Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sudhakar Dalela, today said that the global economy is navigating an extraordinary period marked by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and disruptions in supply chains, energy, and trade flows. He made these remarks while addressing the International Conference on Multilateralism Under Pressure: Roadmap to the WTO Ministerial Conference in New Delhi. He said that declining global economic growth, reduced investment flows, heightened policy uncertainty, and persistent supply chain disruptions now define the current international economic landscape. Emphasizing the shifting structure of the global economy, Mr. Dalela said developing countries, particularly India, have emerged as key drivers of global growth. He said that the Global South now contributes over 42 percent of global GDP, a significant rise from 21 percent in 2000. He stressed that this transformation requires urgent reforms in global governance institutions such as the World Trade Organization to better reflect current realities. He said that voices representing the majority of the global population must play a greater role in shaping international trade rules. He said that the upcoming 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference must deliver concrete outcomes on WTO reforms to ensure the organization’s continued relevance and effectiveness. The event also witnessed the launch of the World Trade and Development Report 2026.

On the third and final day of her visit to Uttar Pradesh, President Droupadi Murmu today visited Danghati Temple in Goverdhan in Mathura district and offered prayers. The President also undertook the traditional Govardhan Parikrama before returning to Delhi. The three-day visit of President Murmu to Uttar Pradesh began on Thursday with the darshan of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. After that, she offered prayers at Iskcon temple and the Prem Mandir in Vrindavan. The President also inaugurated the new Oncology Block of Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram yesterday, which is aimed at strengthening cancer care facilities in the region.

The Indian Embassy in Doha said that Qatar Airways operated five flights to India yesterday, carrying over 1,600 Indian nationals amid ongoing airspace restrictions in Qatar. The Embassy said that the airline has also announced plans to expand connectivity from today, with flights scheduled to nine Indian destinations. According to an advisory issued by the Embassy, Qatar’s airspace remains largely closed, with only restricted flight operations currently permitted. The Embassy also advised the passengers to book tickets through official channels, including the airline’s website, mobile application, or authorised travel agents. The Embassy informed that it is facilitating temporary transit visas for Saudi Arabia, enabling those wishing to return to India via the land route across the Salwa border. The Embassy said that it will remain open throughout the coming week to provide consular services, including passport issuance. It added that dry ration supplies are being distributed to members of the Indian fishermen community in Qatar as part of ongoing relief efforts.

Air India and Air India Express will operate 50 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from West Asia today. Of them, 26 will be scheduled and 24 will be non-scheduled services, Air India said in a statement. The ongoing conflict in the region involving the US, Israel and Iran has disrupted flight operations.

The Election Commission has deployed one thousand one hundred 11 Central Observers for the assembly elections of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and the bye-elections in 6 States. The Commission said that among them, 557 are General Observers, 188 Police Observers and 366 are Expenditure Observers. While announcing the schedule for the general elections, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the elections will be conducted in a violence-free and inducement-free manner so that each elector can cast their vote without fear. The poll body said that the Observers will function as the eyes and ears of the Commission in ensuring the objective is met. The Commission has directed that the Observers be stationed in their respective Assembly Constituencies by today. It has also asked the Observers to make public their contact details upon arrival and specify a time fixed every day for meeting the candidates, political parties or their representatives or any member of the public to hear their election-related grievances.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar concluded his visit to Brussels. During the visit Dr Jaishankar met the President of the European council António Costa, President of European Commission Ursula von der Layen and the Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas. The Minister also met his EU counterparts and held separate bilateral discussions with some of them. Sharing the details of key messages in these conversations including the finalization of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents a turning point in India-EU ties, Dr Jaishankar shared that it will not only unlock its enormous economic potential but express the strategic nature of engagement of both sides. During the meeting they discussed that the two sides should proactively assist each other in practical activities, including trade and investment promotion, to realize the gains of FTA on the ground. Discussions were also held to de-risking supply chains and enhancing resilience are shared objectives and the FTA will encourage deeper business linkages to that end. Dr Jaishankar also informed that they also discussed that the India-EU partnership will act as a factor of stability and resilience in a multipolar and uncertain world.

Maharashtra assembly last night passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 by voice vote. It has stringent provisions to prohibit religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage. As per the Bill, those involved in unlawful conversions on the pretext of marriage will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and shall also be liable for a fine of 1 lakh rupees. Violations in respect of a minor, a person of unsound mind, a woman or a person belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and a fine of 5 lakh rupees. Mass conversions will have a jail term of seven years and a fine of 5 lakh rupees. Repeat offenders can get a jail sentence of 10 years and a fine of 5 lakh rupees, as per the Bill. Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar said the proposed law aims to prevent conversions carried out through fraud, coercion or inducement while safeguarding Constitutional rights. Replying to the debate in the House, Mr Bhoyar said the bill seeks to ensure that religious conversions take place voluntarily and in a transparent manner.

US President Donald Trump announced a new federal task force, headed by Vice President JD Vance, to tackle fraud in government programmes. Trump said in the Oval Office that it’s about fraud, having to do with all the fraud that’s taking place in the country. White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf said the order would establish a new task force, aimed at rooting out that fraud, returning potentially billions or tens of billions or even hundreds of billions of dollars to the American taxpayer. Scharf said it would launch a whole of government approach to rooting out the very serious problem of fraud in federally funded programs around the country. The task force will be chaired by Vance, with Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson serving as vice chairman.

Krishna Prathap from the state of Keralam has been honored with the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026, presented by the Veyil Foundation. This prestigious recognition celebrates his remarkable contributions as a Chief Instructor in Martial Arts and one of the dedicated promoters of the ancient Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu. Krishna Prathap is the Founder and Director of the Parashurama Vallabhatta Kalari Academy, where he has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting this centuries-old martial tradition. Through his academy, he has trained numerous students and practitioners, inspiring them to embrace the discipline, strength, and cultural significance of Kalaripayattu. With more than four decades of experience, Krishna Prathap stands out as a distinguished teacher, practitioner, and performer. His journey into the world of martial arts began at the young age of six under the guidance of his father, Sri Karthikeyan Gurukkal. This early exposure laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to mastering the art. He further refined his skills under the mentorship of the legendary Shankara Narayana Menon Gurukkal, popularly known as Unni Gurukkal, a renowned figure in the field and recipient of the Padma Shri. Through years of rigorous training and practice, Krishna Prathap developed a deep understanding of the techniques, philosophy, and cultural essence of Kalaripayattu. His dedication has not only elevated his own mastery but has also helped bring wider recognition to this traditional martial art form. At the Parashurama Vallabhatta Kalari Academy, he has built a vibrant community of learners who share his passion for safeguarding this ancient heritage. His efforts continue to ensure that the knowledge and values of Kalaripayattu are passed on to future generations. Receiving the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 marks an important milestone in Krishna Prathap’s journey. The honor acknowledges his lifelong commitment to cultural preservation and his role in promoting discipline, respect, physical fitness, and heritage through martial arts. His work stands as an inspiration for those dedicated to keeping India’s traditional arts alive.

Dr. Sabita Sinh, a dedicated medical professional from the state of Karnataka, has been honored with the prestigious Bharat Kamal Puraskar 2026 in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the field of health and medicine. The award celebrates her commitment to patient care and her significant work as a Medical Oncologist and MD in Electro Homeopathy, where she has focused on providing holistic and compassionate treatment for patients. With years of experience in the healthcare sector, Dr. Sabita Sinh has devoted her career to supporting individuals battling complex health challenges, particularly cancer. Her expertise in electro homeopathy and integrative medical practices has enabled her to offer alternative and supportive treatment approaches that aim to improve the overall well-being of patients. Dr. Sabita is the driving force behind Dr. Sabita’s Multi-Speciality Homeo Care, a healthcare center dedicated to addressing a wide range of health concerns including cancer-related conditions as well as physical and mental health issues. Through her clinic, she strives to provide personalized care that focuses not only on treating illness but also on strengthening the body’s natural healing abilities. Her approach to medicine emphasizes empathy, patient education, and holistic healing. By combining medical knowledge with alternative therapeutic methods, Dr. Sabita has helped many individuals find hope and support during difficult medical journeys. The Bharat Kamal Puraskar 2026 stands as a recognition of Dr. Sabita Sinh’s unwavering dedication to healthcare and her continuous efforts to make quality treatment accessible to those in need. Her work reflects a deep commitment to serving society and improving lives through compassionate medical practice. As she continues her mission in healthcare, Dr. Sabita Sinh remains an inspiring example of how dedication, knowledge, and service can create a meaningful impact in the field of medicine.

Cinema often finds its most powerful voice in the quietest stories. “Deuka”, an Assamese short film produced by Rekha Neog and directed by Dip Kumar Sarma, is one such moving narrative that gently yet powerfully explores the aspirations, struggles, and innocent dreams of a deaf and mute child. At the heart of Deuka is a young boy whose world is filled with silence, but whose dreams are as loud and vibrant as any child’s. Despite being deaf and unable to speak, he carries the same curiosity, hope, and longing that define childhood. The film portrays his daily reality—one where survival often comes before dreams. Director Dip kumar sarma The child longs to go to school. He wants to learn, to be part of a world that promises knowledge and possibility. But life presents a harsh dilemma: if he does not work and earn money, he will not be able to eat. Education, which should be a basic right, becomes a distant dream overshadowed by the need to survive. Through small yet deeply emotional moments, the film highlights the boy’s simple desires. He watches other children enjoy treats and dreams of tasting an ice cream himself, but he has no money to buy one. This seemingly small wish becomes a powerful symbol of the inequalities many children face—where even the smallest joys are out of reach. Yet the story is not only about hardship. It is also about hope. Producer Rekha Neog The boy dreams of flying—of having “deuka,” or wings. His desire to fly represents freedom, opportunity, and the limitless imagination of childhood. Even when circumstances try to ground him, his spirit continues to reach for the sky. Director Dip Kumar Sarma uses this simple yet profound story to shed light on the struggles of marginalized children, especially those living with disabilities and poverty. With minimal dialogue and a focus on visual storytelling, the film captures emotions that transcend language. Producer Rekha Neog’s story idea forms the emotional backbone of the film, presenting a narrative that is both intimate and universal. It reminds audiences that dreams exist everywhere—even in the most difficult conditions—and that every child deserves the chance to chase them. Deuka ultimately becomes more than just a short film. It is a reflection on resilience, innocence, and the quiet strength of a child who refuses to stop dreaming, even when the world around him makes it difficult. In its silence, Deuka speaks volumes. Through the story of one boy, it asks viewers to see, to feel, and to remember the countless children whose dreams are still waiting for wings.

Trauma is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language crime thriller that presents an intense and thought-provoking cinematic experience. Written and directed by debutant filmmaker Thambithurai Mariyappan, the film marks a promising entry into Tamil cinema with its compelling storytelling and strong performances. The film features Vivek Prasanna, Prathosh, and Poornima Ravi in the lead roles, bringing depth and authenticity to the narrative. Their performances play a key role in building the suspense and emotional intensity that define the film’s storyline. Trauma is produced by S Uma Maheshwari under the banner of Turm Production House. The film runs for 117 minutes and is crafted with a dedicated creative team that enhances its cinematic appeal. The technical aspects of the film are handled by talented professionals. Cinematography by Ajith Srinivasan captures the film’s tense atmosphere and dramatic moments, while editing by Mugan Vel ensures a tightly paced narrative that keeps audiences engaged. The music composed by RS Rajprathap adds emotional depth and suspense, complementing the film’s crime-thriller tone. With its engaging narrative, strong performances, and focused direction, Trauma stands as a notable independent Tamil film. The project also highlights the creative vision of its debutant director, making it a significant step in the journey of emerging filmmakers within the industry.