Bhubaneswar, Feb 11: From fresh government protocols and safety concerns to crime reports and gripping sports action, today’s highlights capture the pulse of national developments.

New Protocol Issued

The Union Home Ministry issued fresh guidelines regarding the national song Vande Mataram, mandating a six-stanza, 3 minutes and 10 seconds official version to be played or sung at a range of official occasions. As per the new guidelines, if both the national song (Vande Mataram) and the national anthem (Jana Gana Mana) are sung or played at a function, Vande Mataram will be rendered first.

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Brand New EV Explodes

An electric scooter was gutted in a late-night fire incident in Pitamahal village of Rayagada district. The owner said that he had purchased the EV scooter around 15 days ago for his wife, adding that it was not on charging. The fire also damaged household articles kept nearby.

Women Found Dead

A married woman was found charred to death in the backyard of her in-laws’ house, with her parental family alleging murder and dowry harassment. The deceased’s sister-in-law, terming the deceased as an innocent person, claimed that she can never commit suicide, alleging foul play.

Jeweller Ambushed, Looted

A jewellery shop owner was allegedly attacked and looted by four miscreants near Asimila Chhak on NH-16 under Soro police station limits. The miscreants allegedly looted a bag containing jewellery worth more than ₹5 lakh that the jeweller was carrying and fled the spot.

Youth Goes Missing

A young man from Subarnapur district went missing from a hospital, leaving his family deeply anxious. The youth was brought to VIMSAR, Burla, on February 8. Family members said he had been experiencing certain psychological issues. However, before he could receive treatment, he allegedly left the hospital premises without informing anyone.

Huge Blow to India

Indian cricket team opener Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised due to a stomach infection and is doubtful for the T20 World Cup group-stage match against Namibia. Abhishek was unwell even before India’s previous game against the USA, and his condition reportedly worsened after he featured in the match. He was said to be running a high temperature and was administered intravenous drips.

A Thrilling Finish

In a pulsating Group D encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, South Africa and Afghanistan forced the match into a double super over after two explosive innings before the Proteas finally clinched a win.

Top Spots Retained

Swashbuckling India opener Abhishek Sharma retained his top spot among the batters in the latest ICC T20I rankings, released Wednesday. Varun Chakravarthy maintained his lead among the bowlers. In the all-rounders’ chart, Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza claimed the No. 1 position.