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Mr. Gopal Kumar, a distinguished entrepreneur from the state of Rajasthan, has recently been honored with the prestigious Rashtra Seva Puraskar 2025 by the Bharat Seva Society. As the esteemed founder of MT4 Housing, Mr. Kumar has made significant contributions to the fields of real estate and direct selling, earning him recognition for his outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence. This award not only highlights his individual accomplishments but also underscores the impact of his work on the industry as a whole. The Rashtra Seva Puraskar is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional service and dedication to their respective fields, and Mr. Kumar's selection for this honor is a testament to his innovative approach and leadership in the real estate sector. Under his guidance, MT4 Housing has flourished, setting new standards for quality and customer satisfaction. His vision has transformed the company into a leading player in the market, showcasing his ability to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in a competitive landscape. Mr. Kumar's recognition by the Bharat Seva Society reflects a broader appreciation for the role of ethical business practices and social responsibility in today's economy. His commitment to fostering a culture of integrity and excellence within MT4 Housing serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and established professionals alike. As he continues to lead his company towards new horizons, Mr. Gopal Kumar remains a pivotal figure in shaping the future of real estate and direct selling in India.

In Assam, seven elephants were killed, and one was injured after a herd of jumbos was hit by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Hojai district early this morning. Officials said, five coaches and the train’s engine were also derailed. No passengers were injured in the accident, which occurred at 2.17 am.   Nagaon divisional forest officer Suhash Kadam said that the accident in Changjurai village is suspected to have occurred due to heavy fog in the area. NFR chief spokesperson Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said the accident took place in the Jamunamukh- Kampur section under the Lumding division.   The area is about 126 km from Guwahati. He claimed that the accident took place at a location which is not a designated elephant corridor. Mr Sharma said accident relief trains, along with top officials from the divisional headquarters, have already reached the site. The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express connects Mizoram’s Sairang (near Aizawl) to the Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has announced that the state government will enact a new law to curb hate speech against any religion or community, including acts of instigation and provocation that could trigger disturbances. The proposed legislation will be tabled in the state assembly during the budget session. Speaking at the state-organised Christmas celebrations in Hyderabad last evening, Mr Reddy said the Act will focus on curbing religious hatred. He also said the existing laws will also be amended to ensure stringent punishment for offenders who abuse other religions. Stating that the state government treats all religions and communities equally, he said everyone has the freedom to follow their faith and an equal responsibility to respect other religions.

Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has congratulated the Indian Railways after first-ever foodgrain freight train reached Kashmir valley on Sunday carrying approximately 1384 tonnes of rice. Akashvani Correspondent reports that the LG said this is undoubtedly a very memorable occasion and realises our long-cherished dream of connecting the Kashmir region to the national freight network. Mr Sinha observed that the movement of freight trains will benefit people, enterprises and infrastructure projects without the risk of adverse weather conditions throughout the year and ease the pressure on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44). The LG expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw for making economic progress of J&K an integral part of Bharat’s rapid growth.

The Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP has swept the elections to 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats by winning 207 posts of presidents of local bodies. The BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP combine restricted the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi to a collective tally of 44. According to the State Election Commission, BJP won 117 posts of municipal presidents, Shiv Sena won 53, and the NCP won 37 posts. The Congress bagged 28, the NCP (SP) seven, and Shiv Sena (UBT) nine. Parties registered with the poll commission bagged four seats, while 28 seats of municipal presidents went to unrecognised registered parties. Five seats were won by Independents. The elections to 286 municipal councils and nagar panchayats were held in two phases, while candidates in two other local bodies had been elected unopposed.

France will build a new aircraft carrier with a capacity for 30 fighter jets and 2,000 sailors, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced. The new vessel is planned to be ready in 2038, replacing the ageing Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, which came into service in 2001. It will have a displacement of about 78,000 tons and a length of 310 meters (1,017 feet), compared to 42,000 tons and 261 meters (856 feet) for the Charles de Gaulle. The new carrier would still be smaller than the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier, the largest warship in the world, which has a displacement of more than 100,000 tons and measures 1,100 feet (334 metres). Like its predecessor, France’s new aircraft carrier will be nuclear-powered and equipped with French Rafale M fighter jets. Macron said the project will benefit hundreds of suppliers, most of them small- and medium-sized businesses. Macron has announced 6.5 billion euros in extra military spending in the next two years. He said France will aim to spend 64 billion euros on defence in 2027, the last year of his second term, double the level of 32 billion euros when he became president in 2017.

Bangladesh Police say they have no specific information to suggest that Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, has left the country. Addressing a press conference, Additional Inspector General of Police Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said that law enforcement and intelligence agencies are actively trying to trace Faisal’s whereabouts. He said, no concrete evidence has emerged linking any political party to the murder.   Meanwhile, well-known human rights organisation Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) strongly condemned recent incidents of mob violence, including the lynching of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and the death of a seven-year-old girl in an arson attack in Lakshmipur. ASK warned that the incidents reflect a deteriorating law and order situation and a growing culture of impunity, calling for impartial investigations into possible administrative and security failures.   Dipu, a member of the Hindu community, was beaten to death in Bhaluka upazila on 18 December over allegations of blasphemy. His body was later tied to a tree and set on fire. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has said it found no direct evidence that the victim made any derogatory remarks about religion.   The recent violence has also sparked widespread condemnation over attacks on media houses. Senior political figures, journalists, cultural activists and international actors, including the European Union envoy, have described the arson attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star as a grave assault on press freedom and democratic values, urging swift accountability and stronger measures to ensure public safety.   A leading human rights organisation in Bangladesh has expressed grave concern over recent incidents of mob violence across the country. Ain O Salish Kendra, or ASK, has condemned the lynching of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and the death of a seven-year-old girl in an arson attack in Lakshmipur, warning of a worsening law and order situation and a growing culture of impunity.

President Droupadi Murmu has granted assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, passed by Parliament during the Winter Session. The Bill subsumes all laws dealing with the civil nuclear sector and also opens it up for participation by private players. The SHANTI Bill repealed the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, which had proved to be an impediment in the growth of the civil nuclear sector in India. The law enables private companies and joint ventures to build, own, operate and decommission nuclear power plants under a license from the government. The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, consolidates and modernises India’s nuclear legal framework. It enables limited private participation in the nuclear sector under regulatory oversight. It strengthens statutory regulation by granting statutory recognition to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. It supports India’s clean-energy transition and the long-term objective of achieving 100 gigawatt nuclear energy capacity by 2047. India’s nuclear energy programme has maintained a steady role in the country’s electricity mix and is now poised for significant expansion. The present nuclear energy capacity stands at 8.78 gigawatts. With the indigenous 700 Mega Watt and 1000 Mega Watt reactors being developed through international cooperation, the capacity is projected to rise to over 22 Giga Watt by 2031-32. The SHANTI Act stands as a pivotal step in shaping the next phase of India’s nuclear journey.

Adarsh Singh, a gifted child prodigy from Odisha, India, has brought immense pride to the state and the nation by being awarded the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 by the Veyil Foundation. At just four years of age, Adarsh has achieved a remarkable feat that has captured widespread attention—successfully answering 100 general knowledge questions in an astonishing time of only 1 minute and 52 seconds. This extraordinary accomplishment has positioned him as one of the youngest achievers in the field of knowledge-based records. Currently a nursery school student, Adarsh Singh has demonstrated exceptional intellectual abilities far beyond his age. His performance reflects not only a sharp mind but also an impressive ability to process information quickly and accurately. Experts and educators alike have noted that such rapid recall and comprehension at this early stage indicate a rare level of cognitive development. His achievement is being celebrated as a shining example of what young minds can accomplish when curiosity is encouraged and nurtured. Adarsh’s exceptional memorization skills have played a crucial role in his success. He has shown an extraordinary capacity to absorb, retain, and recall a wide range of information, spanning topics from basic science and geography to general awareness. These abilities have enabled him to excel in various knowledge-based challenges and competitions, setting him apart from children of his age group. His achievements have not gone unnoticed, as he has also earned a place in the India Book of Records, further cementing his status as a young achiever of national significance. Behind Adarsh Singh’s success lies a supportive environment that values learning and curiosity. His family and educators have played a vital role in recognizing his potential and providing the encouragement necessary for his intellectual growth. By creating an atmosphere that balances learning with play, they have helped him develop a natural love for knowledge rather than academic pressure. This holistic approach has allowed Adarsh to explore his abilities with enthusiasm and confidence. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025, conferred by the Veyil Foundation, is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional talent and contribute to the promotion of knowledge and excellence. Honoring Adarsh at such a young age highlights the foundation’s commitment to recognizing emerging talent and inspiring future generations. His story has already begun motivating parents and educators to pay closer attention to early childhood learning and the vast potential it holds. As Adarsh Singh continues his educational journey, expectations remain high, but so does optimism. His achievements at the age of four suggest a promising future filled with opportunities for growth and further milestones. More than just a record-holder, Adarsh stands as a symbol of youthful potential, reminding society that with encouragement, curiosity, and dedication, even the youngest minds can achieve extraordinary success.

Veyil Foundation has officially announced the recipient of the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar for 2025, honoring the short film Choice Is Yours  for its outstanding contribution to social awareness through cinema. Directed by Avishek Nandan Guha, the film has been recognized as the Best Social Awareness Film for its compelling focus on road safety, particularly emphasizing the life-saving importance of wearing helmets while riding. The award celebrates not only cinematic excellence but also the power of storytelling to inspire responsible behavior in society. Choice Is Yours  stands out for its unique narrative style and strong visual language. Presented as a silent short film in English, the film runs for a concise duration of just 2 minutes and 19 seconds. Despite its brevity, it delivers a profound message that lingers with viewers long after the screen fades to black. The absence of dialogue allows the visuals to take center stage, enabling the film to transcend linguistic barriers and reach a diverse, global audience. This creative decision enhances the universality of its theme, making the message of road safety accessible and relatable to people from all walks of life. Director Avishek Nandan Guha’s artistic approach reflects a deep understanding of visual storytelling. By relying solely on imagery, expressions, and carefully composed sequences, the film communicates the consequences of everyday choices made on the road. The narrative subtly yet powerfully reminds viewers that safety is not a matter of chance but of conscious decision-making. The film encourages audiences to pause and reflect on how a simple act—such as wearing a helmet—can mean the difference between life and death. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar is awarded to works that embody social responsibility and cultural relevance, and Choice Is Yours  aligns perfectly with this vision. Road safety remains a pressing concern in today’s society, with accidents continuing to claim countless lives each year. By focusing on helmet usage, the film highlights a crucial yet often neglected aspect of rider safety. Its message reinforces the idea that individuals hold the power to protect not only themselves but also others through responsible choices. The recognition by Veyil Foundation underscores the vital role cinema can play in shaping public consciousness and promoting positive social change. By honoring Choice Is Yours , the foundation amplifies an essential message of awareness, responsibility, and care on the roads. The award serves as a testament to the filmmakers’ dedication and creativity, while also encouraging the continued use of art and cinema as effective tools for education and social reform.

The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025, conferred by the Veyil Foundation, has been awarded to distinguished scholar Dr. Nirmalesh Kar for his remarkable research work titled “The Impact of Upanishadic Values on Kamala Das's Select Poems: A Critical Study.”  This prestigious recognition celebrates Dr. Kar’s significant contribution to English literary scholarship and his profound engagement with the poetic universe of one of India’s most influential modern poets, Kamala Das. Dr. Kar’s award-winning study stands out for its original and insightful exploration of the philosophical dimensions embedded within Kamala Das’s poetry. By drawing meaningful connections between the ancient spiritual wisdom of the Upanishads and Das’s deeply personal and emotive poetic expressions, the research offers a fresh and intellectually enriching perspective on her work. The study underscores how classical Indian philosophical thought continues to shape and inform modern literary expression. In his analysis, Dr. Kar meticulously examines how Upanishadic concepts such as selfhood, consciousness, existential inquiry, and the search for ultimate truth resonate throughout Kamala Das’s poetry. Central to his argument is the idea that Das’s recurring exploration of the mortal sense of “I” mirrors the Upanishadic quest for understanding the self beyond physical and social identities. Through this lens, Dr. Kar highlights the poet’s ongoing struggle between individuality and universality, desire and detachment, intimacy and isolation. The study further delves into the emotional and thematic dualities that characterize Kamala Das’s oeuvre. Dr. Kar illustrates how her poetry reflects a persistent tension between longing for emotional connection and the pain of solitude, as well as the conflict between personal identity and societal expectations. By situating these struggles within a philosophical framework rooted in the Upanishads, the research reveals the deeper spiritual undertones that elevate Das’s poetic voice beyond confessional writing into a realm of profound existential reflection. The significance of Dr. Kar’s work extends beyond conventional literary criticism. His research recontextualizes Kamala Das’s contributions to Indian English literature by aligning her poetic vision with timeless philosophical values. This approach not only enhances scholarly understanding of her work but also broadens its relevance for contemporary readers seeking meaning in an increasingly complex world. By bridging ancient philosophy and modern poetry, Dr. Kar demonstrates the enduring power of Indian intellectual traditions in shaping literary discourse. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar is awarded to individuals whose work exemplifies intellectual excellence and cultural depth, and Dr. Nirmalesh Kar’s study fully embodies these ideals. His research marks an important milestone in Kamala Das scholarship and invites renewed engagement with her poetry through a philosophical and introspective lens. The honour affirms Dr. Kar’s role in enriching literary studies and preserving the dialogue between tradition and modernity in Indian literature.

Santosh Suresh Vanjari, a committed social worker from Maharashtra, India, has been conferred with the prestigious Rashtra Seva Puraskar 2025 by the Bharat Seva Society, recognizing his outstanding contribution to women empowerment and rural development over nearly three decades. The award celebrates his unwavering dedication to social upliftment and his impactful efforts in creating sustainable pathways for dignity, self-reliance, and inclusive growth among vulnerable communities. With 28 years of continuous service, Santosh Suresh Vanjari has emerged as a respected figure in grassroots development, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions of Maharashtra. His work reflects a deep understanding of social realities and a compassionate approach toward addressing systemic inequalities faced by women and marginalized groups. Through consistent advocacy and hands-on engagement, he has worked to foster a culture rooted in respect, opportunity, and collective responsibility. A major pillar of Santosh Vanjari’s work has been skill development and entrepreneurship. Over the years, he has successfully coordinated numerous training initiatives that have empowered more than 3,000 individuals, including girls, women, and men, to become economically self-reliant. His expertise in fashion design and tailoring has played a critical role in enabling women’s groups to establish small enterprises, transforming traditional skills into viable sources of income. These initiatives have not only improved household livelihoods but have also strengthened women’s confidence and decision-making abilities within their families and communities. Beyond skill training, Santosh Vanjari has made significant contributions to the self-help group movement, particularly in the Pune region. He has guided and mentored over 5,000 rural women, helping them access financial literacy, collective savings mechanisms, and entrepreneurial opportunities. His approach combines practical training with long-term mentorship, ensuring that women are equipped not only with skills but also with the resilience and knowledge required to sustain their ventures. Santosh Vanjari’s work emphasizes holistic development. By encouraging collaboration, peer learning, and mutual support, he has helped build strong community networks that extend beyond individual success stories. These networks have become platforms for social awareness, leadership development, and community problem-solving, contributing to broader rural development outcomes. The Rashtra Seva Puraskar 2025 stands as a testament to Santosh Suresh Vanjari’s lifelong commitment to service and social justice. His journey underscores the transformative power of grassroots leadership and sustained community engagement. As Maharashtra and the nation continue to focus on inclusive development, his work serves as an inspiring example of how dedication, skill, and compassion can bring meaningful change to society.