NATIONAL 
EXPRESS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the launch of the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) Scheme. Under the Scheme, every eligible road accident victim on any category of road will be entitled to cashless treatment up to one lakh 50 thousand per victim, for period of seven days from the date of the accident. Road, Transport and Highways Ministry said that the decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that no life is lost due to lack of immediate medical assistance after a road accident. The Ministry said that reimbursement to hospitals will be made through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. It said, the launch of PM RAHAT from Seva Teerth in New Delhi yesterday, symbolises a citizen-first approach – where governance translates into timely action, compassionate response, and protection of life. India records a significant number of road accident fatalities every year, many of which are preventable with timely medical intervention. Studies indicate that nearly 50 per cent of road accident deaths can be averted if victims are admitted to hospital within the first hour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Cabinet approval for three multitracking projects covering various districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka will strengthen rail infrastructure, reduce logistic cost and create job opportunities for youth. Mr Modi said, the decision of widening National Highway-167 from Gudebellur to Mahabubnagar on the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor will boost economic growth, create employment and further Ease of Living. Prime Minister Modi said, the Cabinet has also approved a 4-lane access-controlled Greenfield corridor between Gohpur and Numaligarh, including India’s first underwater Road-cum-Rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra. He said, this transformative project will enhance connectivity, reduce logistics costs and accelerate growth across Assam and the entire Northeast. Mr Modi said, the Cabinet has approved the extension corridor from Noida Sector 142 to Botanical Garden (Noida). He said, this decision will add momentum to Noida’s development journey. Congestion will be reduced significantly as well.

Newly elected Members of Parliament and cabinet members are set to be sworn in on Tuesday, February 17, following the landslide victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the 13th national election. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said the MPs will take oath at 10 am at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will administer the oath. Later in the afternoon, at 4pm, President Mohammed Shahabuddin will swear in the new cabinet members at the South Plaza of Parliament. According to constitutional procedures, after the MPs are sworn in, the parliamentary party that commands a majority will hold a meeting to elect its leader. The elected leader will then meet the President to formally stake claim to form the government. The President will first administer the oath to the Prime Minister, followed by ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers. The Cabinet Division will subsequently issue a gazette notification allocating portfolios. Preparations for the ceremony are underway, officials said, with around 1,000 guests expected to attend. BNP secured 209 seats in Thursday’s parliamentary election, held alongside a referendum. The Election Commission has published gazette notifications for 297 lawmakers, while the results in two constituencies remain withheld under court orders. Meanwhile, BNP leaders said invitations will be extended to about a dozen heads of government from the region to attend the swearing-in ceremony. According to Humayun Kabir, BNP joint secretary general (international relations), leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, are expected to be invited. A foreign ministry official said invitations have also been sent to several South Asian and Asian countries, including China. Kabir said the incoming BNP government aims to strengthen bilateral ties with India and other countries based on mutual respect and shared interests. He described External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s attendance at former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s funeral and Modi’s congratulatory phone call to Tarique Rahman as positive diplomatic gestures. Separately, the government has cancelled the remaining tenure of Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid’s contractual appointment. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard. In a separate order, M Siraj Uddin Mia, principal secretary to the chief adviser, has been given additional charge as secretary of the Cabinet Division. At a post-election press conference in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman said maintaining peace and law and order would be the top priority of the new government. Urging political actors to show restraint, he warned that no form of anarchy would be tolerated and called for national unity in the post-election period.

The Corps of Signals of the Indian Army is celebrating its 116th Raising Day today. Since its inception on this day in 1911, Corps of Signals has transformed the communications of Indian Army and kept pace with the digital revolution of 21st Century. Today, the Corps is well poised to exploit the state-of-the art modern communication techniques for meeting the challenging requirements of the Indian Army to operate in a multi-dimensional threat environment across the entire spectrum of conflict. In his message, Signal officer in Chief, Lieutenant General Vivek Dogra said, over the past year, the Corps of Signals has played a critical role as the Arm of the Future in facilitating operational readiness and furthering national security objectives. He paid homage to the brave signallers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. General Dogra said that during Operation SINDOOR, signal units operated in a high-tempo, dynamic and complex environment, ensuring uninterrupted command and control across field formations and units. He said, as warfare continues to evolve into a contested, information-dense and multi-domain continuum, the Corps of Signals is transitioning from platform-centric to data-centric operational architectures. General Dogra said that the focus is on creating resilient, adaptive networks capable of functioning under complex cyber threats, electronic warfare and physical disruption.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the approval of one lakh crore rupees for the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) by the Union Cabinet. In a social media post, Mr Modi said the fund will leverage market finance, private participation and citizen-centric reforms to deliver high-quality urban infrastructure. He said the initiative will make cities the key drivers of the country’s economic growth. The Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Home and Urban Affairs with a total Central Assistance of one lakh crore rupees. The Fund aims to build resilient, productive, inclusive and climate-responsive cities, positioning those as key drivers of the country’s next phase of economic growth. The UCF is designed to crowd-in private capital by making projects bankable and reducing risks for lenders and private partners. The Fund supports up to 25 percent of project cost, subject to raising a minimum 50 percent of the project cost from market, creating a clear pathway for private participation. The Fund will be operational from Financial Year 2025-26 to Financial Year 2030-31, with an extendable implementation period up to Financial Year 2033-34. The move will lead to a total investment of four lakh crore rupees in urban sector in the next five years. It will also mark a paradigm shift in India’s urban development approach from grant-based financing to market-linked, reform-driven and outcome-oriented infrastructure creation.

Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reached Munich, Germany, to participate in key engagements at the Munich Security Conference. Upon her arrival at the Munich International Airport today, she was received by the Consul General of India in Munich, Shatrughna Sinha. In a social media post, the Ministry of Finance said that the Minister is also scheduled to participate in important panel discussions focusing on global economic and strategic issues. On the sidelines of the conference, the Finance Minister will hold bilateral meetings with ministers and her counterparts from various countries, as well as with heads of leading multilateral organisations, to discuss matters of mutual interest and strengthen economic cooperation.

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs yesterday approved three multitracking projects covering 12 districts across the states of Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 389 kilometres. The total estimated cost of the projects is around 18,509 crore rupees and will be completed up to 2030-31. These projects include Kasara – Manmad 3rd and 4th line, Delhi – Ambala 3rd and 4th line, and Ballari – Hosapete 3rd and 4th line. The projects will also generate direct employment for about 265 lakh human-days during construction. This initiative will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to lower carbon dioxide emissions, supporting sustainable and efficient rail operations. The projects are planned on PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services. CCEA also approved construction of four-Lane Access-Controlled Greenfield connectivity from Assam’s Gohpur on NH-15 to Numaligarh on 715 section. This includes 15.79 kilometres of Road cum Rail Tunnel under River Brahmaputra. The project will be developed at a total capital cost of 18,662 crore rupees. It will enhance multi-modal integration by connecting with 11 Economic Nodes, three Social Nodes, two Tourist nodes and eight Logistic Nodes, providing enhanced connectivity with four major railway stations, two airports, and two inland waterways. Upon completion, the project will play a pivotal role in strategic considerations, regional economic growth, strengthening connectivity between major economic centers and opening new avenues for trade and industrial development. The project will also generate approximately 80 Lakhs person-days of direct and indirect employment, and will open new avenues of growth, development and prosperity in surrounding regions. Government also gave its nod to Widening of National Highway-167 from Gudebellur to Mahabubnagar on the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor to 4-Lane Standard in Telangana with a total project length of 80.01 kilometres and total capital cost of 3175.08 crore rupees. The project will provide seamless connectivity to key economic, social, and logistics nodes across Telangana. CCEA has also approved rehabilitation and upgradation of Ghoti – Trimbak (Mokhada) – Jawhar – Manor – Palghar section of NH-160A to two Lane /four Lane with a total capital cost of over 3320 crore rupees in Maharashtra. Government has approved upgradation of Dhamasiya-Bitada/ Movi and Nasarpore-Malotha Sections of National Highway-56 to Four-Lane Standard in Gujarat at a total capital cost of over 4583 crore rupees.

We are pleased to announce that Vikash Lhoani Lohar from West Bengal has been honored as the recipient of the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026, awarded by the Veyil Foundation. This prestigious accolade recognizes outstanding achievements in the fields of advocacy and social work and celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to justice, integrity, and community service. Vikash Lhoani Lohar has distinguished himself through unwavering professional ethics and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. Practicing primarily in the Darjeeling district, he has earned widespread respect for his principled and responsible approach to legal advocacy. His career reflects not only strong legal acumen but also a profound belief in fairness and equal access to justice for all. Over the years, he has worked tirelessly to safeguard the legal rights of individuals, particularly those from marginalized and underserved communities, offering guidance, representation, and essential support to those seeking justice. Beyond his courtroom responsibilities, Vikash has consistently demonstrated a deep sense of social responsibility. He has taken meaningful initiatives to raise legal awareness within his community, empowering individuals with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities. His efforts to promote ethical advocacy and legal literacy have strengthened public trust in the legal system and reinforced the importance of accountability and transparency in professional practice. Through his dedication, he has contributed significantly to fostering a culture of justice and equity. This Certificate of Appreciation stands as a testament to Vikash Lhoani Lohar’s remarkable service, professional excellence, and invaluable contributions to society through his work in the legal profession. The Veyil Foundation proudly celebrates his achievements and looks forward to his continued impact in the field of law and social advocacy, confident that his commitment and integrity will inspire many more to serve their communities with honor and dedication.

Debashree Das Chakraborty of West Bengal has been conferred with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar for the year 2026, presented by the Veyil Foundation. The award recognizes her outstanding achievements in the field of Performing Arts, particularly her exceptional contribution as a vocalist specializing in Rabindra Sangeet. This distinguished honor celebrates not only her artistic excellence but also her meaningful engagement in technology and social initiatives, reflecting a life dedicated to creative expression and community advancement. With over two decades of experience in Information Technology, Debashree Das Chakraborty has built an impressive professional journey working with leading multinational corporations. Her career is marked by a strong commitment to innovation, leadership, and excellence. She has consistently demonstrated strategic insight and technical expertise, establishing herself as a respected professional in the corporate world. What makes her journey particularly inspiring is the way she seamlessly integrates her professional discipline with her philanthropic vision, channeling her experience and resources toward social causes that matter deeply to her. Beyond her corporate accomplishments, she remains actively involved with various non-governmental organizations, dedicating her time and energy to child education, the rescue and rehabilitation of survivors of human trafficking, and broader initiatives aimed at social justice and community upliftment. Her contributions extend beyond advocacy, reflecting sustained and heartfelt engagement with the communities she serves. Through these efforts, she exemplifies a compassionate leadership that seeks not only personal success but collective progress. Music, however, remains the soul of her public identity. As a devoted practitioner of Rabindra Sangeet, the timeless musical tradition created by Rabindranath Tagore, Debashree Das Chakraborty has captivated audiences with her expressive and nuanced performances at numerous cultural events. Her renditions are known for their emotional depth, lyrical sensitivity, and technical refinement. With every performance, she brings alive the poetic spirit and philosophical richness of Tagore’s compositions, forging a profound connection with listeners and keeping Bengal’s cultural heritage vibrant and relevant. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 stands as a testament to her multifaceted excellence. In honoring Debashree Das Chakraborty, the Veyil Foundation acknowledges not only a gifted vocalist but also a technology professional and social advocate whose life reflects balance, purpose, and dedication. She continues to inspire many by demonstrating that it is possible to harmoniously blend a successful career, artistic passion, and an unwavering commitment to societal betterment.

The Ministry of External Affairs today informed that Puneet Agrawal, an Indian Foreign Service officer from the batch of 1997 has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand. Mr Agrawal is presently serving as the Additional Secretary in the Ministry.

A new UNICEF report released yesterday says the recruitment of children by armed groups in Haiti tripled last year as poverty and violence deepened across the troubled Caribbean country. The surge comes as gang violence displaces a record 1.4 million people across Haiti, more than half of them children, whom experts say are left exposed and vulnerable. UNICEF’s representative in Haiti, Geeta Narayan said the United Nations estimates that 30 per cent to 50 per cent of members of armed groups are children, with some as young as 9 years old being recruited. She described it as devastating. The UN Secretary General is expected to provide a breakdown of how many children were recruited last year in his annual report on Haiti in the upcoming months.

The US National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced the first awards under a Quad-backed initiative to use artificial intelligence (AI) to modernise agriculture across the United States and the Indo-Pacific. The programme, called Advancing Innovations for Empowering NextGen Agriculture, or AI-ENGAGE, will support six international research projects with an investment of 2.4 million dollars. The initiative is being carried out with partner agencies in Australia, India and Japan. The six projects are spread across major US universities and involve researchers from at least three Quad countries.