NATIONAL 
EXPRESS

Union Ministers Amit Shah, Dr S Jaishankar, Rajnath Singh, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Piyush Goyal and Kiren Rijiju have congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, as well as the people of India and the United States, on the landmark trade agreement. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said this will create more jobs, spur growth and promote innovation in both economies. He said it will strengthen ‘Make in India’ endeavours and encourage trusted technology ties. He expressed confidence that the vast opportunities in India-US economic engagement will be realised. Dr Jaishankar noted that a robust economic relationship is the strongest foundation forthe  India-US strategic partnership. Home Minister Amit Shah called it a big day for India-US relations. He said the trade deal with a significantly reduced tariff will pave the way for stronger trade ties and mutual growth. He said, it will elevate India- Us strategic partnership and greatly benefit both nations and their people. Mr Shah said, business between India and the US is set to flourish further. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the deal will significantly strengthen India-US strategic partnership and deliver tangible benefits to both countries and their people. He added that with this agreement, India-US economic ties are set to reach new heights. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the trade deal reflects the power of two like-minded, fair-trading democracies working together for shared prosperity. He said this agreement unlocks unprecedented opportunities for farmers, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers to Make in India, Design in India, and Innovate in India for the world. He added that it will help India get technology from the US. Mr Goyal said it is not just a trade deal but a historic turning point that will reshape India-US relations and accelerate the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump for their visionary and decisive leadership. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today called the India-US trade deal a defining step forward in bilateral economic relations. In a social media post, Mr Gadkari said the reduction of tariffs to 18 percent on Made in India products will open new avenues for growth and cooperation between the two countries. He also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump for their leadership in securing the outcome. Mr Gadkari added that the deal will strengthen trust, boosts business confidence, and set the stage for deeper trade, investment, and shared prosperity for both nations. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has termed it a win-win deal. In a social media post, Mr Vaishnaw said, together, India and the US have huge potential to work for peace and development. He further said that the US and India have complementary strengths and can co-create technologies and co-develop solutions that will benefit the world. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said India and the US are the world’s truest democracies and natural partners with shared values and global responsibility. He said that together, they have the potential to advance peace, development, and innovation. Mr Rijiju said, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s global engagement continues to grow stronger.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha today. After the presentation of the Budget in the Lower House, a copy of the budget will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha. It will be the third Budget of the Narendra Modi government in its third term.    Before the budget Preparation, the Finance Minister held pre-budget consultations meetings with several stakeholders, including experts and representatives from economists, trade unions, the education and health sector, MSME, trade and services, industry, economists, the financial sector and capital markets. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh had also held extensive pre-Budget consultations on various aspects related to agriculture and rural development and submitted a compiled report of suggestions to the Finance Minister.   Finance Minister Sitharaman is set to present a record ninth consecutive Union Budget since assuming office in 2019. In her budget speech, she will outline the government’s revenue and expenditure plans for the next financial year. The Budget is expected to outline the government’s economic roadmap for the coming year, with a focus on growth, employment generation and fiscal stability. During the course of Budget preparation, various inputs have been sought from the citizens, including youth, through various platforms, which will reflect in the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27.   The Budget documents will be available on the Union Budget Mobile App and the website after the completion of the Budget Speech in Parliament. After the presentation of the Union Budget, the Finance Minister will interact with around thirty college students from different regions of the country. The Budget session, which began on 28th January, will continue till 2nd April.

In Men’s Cricket, India clinched the 5-match T20I series against New Zealand with 4-1 by defeating the Black Caps in the fifth and final clash by 46 runs at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala last night. Opting to bat first, the Men in Blue scored 271 for 5 in the stipulated 20 overs. Ishan Kishan emerged as the highest scorer with 103 runs, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav also made 63 runs.   In response, New Zealand were bundled out for 225 runs. Opener Finn Allen’s fiery innings of 80 runs in just 38 balls went in vain. For India, Arshdeep Singh bagged five wickets, while Axar Patel also picked up three wickets. Ishan Kishan was adjudged Player of the Match, while Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav was awarded Player of the Series for his consistency through the bat.

The Indian Coast Guard is commemorating its 50th Raising Day today, marking nearly five decades of dedicated, selfless service to the nation. From its beginning in 1977 with just seven surface platforms, the Indian Coast Guard has evolved into a formidable maritime force comprising 155 ships and 80 aircraft today. The Coast Guard is poised to achieve its target force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by 2030. Raised on 1st February 1977, the Indian Coast Guard was envisioned to address emerging maritime challenges and safeguard India’s expanding maritime interests. From modest origins, it has grown into a powerful, versatile, and highly respected maritime force entrusted with maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and humanitarian assistance. Bharatiya Tatrakshak maintains a resolute vigil over two million square kilometres of Exclusive Economic Zone and more than 11 thousand kilometres of coastline. Aligned with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, the Indian Coast Guard continues its steady march towards self-reliance through the induction of indigenously built ships, aircraft, helicopters, and advanced surveillance systems.

Former Punjab MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu has resigned from the Congress, months after being suspended from the party. Her exit follows a renewed public attack on Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, whom she has accused of corruption and political collusion. The resignation was announced through a post on X, where Sidhu alleged that Warring was working in tandem with the Aam Aadmi Party and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to weaken the Congress from within. In her post, Sidhu described Warring as “the most horrific, incapable, corrupt president ever” and accused him of entering into an understanding with the Aam Aadmi Party for personal and political gain. She wrote, “You saved yourself from jail by co partening with CM to destroy Congress. You have sold the party for petty gains with an understanding with AAP.” Sidhu also alleged that senior Congress leaders who, according to her, worked against her interests were not only spared but rewarded. She questioned the party leadership’s silence, asking why no action was taken against leaders she claimed had openly challenged the party line, while she faced suspension. Sidhu was suspended from the Congress in December 2025, days after her public remarks about an alleged Rs 500-crore offer linked to securing the Chief Minister’s post triggered unrest within the Punjab unit of the party. At the time, Warring dismissed her allegations, calling them a diversionary tactic and accusing her of attempting to shield the AAP, according to ANI . In her latest post, Sidhu claimed she possessed damaging evidence against the Punjab Congress chief but chose not to pursue it. She wrote, “I have enough proof to destroy you, but I am not interested because I myself have quit Congress, where no promising leader is heard.” She accused the party leadership of prioritising internal conflict over electoral success and said the Congress was paying the price for it. “I have enough proof to destroy you, but I am not interested because I myself have quit Congress, where no promising leader is heard. You planted people in my seat with the intention to defeat my seat. Where is your action against senior leaders like Ashu, Channi, Bhattal ji, Dr Gandhi ji and many more who have openly challenged you and your party? You have just become a laughing stock, and people are enjoying your reels. Stop disrespecting Congress leaders who love Navjot. You are more busy in destroying the party rather than making it win. Shame on you for not being sincere with your own party, which is your mother party. You have done enough damage.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Punjab today to mark the 649th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas. Mr Modi will visit Adampur airport, where he will unveil the new name of the Airport as Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport, Adampur. The Prime Minister’s office said that the renaming of Adampur Airport honours the revered saint and social reformer whose teachings of equality, compassion, and human dignity continue to inspire India’s social ethos.   The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Terminal Building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana. The Terminal Building will establish a new gateway for the State, catering to Ludhiana and its surrounding industrial and agricultural hinterland. Halwara is also home to a strategically important Indian Air Force station.   The earlier airport at Ludhiana had a relatively small runway, suitable for small aircraft. To improve connectivity and accommodate larger aircraft, a new civil enclave has been developed at Halwara, which has a longer runway capable of handling A320-type aircraft. Mr Modi will also visit Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar district to pay obeisance and participate in a public programme in honour of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today met with the Foreign Minister of Oman Badr Albusaidi. In a social media post Dr Jaishankar said that during the meeting discussions were held on trade, critical minerals and regional developments. The Minister added that these discussions reflect the trust and comfort of India’s strategic partnership with Oman.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is in Assam for a two-day visit. The Union Home Minister attended the Takam Mising Porin Kebang Youth Festival as the chief guest at Dhemaji district after the inauguration and foundation laying program at Dibrugarh district earlier in the day. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, were also present on the occasion.    Addressing the 10th Missing Youth Festival, the Union Minister said that he is very happy to attend such a colourful program of this community. The Union Minister appreciated the Mising Community for their culture and their work for the preservation of nature.    The Home Minister informed that a special recruitment drive will be started soon for the youths of this community.    Mr Shah informed that he has launched flood and erosion control initiatives today at Dibrugarh and informed that the Assam Government has introduced the Mising language at 200 primary schools as a medium of instruction.  After the event, the Minister also interacted with the BJP functionaries there.    Earlier today, the Home Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several development projects worth 1,715 crore rupees in Dibrugarh district in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal and Union MoS for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita.   The Home Minister laid the foundation stone of the second complex of the Assam Assembly, MLA Hostel and the Institute of Wildlife Health and Research in Dibrugarh. He also inaugurated the first phase of a multi-disciplinary stadium at Dibrugarh and laid the foundation stone for the expansion of the seating capacity of that stadium. The Union Home Minister also launched the Project for Restoration and Rejuvenation of Wetlands of Assam under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund.     Addressing a public meeting at Dibrugarh, the Union Home Minister said that it is a historic day for the people of the State, especially Upper Assam,m as the second complex of the Assam Assembly is coming up at Dibrugarh. He further mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government is bringing infrastructure projects for the development of Assam and criticised the Congress party for the underdevelopment of Assam during their rule. Mr Shah said that earlier Assam was known for violence and disturbances, but under the BJP government, this State is now known for peace and development. Later in the day, the Union Home Minister is scheduled to travel to Guwahati to hold a discussion with party members at the State BJP headquarters. The Union Home Minister will depart for West Bengal today at 7 pm after completing his engagements in Assam.

Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur will lead the Indian delegation at the 64th Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development at the UN Headquarters in New York.    The session commencing from the 2nd of next month focuses on advancing international cooperation on social development issues, including social inclusion, equity, and welfare-oriented policies. The annual session also aims to provide a global platform for Member States to review progress, share experiences, and exchange best practices.    The Ministry of Women and Child Development informed that the country’s participation in the session reflects its continued engagement with multilateral efforts on social development. It added that the participation also reflects nation’s commitment to constructive dialogue on global social policy priorities. The Ministry further said that the visit will also provide an opportunity for interaction with UN agencies and representatives of other Member States on matters related to social development.

Aryahi Srivastava, from New Delhi, has been honored with the prestigious Indian Literature Award 2026 by the Indian Literature & Arts Society. This accolade recognizes her remarkable contributions to the literary world, particularly for her compelling book titled ‘Anger of a Man ~ Insanity of a Woman’. The work falls under the nonfiction category and delves into socio-legal themes, addressing complex dynamics that shape human behavior and societal norms. Through her writing, Srivastava offers readers a profound exploration of the interplay between gender, emotion, and societal expectations. In addition to her literary achievements, Aryahi Srivastava has had a significant impact in the academic realm as a faculty member specializing in Criminal Law at the Campus Law Centre, part of the Faculty of Law at the University of Delhi. Her expertise extends to Mercantile laws and family law, making her a versatile educator within the field. Her specialization in Criminal Law and Psychoanalysis not only informs her teaching but also enriches her writing, enabling her to tackle intricate subject matter with depth and clarity. This fusion of legal knowledge with psychological insight allows her to craft narratives that resonate with both legal practitioners and general readers alike. Beyond her book, Srivastava has contributed extensively to academic discourse through numerous research papers, many of which have gained acclaim in prominent national and international journals. Her scholarly work reflects a commitment to advancing understanding in the fields of law and psychoanalysis, while also engaging with broader social issues. By bridging the gap between literature and academia, she continues to inspire both her students and readers, positioning herself as a vital voice in contemporary discourse on law, gender, and society. Aryahi Srivastava is poised to finalize and release her second work this year, which delves into the intricate nuances of sexual offense jurisprudence. Titled "Consent, Sex, and Sexual Image," this project reflects her deep engagement with the complexities surrounding consent and the legal implications of sexual imagery. In addition to this upcoming publication, Aryahi has garnered significant acclaim for her research paper, "Violence and Femininity," which was presented at a national conference hosted by The Indian Law Institute in New Delhi. Her ability to address sensitive topics with scholarly rigor has positioned her as a notable voice in the field of law. Moreover, Aryahi's paper, "Unwarranted Exploitation: An Over Harmonisation of Social and Constitutional Morality," received the prestigious title of "Paper of Eminence" at an international conference at RGNUL in Patiala. This recognition underscores her capacity to critically analyze the intersections of social norms and constitutional principles. Additionally, she presented her work titled "Gendered Oppression: A Tale of Denied Specificity in Victimhood" at an international conference at IIT Kharagpur, further showcasing her commitment to exploring gender issues within legal frameworks. Her extensive research in gender studies, coupled with her focus on Law and Emotion, highlights her innovative approach to understanding the emotional dimensions of legal discourse. Currently, Aryahi is affiliated with Rahul's IAS, a leading institute dedicated to providing comprehensive legal education. Her ongoing work emphasizes the psychoanalytical aspects of law, particularly the interplay between emotion and legal contexts. By concentrating on the emotion of anger as it relates to femininity, she seeks to illuminate the experiences of women as active participants in emotionally charged legal situations. Through her research and teaching, Aryahi Srivastava continues to contribute significantly to the discourse on gender and law, fostering a deeper understanding of the emotional undercurrents that shape legal narratives.

Dr. George Panicker of West Bengal has been honored with the prestigious Indian Literature Award for 2026 by the Indian Literature & Arts Society, a recognition that celebrates his remarkable contributions to English poetry and contemporary literature. This accolade places him among the most respected literary figures of the time and acknowledges a body of work that seamlessly blends intellect, creativity, and emotional depth. Beyond his literary achievements, Dr. Panicker is widely known as the Founder and CEO of International STEAM Research (ISR), where he has demonstrated visionary leadership in fostering innovation and interdisciplinary learning. What sets him apart, however, is his rare ability to transcend professional boundaries, bringing the analytical rigor of his academic and entrepreneurial background into the imaginative and reflective world of literature. Dr. Panicker’s writing is deeply rooted in an exploration of the human experience. His poetry and prose reflect a keen sensitivity to life’s complexities—identity, purpose, struggle, and resilience—allowing readers from diverse backgrounds to find resonance in his words. Through a thoughtful and evocative style, he forges an emotional connection with his audience, making his work both accessible and profound. His literary portfolio is impressive in both scope and diversity. Works such as Industrial Sociology & Entrepreneurship  reveal his scholarly depth and understanding of social and economic structures, while Georgian Road  and Inspirational Reflections  highlight his reflective and philosophical voice. Titles like Blakofie  further demonstrate his creative versatility and willingness to experiment with form and theme. Together, these works illustrate his unique capacity to integrate knowledge, lived experience, and artistic expression into compelling narratives. Dr. Panicker’s poetry, in particular, has drawn critical appreciation for its emotional resonance and thematic richness. His verses delve into the subtleties of human relationships and the inner landscapes of thought and feeling, offering readers moments of introspection and clarity. Rather than presenting abstract ideas, his poetry invites readers to engage personally, encouraging them to reflect on their own journeys and perspectives. Through his continued literary contributions, Dr. George Panicker has firmly established himself as a significant voice in contemporary English literature. His work stands as both a reflection of his personal journey and a source of inspiration for others. By weaving together professional insight and personal reflection, he creates a rich tapestry of ideas that deepens our understanding of the human condition. The Indian Literature Award for 2026 is not only a celebration of Dr. Panicker’s past achievements but also a recognition of his enduring influence as a writer, thinker, and creative force. His voice continues to inspire readers and writers alike, reaffirming the transformative power of literature in understanding ourselves and the world around us.

The Beating Retreat ceremony, marking the culmination of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, will be held today at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other Union Ministers will be present on the occasion. Akashvani correspondent reports that this year’s Beating Retreat ceremony will feature a total of 30 performances, captivating spectators with foot-tapping music by bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The ceremony will commence with the Massed Bands playing Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja, followed by melodious tunes by the Pipes and Drums Band, including Atulya Bharat, Veer Sainik, Mili Jhuli, Nritya Sarita, Marooni, and Jhelum. The CAPF bands will present Vijay Bharat, Hathrohi, Jai Ho, and Veer Sipahi. The Indian Air Force Band will perform Brave Warrior, Twilight, Alert, and Flying Star, while the Indian Navy Band will play Namaste, Sagar Pawan, Matribhumi, Tejasvi, and Jai Bharati. This will be followed by performances from the Indian Army Band, featuring Vijayee Bharat, Aarambh Hai, Prachand Hai, Aye Watan, Anand Math, Sugamya Bharat, and Sitare Hind. The Massed Bands will then play Bharat Ke Shaan, Vande Mataram, and Drummers Call. The ceremony will conclude with the ever-popular patriotic tune Sare Jahan Se Achha, played by the Buglers.