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.

PV Sindhu reaches Australian Open semifinals

NEW DELHI: India’s PV Sindhu continued her strong run at the Australian Badminton Open 2026 in Sydney on Friday, advancing to the semifinals after a dominant quarter-final win over Chinese Taipei’s Chen Su-yu.

The 10th-ranked Indian shuttler defeated the 68th-ranked Chen 21-6, 21-9 in just 27 minutes to book her place in the last four of the BWF Super 500 tournament, according to reports.

Sindhu, seeded third in the competition, will now face reigning world champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in the semifinals. Yamaguchi secured her spot after defeating another Indian shuttler, Tanvi Sharma, 21-14, 21-14.

Sindhu holds a narrow 15-13 advantage in their head-to-head record, although Yamaguchi has won four of their last five encounters. Their most recent meeting came at the Thailand Open last month, where Sindhu came close to victory after taking the first game and leading in the second before Yamaguchi staged a comeback to win 19-21, 21-18, 21-15.

One of Sindhu’s most notable wins over Yamaguchi came in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which contributed to her second successive Olympic medal.

In men’s doubles, India’s campaign ended after MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan retired during their quarter-final against Chinese Taipei’s Chen Cheng Kuan and Liu Kuang-Heng. The Indian pair had lost the first game 21-19 and were trailing 16-9 in the second before withdrawing.

AAIB continues probe into AI-171 crash, reaffirms commitment to safety-based investigation

NEW DELHI: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has reiterated that its investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash remains ongoing, with the final report to be released only after completion of all technical examinations and mandatory international review processes.

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating from Ahmedabad to London, had crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025, resulting in a major aviation tragedy.

Only one passenger survived among the 12 crew members and 230 passengers on board. On the ground, 19 people lost their lives, while 67 others suffered serious injuries.

The AAIB marked one year since the accident by expressing its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and acknowledging the continuing grief of those affected.

The agency stated that the investigation is being carried out in line with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, and ICAO Annex 13 standards. It recalled that a preliminary report containing factual details was released on July 12, 2025.

According to the bureau, over the past year, investigators have conducted extensive technical, operational, organisational, and human-factor analyses. The process has included examination of aircraft systems, flight recorder data, engine components, maintenance records, and operational evidence, supported by accredited representatives and technical experts, according to an official statement.

The AAIB said that all collected evidence is currently being analysed in an integrated manner, and additional specialist evaluations will be undertaken wherever necessary to ensure findings are fully evidence-based and scientifically validated.

Reaffirming its investigative approach, the bureau emphasised that the sole purpose of the probe is to enhance aviation safety through lessons learned and safety recommendations, and not to assign blame or liability.

It also urged the media and the public to avoid speculation or premature conclusions while the investigation remains in progress, underscoring that the final report will be issued only after all required procedures are completed.

The AAIB further said the investigation will continue to be conducted with professionalism, transparency, and rigour, ensuring that its findings contribute to strengthening civil aviation safety standards.

CM Majhi marks two years in office, highlights 7.9% growth

BHUBANESWAR: Marking the completion of two years of the BJP government, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi addressed a press conference in Bhubaneswar on Friday, underlining the state’s progress in economic growth, governance reforms, welfare delivery, and infrastructure expansion.

The CM reiterated that the government’s focus remained on public convenience, efficient service delivery, good governance, and building a prosperous Odisha.

On the state’s economic performance, he said: “We have maintained fiscal discipline and achieved growth rates of 7.2% in 2024-25 and 7.9% in 2025-26, both higher than the national average. Although our government has implemented several welfare schemes, we have not compromised on financial management and fiscal discipline.”

Highlighting administrative responsiveness, the CM noted that the public grievance hearing system was restarted immediately after the government assumed office. He said:

“As soon as our government assumed office, the direct public grievance hearing programme was restarted. Through the grievance hearings held every Monday, a total of 14,651 complaints have been received over the last two years, and 95% of them have been resolved,” he said in a series of posts on X.

He added that transparency, accountability, and public participation had become central pillars of governance in the state.

On the power sector, Majhi said infrastructure upgrades and reforms were being implemented at a rapid pace.

“Extensive reforms are being carried out in the power sector, and infrastructure is being developed at a rapid pace. Electricity tariffs have remained stable over the last two financial years without any increase,” the CM noted.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive development, he said priority was being given to four key groups identified by the prime minister – the poor, women, farmers, and youth.

He said the vision of development was being implemented in alignment with the leadership of Narendra Modi.

He also highlighted that flagship welfare initiatives, including Subhadra Yojana, were strengthening women’s financial independence, while other initiatives were aimed at supporting education and entrepreneurship among women and girls.

The CM further said basic infrastructure remained the foundation of development, with continued focus on electricity supply, safe drinking water, and all-weather road connectivity across villages.

Under Mission Power, efforts were underway to strengthen essential services across the state.

On education, he said the government had introduced historic reforms aimed at making education free and universal from KG to PG, benefiting students from economically weaker backgrounds.

Reiterating the government’s long-term vision, Majhi said Odisha was progressing towards the goal of “Prosperous Odisha-2036”. He said the transformation witnessed in agriculture, industry, health, and education over the last two years reflected a development-driven governance model.

He added that the government was moving forward with the trust and participation of the people, guided by the vision of building a “Prosperous, empowered and progressive Odisha based on Odia identity.”

“The immense strength of our women is the greatest inspiration behind our vision of a prosperous Odisha,” he said.

Sudarsan Pattnaik wins Russian Grand Sand Master Cup 2026

BHUBANESWAR: Internationally acclaimed Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has added another feather to his cap by winning the Russian Grand Sand Master Cup 2026 at the II International Festival of Sand Sculpture in the Kaliningrad Region.

With this achievement, he became the first Indian artist to win the prestigious event.

The Odia artist shared the news with his thousands of followers on X.

“Honoured to receive the Russian Grand Sand Master Cup 2026 at the II International Festival of Sand Sculpture in Kaliningrad, Russia, for my work highlighting the global issue of climate change and global warming. Proud to be the first Indian sand artist to receive this prestigious recognition. Sincerely grateful to the organisers, jury members, and everyone who has supported and encouraged my artistic journey,” the Padma Shri awardee said in a post on X.

Pattnaik’s work on the global issue of climate change and global warming impressed the jury, which unanimously decided to honour him.

The Odia artist received the Grand Sand Master Cup and medal from General Director Alena Aleksandrovna in the presence of government officials, cultural representatives, and other international guests, according to reports.

Twelve of the world’s leading sand sculptors from different countries displayed their large-scale artworks on various themes at the festival.

Pattnaik has consistently brought glory to the nation through his remarkable works, which often focus on issues such as climate change, the environment, peace, and human emotions.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo congratulated Pattnaik on winning the prestigious event, saying “his triumph is not just personal – it is a celebration of Odisha’s cultural pride shining on the world stage.”

Indian shooting legend Jaspal Rana passes away

NEW DELHI: India’s shooting legend Jaspal Rana has passed away at the age of 49.

The news was confirmed by the National Rifle Association of India. Rana died at New Delhi’s Max Hospital, where he had recently undergone stent surgery, according to reports.

Rana was the driving force behind ace shooter Manu Bhaker’s meteoric rise in the sport. Under his guidance, Bhaker won two medals for India at the Paris Olympic Games.

His achievement in Commonwealth Games history was truly remarkable. He won an incredible 15 medals – nine gold, four silver, and two bronze – across the 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006 editions.

One of his notable performances came at the 2006 Doha Asian Games, where the Indian shooter claimed three gold medals. He also equalled the world record in the 25m Centre Fire Pistol event.

He also received the Arjuna Award in 1994 and the Padma Shri in 1997 for his outstanding contributions to Indian shooting.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over Rana’s demise, saying his passing was a great loss to the world of Indian sports.

In a post on X, he said: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Jaspal Rana Ji. His passing is a profound loss to the world of Indian sports. He brought immense glory to the nation through his extraordinary achievements in shooting. Equally remarkable was his contribution as a mentor, shaping and guiding young athletes with great dedication. His unwavering commitment to excellence, discipline, and service to the sporting world earned him immense admiration. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire sporting fraternity in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

Similarly, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya expressed sadness over the passing of Rana.

“Deeply pained by the passing of Indian shooting legend Shri Jaspal Rana Ji. His incredible contributions to our nation, as a champion athlete and an exceptional mentor, leave behind an inspiring legacy. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the sporting fraternity. Om Shanti,” he said in a post on X.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri also expressed heartfelt condolences to Rana’s family and friends.

FIFA World Cup: South Korea come from behind to beat Czechia

NEW DELHI: Asian giants South Korea came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1 in another Group A match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday.

With the victory at Guadalajara Stadium, South Korea joined co-hosts Mexico on three points at the top of Group A, according to FIFA.com.

Ladislav Krejci put Czechia ahead in the 59th minute with a fine header after the first half failed to yield a single goal.

However, Hwang In-beom equalised for South Korea in the 67th minute following a clever pass from Lee Kang-in.

A stunning pass from In-beom helped Oh Hyeon-gyu score the winner in the 80th minute.

A superb performance by Hwang In-beom earned him the Superior Player of the Match award.

South Korea will meet co-hosts Mexico on June 18, while Czechia take on South Africa in the US city of Atlanta on the same day.

Centre, Assam and Nagaland sign pact to boost oil exploration in border areas

NEW DELHI: A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday between the Centre, Assam, and Nagaland to facilitate mineral oil operations in the Assam-Nagaland boundary areas, a move that the government said would boost energy exploration and economic development in the Northeast.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, according to an official statement.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio were also present.

Describing the pact as a historic moment, Shah said the agreement would open up new opportunities for oil and natural gas exploration as well as mineral mining. He said it had removed a major hurdle in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a prosperous Northeast.

According to Shah, both Assam and Nagaland agreed not to allow obstacles to India’s oil exploration efforts and would instead work in a spirit of cooperation, considering the resources as national wealth.

The home minister said Nagaland had agreed to allow oil exploration across the state, beyond the six designated fields. He added that Assam was also in agreement with the arrangement, calling it a win-win situation for all stakeholders.

Shah said the tripartite agreement would pave the way for mineral exploration and mining across the Northeast. He noted that the region possesses vast reserves of oil, gas, and minerals and said the current extraction capacity of 1,000 to 1,500 barrels per day could increase more than tenfold following the agreement.

He expressed confidence that the development of oil and gas resources in Nagaland would help reduce India’s dependence on foreign sources. He also said that longstanding issues had affected the economic development of both states, and the agreement would now create new growth opportunities.

Calling the pact a strong example of cooperative federalism, Shah said the Modi government had kept the Northeast at the centre of its development agenda. He noted that 12 agreements had been signed in the region since 2019, helping reduce violence by around 80% and supporting infrastructure growth.

The home minister also said tourism, investment, and private sector participation had increased in the Northeast due to improved peace and stability. He added that more than 80% of the region had been freed from the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and expressed hope that AFSPA would be withdrawn from almost the entire Northeast by next year.

Referring to ongoing global tensions involving the US, Iran, and Israel, Shah said energy security remained critical for India’s development. While the immediate impact of the agreement could not be predicted, he said the pact would strengthen the country’s self-reliance over time.

He added that the agreement had expanded the scope of oil and mineral exploration across Nagaland and would bring prosperity to both states while fostering harmony and development in the region.

Odisha government orders officers to use car pools amid fuel concerns

BHUBANESWAR: As fuel and energy challenges arising from the recent West Asia crisis continue, the Odisha government has issued a set of strict instructions on the use of official vehicles.

According to an order issued by the governor, officers in the rank of Special Secretary and above shall be entitled to an independent vehicle for official purposes.

Similarly, officers promoted to the rank of Additional Secretary on or after June 1 shall use official vehicles on a pool basis. The order further stated that they shall become eligible for an independent vehicle only upon completion of three years of service in the rank of Additional Secretary.

However, this shall not apply to officers in the rank of Additional Secretary who, despite not having completed three years in the rank, had already been allotted an independent vehicle for official use on or before May 31.

The government notification, issued by the Finance Department, also stated that pool vehicles shall be provided to officers in the rank of Under Secretary to Joint Secretary working in administrative departments, as well as officers of equivalent rank working in various heads of departments.

At least two to three officers shall share one pool vehicle, the notification said.

According to Finance Department Memorandum No. 1613/F dated January 17, 2025, the monthly deduction for the use of an official pool vehicle shall be Rs 1,680, irrespective of the officer’s rank.

Officers undertaking official tours to distant locations within the state have been advised to travel by bus or rail instead of using official vehicles, as far as practicable.

The above instructions shall apply mutatis mutandis to all state government undertakings, autonomous institutions, universities, and societies across the state.

FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off; Mexico blank South Africa in opener

NEW DELHI: The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially got underway on Thursday in Mexico City, with a high-energy opening ceremony led by global music icon Shakira, as the tournament kicked off amid what was described as a chaotic backdrop, raising concerns around the event’s build-up.

Shakira, alongside Burna Boy, performed “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during a visually rich ceremony staged at the centre of the pitch. The Colombian singer appeared in a neon yellow bodysuit paired with a white miniskirt, leading a large ensemble of hundreds of dancers in a choreographed performance that lit up the stadium, according to reports.

The show unfolded at a packed Estadio Azteca, where fans reacted enthusiastically as Shakira delivered her signature dance routines, later joined by a traditional Mexican mariachi band. A dramatic visual centrepiece featured a massive golden replica of the World Cup trophy rising from the ground, surrounded by performers in vibrant costumes.

The ceremony also brought together a wide lineup of global artists, including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla, all of whom are part of the official FIFA World Cup music album. J Balvin, one of Latin America’s most prominent stars, performed with Ryan Castro before Shakira took the stage, while Maná energized the home crowd with their classic hits earlier in the programme.

Mexican actress and FIFA ambassador Salma Hayek formally declared the tournament open. South African singer Tyla performed her country’s national anthem before kickoff, while Becky G was seen attending the event in support of Mexico, reflecting her cultural roots.

Large crowds had gathered outside the stadium hours before kickoff as Mexico hosted the World Cup for a record third time, marking a festive yet high-pressure start to the tournament.

Meanwhile, co-hosts Mexico began their Group A campaign with a commanding 2–0 victory over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

The co-hosts made an early breakthrough when Julián Quiñones scored in the 9th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to put Mexico ahead and send the home crowd into celebration.

South Africa struggled to recover as Mexico controlled possession and tempo throughout the first half. The breakthrough was followed by disciplined defending and sustained attacking pressure from the hosts.

The second goal arrived in the 67th minute, when Raúl Jiménez rose to meet a cross and powered a header past the South African goalkeeper, doubling Mexico’s advantage and effectively sealing the contest.

The match turned increasingly tense in the second half, with disciplinary issues dominating the narrative. South Africa were reduced to nine men after Sphephelo Sithole (second half) was shown a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, followed by Themba Zwane (84th minute) being dismissed after a VAR review for violent conduct. Mexico also ended the match with a red card when César Montes was sent off in stoppage time following an aggressive challenge.