NATIONAL 
EXPRESS

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar has said that the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan is on an upward trajectory. Mr Jaishankar said this after co-chairing the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, in New Delhi today. He said that India and Japan hold immense potential for shaping the world order and de-risking the international economy.   In a social media post, the External Affairs Minister said that both countries discussed a wide range of issues during the discussions, including deeper economic cooperation, maritime security, supply chain resilience, critical minerals, technology, people-to-people ties, and multilateral cooperation. He noted that the discussions reflected the shared interests and mutual understanding between the two countries. The EAM added that he also had a useful exchange of perspectives on the Indo-Pacific and regional and global developments.   Earlier, in his opening address ahead of the talks with the Japanese Foreign Minister, Dr Jaishankar said that over the last two decades, India and Japan have successfully transformed their relationship from a purely economic one into a comprehensive and strategic partnership. He observed that India’s MAHASAGAR initiative and Vision for the Indo-Pacific closely align with Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific outlook.   Mr Motegi gifted Dr Jaishankar the uniform of the Japanese national cricket team. In return, Dr Jaishankar presented his Japanese counterpart with a cricket bat signed by the Indian cricket team, reflecting their shared passion for the sport.

The Tamil community in Sri Lanka is celebrating Thai Pongal today with fervour and gaiety. Observed at the start of the Tamil month Thai, Pongal is a multi-day harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God. The festival is named after the ceremonial ‘Pongal’, which means ‘to boil, overflow’ and refers to the traditional dish prepared from the new harvest of rice boiled in milk with jaggery. An Akashvani correspondent reports that as part of the celebrations, the Tamil Hindu community, which numbers upwards of 2 and a half million in the island, will visit temples today to give thanks for the abundance of the previous year’s harvest and pray for a successful one in the coming year. The multi-day celebration of Pongal marks the beginning of the sun’s journey northward, signalling the end of the winter solstice. Celebrations have started early in the morning with the making of beautiful designs of Kolam before every house. As devotees pray to the sun god, chants of ‘Pongalo pongal’ and the overflowing of Pongal from the pots will be notable.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today shared an article highlighting how India is ready to share its robust digital public infrastructure with the Commonwealth community. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said that the article, written by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, underscores India’s commitment to the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.   The article notes that as India hosts the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, the country does not view technology as a proprietary asset but as a public good. It highlights the nation’s willingness to share its digital public infrastructure to strengthen democratic resilience across the Commonwealth nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India has shown that democratic institutions and democratic processes give democracy with stability, speed and scale. Addressing the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth at Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi today, Mr Modi said India has turned diversity into the strength of its democracy. He said, in India, democracy means last-mile delivery, and the government is working with a spirit of public welfare for every individual without any discrimination. Mr Modi highlighted that nearly 25 crore people in India came out of poverty over the past few years. Prime Minister Modi said that in India, the people are paramount, and their aspirations have been made the top priority. He said India turned diversity into its strength and emerged as the fastest-growing major economy. Mr Modi said, today, UPI in India is the world’s largest digital payment system. He said, India is the world’s largest vaccine producer and the world’s number two steel producer. The Prime Minister said, this is the fourth occasion when the Conference of Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers is being held in India. Prime Minister said India is strongly raising the concerns of the Global South on every global platform. Mr Modi said, during its G20 Presidency as well, India placed the priorities of the Global South at the centre of the global agenda. Speaking on the occasion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that AI and social media have enhanced the efficiency and capability of democratic institutions. He added that the misuse of AI and social media has given rise to serious challenges like misinformation, cybercrime, and social division. The Speaker emphasised that it is the collective responsibility of all to seriously consider these challenges and find appropriate solutions. Mr Birla expressed hope that deep discussions on important global issues will take place at this conference, and concrete policy decisions will be taken. Mr Birla highlighted that in the Indian Parliament’s journey of over seven decades, democracy has been empowered through the creation of people-centric policies and welfare laws. He stated that India’s fair electoral system has ensured the participation of every citizen of the country in democracy, and this has increased people’s faith in democracy.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal welcomed the crew of the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Kaundinya at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, calling the arrival more than just the completion of a voyage but a celebration of deep-rooted civilisational ties. The Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways said the arrival of the traditionally built stitched sail vessel in the Omani capital symbolises the enduring friendship between India and Oman, anchored in history, strengthened by trade and mutual respect. The vessel reached Muscat after completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar, marking a significant moment in the shared maritime heritage of the two countries. The journey underlines maritime, cultural and civilisational links that span over 5000 years and comes as India and Oman mark 70th years of diplomatic relations. Named after the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, the vessel showcases India’s indigenous maritime knowledge, craftsmanship and sustainable shipbuilding practices. The project was envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and executed by the Indian Navy with support from naval architects, archaeologists, traditional shipbuilding designers and master shipwrights. Mr Sonowal described the vessel as a shining example of Prime Minister Modi’s visionary leadership, noting it was his resolve to revive India’s ancient shipbuilding genius and present it proudly before the world. The welcome ceremony at the port was attended by Azzan Al Busaidi, undersecretary for tourism at Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, along with senior dignitaries from the Indian Navy, Royal Navy of Oman, the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard and other ministries. A large Indian community, including students, enthusiastically welcomed the ship with traditional Indian and Omani cultural performances. Mr Sonowal outlined India’s $8.4 billion maritime development package aimed at strengthening the shipbuilding ecosystem through the creation of shipbuilding clusters, dedicated research and development support, and the establishment of a Maritime Development Fund. He also proposed establishing a green shipping corridor between India and Oman as a key area of future collaboration, while welcoming the signing of a memorandum of understanding on maritime heritage and museums to deepen cooperation and enrich the countries’ shared maritime history.

The country’s unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above remained largely stable in December, estimated at 4.8 per cent compared to 4.7 per cent recorded in November 2025.     According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s monthly labour force and unemployment data, the rural unemployment rate remained stagnant at 3.9 per cent. Among rural males aged 15 years and above, the unemployment rate remained low and stable at 4.1 per cent in December last year. The urban female unemployment rate moderated to 9.1 per cent last month, compared to 9.3 per cent in November 2025.     The overall Labour Force Participation Rate among persons aged 15 years and above also showed an upward trend at 56.1 per cent in the last month, compared to 55.8 per cent in November 2025.  In rural areas, the Labour Force Participation Rate was estimated as 59 percent in December 2025, as compared to 58.6 percent in November last year. The overall Worker Population Ratio for persons of age 15 years and above rose marginally to its yearly peak of 53.4 per cent last month.

Charvik Tek, a gifted young artist from Maharashtra, India, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being honored with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026, an award conferred by the Veyil Foundation. The recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions to the field of Visual Arts, particularly his exceptional skills and creativity in drawing. At a notably young age, Charvik has emerged as a promising name in the art world, earning admiration from both national and international audiences. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar is regarded as a significant cultural honor, acknowledging individuals who demonstrate excellence, originality, and dedication in their respective artistic disciplines. Charvik’s selection for this award reflects not only his technical proficiency but also his deep understanding of visual expression. His artworks are known for their clarity of thought, emotional depth, and refined execution, qualities that set him apart from his peers. Charvik Tek’s artistic journey has been marked by consistent achievements and growing recognition. His works have been showcased on multiple platforms, extending beyond India’s borders and reaching international audiences. These global exhibitions and appreciations have played a crucial role in highlighting his talent on a wider stage, proving that creativity knows no geographical boundaries. Art enthusiasts and critics alike have praised his ability to convey complex ideas and emotions through drawing, a medium that demands both discipline and imagination. One of the most notable aspects of Charvik’s success is the national record he has set in the realm of visual arts. This accomplishment further strengthens his position as a young artist of exceptional promise. Achieving such recognition at an early stage of life is a testament to his unwavering commitment, countless hours of practice, and sincere passion for art. His journey reflects the power of perseverance and the importance of nurturing talent from a young age. Despite his growing list of accolades, Charvik remains focused on learning and evolving as an artist. He continues to explore new themes, techniques, and artistic avenues, constantly pushing the boundaries of his creative abilities. His dedication to continuous improvement suggests that his future contributions to the art world will be even more impactful. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 stands as a defining moment in Charvik Tek’s artistic career. Beyond being a personal achievement, it serves as an inspiration for countless young artists who aspire to make their mark in the field of visual arts. Charvik’s story highlights how talent, when combined with passion and perseverance, can lead to extraordinary success. As he moves forward, the art community will undoubtedly watch Charvik Tek’s journey with great interest. With his vision, discipline, and creative spirit, he is well on his way to leaving a lasting impression on the world of visual arts.

The 16th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Expert Working Group Meeting (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism, co-chaired by India and Malaysia, has commenced in New Delhi today.      Delegations from 11 ASEAN members and 7 dialogue partners, along with ASEAN Secretariat representatives, are participating in the three-day event. ASEAN members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste and dialogue partner countries include Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, China, USA and Russia. The meeting provides an important platform to deliberate on the ongoing and planned activities under the three-year work plan to further strengthen India’s multilateral cooperation on Counter-Terrorism.     In his address during the opening session, Joint Secretary in the Defence Ministry Amitabh Prasad described terrorism as the most insidious conflict of the present time, emphasising that collective efforts to fight against it will define the peace and prosperity of the region. Mr Prasad said during the two-day meeting, delegates will share best practices in counter-terrorism operations and intelligence frameworks, along with training and capacity-building initiatives.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today held a discussion with Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya Dr Moses Masika Wetangula, on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth.     In a social media post, Mr Birla said that during the meeting, he highlighted the shared historical linkages between India and Kenya, including the formative influence of Mahatma Gandhi during his early years in Africa.      The Lok Sabha Speaker also mentioned that the ties between India and Kenya have evolved into a robust and multi-faceted partnership, marked by regular high-level visits, increasing trade and investment as well as extensive people-to-people contacts.   Mr Birla reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepen democratic cooperation through sustained bilateral parliamentary engagement and cooperation.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today interacted with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Trinidad and Tobago, Jagdeo Singh. He also met with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, Azarel Ernesta. These meetings were held on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC).     In a social media post, Mr Birla said that his discussions with Mr Singh recalled the long-standing and historical connections between India and Trinidad and Tobago. The dialogue focused on enhancing parliamentary cooperation and expanding partnerships in key areas, including the pharmaceutical sector, with an emphasis on opening new markets and enhancing bilateral trade.     In his meeting with Ms Azarel, Mr Birla congratulated her on her historic achievement as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles. Their discussions focused on strengthening parliament-to-parliament cooperation, the greater use of technology and AI in parliamentary functioning, and expanding capacity-building initiatives through customised programmes.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri today met the Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Ms Sun Haiyan, in New Delhi.     In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that they both discussed the progress made in stabilising and rebuilding bilateral ties with priority on business and people-centric engagements and ways to take bilateral engagement forward in the new year. During the meeting, both sides reiterated their commitment to implementing the important directions provided by their leaders and to advancing bilateral relations on the path of normalisation.      The Foreign Secretary noted the importance of increasing the understanding between the people of the two countries in order to rebuild ties. He highlighted the need to take positive steps to create the right environment for improved bilateral relations.     Ms Haiyan briefed the Foreign Secretary on her impressions from the visit, including her interactions with Indian media, think tanks and political parties. The Chinese side also congratulated the Indian side on assuming the BRICS chairship this year and expressed its strong support for a successful BRICS Summit in India.

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri today said that India has achieved a milestone towards energy self-sufficiency. In a social media post, Mr Puri informed that Urja Bharat PTE Limited, a joint venture between Indian Oil and Bharat Petro Resources Limited, has successfully discovered light crude oil in Abu Dhabi’s Onshore Block-1. He said that this discovery has been made in both the Shilaif play and the Habshan reservoir.   Mr Puri highlighted that such international partnerships will further strengthen India’s energy security. He also said that this achievement marks an important step in Indian Oil’s expanding global upstream journey and reflects the technical excellence and dedication of Indian teams.