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We are delighted to announce that Dr. Naveen GM from Karnataka has been conferred with the esteemed Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 by the Veyil Foundation. This distinguished honor recognizes his exemplary service and profound impact in the field of education, particularly his unwavering dedication to social upliftment and inclusive learning. Dr. Naveen GM has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to empowering underserved communities through innovative educational initiatives. His work reflects a strong belief in education as a catalyst for social transformation, enabling individuals to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable progress. By integrating academic excellence with values-based learning, he has helped nurture not only knowledgeable students but also responsible and compassionate citizens. His efforts extend far beyond conventional teaching, as he actively engages in community-driven programs aimed at improving access to quality education for all. Through mentorship, awareness campaigns, and grassroots initiatives, Dr. Naveen has created meaningful opportunities for those who need them the most. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar stands as a symbol of excellence and dedication, and Dr. Naveen GM truly embodies its spirit. The Veyil Foundation proudly honors his contributions and applauds his relentless pursuit of educational equity and societal development. We warmly congratulate Dr. Naveen GM on this remarkable achievement and wish him continued success in his inspiring journey of service and impact.

We are delighted to announce that Srijita Sarkar, hailing from the state of West Bengal, has been honored as the recipient of the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026, conferred by the Veyil Foundation. This esteemed accolade recognizes her outstanding contributions to the field of Performing Arts, with a special emphasis on the classical dance traditions of Kathakali and Bharatanatyam. Srijita Sarkar’s dedication, discipline, and exceptional artistry have distinguished her as a remarkable talent in the world of classical dance. Her deep-rooted passion and commitment to preserving these rich cultural traditions have earned her this well-deserved recognition. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar is more than just an award—it is a celebration of artistic excellence and cultural heritage. Srijita’s journey has been shaped by rigorous training and an unwavering devotion to her craft. Holding a diploma in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Rabindra Nritya, she has showcased an extraordinary ability to harmoniously blend traditional techniques with creative expression, captivating audiences and critics alike. Her performances embody the true spirit of Indian classical dance, marked by technical precision, expressive depth, and emotional resonance. Through her art, she continues to uphold and elevate the timeless beauty of these dance forms. As she receives this prestigious honor, Srijita Sarkar stands as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a shining example of India’s vibrant cultural legacy. The Veyil Foundation’s recognition not only celebrates her achievements but also reinforces the importance of preserving and promoting classical arts in today’s evolving cultural landscape. We look forward to her continued journey and the lasting impact she will undoubtedly make on future generations of performers.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Kotra Bala Yogi from the state of Andhra Pradesh has been honored with the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 by the Veyil Foundation. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional contributions to social upliftment through education, underscoring the vital role educators play in transforming lives and communities. With over two decades of extensive experience in teaching, research, and administration across countries such as India, the United States, and Indonesia, Dr. Kotra Bala Yogi has established himself as a distinguished figure in the field of education. His multifaceted role as a teacher, mentor, trainer, and counselor reflects his ability to connect with students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Dr. Bala Yogi is widely admired for his innovative teaching methodologies and effective behavior management strategies, which empower students to unlock their full potential. His approach fosters an engaging and inclusive learning environment where curiosity is encouraged, and academic excellence is nurtured. Beyond his professional achievements, his passion for education is evident in his ability to inspire and motivate learners of all ages and skill levels. By cultivating a supportive and dynamic atmosphere, he not only enhances academic performance but also instills confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning among his students. This recognition is a testament to Dr. Kotra Bala Yogi’s unwavering commitment to education and his impactful contributions toward social upliftment. His work continues to shape futures, making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the green cards of two foreign nationals linked to the family of late Iranian ​general Qasem Soleimani. Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were detained by federal agents after their lawful permanent resident status was terminated. Both are currently in the custody of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to the State Department, Afshar was an outspoken supporter of Iran’s government and promoted its propaganda while residing in the United States. Officials cited her public statements praising Iran’s leadership and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organisation. Rubio stated that the U.S. will not permit foreign nationals who support anti-American regimes to remain in the country. The action is part of a broader effort that recently included revoking the legal status of other individuals linked to senior Iranian officials, who are now barred from future entry into the U.S.

US President Donald Trump has given a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, posted on the 26th of March, Mr Trump reminded Iran that it had 10 days to either “make a deal” or “open up the Hormuz Strait”. He warned Iran that it has a mere 48 hours before facing severe consequences. The US President has been repeatedly threatening to bomb Iran’s energy sites while also seeking a diplomatic arrangement to end the war. On the 26th of last month, Mr Trump claimed that he had pushed back his deadline for Tehran to strike a deal with Washington or face more attacks at Iran’s request, even though the Islamic Republic has dismissed a US proposal to end the conflict as “one-sided and unfair”.

A total of 345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran amid the ongoing West Asia conflict arrived safely in Chennai yesterday evening after being evacuated through Armenia. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the fishermen were brought back as part of India’s continued efforts to ensure the safety of its nationals in the conflict-affected region. Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a social media post, expressed gratitude to the Armenian government for facilitating the evacuation and thanked his counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for enabling the safe transit of Indian nationals from Iran to India amid the conflict. Armenia has been facilitating the evacuation of Indian nationals in Iran. On Thursday, the MEA said that more than 1 thousand 2 hundred Indian nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran, out of which 996 moved to Armenia.

Easter is being celebrated across the globe today. It signifies the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion and death at Calvary on Good Friday. The event marks the culmination of the Holy Week of prayers, penitence and recalling the final phase of Jesus Christ’s life.

Dr. Vaishali Ashok Bhide from Maharashtra has been conferred with the prestigious Bharat Jyoti Puraskar 2026 by the Bharat Seva Society, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of Health and Medicine, particularly in Homoeopathy. With an MD in Homoeopathy and over 17 years of dedicated service, Dr. Bhide has consistently worked toward making quality healthcare accessible to all sections of society. Her efforts have been especially focused on economically disadvantaged communities, where access to medical care remains a significant challenge. Her work reflects not only professional excellence but also a deep-rooted commitment to public welfare. Throughout her career, Dr. Bhide has exemplified compassion and a strong belief in the healing potential of homoeopathy. She has actively organized and conducted numerous charitable medical camps, reaching underserved populations across Mumbai. Her initiatives have extended to children’s homes, orphanages, and the Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Divyang Children Home in Mankhurd, ensuring that vulnerable groups receive essential healthcare services. Beyond treatment, her efforts have brought hope, dignity, and improved well-being to countless individuals who otherwise lack access to proper medical support. Her work stands as a powerful example of how medical practice can be combined with social responsibility to create meaningful change. Dr. Vaishali Ashok Bhide’s unwavering dedication to uplifting the health standards of marginalized communities embodies the true spirit of the Bharat Jyoti Puraskar. Her recognition is not only a celebration of her achievements but also an inspiration for others in the medical field to serve with empathy, integrity, and purpose.

US President Donald Trump has said that American forces will finish the job in Iran soon as core strategic objectives are nearing completion. In a televised address from White House, Trump touted the successes of the US campaign – Operation Epic Fury, saying the US is winning bigger than ever before. In his 20 minute speech, Trump said, every American can look forward to a day when they are finally free from the wickedness of Iranian aggression and the spectre of nuclear blackmail. The President promised that when the war is over, the United States will be safer, stronger, more prosperous and greater than it has ever been before. He also called on allies to build up the courage to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the US doesn’t need it.

India has sent a consignment of one thousand metric tonnes of rice to Burkina Faso as humanitarian assistance. In a social media post, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said this initiative is aimed at supporting food security for vulnerable communities and internally displaced persons. He added that this step reflects India’s continued commitment as a reliable developmental and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief partner to Global South countries.

First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Denis Manturov, arrived in New Delhi this morning. The Ministry of External Affairs said that Mr. Manturov is scheduled to meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar today.

We are delighted to announce that Manisha Jha from Gujarat has been honored with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026, awarded by the Veyil Foundation. This distinguished recognition celebrates her exceptional contribution to Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam—a discipline that demands immense dedication, precision, and artistic depth. This achievement marks a significant milestone not only in Manisha’s journey but also in the preservation and promotion of India’s rich cultural heritage. Her work exemplifies the grace and discipline required to excel in Bharatanatyam, a dance form deeply rooted in tradition and spiritual expression. Adding to this remarkable accomplishment, Manisha has also been recognized by The Kingdom World Records for her contributions to the Classical World Record Event 2025. This acknowledgment highlights the broader impact of her efforts within the classical dance community and stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to the art form. For Manisha, Bharatanatyam is far more than performance—it is a spiritual journey that harmoniously blends Bhava (expression), Raga (melody), and Tala (rhythm). Receiving a Certificate of Achievement as part of a global record for classical excellence is a moment of immense pride, reinforcing her dedication and inspiring her to further explore the depths of this timeless tradition. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Manisha’s professional role as an HR specialist reflects the same values of perseverance, discipline, and passion. She seamlessly integrates these qualities into her dance, serving as an inspiration to aspiring artists and professionals alike. Her journey stands as a powerful reminder that with dedication and passion, one can honor tradition while creating a meaningful and lasting impact.