as an integrated, technology-enabled infrastructure planning framework. The Vietnamese side reportedly showed interest in the model.

Recalling her earlier visit to Vietnam during her tenure as defence minister, Sitharaman reaffirmed the close and friendly ties between the two nations. Both ministers reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

Hinjili horror: Pregnant woman murdered, Naveen Patnaik seeks action

May 7, 2026May 6, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: A brutal murder in Kharida village under Hinjili Assembly constituency has triggered widespread shock and outrage in Odisha after a pregnant woman was allegedly killed in front of her child, prompting strong political reaction from BJD President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Describing the incident as “horrific” and “heartbreaking,” Patnaik said the crime has left him deeply anguished. He noted that the victim was staging a dharna outside their home with their child in his lap, seeking justice, when the woman was allegedly murdered in a heinous manner inside the house.

According to reports, a 21-year-old pregnant woman was fatally attacked in Ganjam district while staging a sit-in protest outside her in-laws’ home. The victim, Puja Swain, a resident of the Agastinuagam area under Ganjam police station jurisdiction, had been demanding rights for her young daughter.

Authorities said Puja had arrived at her husband’s residence in Kharida village the previous day to seek justice, and had been protesting outside the property since then. On Tuesday, she was allegedly assaulted with an axe by her husband’s younger brother, identified as a minor named Litu, who is accused of killing her in the attack.

The victim’s small daughter was present at the scene when the incident occurred. Hinjili police have registered a formal case in the matter and taken the accused brother-in-law into custody.

In a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Patnaik said the most disturbing aspect of the incident was the presence of a three-year-old child, who was seen crying beside the mother’s lifeless body, an image that has deeply shaken public sentiment across Odisha.

Questioning the law-and-order situation, the BJD president raised concerns about repeated incidents of serious crimes in the state. He asked what preventive measures were taken by the police despite the protest situation outside the house. He criticised what he described as a weakening of the enforcement of the legal system.

He urged Majhi to personally intervene in the matter and ensure strict and exemplary punishment for those responsible. Patnaik also called for immediate support for the child witness, including medical care, financial assistance, and long-term rehabilitation by the state government.

The incident has intensified debate over policing and women’s safety in Odisha, with calls for swift investigation and stronger preventive measures to ensure such crimes are not repeated.

Odisha sets ambitious urban transformation roadmap under Viksit Odisha @2036

May 6, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has laid out an ambitious and time-bound urban development roadmap aligned with the vision of “Viksit Odisha @2036,” with a strong focus on housing, infrastructure modernisation, and governance reforms aimed at improving the quality of life in urban areas.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Odisha Urban Academy, Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra stressed that the department’s success will be measured not only by infrastructure creation but by visible improvements in citizens’ livelihoods, services, and urban living standards.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee and Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua.

The minister reviewed the department’s financial performance and noted that nearly 98% of the allocated budget has already been utilised. He directed officials to ensure that expenditure is translated into tangible outcomes on the ground.

A major announcement during the meeting was the “A Roof for All” initiative, which aims to extend housing coverage to 80% of the urban population by 2036. The programme will cater to Economically Weaker Sections, Low Income Groups, and introduce a rental housing model for migrant and floating populations.

It will be launched in Rourkela before being expanded across other urban centres. District Collectors have been directed to expedite land identification and allocation to ensure swift implementation.

Mahapatra also reviewed the Town Planning Scheme based on a land pooling model, under which 40% of the land will be used for infrastructure development such as roads, drainage, and civic amenities, while 60% will be returned to landowners. The model is expected to support planned urban growth and reduce land-related disputes.

Under the Chief Minister’s Smart City Scheme, 49 cities have been identified for phased development. The minister directed officials to focus on integrated urban transformation, including improved roads, water supply, sewerage systems, drainage, and urban aesthetics.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment under AMRUT to ensure universal access to drinking water at the household level, backed by technology-driven monitoring systems.

Urban flood management emerged as a key priority, with the Minister announcing that a comprehensive Drainage Master Plan is being prepared to address long-standing waterlogging issues.

Detailed Project Reports have already been prepared and funds allocated for priority works. He informed that Gangua Nala and Daya West Canal will be taken up for early rejuvenation through coordinated efforts between the Housing & Urban Development Department and the Water Resources Department.

The government also plans to rejuvenate urban rivers and canals, transforming them into public spaces and tourism hubs aimed at improving livability and supporting local livelihoods.

Strengthening of urban safety was also reviewed, with directions issued for wider CCTV surveillance coverage and deployment of intelligent traffic management systems. The Minister further asked for the early operationalisation of 28 newly formed Urban Local Bodies.

India, Vietnam elevate ties to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

May 6, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: India and Vietnam on Wednesday agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a significant step in strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.

Addressing a joint press meet with visiting Vietnamese President To Lam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the visit reflected the importance both countries place on their relationship.

He noted that the president’s visit, soon after assuming office and accompanied by a high-level delegation and business leaders, underlined the priority given to India-Vietnam ties.

Modi highlighted the deep civilizational and spiritual links between the two nations, pointing out that the Vietnamese leader began his visit to India from Bodh Gaya. He said both sides are working to translate mutual goodwill into tangible outcomes, according to an official statement.

Emphasising the role of shared heritage, he referred to the large public response in Vietnam to the exhibition of Buddhist relics from India and ongoing efforts to restore ancient temples linked to the Champa civilisation. Plans to digitise related manuscripts were also outlined to preserve cultural heritage.

On the economic front, both leaders agreed to expand trade and investment ties. Bilateral trade, which has doubled over the past decade to USD 16 billion, is targeted to reach USD 25 billion by 2030. Measures discussed include improving access to Indian pharmaceutical products in Vietnam and facilitating exports of agricultural and allied products. Both sides also agreed to update the India-ASEAN Trade Agreement to boost regional trade and investment.

The discussions also covered cooperation in critical minerals, rare earths, and energy, aimed at strengthening economic security and supply chain resilience.

Connectivity and financial integration were identified as key areas of focus. The two countries plan to enhance air connectivity and deepen cooperation between their central banks, including linking India’s UPI system with Vietnam’s fast payment system. Efforts will also be made to strengthen state-to-state and city-to-city partnerships.

On the strategic front, India reiterated that Vietnam remains a key pillar of its Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. Both sides share a common outlook on regional security and will continue to work together to promote stability, the rule of law, and prosperity.

The prime minister also expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s support in condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and standing with India in its fight against terrorism.

Highlighting the broader global context, he said both India and Vietnam are emerging as fast-growing economies driven by reforms, governance, and talent. He added that the enhanced partnership would enable both nations to support each other’s growth and long-term development goals.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deeper cooperation and shared progress.

IIT Bhubaneswar, NFSC sign MoU to boost research and capacity building

May 6, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar and the National Fire Service College (NFSC), Nagpur, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at IIT Bhubaneswar to strengthen collaboration in education, research, and capacity building.

The MoU was formally exchanged between Dr. A. R. Sontake, Professor and Director of NFSC, and Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of several faculty members, including Prof. Arun Kumar Pradhan, Head of the School of Mechanical Sciences; Prof. P. Dinakar, Dean (SRIC); Prof. Mihir Kumar Pandit; Dr. Prasenjit Rath, Associate Professor; Dr. Amrit B. Sahu, Assistant Professor; and Shri N. Aravindan, Assistant Professor at NFSC.

The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for academic, research, and technical collaboration between the two institutions, the NFSC said in a release.

It includes joint research and development projects, faculty and student exchange programmes, and joint supervision of student projects, theses, and dissertations. The MoU also covers collaborative submission and execution of externally funded research and consultancy projects.

In addition, the partnership enables shared use of laboratory facilities, testing infrastructure, and research equipment. It also provides for the joint organisation of workshops, conferences, seminars, training programmes, and short-term courses.

Under the collaboration, both institutions may jointly identify, apply for, and execute projects supported by government agencies, public sector undertakings, industries, and international organisations. The MoU further outlines a structured framework for intellectual property rights management, joint publications, and dissemination of research outcomes.

The agreement has been guided and approved by Sunil Kumar Jha, DG (FS, CD & HG), Ministry of Home Affairs, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to strengthening academic and research collaboration in fire engineering and safety.

The collaboration is expected to enhance academic excellence, research innovation, and technical capabilities in fire engineering and safety, contributing to national development and resilience.

US says offensive operations against Iran over amid fragile Hormuz ceasefire

May 6, 2026 by India Verve Desk

The United States has announced the end of its offensive military operations against Iran, but fresh confrontations in the Strait of Hormuz are raising fears that the fragile ceasefire between the two countries may not hold for long.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington had completed its offensive phase against Iran, while warning that any future attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf would trigger a “devastating” response. According to the New York Times, US President Donald Trump also urged Tehran to “do the smart thing” and return to negotiations, even as he maintained that Iran stood little chance militarily.

Despite the announcement, the military situation in the Gulf remains tense. American military officials said US Central Command remains prepared for further operations if required, signalling that Washington is maintaining a high level of readiness in the region.

The latest escalation follows reports of clashes involving Iranian and US-linked vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes. The US accused Iranian boats of threatening maritime traffic, while Iran alleged that American forces attacked civilian passenger boats, resulting in casualties.

Iranian state media outlets IRIB and Tasnim reported that Tehran has denied launching missile or drone attacks against the United Arab Emirates, after Emirati authorities claimed to have intercepted aerial threats for a second consecutive day. Iranian military officials instead accused Washington of escalating tensions through aggressive naval actions in the Gulf.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy has also warned ships against deviating from approved routes through the Strait of Hormuz, saying any interference in the maritime regime would face a “firm response”. Iranian leaders have continued to reject US pressure while insisting they remain open to diplomacy.

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the crisis, with nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passing through the narrow waterway. Any prolonged disruption threatens to deepen global energy instability, with rising oil and shipping costs already triggering concerns in international markets.

The continuing standoff has also alarmed European allies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the attacks in the region as “unacceptable”, while leaders from Germany, France and the United Kingdom called for urgent diplomatic engagement to prevent a wider conflict.

Although both Washington and Tehran continue to publicly speak of dialogue, the renewed military exchanges and aggressive rhetoric suggest that the ceasefire remains highly unstable.

Twin blast-like incidents in Punjab trigger security alert, probe underway

May 6, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Punjab was placed on alert after two separate blast-like incidents were reported within hours in Amritsar and Jalandhar, triggering panic and heightened security across the state.

In Amritsar, a suspected explosion was reported around 10:50 pm near the Khasa cantonment area. Police and Army personnel reached the spot soon after receiving information. According to reports, no injuries were reported in this incident.

Earlier in the evening, around 8 pm in Jalandhar, a scooter parked outside the Border Security Force Punjab Frontier headquarters caught fire, with locals reporting a loud blast-like sound. Police stated that it was too early to confirm whether the incident was an explosion or an accidental fire.

Jalandhar Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur indicated that initial findings suggested a parked scooter had caught fire, though all possible angles were under investigation.

A senior Punjab Police officer said that a group identifying itself as the Khalistan Liberation Army had claimed responsibility for the Jalandhar incident, though authorities were verifying the authenticity of the claim. The officer also noted that a possible link to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti was being examined.

Security agencies, including forensic teams, bomb disposal squads, and dog squads, were deployed at the site, and the area was cordoned off. Officials confirmed that the injured youth was cooperating with investigators.

Meanwhile, opposition parties criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government, alleging deterioration in law and order. Leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP, and Congress raised concerns over security lapses and called for a thorough investigation and stronger preventive measures.

Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal, in a post on X, said: Three blasts in 10 days, two in a single day – May 5: Jalandhar outside BSF headquarters & Sri Amritsar Sahib Army area, April 27: Rajpura rail track. Continued intelligence failures and collapse of law & order are a matter of grave concern. Chief Minister @BhagwantMann , who is also the state Home Minister, is busy in mimicry & cheap politics. He has forfeited the right to remain in office.”

Vijay set to meet Tamil Nadu Governor as TVK moves closer to forming government

May 6, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Chennai: Actor-turned-politician Vijay is expected to meet the Governor of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday to stake claim to form the next government, a day after his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest force in the Assembly elections.

According to political sources and media reports, Vijay may take oath as chief minister as early as May 7, even as efforts continue to secure additional support in the 234-member Assembly. TVK won 108 seats in its debut full-scale electoral contest, falling short of the majority mark of 118.

The Indian National Congress, which secured five seats, has extended support to TVK, taking the alliance tally to 113. Congress leaders welcomed the decision, describing it as a step towards political stability in the state.

TVK is also understood to be reaching out to smaller parties and allies of the DMK bloc. Vijay has reportedly sought support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), while parties such as the CPI and CPI(M), which won two seats each, are also being closely watched for possible backing.

The election results marked a major political upset in Tamil Nadu, where the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK faced an unprecedented challenge from TVK. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam suffered a significant setback, winning only 59 seats, while Chief Minister M. K. Stalin lost his Kolathur constituency to a TVK candidate. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) secured 47 seats.

Apart from coalition-building, TVK also has the option of attempting to form a minority government as the single-largest party. However, such a scenario could require continued support from opposition parties during confidence motions and legislative proceedings.

Meanwhile, political discussions within the AIADMK are also drawing attention. Reports suggest that a section of leaders within the party may be open to backing a TVK-led government, though no official position has been announced.

Vijay’s rapid political rise has reshaped Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape, with TVK’s performance being seen as one of the most dramatic breakthroughs in recent state politics.

BJD seeks probe into alleged irregularities in 2026 Rajya Sabha polls

May 6, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has sought immediate action over alleged irregularities in the 2026 Rajya Sabha elections, urging the Election Commission of India to order a fair and transparent inquiry.

According to a party press release issued from Sankha Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, the complaint was filed on April 28 by Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra under the direction of BJD President Naveen Patnaik. The complaint alleged that two MLAs, Upasana Mohapatra and Purnachandra Sethy, were illegally issued second ballot papers during the polling held on the same day.

Following the complaint, the Election Commission of India responded through its Under Secretary Rajendra Kumar Singh, who, on April 29, wrote to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, directing that the matter be discussed with a BJD delegation.

The meeting between the Odisha CEO and the BJD delegation has been scheduled for May 11 at 11:00 AM.

As per party instructions, the delegation will include Prasanna Acharya, Deputy Leader of the Opposition; Pramila Mallik, Chief Whip of the Opposition and Polling Agent for the Rajya Sabha Election 2026; Pratap Deb, Deputy Chief Whip of the Opposition and Authorized Agent; Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo, MLA and Counting Agent; and Dr. Patra, the petitioner in the case.

The BJD has reiterated its demand for swift legal action, an impartial probe, and a transparent investigation into the alleged irregularities, stating that such measures are essential to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process.

The party emphasized its commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring transparency in elections.