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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: May 13, 2026

Vijay wins Tamil Nadu floor test as AIADMK rebellion deepens

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Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Wednesday comfortably won the trust vote in the Assembly with support from 144 legislators, strengthening the position of his newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government while exposing deep cracks within the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

The trust vote was necessitated after TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections but fell short of the majority mark on its own. Vijay’s party had won 108 seats in the 234-member House.

During the floor test, 144 MLAs voted in favour of the government, while 22 legislators opposed the motion. Five members abstained. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its 59 MLAs staged a walkout ahead of the voting process.

The TVK government secured support from the Congress, Left parties, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), helping Vijay comfortably cross the majority threshold.

Addressing the Assembly after the vote, Vijay said the outcome marked a major political shift in Tamil Nadu.

“The whistle has changed history,” Vijay said, referring to the TVK’s election symbol. “We will call ourselves a minority government… a government that will protect the rights of minorities,” he added.

However, the most significant political development emerged within the AIADMK camp, where 24 MLAs reportedly defied party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami and voted in support of Vijay’s government.

The cross-voting has intensified speculation about a widening internal rift within the AIADMK, which has faced a prolonged leadership crisis and a series of electoral setbacks since the death of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

The dissenting faction is believed to be led by senior AIADMK leaders C. V. Shanmugam and S. P. Velumani, who had reportedly been pushing the party leadership to support TVK in order to remain politically relevant after successive election defeats.

The internal friction had become visible over the past week after a group of AIADMK legislators stayed at a resort in Puducherry amid speculation of possible political realignment and fears of defections.

Although the AIADMK leadership publicly denied any split, reports of backchannel talks with TVK had continued to surface in recent days.

Following the trust vote, the AIADMK leadership reportedly issued a strong response against the rebel camp, accusing some leaders of seeking ministerial positions in the new government.

Political observers believe the latest developments could trigger a major churn within Tamil Nadu’s opposition politics, particularly as AIADMK attempts to navigate growing internal dissatisfaction and questions over its future leadership.

For Vijay and TVK, the successful floor test marks another major milestone in what has already become one of the most dramatic political breakthroughs in Tamil Nadu in decades, ending the long-standing dominance of the DMK-AIADMK political order.

Akhilesh Yadav’s brother Prateek Yadav dies at 38 in Lucknow

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Lucknow: Prateek Yadav, son of late Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and half-brother of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, died in Lucknow on Wednesday at the age of 38.

According to media reports, Prateek Yadav was brought to the Civil Hospital in Lucknow by family members around 6.15 am, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Officials said a panel of doctors at King George’s Medical University will conduct a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death. Preliminary observations reportedly found no visible external injuries on the body.

Expressing condolence, the Samajwadi Party said in a post on X, “The passing of Prateek Yadav is deeply saddening. May God grant peace to the departed soul.”

Akhilesh Yadav also expressed grief over Prateek Yadav’s demise, saying his death was deeply saddening, and prayed for peace to the departed soul while offering his heartfelt tributes.

According to reports, Prateek Yadav had been suffering from lung-related complications for a long time and was undergoing treatment for a blood clot in the lungs. His condition reportedly deteriorated early Wednesday morning after he stopped responding, following which family members rushed him to the hospital.

Prateek was the son of Mulayam Singh Yadav’s second wife Sadhna Gupta whom the veteran Samajwadi Party leader married in 2003. Unlike several members of the influential Yadav political family, Prateek Yadav largely stayed away from active politics and did not contest elections or hold any public office.

Prateek was married to BJP leader Aparna Yadav. The couple, who married in 2011 after a long relationship, have two children. In recent months, reports of strain in their marriage had surfaced publicly after social media posts suggested that the couple was considering divorce. However, no formal separation proceedings were reported later.

An MBA graduate from Leeds University in the United Kingdom, he was known in business circles as a real estate developer and fitness enthusiast. He had also gained attention for his bodybuilding transformation, which was featured by an international fitness platform in 2012.

Prateek Yadav was also associated with animal welfare initiatives and was known among close associates for his interest in fitness and social causes.

Political leaders and supporters from across party lines expressed condolences following news of his death.

SAIL RSP ramps up monsoon preparedness ahead of rainy season

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Bhubaneswar: In view of the approaching monsoon season, Steel Authority of India Limited’s (SAIL) Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has launched a comprehensive monsoon preparedness drive across its plant and township areas to ensure uninterrupted production, operational safety, and efficient flood management during the rainy season.

The extensive action plan for monsoon preparation has been formulated based on detailed site inspections carried out by the Task Force, along with lessons drawn from previous monsoon experiences across different plant units. The Civil Engineering Services (CE(S)) Department is leading the initiative in coordination with multiple departments, SAIL said in a release.

As part of the preparedness measures, large-scale de-weeding, de-silting, and cleaning operations are underway at Guradih Nallah, North Channel, and major roadside drains to ensure smooth stormwater flow. Underground drainage systems and drains beyond departmental battery limits are also being cleaned and maintained by CE(S), while individual departments have been directed to maintain internal drainage systems within their respective areas.

The steel plant has also prioritised preventive maintenance of pumps and dewatering systems in vulnerable zones, including Coke Ovens, CDCP, Blast Furnaces, SGP, SP-I, CPP-I, OBBP, Plate Mill, HSM, and Battery sections.

To strengthen flood preparedness, additional manpower is being deployed for flood control operations, with orientation training planned before deployment. Departments have also been instructed to complete repair and maintenance work related to roof gutters, downspouts and drainage infrastructure before the onset of heavy rainfall.

Significantly, the newly constructed embankment with Hume pipe culvert near the Pump House of HSM-II, identified as an obstruction to water flow, is being removed to facilitate smooth drainage during the monsoon. Obstructions in Guradih Nallah near WT#1 and the new CISF gate are also being cleared on priority.

The action plan further includes operational readiness of Lagoon Gates, deployment of vehicles and cranes for emergency response, illumination arrangements at critical drainage points, and round-the-clock availability of flood control support systems.

All monsoon preparedness activities are targeted for completion by June 10, 2026. Additionally, a 24×7 Flood Control Room will function at the CE(S) office from June 15 to September 30, 2026, to ensure continuous monitoring and swift coordination for handling any monsoon-related challenges.

Odisha’s Dhenkanal exports 1,200 kg Amrapalli mangoes to international markets

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Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to Odisha’s agri-export sector, around 1,200 kg of premium Amrapalli mangoes from Dhenkanal were exported to international markets on Tuesday through DKL Innovative Farmer Producer Company Ltd, marking a major milestone for local mango growers and farmer producer organisations.

According to reports, the export initiative was carried out under the guidance and institutional support of the Directorate of Horticulture under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment.

The export operation involved Madanamohan Farmer Producer Cooperative Society Ltd, DKL Innovative Farmer Producer Company Ltd, and Kankadahad FPCL, Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) said in a post on X.

Officials said the mangoes were scientifically sorted, graded, and packaged in line with international quality standards before shipment, helping open new global market opportunities for farmers in the region.

As part of the initiative, a hands-on training programme on export-quality mango management was organised in Dhenkanal with support from ORMAS and DKL Innovative Farmer Producer Company Ltd. Farmers were trained in scientific harvesting techniques, sorting, grading, packaging, pre-cooling, and post-harvest management to help them meet international export requirements.

The initiative is expected to strengthen Odisha’s presence in the global fresh produce market while enhancing income opportunities for mango farmers through value-added agricultural exports.

Officials said the programme also highlights the growing role of farmer-producer organisations in promoting Odisha’s horticultural products beyond domestic markets and connecting local farmers to international supply chains.

Odisha presents Rs 5,000 crore urban growth roadmap at National Apex Committee meeting

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Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has unveiled an ambitious next-generation urban growth roadmap featuring infrastructure projects worth over Rs 5,000 crore at the first National Apex Committee Meeting on the Urban Challenge Fund held in New Delhi.

The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, during which Odisha showcased its long-term vision for sustainable, resilient, and technology-driven urban development.”

Representing the state, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, presented a strategic portfolio of five major urban infrastructure projects under the Urban Challenge Fund framework.

According to the presentation, the proposed projects are aimed at accelerating integrated urban infrastructure development, improving civic services, enhancing urban mobility, and ensuring better quality of life across cities in Odisha.

The roadmap places strong emphasis on flood mitigation measures, scientific drainage systems, expansion of urban green spaces, sustainable water management, and climate-adaptive infrastructure to build future-ready cities.

Odisha also highlighted its focus on inclusive urban growth by ensuring that the benefits of development reach vulnerable communities, women, street vendors, and economically weaker sections through equitable access to urban services and economic opportunities.

The state further showcased its plans to integrate smart technologies, digital platforms, and data-driven governance systems to improve transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness in municipal administration and service delivery.

Speaking at the meeting, Padhee said Odisha’s urban development vision extends beyond conventional infrastructure expansion.

“Our focus is on creating durable and future-ready urban ecosystems. Through the Urban Challenge Fund, Odisha is committed to implementing innovative urban solutions that balance rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability and social equity,” she said.

The National Apex Committee appreciated Odisha’s proactive planning, reform-oriented governance and consistent performance in urban development initiatives. The state’s presentation was acknowledged as a model for integrated and forward-looking urban transformation.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and representatives from various states attended the meeting, where Odisha was recognised among the leading performers in the urban development sector.

With its implementation-driven approach and strong policy direction, Odisha continues to strengthen its position as a national benchmark in sustainable urban development and inclusive city transformation.

Odisha reviews cyclone preparedness ahead of monsoon season

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Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar to review Odisha’s preparedness for the upcoming cyclone season, with officials stressing the need for constant vigilance despite no immediate cyclone threat along the state coast.

The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Director General of Fire Services Sudhanshu Sarangi, senior officials of the Special Relief Commissioner’s office, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and various state departments.

Addressing the meeting, Garg said Odisha has earned a strong reputation in disaster preparedness and management over the years and asked all departments to remain fully prepared without any complacency. She stressed the importance of timely action, strict adherence to guidelines, and rapid information dissemination during emergencies.

Kumar Singh directed departments to regularly review preparedness measures with field-level officials and strictly follow forecasts and advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department.

Welcoming the participants, Special Relief Commissioner and Managing Director of OSDMA Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said Odisha remains highly vulnerable to cyclones due to its geographical location along the Bay of Bengal coast.

He noted that climate change has increased the frequency and unpredictability of cyclonic events and reiterated the state government’s commitment towards achieving “zero casualties” through preparedness, coordination, and timely dissemination of early warnings.

IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty informed the meeting that there is currently no possibility of cyclone formation along the Odisha coast. However, she advised the state government to maintain full preparedness during the cyclone season.

Officials from different departments reviewed their preparedness measures related to disaster response and emergency management. The Additional Director General (Law and Order) informed that 30 ODRAF teams have been kept ready for immediate deployment for rescue and relief operations.

Departments including Water Resources, Health and Family Welfare, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Energy, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Works, Agriculture, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Rural Development, and Housing and Urban Development reviewed arrangements related to reservoir management, restoration of roads and electricity services, safe drinking water supply, emergency medicines, cattle feed, and stockpiling of essential commodities.

The government also directed departments to ensure the readiness of cyclone and flood shelters, activate control rooms, and strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures. Special emphasis was laid on the timely dissemination of cyclone warning information among fishermen and strengthening inter-departmental coordination for effective disaster management.