NATIONAL 
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The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has constituted a high-level committee to strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Tamil Nadu. The decision follows the recent visit of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Erode, during which operational, technical, and market-related challenges faced by FPOs were discussed with farmers and other stakeholders. Acting on these inputs, the Ministry approved the formation of the committee to review the performance of FPOs in the state and recommend corrective measures. In a statement, the Ministry said the committee will examine key issues affecting FPOs, including institutional governance and management practices, business operations, technical support and extension linkages, value addition and marketing challenges, as well as capacity-building and hand-holding requirements. The committee will also suggest measures to strengthen FPOs through improved business and operational models. Special focus will be given to crops and farming systems significant to Tamil Nadu, including banana, turmeric, coconut, tapioca, and natural and organic farming practices. The Ministry added that the committee has been mandated to submit its final report to the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare within two months. The initiative underscores the Centre’s farmer-centric approach and its focus on building strong, self-reliant, and sustainable FPOs to enhance farmers’ incomes and promote value addition and market integration in Tamil Nadu’s agriculture sector.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the country is now moving beyond long-term pending problems and is firmly stepping onto the path of long-term solutions. He said his government has been identified with Reform, Perform, and Transform, and the country has now boarded the Reform Express.   Addressing the media at the Parliament House complex in New Delhi today on the second day of the Budget Session, PM Modi said, the government has laid emphasis on last mile delivery of the welfare schemes. He said the next 25 years will be crucial to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by the year 2047.  He said, the President’s address to both the Houses of Parliament yesterday was an expression of the trust of 140 crore people of the country.    On the recent finalization of India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Prime Minister expressed confidence that this is a major step in the direction of a confident, competitive and productive India.  He said a new market has opened up and the country’s manufacturers must take advantage of the FTA. He said, India’s democracy and demography are the hope for the world, and now the country has become a centre of attraction.   On the second day of the Budget Session of the Parliament, PM Modi said, this is the time for solution rather than disruption, as the country is moving forward. He urged everyone to act constructively for the development of the nation. He said, in this temple of democracy, Parliamentarians have the opportunity to send a clear message to the global community about the country’s capabilities, and its dedication towards democracy.

FINGER is a haunting silent short film that transforms a brief moment in time into a powerful social statement. Set in a remote village in Kerala, the film follows the life of a solitary man in his fifties who lives in near-complete isolation, spending his days fishing in an abandoned quarry deep within the woods. His world is quiet, repetitive, and seemingly untouched—until a single discovery disrupts the stillness. While preparing a fish he has caught, the man encounters something deeply unsettling: a human finger bearing a ring and traces of nail polish. The discovery, subtle yet disturbing, becomes the film’s central symbol—small in form, but heavy with meaning. It quietly signals a story of loss that extends far beyond the frame. Unbeknownst to him, the day’s newspaper carries a headline about a missing medical student. The unspoken connection between the report and the discovery gradually forms the emotional core of the narrative, pulling the audience into a chilling search for identity and truth. FINGER does not rely on dialogue or explicit exposition; instead, it trusts silence and visual storytelling to convey its message. Directed by Bibn Jeevan and produced by ARM CINE STUDIO LLP, FINGER unfolds over a tightly crafted 9 minutes and 14 seconds, proving that profound impact does not require length. The absence of spoken words heightens the emotional weight of each moment, reflecting how society often responds to violence against women—with silence, hesitation, and distance. Inspired by real-world statistics and social realities, the film addresses the persistent issue of crimes against women across domestic, public, and social spaces. Through symbolism and restraint, FINGER confronts the uncomfortable truth that such cases often surface only as fragments—headlines, clues, or passing news—before fading from collective memory. Minimalist yet deeply resonant, FINGER is not just a suspense-driven short film. It is a quiet act of reflection, urging viewers to acknowledge what is too often ignored and to recognize that even the smallest trace can carry a story demanding attention.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah today said that Uttar Pradesh is not only the spirit of the country but also going to become the growth engine of Viksit Bharat. Mr Shah was addressing the ‘Uttar Pradesh Day’ celebrations as the Chief Guest today in Lucknow this afternoon. The Home Minister said that now Uttar Pradesh is the fourth biggest economy in the country which is contributing 20 percent in the food grain pool and has become the food basket. He said, today projects are completed in a time-bound manner and the PRAGATI platform also has a significant role in this. Mr. Shah said that the state is giving thrust to Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan with its vast MSME sector. On this occasion Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the State is celebrating its 77th foundation day and such programs are being organised not only in each and every district of the state but also in different countries. He said that the new scheme One District One Cuisine will become brand of UP like ODOP At the program to be held at Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, the Union Home Minister also launched the ‘One District One Cuisine’ (ODOC) scheme. Under this scheme, the distinctive traditional cuisine of each district of Uttar Pradesh will be identified and linked with quality improvement, branding, and market access, so that local flavours gain not only regional but also national and global recognition. During the ‘Uttar Pradesh Day’ celebrations, Mr. Shah inaugurated the Sardar Patel Industrial Zone Program. The scheme aims to help youth in getting employment and Entrepreneurship. Mr. Shah presented the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman 2025-26 to five persons including astronaut Wing Commander Shubhranshu Shukla,  Alakh Pandey of famous ‘Physicswala’ Education platform, Rashmi Arya in the field of Ancient Indian education model, Famous poet Dr. Hariom Pawar and Dr. Sudhanshu singh for his contribution in the field of Agriculture. These are the people who contributed to the growth of the state with their unique effort. The Union Home Minister conferred awards to five district magistrates for excellent performance in Uttar Pradesh Government’s CM YUVA (Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Yojana) scheme. Loans of a total of 5421 crore rupees have been given to beneficiaries under this scheme in the state.

In the United States, Police arrested about 100 clergy demonstrating against President Donald Trump’s increased immigration enforcement at Minnesota’s largest airport yesterday. It comes as thousands of people braved the bitter cold to march through the streets against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown across the state.   Metropolitan Airports Commission spokesman Jeff Lea said the clergy were issued misdemeanour citations of trespassing and failure to comply with a peace officer and were then released. The protests are part of a broader movement with labour unions, progressive organizations and clergy urging Minnesotans to stay away from work, school and even shops.   On a day that started with temperatures as low as minus 29 Celsius, organisers said, around fifty thousand people took to the streets. Organisers and participants said scores of businesses across Minnesota closed for the day and workers headed to street protests ‍and marches. The protests come following weeks of violent confrontations between US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as protesters opposed to President Trump’s crackdown, demanding they leave Minnesota.   According to media reports, tensions have escalated after ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot a 37-year-old mother and US citizen, Renee Good, earlier this month during an immigration enforcement operation. The shooting triggered daily protests across the Minneapolis area.   On the other hand, the United Nations Human Rights chief Volker Türk has condemned the repeated use of unnecessary or disproportionate force in US immigration enforcement. Mr Turk expressed shock at the now-routine abuse and denigration of migrants and refugees. He said many people were arrested and detained lack timely access to legal counsel and effective means to contest their detention and removal decisions.   He urged the United States to ensure that its migration policies and enforcement practices respect human dignity and due process rights. He also called for an independent and transparent investigation into the rising number of deaths in ICE custody.

Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh said that women constables have been appointed in large numbers as part of the Rozgar Mela. The Minister said this while speaking at the 18th National Rozgar Mela virtually. Dr Singh said the appointment of women in security forces has been possible due to various provisions of the government. He added, BSF women troops are deployed along the borders at zero line. The Minister also informed that a woman Assistant Commandant will lead an all male CRPF contingent on this Republic Day.

The Indian Literature and Arts Society proudly conferred the Indian Literature Award 2026 upon Dr. P.S. Shrivastava, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the literary world through his remarkable non-fiction work, Believe It or Not – The Story of an Unsung Inventor of Color Cinematographic Process. The award celebrates not only literary excellence but also the power of writing to reclaim forgotten histories and bring overlooked pioneers into the public consciousness. Dr. Shrivastava’s acclaimed book delves into the extraordinary life and achievements of an Indian inventor whose groundbreaking work led to the development of a fully indigenous color cinematographic process—a monumental achievement that has largely remained absent from mainstream film history. With precision and passion, the author uncovers a story that challenges conventional narratives of technological progress in cinema, highlighting India’s own innovations that emerged despite limited recognition and resources. What sets Believe It or Not apart is its seamless blend of technical insight and human storytelling. Dr. Shrivastava not only explains the scientific and cinematic dimensions of the invention but also vividly portrays the socio-cultural environment in which the inventor lived and worked. Through a careful weaving of historical facts and personal anecdotes, the book captures the struggles, resilience, and quiet triumphs of an individual whose vision left a lasting imprint on the world of film. Set against the backdrop of Madhya Pradesh, the narrative resonates with broader themes of perseverance, creativity, and determination in the face of adversity. It serves as a poignant reminder of the rich yet often underappreciated tradition of Indian innovation, urging readers to look beyond dominant global narratives and recognize the diverse voices that have shaped cinematic history. By honoring Dr. P.S. Shrivastava with the Indian Literature Award 2026, the Indian Literature and Arts Society not only celebrates a work of meticulous research and engaging storytelling, but also reinforces the importance of documenting and honoring unsung heroes. The recognition stands as an inspiration for future generations to explore hidden legacies, question established histories, and pay tribute to those whose contributions continue to influence the arts, science, and culture of India and the world.

The government has notified 33 questions that will be put to citizens during the first phase of the Census, starting April 1. The first phase of Census 2027 – houselisting operations – will take place during a 30-day period specified by each State and Union Territory between April 1 and September 30 this year.    The enumerators will ask about the ownership status of the house, its use, the type of material used in flooring and roof, the number of rooms, and the sex of the head of the household during the survey. The enumerators will then ask about the use of the house, its condition, and the number of persons normally residing in the household. Officials will also collect information about the head of the household, like the name and sex, whether the head of the household belongs to the Scheduled Caste, the Scheduled Tribe or other communities and the ownership status.    The citizens will also be asked about the basic facilities in their houses, like the main source of drinking water, main source of lighting, access to and type of latrine, wastewater outlet, availability of bathing facility, availability of kitchen and LPG and PNG connection and the main fuel used for cooking.   The enumerators will also collect information about radio and transistor, television, access to the Internet, gadgets like laptop, computer, telephone, mobile phone, smartphone, type of vehicle, main cereal consumed in the household and mobile number for census-related communication.   There will also be an option for self-enumeration to be conducted in a 15-day period just before the start of houselisting operations of 30 days.   The Census will be conducted in two phases – house-listing and housing census from April to September; and population enumeration in February 2027.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kerala today. During the visit, Mr Modi will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and flag off various developmental projects in Thiruvananthapuram. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. The projects span key sectors including rail connectivity, urban livelihoods, science and innovation, citizen-centric services, and advanced healthcare, reflecting the Prime Minister’s continued focus on inclusive growth, technological advancement and improved quality of life for citizens.   Prime Minister Modi will flag off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train. These include the Nagercoil-Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, and a new passenger train between Thrissur and Guruvayur. The introduction of these services will significantly enhance long-distance and regional connectivity between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, making travel more affordable, safe and time-bound for passengers. The improved connectivity will provide a strong impetus to tourism, trade, education, employment and cultural exchange across the region.   As part of efforts to strengthen urban livelihood, the Prime Minister will launch the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, marking the next phase of financial inclusion for street vendors. The UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility will provide instant liquidity, promote digital transactions, and help beneficiaries build formal credit histories. Mr Modi will also disburse PM SVANidhi loans to one lakh beneficiaries, including street vendors from Kerala.    In the field of science and innovation, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram. The hub will focus on life sciences and the bio-economy, integrate traditional knowledge systems such as Ayurveda with modern biotechnology, sustainable packaging, and green hydrogen, and promote startup creation, technology transfer, and global collaboration. It will serve as a platform for converting research into market-ready solutions and enterprises.   Strengthening healthcare infrastructure will be another key focus of the visit. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Radiosurgery Centre at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram. The facility will provide highly precise, minimally invasive treatment for complex brain disorders, enhancing regional tertiary healthcare capabilities.   The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the new Poojappura Head Post Office in Thiruvananthapuram. This modern, technology-enabled facility will offer a comprehensive range of postal, banking, insurance and digital services, further strengthening citizen-centric service delivery.

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan will be on a visit to Odisha and West Bengal today. This will be his maiden visit to the two states after assuming office.   During the visit, the Vice President will attend the Parakram Diwas celebrations being organised by the Ministry of Culture in Cuttack in Odisha and Kolkata, West Bengal. The events are being held to commemorate the 129th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Sutapa Bhattacharjee, a gifted singer and dedicated artist from Tripura State, India, has been conferred the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025, a prestigious honor presented by the Veyil Foundation. This distinguished recognition celebrates her remarkable contributions to the field of performing arts, particularly her enduring commitment to vocal music and cultural preservation. Affiliated with Surdhara Sangeetalaya, a renowned music school in Agartala, Tripura, Sutapa Bhattacharjee has cultivated her musical journey through years of disciplined training and artistic exploration. Her association with the institution has played a pivotal role in shaping her musical identity, enabling her to refine her craft while nurturing a deep-rooted passion for Indian classical and traditional music. Academically accomplished, Sutapa Bhattacharjee holds a Bisharad degree in Rabindra Sangeet, Najrul Sangeet, and Lok Geeti from the Bangiya Sangeet Parishad. This extensive training reflects her profound understanding of lyrical depth, melodic structure, and the cultural essence of these rich musical traditions. Her performances are marked by authenticity, emotional resonance, and a strong command over diverse musical forms. Further strengthening her artistic repertoire, she has also earned a Bisharad degree in Classical Vocal (Shashtriya Sangeet) from the Lucknow Board. This formal grounding in classical music seamlessly complements her expertise in folk and semi-classical genres, allowing her to engage audiences with versatility and finesse. Through her soulful performances and dedication to musical education, Sutapa Bhattacharjee continues to inspire emerging artists and contribute meaningfully to India’s vibrant musical heritage. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 stands as a fitting tribute to her artistic excellence, perseverance, and invaluable role in enriching the cultural fabric of Tripura and beyond.

Nusrat Manzoor, a distinguished educator from Jammu & Kashmir, India, has been conferred with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 by the Veyil Foundation, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of education. The award celebrates her enduring commitment to academics, mentorship, and transformative educational leadership. Serving as the Principal of Government Higher Secondary School, Amirakadal, Nusrat Manzoor has dedicated her career to strengthening public education through purposeful leadership and a student-centric vision. Under her guidance, the institution has fostered an environment that values academic rigor alongside personal growth, ensuring that education remains both meaningful and inclusive. Nusrat Manzoor views education as a vital public service and leadership as a profound responsibility. Her approach emphasizes holistic student development, grounded in discipline, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. By encouraging teamwork and innovation among faculty, she has created a collaborative academic culture that adapts to diverse learning needs and evolving educational challenges. A strong advocate of values-based education, she believes that true academic success lies not only in scholastic achievement but also in character-building. Her leadership philosophy focuses on nurturing critical thinking, creativity, ethical awareness, and social responsibility, preparing students to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and integrity. Throughout her journey, Nusrat Manzoor has worked tirelessly to strengthen educational institutions by promoting shared values and collective responsibility. Her mentorship has inspired both students and educators to strive for excellence while remaining grounded in empathy and purpose. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 stands as a fitting tribute to Nusrat Manzoor’s unwavering dedication to education and mentorship. Her work continues to leave a lasting impact on the academic landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, shaping future generations and reaffirming the transformative power of inspired leadership in education.