NATIONAL 
EXPRESS

Mahant Dr. Praveendas Ji Maharaj, a prominent figure from Kurukshetra, Haryana, has been honored with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 by the Veyil Foundation. This distinguished accolade recognizes his outstanding contributions to spirituality and his role as a spiritual leader. His dedication to enhancing the spiritual landscape of India has made a significant impact on countless individuals, as he continues to light the path of enlightenment through his teachings. Throughout his spiritual journey, Dr. Praveendas Ji Maharaj has tirelessly worked to uplift and inspire the Indian society. His deep understanding of spiritual principles and his ability to convey complex ideas in an accessible manner have resonated with many. By addressing the spiritual needs of the community, he has fostered a sense of unity and growth among followers, guiding them toward a deeper understanding of themselves and their purpose in life. This award is not just a testament to his achievements but also an acknowledgment of the transformative influence he has had on the lives of many. As a spiritual guide, Mahant Dr. Praveendas Ji Maharaj has provided invaluable support and wisdom, helping individuals navigate the challenges of modern life while staying grounded in their spiritual beliefs. The recognition by the Veyil Foundation further cements his status as a revered leader in the spiritual realm, celebrating his unwavering commitment to spreading knowledge and faith among his followers. Through his teachings and guidance, Mahant Dr. Praveendas Ji Maharaj has illuminated the path for many, encouraging them to explore their inner selves and embrace a more meaningful existence. His approach combines traditional wisdom with modern insights, allowing individuals to navigate the complexities of life while remaining grounded in their spiritual beliefs. The influence of his work extends beyond mere teachings; it resonates in the hearts of those who seek solace and direction in a rapidly changing world. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar serves not only as a recognition of Dr. Praveendas Ji Maharaj's achievements but also as an inspiration for others to pursue spiritual excellence. His commitment to uplifting society through spiritual enlightenment has made a significant difference, fostering a sense of community and shared values among his followers. As he continues to guide and inspire, the legacy of Mahant Dr. Praveendas Ji Maharaj will undoubtedly endure, shaping the spiritual landscape of India for generations to come.

Mahanadi Coalfield Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India, is set to open two new coal mines in Odisha with a combined capacity of 35 million tonnes. MCL Chairman and Managing Director, Uday A. Kaole, shared this information during a press conference held at the company’s headquarters in Sambalpur, Odisha. Our correspondent reports that the mines – Subhadra Mine and Balbhadra Mine, will be located in the Talcher coalfields of Angul district of the state:   According to MCL, the Subhadra Mine is scheduled to produce 25 million tonnes of coal per year by the end of the financial year 2025-26. The Balbhadra Mine is expected to begin producing 10 million tonnes annually by the financial year 2029-2030. Mr. Kaole said that these new mines are part of MCL’s long-term plan to increase coal production and ensure a steady supply of coal.     Both mines will be located in the Talcher coalfields of Odisha’s Angul district, an important coal-producing region. MCL already operates 18 mines in which 15 are open-cast and 3 are underground mines, including – Bhubaneswari, Jagannath, Hingula, Lingaraj, and Talcher. The opening of these new mines is expected to further strengthen India’s energy sector and meet the growing demand for coal in the country.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will inaugurate today a passenger train service – Purulia – Bankura – Howrah from Santragachi railway station of Howrah district virtually. He will also inspect the progress under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Later in the day, the Minister will attend a programme on Laghu Udyog Bharati Entrepreneur Summit at Bhasha Bhawan of National Library, Kolkata.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India has remained eternal for thousands of years because of it’s eternal ideas, philosophy and wisdom. Inaugurating the centenary celebrations of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj in New Delhi, Mr. Modi said, India is the world’s most ancient living civilization and the source of this timeless philosophy lies in the sages, seers, saints and Acharyas of the country. He added that Acharya Vidyanand Muni is a modern beacon of this ancient Indian tradition. He also said, Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji did not limit his life to mere spiritual practice, but made it a powerful medium for the reconstruction of society and culture. Mr Modi said, the nation must move forward by embracing both development and heritage. He said, with this resolve at the core, Government are also developing country’s cultural sites and pilgrimage places. The Prime Minister said, the centre has granted classical language status to Prakrit and also running a campaign to digitize India’s ancient manuscripts. He stressed to free the nation from colonial mindset. Mr Modi said, India is a country devoted to service and humanity. He said, while the world tried to quell violence with violence for thousands of years, India introduced the power of non-violence. The Prime Minister said, the nation placed the spirit of serving humanity above all else. He said, whether it is the PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat Yojana or the provision of free foodgrains to the needy, all these initiatives reflect the spirit of seva bhav (service)towards the last person in the queue of society. Mr Modi said, the goal is to achieve saturation in the coverage of these schemes so that no one is left behind, and everyone can move forward together. In his address, Union Culture and Tourism inister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, from spiritual contemplation to global geopolitical turbulence, the life philosophy of Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji Maharaj is still relevant today. Special postage stamp and commemorative coin was released on the occasion. The programme marked the formal commencement of a year-long national tribute, being organised by the government, in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust to honour the 100th birth anniversary of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj. He was a revered Jain spiritual leader and social reformer. The year-long celebration will include cultural, literary, educational, and spiritual initiatives across the country, aimed at celebrating his life and legacy and spreading his message. Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj authored more than 50 works on Jain philosophy and ethics. He played an instrumental role in the restoration and revival of ancient Jain temples across India and worked for education, especially in Prakrit, Jain philosophy, and classical languages.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tribute to former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao on his birth anniversary. Recalling his pivotal role in shaping India’s development, Mr. Modi said that the nation is grateful to PV Narasimha Rao for his effective leadership during a crucial phase of India’s development trajectory. He added that his intellect, wisdom and scholarly nature are also widely admired.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today met his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China. In a social media post, Mr Singh said that during the meeting, they had insightful deliberations on boosting India-Russia defence ties.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav has said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is playing a leading role globally in the field of environment and wildlife conservation. Addressing the Indian Conservation Conference 2025 yesterday evening at the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun, Mr. Yadav stated that in 2014, India had 47 tiger reserves, which have now increased to 58.   During the conference, the Union Minister emphasised the need to scientifically document and utilise traditional conservation knowledge. He also appealed to the youth to place science, technology, and empathy at the center of conservation, moving forward from traditional methods. It may be recalled that this three-day Indian Conservation Conference will continue till June 27 and is being attended by hundreds of students, researchers, forest officials, and conservation experts from across the country and abroad.

Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will dock with the International Space Station (ISS) this afternoon. According to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), docking is scheduled at 4:30 PM IST. After the docking with the ISS, Group Captain Shukla will become the first ever Indian to visit Nasa’s orbiting laboratory ISS. Axiom-4 carrying 4 astronauts lifted off from Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 PM IST yesterday.     Group Captain Shukla, who is piloting the Axiom-4 mission to ISS, has become only the second Indian to travel to space. Ax-4 team of astronauts includes former Nasa astronaut Peggy Whitson of the US, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Indian Air Force officer Shukla’s trip comes 41 years after cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to fly to space aboard a Russian Soyuz in 1984. Within minutes of take off yesterday, Group Captain Shukla had a message for his fellow coutrymen. He said, we are back in space after 41 years and what an amazing ride it has been.     Akashvani’s Correspondent reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the successful launch and said Group Captain Shukla carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. In Shukla’s home city Lucknow, his parents joined hundreds of students to watch the lift-off.     They were welcomed by a music band on their arrival at the school and were seen breaking out into applause as the rocket lifted off. Born on 10 October 1985 in Lucknow, Group Captain Shukla joined the Indian air force as a fighter pilot in 2006. He has flown MiGs, Sukhois, Dorniers, Jaguars and Hawks and has more than 2,000 hours of flying experience.     Besides piloting the mission, the Indian astronaut will have a busy schedule during his two weeks on ISS. But most of the time, the four-member crew will be conducting 60 scientific experiments, seven of which come from India. ISRO’s experiments will help improve our understanding of space and its effects on biology and micro-gravity. One of the key experiments will investigate the impact of spaceflight on six varieties of crop seeds.

The 13th Political Consultation and the 10th Strategic Dialogue between India and Vietnam were co-chaired by the Ministry of External Affairs (East), P. Kumaran, and Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Manh Cuong, in New Delhi yesterday.   In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that during the Political Consultation, both sides reviewed progress in the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is guided by the ‘Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People’ adopted by the Prime Ministers of India and Vietnam in December 2020 and the Plan of Action for 2024-2028, signed in August 2024 during the State Visit of the Prime Minister of Vietnam to India.   The two sides discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including cooperation in areas such as politics, defense and security, maritime, trade and investment, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, science, and technology. Both sides also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing development cooperation between India and Vietnam through heritage conservation and restoration projects, Quick Impact Projects, ITEC and e-ITEC initiatives and scholarships.   During the Strategic Dialogue, the two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Both sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. The Indian side appreciated Vietnam’s expression of solidarity and support to India in the fight against terrorism.   During the meeting, the Vietnam side thanked the Indian side for the first-ever exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha in Vietnam in May 2025. The Indian side also reaffirmed Vietnam’s position as a key partner in India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision and vision of the Indo-Pacific.

Nupur Banerjee, hailing from the vibrant state of Uttar Pradesh, has been honored with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar by the Veyil Foundation. This accolade recognizes her outstanding contributions to the fields of content writing and blogging, where her creativity and dedication have set her apart. Nupur's work not only showcases her exceptional writing skills but also reflects her ability to engage and inspire her audience through compelling narratives and insightful perspectives. In addition to her achievements in writing, Nupur has made significant strides as a motivational speaker, life coach, and communication trainer. Her multifaceted expertise allows her to connect with individuals from various backgrounds, empowering them to overcome challenges and pursue their goals with confidence. Through her workshops and speaking engagements, she has cultivated a reputation for fostering personal growth and enhancing communication skills, making a lasting impact on those she encounters. Nupur's recognition by the Veyil Foundation is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence and her passion for helping others. As she continues to inspire through her writing and speaking, her influence is sure to resonate far beyond her immediate community. This award not only celebrates her individual achievements but also highlights the importance of nurturing talent and creativity in the realm of content creation and personal development. In addition to her writing prowess, Nupur has made significant strides as a motivational speaker, life coach, and communication trainer. Her ability to inspire and empower others is evident in her engaging presentations and workshops, where she shares valuable insights and practical strategies for personal and professional growth. Nupur's passion for helping individuals unlock their potential has garnered her a loyal following, as she encourages her audience to embrace challenges and pursue their dreams with confidence. Nupur's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. By blending her skills in writing with her expertise in coaching, she has created a unique platform that resonates with many. The recognition from the Veyil Foundation not only celebrates her achievements but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring writers and speakers everywhere. As she continues to make her mark, Nupur Banerjee exemplifies the spirit of innovation and motivation, proving that with dedication and passion, one can truly make a

Khoisnam Tokyo Meetei, hailing from the vibrant state of Manipur, has been honored with the prestigious Bharat Seva Puraskar for 2025, an accolade presented by the Bharat Seva Society. This esteemed recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions in the realm of social work, a field where he has demonstrated unwavering commitment and exceptional impact. His efforts are not only notable for their depth but also for their transformative effects on the communities he serves, illustrating the profound importance of dedicated social activism. As a distinguished social worker, Meetei has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. His initiatives span various aspects of social welfare, addressing critical issues such as education, health, and empowerment of marginalized groups in Manipur. Through innovative programs and grassroots efforts, he has successfully mobilized resources and engaged community members, fostering a collaborative spirit that enhances the collective well-being of the region. His approach reflects a deep understanding of local needs, making him an influential figure who exemplifies the qualities of compassion and leadership. Beyond his tangible achievements, Khoisnam Tokyo Meetei serves as a role model for aspiring social workers and community leaders. His dedication to uplifting others and championing social change is a testament to his values and vision for a better society. The Bharat Seva Puraskar not only acknowledges his past accomplishments but also highlights the potential for future contributions he is poised to make. As he continues his journey in social activism, his work will undoubtedly inspire countless individuals to join the cause of making meaningful change in their own communities.

India’s javelin star Neeraj Chopra won the men’s javelin throw competition of the Paris Diamond League 2025 at Stade Sébastien Charléty last night. Two-time Olympic medallist Chopra won the title with a best effort of 88.16 meters achieved with his first throw. Germany’s Julian Weber finished second with 87.88 meter throw. Luiz Maurício da Silva of Brazil finished third with a new South American record of 86.62 meters. The 27-year-old Chopra followed up with an 85.10 meter throw in his second attempt and fouled his next three before finishing off with an 82.89 meters. This is the first time in this season that Neeraj has been able to get the better of Julian Weber. At the Doha Diamond League last month, Weber nicked Neeraj with a personal best throw of 91.06 meters with his final attempt of the night. Whereas, the Indian javelin thrower had earlier breached the elusive 90 meter mark with a 90.23 meter throw and reset the Indian national record in Doha.