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.

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.