NATIONAL 
EXPRESS

Services clinched the 79th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy after edging past Kerala 1-0 in the final at Dhakuakhana Stadium in Assam yesterday. The victory secured Services their eighth Santosh Trophy title. The decisive goal came deep into extra time in the 109th minute, when striker Abhishek Pawar finished calmly from a well-delivered cross by Shubham Rana. Kerala mounted sustained pressure in the closing stages, but captain and goalkeeper Gagandeep Singh organised the defence superbly to protect the narrow lead. Having last lifted the trophy in the 2023-24 season, Services repeated history by defeating Kerala once again in the final.

In Tennis, India stormed into the second round of Davis Cup Qualifiers with a historic 3-2 win over World Number 6 Netherlands in Bengaluru yesterday. Dhakshineswar Suresh delivered a heroic performance, winning both his singles matches and teaming up with Yuki Bhambri to claim the doubles. In the deciding rubber, Suresh beat Guy de Ouden 6-4, 7-6 to seal victory, earning a celebration reminiscent of Leander Paes’ heroics in 2004. Earlier, India had taken a 2-1 lead after Suresh and Bhambri won a marathon doubles match 7-6, 3-6, 7-6. However, Sumit Nagal lost both his singles matches. This is the first time India have made it to the second round of the Qualifiers since the new Davis Cup format was launched in 2019, getting a step closer to the elite eight-team Finals to contest for the title. India will be up against South Korea in the second round of the Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in September.

In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, hosts Sri Lanka defeated Ireland by 20 runs in a Group B clash in Colombo last night. Put in to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 163 for the loss of six wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Chasing the target, Ireland were bundled out for 143 in 19.5 overs. Earlier in the day, England defeated Nepal by four runs in a Group C clash in Mumbai. Opting to bat, England posted 184 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Chasing the target, Nepal managed to score 180 runs for the loss of six wickets in alloted 20 overs. In another encounter, New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in a Group D clash in Chennai. Today’s fixtures feature Scotland against Italy in Group C at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, at 11 AM, while Zimbabwe will take on Oman in Group B at 3 PM in Colombo. The day’s play concludes with South Africa facing Canada in Group D at 7 PM in Ahmedabad

Union Public Service Commission-UPSC has extended the operational hours of its call centre to provide enhanced support and guidance to aspirants. UPSC in a statement said that the call centre will remain operational on all days including Saturday, Sunday, and holidays till the submission of application forms for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 and the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2026. It will function in two shifts from 7 AM to 9 PM, allowing candidates to seek assistance beyond regular working hours. In addition, the strength of the call centre has been doubled to significantly reduce waiting time for applicants. In this regard, UPSC Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar said that the extended call centre operations are part of a series of measures being undertaken to ensure ease, accessibility and timely assistance for aspirants.

PLASTINDIA 2026, one of the world’s largest plastics exhibitions, is underway in New Delhi. The 6-day event focuses on building a self-reliant industrial base to drive manufacturing-led growth and large-scale employment. The exhibition provides space for youth, innovators, and start-ups to showcase sustainable plastic solutions. Talking to Akashvani News, the Director of Commercial Brand Marketing at ExxonMobil, Xiuhuan Su, said that her company is showcasing chemicals and lubrication solutions at the event. She added that ExxonMobil will be collaborating with many Original Equipment Manufacturers at the event. The theme of this exhibition is BHARAT NEXT, which aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, and it has emerged as a zero-wastage exhibition. The event being held at Bharat Mandapam in the National Capital will culminate on the 10th of this month.

The BCCI have announced a total cash award of 7.5 Crore Rupees for the U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup winning team, technical staff and the selection committee. India beat England by 100 runs to win the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final at the Harare Sports Club in Harare yesterday, claiming a record-extending sixth U-19 World Cup crown.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the framework for an Interim Trade Agreement between India and US as great news, and thanked US President Donald Trump for his personal commitment to robust ties between the countries. In a social media post, Mr Modi said this framework reflects the growing depth, trust and dynamism of India-US partnership. He said it strengthens ‘Make in India’ by opening new opportunities for India’s hardworking farmers, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, StartUp innovators, fishermen and more. Mr Modi said it will generate large-scale employment for women and youngsters. The Prime Minister stated that India and the United States share a commitment to promoting innovation and this framework will further deepen investment and technology partnerships. He added that this framework will also strengthen resilient and trusted supply chains and contribute to global growth.

India have clinched the U19 Cricket World Cup title for a record sixth time, beating England by 100 runs in the final of the U-19 World Cup 2026 in Harare, Zimbabwe, last evening. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, India were propelled by a stunning, record-breaking masterclass from Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 175 off just 80 balls. Skipper Ayush Mhatre contributed a crucial 53, while Abhigyan Kundu added 40, guiding India to a massive total of 411 for nine in the stipulated 50 overs. Vaibhav Suryavanshi was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series. For England, James Minto claimed three wickets, while Sebastian Morgan and Alex Green took two wickets each, and Manny Lumsden picked up one. Chasing India’s imposing target of 412, England were bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs. Caleb Falconer top-scored for England with 115, supported by Ben Dawkins’ 66. India’s bowlers then sealed the victory, with RS Ambrish taking three wickets, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan two wickets each, and Khilan Patel and Ayush Mhatre picking up a wicket apiece. It is a historic win for the Ayush Mhatre-led India side, marking the largest margin of victory in terms of runs in a U19 World Cup final. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian Cricket Team for winning the Under-19 ICC Men’s World Cup 2026. In a social media post, President Murmu congratulated the team for winning the title record sixth time and remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. The President noted that the team made the country proud with its dominant performance. President Murmu also wished the talented young players a very bright future ahead. Meanwhile, the Vice President congratulated the team on winning the cup. He appreciated Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his record breaking innings in the World Cup Final. Mr Radhakrishnan also extended his wishes to Captain Ayush Mhatre and the entire team on this proud moment for the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his best wishes to the Under-19 Indian Cricket Team on winning the World Cup. Mr Modi commended players for showcasing their exceptional skills throughout the tournament. The Prime Minister wished the players for their upcoming endeavours and said that this win will inspire several young sportspersons.

Egypt and Turkey reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political and economic cooperation with a specific target for increased trade and enhanced coordination on major regional issues.   Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, met in Cairo and reinvigorated their commitment to revitalise bilateral relations between Egypt and Turkey.    The two heads of state co-chaired the second meeting of the Egypt-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council and participated in the closing session of the Egypt-Turkey Business Forum, marking a new stage in the rapprochement initiated since the gradual normalisation of relations between the two countries.   Following the talks, the Egyptian President indicated that the discussions had confirmed the agreement between the two countries to continue regular consultations and to hold the next meeting of the Strategic Cooperation Council in Ankara in 2028.    Regarding Gaza, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi emphasised the full implementation of the peace agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump, calling for guaranteed delivery of humanitarian aid, prevention of any escalation, and adherence to the two-state solution in accordance with international resolutions.   Erdogan, for his part, denounced any attempt to undermine the agreement and affirmed Turkey’s readiness, alongside Egypt, to contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza.

The United States and Iran will hold direct nuclear negotiations in Oman’s capital, Muscat, today, marking a critical diplomatic engagement amid heightened regional tensions. The talks, scheduled to begin at 11:30 AM Indian Standard Time, come after days of uncertainty over the venue, format, and agenda. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the meeting on the social media platform, expressing gratitude to the Omani authorities for facilitating the arrangements. Akashvani Correspondent reports that Oman, long regarded as a neutral mediator in West Asian diplomacy, has hosted previous rounds of US-Iran talks. The venue shift to Muscat followed Iran’s insistence on a bilateral format focused strictly on its nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions. Initial plans reportedly called for talks in Istanbul, Turkey, potentially involving regional actors, but Tehran pushed for the change to limit the scope. Key participants include Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US delegation is expected to feature West Asia envoy Steve Witkoff and possibly Jared Kushner. The negotiations occur against a backdrop of severe strain in US-Iran relations. Tensions escalated following a 12-day conflict involving Israel in June 2025, during which US forces bombed and severely damaged key Iranian nuclear facilities, effectively halting Tehran’s program at the time. Recent months have also seen Iran carry out a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.” US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in recent comments, stating that he should be very worried. US officials have emphasised that while Iran seeks to confine discussions to nuclear issues and sanctions relief, Washington insists on addressing Tehran’s ballistic missile program and support for regional proxies. The US has bolstered its military presence in West Asia, including aircraft carriers and strike platforms, as a show of readiness amid the talks. This round represents a rare face-to-face engagement following periods of indirect negotiations, offering a narrow window for de-escalation or a risk of further confrontation if no common ground is found. The international community will be watching closely as the outcome could influence stability across the region, global energy markets, and efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.

The Reserve Bank of India has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent. Announcing the sixth and final bi-monthly monetary policy for the current fiscal, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has unanimously decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent. Consequently, other rates will also be unchanged. RBI had reduced Repo rate by 25 basis points in December 2025. RBI has revised outlook for CPI inflation in first Quarter of 2026-27 to 4 percent and second Quarter to 4.2 per cent. In December, the Central bank projected it at 3.9 per cent and 4.0 per cent, respectively. The governor said that the slight upward revision in the inflation outlook is primarily due to an increase in prices of precious metals, which contribute about 60-70 basis points. RBI has also revised real GDP growth projections for first Quarter of 2026-27 to 6.9 per cent and second Quarter to 7.0 per cent. After the last meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee, RBI has projected real GDP growth for first Quarter at 6.7 per cent and the second Quarter at 6.8 per cent. RBI has proposed to issue draft guidelines on limiting liability of customers in unauthorised electronic banking transactions. The Governor said that, under these guidelines, the RBI is planning to introduce a framework to compensate customers up to an amount of 25000 rupees for loss incurred in small-value fraudulent transactions. The Governor added that, Bank will also publish a discussion paper on possible measures to enhance the safety of digital payments which may include lagged credits and additional authentication for specific classes of users like senior citizens. The Reserve Bank is also planning to issue draft guidelines relating to mis-selling and regarding the recovery of loans and engagement of recovery agents. Under this, the RBI will issue comprehensive instructions to regulated entities on advertising, marketing and sales of financial products and services. RBI has also decided to review and harmonise all the extant conduct-related instructions on engagement of recovery agents and other aspects related to recovery of loans. RBI will also announce revised draft guidelines for Lead Bank Scheme, Kisan Credit Card Scheme and the Business Correspondent Model.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India’s trade deals with the European Union and the United States have instilled confidence in the world that it is moving towards global stability.   Mr Modi was replying to the discussion on Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha yesterday.    The Prime Minister said, the country is entering into future-ready trade deals with major countries that are drawing global approval and expanding opportunities for India’s youth.    He noted that nine significant trade agreements have been sealed recently, including the ‘Mother of all Deals’ with the European Union involving 27 countries.    Pointing to the trade pact with EU and the recent agreement with the US, which have been widely praised internationally, the Prime Minister remarked that the agreement with European Union gave the world confidence in global stability, and the US deal reinforced the sense of momentum, both serving as positive signals for the world.   Mr Modi said the country’s youth will be the biggest beneficiaries of these trade agreements.   Mr Modi observed that in the post-COVID world, as global instability grows, a new world order is emerging, and impartial analysis shows a clear tilt towards India. He stressed that India has become a trusted partner and friend to many nations, contributing shoulder to shoulder to global welfare.   The Prime Minister highlighted that India has become the strong voice of the Global South on international platforms.   The Prime Minister said, during her address to the joint sitting of Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the rapid progress made over the past year in India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat.    Mr Modi remarked that the past year has been one of rapid progress in the journey of a developed India, with transformation visible across every sector and among all sections of society, as the nation moves forward in the right direction with great speed.     He stressed that India is now driven by policy, not adhocism, and that the mantra of Reform, Perform, Transform has put the nation on the Reform Express.   He detailed structural, process, and policy reforms aimed at strengthening manufacturing, empowering entrepreneurs, and ensuring value addition, declaring that India is now fully prepared to compete globally.    Mr Modi emphasised that the coming era is full of opportunities for India, especially for the youth, and policies are being framed to harness these possibilities.   He extended an invitation to citizens and urged Members of Parliament to encourage people in their constituencies to focus on quality, stressing that the sustainability of opportunities depends on uncompromising standards.    The Prime Minister said the country’s growth among the major economies is very high and inflation is low, which shows the robustness of the Indian economy.   Mr Modi pointed out that during the Opposition’s time, the phrase India missed the bus was common, symbolising lost opportunities. He said, today, India is not missing any bus but it will now lead from the front.    Taking a dig at the previous UPA government, the Prime Minister said, before 2014, the Indian economy was in the fragile five category and now the country is moving ahead to become the third largest in the world. He said Congress lacked vision and determination during its tenure.    The Prime Minister also hit out at the Congress party for its unruly behaviour during the proceedings of the House in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. He said, this amounts to an insult to the office of the President, tribal community and the Constitution.    Mr. Modi also criticized Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi for using derogatory remarks against Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu at the Parliament House premises. He termed these remarks as an insult of Sikh community saying that such behaviour is unfortunate.    The Prime Minister also accused the TMC-led West Bengal government of protecting the infiltrators and putting pressure on courts. He said, infiltrators are snatching the rights of the country’s youth.               Speaking about the achievements of the several welfare schemes, Prime Minister Modi said more than 30 lakh crore rupees collateral-free loans have been provided to the youth of the country under the MUDRA scheme.    In his address, the Prime Minister said, Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), which were at their highest level during the UPA era, have now dropped to their lowest level. He said, currently, NPAs are below one percent which reflects the healthy condition of the banks.   The Prime Minister said, under the PRAGATI platform, projects worth 85 thousand crore rupees were reviewed and the work was expedited.   The Opposition staged a walkout during the Prime Minister’s speech. President Droupadi Murmu had addressed the joint sitting of both the Houses on the 28th of last month on the commencement of the Budget session.    Earlier, participating in the discussion, BJP MP Maya Naroliya said, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is steadily moving towards the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. She said, today the healthcare services have reached up to the villages across the country through more than one lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandir.    Emphasising that farmers are a top priority for the government, Mrs Naroliya noted that around four lakh crore rupees have been directly transferred into farmers’ bank accounts under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.    She further stated that India’s foodgrain production has crossed 330 million tonnes and the country has become the world’s largest producer of rice.           Sandeep Kumar Pathak of the Aam Aadmi Party alleged that every institution is being misused. K R Suresh of TDP said that the reforms brought in by GST are commendable.   He said, lifting more than 24 crore citizens out of poverty and providing tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission is commendable.   After the speech of the Prime Minister, the Rajya Sabha adopted the Motion of Thanks onthe  President’s address with voice vote. The Lok Sabha had also adopted the motion of thanks earlier in the day.