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India has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by the principles of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last 12 years. During this period, the Modi government carried out many flagship initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of the poor, farmers, women and youth. Akashvani News brings you a special feature on the Government’s efforts over the last 12 years across key sectors. Today, we focus on the measures taken by the government towards health services. In the past 12 years, the Government has significantly strengthened India’s health system, which is now more accessible, affordable, and quality-driven. In 2018, Prime Minister Modi launched the world’s largest health insurance programme, Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana. Under the scheme, free health insurance up to five lakh rupees per family per year is being provided to socio-economically deprived families. Under the scheme, more than 44 crore Ayushman Cards have been created, and treatment worth over one lakh 80 thousand crore rupees have been provided. In a landmark expansion of the scheme in October 2024, the government launched Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana, extending health insurance coverage to all senior citizens above 70 years. Talking to Akashvani News, Rohit Singh of Delhi said that with this card, he can now avail treatment at private hospitals as well. The government has also established one lakh 86 thousand Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to provide primary healthcare at every neighbourhood. These centres are providing a wide range of services, including maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, diagnostic facilities, and free essential medicines. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana also provides quality-assured generic medicines at significantly lower prices than market prices. Talking to Akashvani News, Dilip kumar, a resident of Bihar said that the medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras are available at very low prices. The government has expanded medical education to meet rising demand for health professionals. The number of AIIMS, which was only eight in 2014, has now gone up to 23, while the number of Medical colleges increased from 387 to 818. The Ministry of AYUSH, formed in November 2014, established traditional medicine as an active part of India’s health system. A total of 942 AYUSH institutions have been opened till 2025. Over the last 12 years, the government has enhanced healthcare services by expanding hospitals, strengthening primary healthcare, and improving medical education, making healthcare more accessible to all.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the Government has spared no effort in empowering the country’s youth, women, and farmers over the past 12 years. In a social media post, Mr Modi said, with the blessings of 1.4 billion citizens and the spirit of nation first, the government is dedicated to trust, development, and public welfare. The Prime Minister noted that as a result of these tireless efforts, today the country has gained a new identity on the global stage, from infrastructure to the digital revolution. Mr Modi underlined that to realise the resolve of a developed India, the Government will continue to move forward relentlessly on this path of service, good governance, and prosperity.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that the country’s foreign policy has witnessed significant transformation in the past 12 years. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said that during this period, the government made passport issuance and attestation of documents a seamless experience for the common citizen and provided full support to citizens. He said the government created digital platforms for grievance redressal and feedback and effectively responded to crisis situations. External Affairs Minister said that the government also facilitated access for Indian nationals to the global workplace and supported Indian businesses getting market access abroad. He added these drives helped in enhancing exports and facilitated entry of Indian products and services into new markets. He said 44 Embassies and Consulates were opened to address the needs of Indians. Dr Jaishankar said that these efforts of the government enabled Indians to travel abroad with greater confidence and a stronger sense of pride.

India has strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations for running an organised factory of hate that exploits religious terminology to cultivate permanent hostility towards India among its citizens. India also slammed Islamabad for propagating state-sponsored disinformation by labelling militant outfits operating inside its own territory as ‘Fitna al Hindustan’. Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said that Islamabad was merely attempting to deflect blame onto New Delhi. He targeted Pakistan’s political framework and the dominant role played by its military in governance, pointing to recent constitutional amendments as clear indicators of expanding military dominance over civilian authorities. New Delhi condemned Islamabad’s cross-border military operations, holding Pakistan accountable for significant civilian casualties resulting from its aerial assaults in Afghanistan. Mr Harish reiterated that dressing up a massacre as a military operation does not absolve the perpetrator. He asserted that Pakistan possesses a protracted track record of holding its neighbours responsible for its own internal shortcomings.

The Veyil Foundation has proudly announced that Dr. Karimullah Khan, a distinguished educationist and social reform advocate from Andhra Pradesh, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of education and his unwavering commitment to social upliftment. This esteemed honor is conferred upon individuals whose dedication, vision, and service have brought about meaningful change in society, and Dr. Khan’s selection reflects the profound impact of his work in transforming lives through education. For many years, Dr. Karimullah Khan has devoted himself to the cause of educational empowerment, believing that access to quality education is one of the most powerful tools for social transformation and human development. Through his tireless efforts, innovative educational initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocacy for inclusive learning opportunities, he has helped create pathways to success for countless students, particularly those from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. His work has consistently focused on breaking barriers to education, encouraging academic excellence, promoting lifelong learning, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to realize their full potential regardless of their circumstances. The Veyil Foundation, known for recognizing individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to social progress and nation-building, noted that Dr. Khan’s contributions extend far beyond traditional educational frameworks. His initiatives have not only improved educational access but have also fostered awareness, confidence, leadership, and self-reliance among young people and marginalized communities. By combining educational development with social responsibility, Dr. Khan has successfully demonstrated how learning can become a catalyst for broader community advancement and sustainable social change. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with students, educators, community leaders, and various stakeholders to develop programs that address educational inequalities and encourage holistic development. His dedication to nurturing talent, promoting values-based education, and supporting underrepresented communities has earned him widespread respect and admiration among colleagues, students, and social organizations alike. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar stands as a symbol of excellence, service, and commitment to humanity, and Dr. Khan’s achievements embody these ideals in every sense. His recognition serves not only as a personal milestone but also as an inspiration to educators, social workers, policymakers, and young leaders who aspire to make a positive difference in society. The award highlights the transformative role that dedicated individuals can play in shaping a better future and underscores the importance of education as a foundation for social equity, economic progress, and national development. The Veyil Foundation emphasized that Dr. Karimullah Khan’s work continues to influence and inspire people across regions, encouraging communities to embrace education as a means of empowerment and collective growth. As he receives the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026, his journey stands as a testament to the enduring power of knowledge, perseverance, and public service. His achievements remind society that meaningful change begins with a commitment to uplift others and that true leadership lies in creating opportunities that enable future generations to thrive. The recognition of Dr. Karimullah Khan with this prestigious honor not only celebrates his remarkable accomplishments but also reaffirms the crucial role of educators and social visionaries in building a more inclusive, enlightened, and progressive society for all.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said India should aim to increase its marine product exports from the current level of 8 billion US dollars to 30 billion US dollars over the next five years. He said the Government is committed to expanding global market access for the fisheries sector. Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the two-day National Workshop on Seafood Exports commenced in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, the Minister noted that India has concluded a record nine free trade agreements over the last three-and-a-half years. He said these agreements have opened market opportunities across 38 countries, enabling Indian fishery products to reach consumers worldwide. The two-day workshop, which commenced yesterday, will focus on strengthening India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector and enhancing seafood exports. Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh said India accounts for 8.8 per cent of global fish production, with total output currently at 19.7 million tonnes. He said Andhra Pradesh is the largest fish-producing state in the country, contributing nearly 5 million tonnes, or about 40% of India’s fish and shrimp production. Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan said discussions with stakeholders have highlighted significant opportunities for value addition and processing in the seafood sector. He noted that global demand for ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook seafood products is growing rapidly. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh has a crucial role in advancing India’s blue economy. He said the state accounts for 28% of the country’s fish production, 66% of shrimp production and nearly 38% of India’s seafood export earnings. He said annual seafood exports from Andhra Pradesh exceed 28,000 crore rupees and added that innovations in aquaculture can further strengthen India’s position in the global seafood market. The workshop will continue over the next two days with stakeholder consultations, technical sessions and policy discussions aimed at preparing a roadmap to achieve India’s target of one lakh crore rupees in seafood exports and further strengthen its position in global seafood trade.

In Andhra Pradesh, Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan has announced Lingamaneni Ramesh as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election. The announcement was made through an official statement issued by the party. Lingamaneni Ramesh is scheduled to file his nomination papers today. According to the party, Ramesh has been associated with Jana Sena and its leadership since 2015.

Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE, has extended the last date for submission of applications for Verification of Marks and Re-evaluation till the 7th of June. In a social media post, the Board said, students can now submit their applications till sunday midnight. CBSE said that the decision has been taken in the interest of students to provide them with additional time to complete the application process. The earlier deadline for submission of applications was 6th of this month. CBSE has advised all eligible students to take note of the extended deadline and complete the application process within the stipulated time.

Sri Lanka’s State-owned enterprises (SOEs) posted a combined profit of 444.4 billion Sri Lankan Rupees in 2025, down 17.6 percent from the previous year, as losses at the power utility dragged down overall performance, according to the Finance Ministry. The decline was driven by the state-run electricity provider, which swung from a profit of 141.6 billion rupees in 2024 to a loss of 38.7 billion rupees in 2025 following tariff cuts. Excluding the utility, the remaining 50 major SOEs recorded profits of 483.2 billion rupees, up 21.5 percent. State-owned banks remained the biggest profit earners, led by Bank of Ceylon with 120.8 billion rupees, while the petroleum corporation reported profits of 36.5 billion rupees. Meanwhile, SriLankan Airlines widened its loss to 23.2 billion rupees despite stronger operating revenue. While there have been long-standing calls by international lenders and market reform advocates for restructuring and disinvestment of loss-making SOEs, Colombo has accelerated reforms, including liquidating non-functional entities and restructuring major state enterprises under its IMF-backed programme.

In a moment of immense pride for Keralam’s educational, literary and social service communities, Santhakumari, a highly respected educator, social worker and poet, has been awarded the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 by the renowned Veyil Foundation in recognition of her outstanding contributions to society through education, literature and humanitarian service. The award celebrates her lifelong dedication to empowering individuals, strengthening communities and enriching Keralam’s cultural landscape through both her professional and creative endeavors. Throughout her distinguished career, Santhakumari has earned admiration as an educator who has inspired generations of students through her commitment to learning, character development and social responsibility, believing that education serves as a powerful tool for personal growth and societal progress. Beyond the classroom, she has established herself as a significant literary voice whose poetry reflects the richness of Keralam’s cultural heritage while courageously addressing important social issues such as inequality, poverty, gender justice, human dignity and community welfare. Her evocative verses have touched countless readers, encouraging reflection, dialogue and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by society, while also celebrating resilience, compassion and hope. Widely recognized for her ability to blend artistic expression with social consciousness, Santhakumari has used literature not merely as a creative medium but as a catalyst for positive change, inspiring people to engage with pressing issues affecting their communities. Her commitment to public service extends well beyond her literary accomplishments, as she has actively participated in numerous community development initiatives focused on education, women’s empowerment, youth development, social justice and support for marginalized populations. Through workshops, outreach programs, awareness campaigns and various welfare activities, she has consistently worked to improve the lives of others, earning widespread respect for her humility, dedication and unwavering commitment to the common good. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar, bestowed upon individuals who demonstrate exceptional talent, dedication and service in their respective fields, recognizes not only Santhakumari’s remarkable achievements but also the values she embodies—compassion, creativity, integrity and a profound sense of social responsibility. The Veyil Foundation noted that her contributions exemplify the transformative impact that can be achieved when education, literature and humanitarian action are brought together in service of society. Following the announcement, educators, writers, social activists, cultural leaders and members of the public expressed heartfelt congratulations, praising her as a role model whose life and work have positively influenced countless people across Keralam and beyond. Many observers have described the honor as richly deserved, highlighting her ability to inspire change through both words and actions and her consistent efforts to uplift those around her. As Keralam celebrates this significant achievement, Santhakumari’s journey stands as a powerful example of how dedication, perseverance and service can create a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of educators, writers and community leaders to pursue excellence while remaining deeply committed to the welfare of society. Her receipt of the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 marks not only a personal milestone but also a celebration of the enduring importance of education, literature and humanitarian service in building stronger, more compassionate communities, and her continuing work promises to leave an even greater impact in the years ahead.

The first World Yogasana Sport Championship will begin today in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The 5-day event will bring together more than 500 athletes from over 70 countries, including US, Japan, Netherlands, Oman, Mauritius, Uganda, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Kenya. The meet will feature multiple disciplines, including traditional yogasana, artistic yogasana and rhythmic pairs across different age categories. The championship includes a wide range of contests for male and female athletes across sub-junior, junior and senior divisions. Participants will showcase their skills in traditional yogasana, artistic single, artistic pair, artistic group and rhythmic pair events, alongside discipline-specific competitions such as forward bend, back bend, twisting body, hand balance, leg balance and supine categories. Yogasana Bharat, the national federation for the sport in India, is organising the event in association with the World Yogasana and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the event at around 6:40 PM today virtually. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that Yoga is gaining tremendous popularity across the world. He said the championship has brought together Yoga enthusiasts from around the world. The Prime Minister has also defined it as a significant milestone on the global sporting roadmap for Yogasana. He has conveyed his wishes to those who have organised the event and its participants.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on Saturday to expedite the progress of various stalled railway projects in West Bengal. The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Eastern Railway, Shibaji Maji, informed Akashvani News that the Railway Minister will hold a high-level meeting with the state’s Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, at the Nabanna Sabhaghar. The General Managers of Eastern, Southeastern, Northeast Frontier, and Metro Railways will also attend the meeting. Mr Maji stated that discussions will focus on various railway projects within the state, which is expected to further strengthen the Centre-state relationship regarding railway development. Furthermore, Mr Maji mentioned that members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways are also scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on Saturday afternoon and will hold a meeting with various railway-associated organisations later that evening.