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Dr. L. Geetarani Devi, a distinguished scholar from Imphal, Manipur, has recently been honored with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026, an accolade conferred by the Veyil Foundation in recognition of her outstanding contributions to research and academia. This recognition celebrates her unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge, strengthening educational practices, and promoting innovation in the field of agricultural economics. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, Dr. L. Geetarani Devi Leishangthem brings extensive expertise and dedication to her academic role. Her work focuses on agricultural education, research, and extension services—areas that are vital for fostering sustainable agricultural practices and addressing the evolving challenges faced by farmers and rural communities. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Devi has demonstrated a strong passion for empowering students and communities through knowledge. By integrating research with practical applications, she aims to equip future agricultural professionals with the skills necessary to promote sustainable development and economic growth in the agricultural sector. Her initiatives emphasize innovation, critical thinking, and the importance of community engagement in achieving long-term agricultural progress. With a solid foundation in both academia and development work, Dr. Devi has contributed significantly to improving educational frameworks within agricultural studies. Her dedication not only enhances the learning environment for students but also supports broader national goals related to food security, rural development, and sustainable resource management. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 stands as a testament to Dr. L. Geetarani Devi’s impactful contributions and her enduring commitment to excellence in research and education. As she continues to inspire aspiring agricultural economists and researchers, her work remains a guiding force in shaping the future of agricultural advancement in India.

Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will launch Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, in New Delhi today. It will be a significant milestone in strengthening the cooperative sector and promoting inclusive, citizen-centric mobility solutions in the country. The Ministry of Cooperation said that the platform will place drivers, referred to as Sarathis, at the centre of ownership, operations, and value creation and will free them from exploitative aggregator-based models.    The platform will also operate on a zero-commission and surge-free pricing model, with direct distribution of profits to drivers. The Ministry mentioned that Bharat Taxi prioritises social security for Sarathis through health insurance, accident insurance, retirement savings, and a dedicated driver support system. It added that initiatives such as Bike Didi are being implemented, under which over one hundred fifty women drivers have joined Bharat Taxi so far.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has underlined the challenges of excessive concentration of critical minerals and the importance of de-risking supply chains through structured international cooperation. Addressing the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, DC last night, Dr Jaishankar also conveyed India’s support to the FORGE initiative on critical minerals. He said this in a post on X. In his address, he also highlighted India’s efforts towards greater resilience through initiatives including the National Critical Minerals Mission, Rare Earth Corridors and responsible commerce.   His remarks came as US Vice President J.D. Vance invited allies and partners to work together to reshape the global critical minerals market. Vance said modern economies still depended on real things and that critical minerals were as essential as oil and gas.    Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the importance of economic security through critical minerals and the need for allies to come together not only to rectify the mistakes of the past but to pool in collective talent and innovation to ensure diversity and affordability in supply chains.    Before the start of the ministerial meet, Dr Jaishankar met with several global counterparts, including Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Singapore’s Vivian Balakrishnan. He also interacted with his counterparts from the Netherlands, Italy, Malaysia, Bahrain, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, Israel and Uzbekistan.   The United States hosted the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC, bringing together delegations from over 50 countries to advance collaboration on securing and diversifying global critical mineral supply chains.

In Jammu and Kashmir, joint security forces killed a terrorist in an encounter in Kishtwar district yesterday. White Knight Corps in its post on ‘X’ said that the Operation Trashi-I is underway to eliminate terrorists, and one of them has been killed. Our correspondent reports that joint teams of security forces are engaged in the operation in the Dichad area of Chatroo in Kishtwar district.   Joint teams of security forces, including two Para Special Forces, are engaged in the operation. The gunfight erupted after the forces launched a cordon-and-search operation following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area.

Lok Sabha will take up further discussions on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address to the joint sitting of both the houses of the Parliament. Besides general discussions on the Union Budget for 2026-27 is also a listing in today’s business of Lok Sabha.   Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, further discussions on the motion of thanks to the President’s address are listed in today’s business of the house.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington last night ahead of the critical minerals ministerial scheduled for today. In a social media post, Dr Jaishakar said that he was delighted to meet him. The External Affairs Minister said a wide-ranging conversation that covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues. He also said facets of India – US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and technology. He also said that they agreed on the early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests. US Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, in a readout, said that the Secretary and External Affairs Minister discussed formalising bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing. Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar welcomed the trade deal reached between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi.  The two leaders emphasised the importance of their democracies working together to unlock new economic opportunities and advance our shared energy security goals. Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar concluded their meeting by expressing their commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quad.  They acknowledged that a prosperous Indo-Pacific region remains vital to advancing our shared interests.     The meeting came during Dr Jaishankar’s three-day visit to the United States and a day after India and the US announced a trade deal under which Washington agreed to cut tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent. The United States is set to host the inaugural critical minerals ministerial today in Washington DC, bringing together delegations from more than 50 countries to deepen cooperation on securing and diversifying global critical mineral supply chains.   Earlier Dr. Jaishankar also met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with the two sides discussing ways to advance the India-US economic partnership and strengthen strategic cooperation. In a social media post, he said he had a useful discussion with Mr Bessent on the advancement of India- US economic partnership and strategic cooperation.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the successful breakthrough of the second mountain tunnel of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project in Palghar of Maharashtra. This marks a key milestone in the country’s ambitious bullet train corridor. This tunnel is 454 metres long with a width of 14.4 metres, and will accommodate both up and down tracks for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project. Mr Vaishnaw yesterday hailed the entire team for working at a good pace, saying that the entire world is witnessing India’s first high-speed rail project. He informed that the breakthrough of the second mountain tunnel in Palghar has been achieved within a month, with the first breakthrough happening on 2nd January this year. Mr Vaishnaw highlighted that many advanced construction technologies and large machines being used for the project are manufactured in India. He also said the Gujarat section of the bullet train project is expected to begin commercial operations next year. He added that high-speed rail operations are expected to extend up to Thane by 2028, with the corridor reaching Mumbai by 2029. Speaking on the occasion, Member of Parliament from Palghar Lok Sabha constituency, Hemant Vishnu Savara expressed gratitude to the Railways Minister for the high-speed tunnel breakthrough. He highlighted the district’s rapid development through several key railway projects, including the high-speed rail corridor, the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), and the upcoming Vadhvan Port.

Nithasree Anoop, a gifted young artist from Kerala, India, has emerged as a promising name in the world of Indian Classical Dance. Her dedication, discipline, and deep-rooted passion for the performing arts were recently recognized when she was honored with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026, conferred by the Veyil Foundation. This esteemed award celebrates her noteworthy contributions to the realm of performing arts, particularly Indian classical dance, and marks an important milestone in her artistic journey. Nithasree’s tryst with dance began remarkably early—at just two and a half years of age—when she was introduced to classical arts by her mother, Shijina Anoop. This early exposure played a crucial role in shaping her artistic sensibility and nurturing a lifelong connection with dance. What started as a childhood introduction soon blossomed into a deep commitment, guiding her steadily along the path of classical performance. Over the years, Nithasree has actively participated in numerous Sub-District and District Kalotsavams, gaining invaluable stage experience and refining her expressive abilities. These platforms not only strengthened her technical skills but also instilled confidence and artistic maturity. A significant highlight of her journey came this year when she secured a Second A Grade in Nangyarkuthu, a traditional and highly expressive classical dance form. She regards this achievement as a defining moment, reflecting both her hard work and her growing command over the nuances of classical dance. Committed to continuous learning, Nithasree is currently expanding her artistic repertoire by training in Bharatanatyam under the guidance of renowned gurus Manju V. Nair and Sayanth Kottiyoor. Alongside formal training, she actively participates in various dance camps, which have further enriched her understanding of rhythm, expression, and tradition. These experiences have allowed her to deepen her connection with the classical arts while steadily honing her technique. Nithasree Anoop’s journey is a compelling blend of tradition, discipline, and youthful passion. With each performance and learning experience, she continues to evolve as an artist, honoring the rich heritage of Indian classical dance while confidently carving her own identity in the performing arts. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 stands as a testament to her talent and perseverance, and it also signals a bright and promising future ahead.

Prasanjit Dutta, hailing from the culturally vibrant state of Assam, has been conferred with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 by the Veyil Foundation, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of social upliftment. This distinguished honor celebrates individuals whose tireless efforts have brought meaningful and lasting change to society, and Dutta’s work stands as a powerful example of such commitment. Dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized and underserved communities, Prasanjit Dutta has been actively involved in a wide range of social initiatives throughout his career. His work spans crucial areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development, addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by local populations. Through thoughtful planning and community-centered strategies, he has consistently worked to create opportunities for empowerment and self-reliance. One of the defining aspects of Dutta’s social engagement is his innovative approach to problem-solving. By mobilizing community support and effectively leveraging available resources, he has successfully implemented programs aimed at poverty alleviation and expanding access to quality education. These initiatives have not only provided immediate relief but have also laid the groundwork for sustainable development, fostering resilience and collective growth within communities. Prasanjit Dutta’s efforts have inspired many, encouraging collaboration among local stakeholders and nurturing a spirit of social responsibility. His work exemplifies the belief that meaningful change is possible when individuals dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the welfare of others. Receiving the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 is not merely a personal milestone for Prasanjit Dutta; it is also a recognition of the collective efforts of those who have worked alongside him. The award highlights the profound impact that committed individuals can have on society and underscores the importance of service-driven leadership. As Prasanjit Dutta continues to champion the cause of social upliftment, his recognition by the Veyil Foundation serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring social activists and concerned citizens alike. His journey reaffirms the power of compassion, perseverance, and purposeful action in shaping a more equitable and inclusive society.

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor emphasised that US President Donald Trump genuinely considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi a great friend. In a social media post, Ambassador Gor said he is thrilled by the news of the trade deal between India and US. He added that the relationship between the United States and India has limitless potential.

A leading human rights organisation of Pakistan has reported that at least 10 civilians were killed after Pakistani security forces opened fire on a passenger vehicle near Cadet College in Nushki district of Balochistan yesterday. Condemning the attack, Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) said such attacks on unarmed civilians are unlawful and constitute a serious violation of fundamental human rights. It added that the escalation of violence under ongoing Pakistani military operations has created fear and insecurity among the civilian population across Balochistan. The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) yesterday highlighted 598 killings in Balochistan last year, perpetrated mostly by the Pakistani security forces amid rising violence against civilians across the province. In its findings, the HRCB documented that out of 598 documented killings, targeted killings were the most common with 165 cases, followed by 104 custodial killings, while 66 cases involved bodies discovered under unclear circumstances.

President Droupadi Murmu will visit the revered Maa Biraja Temple at Jajpur this morning as part of her six-day visit to her home state, Odisha. Elaborate arrangements have been made in and outside of the sacred temple for the visit of the President. Akashvani Correspondent reports that President Droupadi Murmu at Maa Biraja Temple will perform ‘Pinda Dana’, the ritual oblations for her departed ancestors, at Nabhi Gaya, a sacred site within the temple complex. Later in the day, President Murmu will proceed to Balasore district to attend the 12th Convocation Ceremony of Fakir Mohan University as the Chief Guest. On the occasion, she will pay floral tributes to noted poet Byasa Kabi Fakir Mohan Senapati, unveil a statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Behari Vajpayee, and inaugurate a 1000-seater Convention Hall on the university campus. In the evening, the President will leave for Puri, where she is scheduled to have darshan at the Shree Jagannath Temple tomorrow.