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US President Donald Trump announced a new federal task force, headed by Vice President JD Vance, to tackle fraud in government programmes. Trump said in the Oval Office that it’s about fraud, having to do with all the fraud that’s taking place in the country. White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf said the order would establish a new task force, aimed at rooting out that fraud, returning potentially billions or tens of billions or even hundreds of billions of dollars to the American taxpayer. Scharf said it would launch a whole of government approach to rooting out the very serious problem of fraud in federally funded programs around the country. The task force will be chaired by Vance, with Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson serving as vice chairman.

Krishna Prathap from the state of Keralam has been honored with the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026, presented by the Veyil Foundation. This prestigious recognition celebrates his remarkable contributions as a Chief Instructor in Martial Arts and one of the dedicated promoters of the ancient Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu. Krishna Prathap is the Founder and Director of the Parashurama Vallabhatta Kalari Academy, where he has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting this centuries-old martial tradition. Through his academy, he has trained numerous students and practitioners, inspiring them to embrace the discipline, strength, and cultural significance of Kalaripayattu. With more than four decades of experience, Krishna Prathap stands out as a distinguished teacher, practitioner, and performer. His journey into the world of martial arts began at the young age of six under the guidance of his father, Sri Karthikeyan Gurukkal. This early exposure laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to mastering the art. He further refined his skills under the mentorship of the legendary Shankara Narayana Menon Gurukkal, popularly known as Unni Gurukkal, a renowned figure in the field and recipient of the Padma Shri. Through years of rigorous training and practice, Krishna Prathap developed a deep understanding of the techniques, philosophy, and cultural essence of Kalaripayattu. His dedication has not only elevated his own mastery but has also helped bring wider recognition to this traditional martial art form. At the Parashurama Vallabhatta Kalari Academy, he has built a vibrant community of learners who share his passion for safeguarding this ancient heritage. His efforts continue to ensure that the knowledge and values of Kalaripayattu are passed on to future generations. Receiving the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 marks an important milestone in Krishna Prathap’s journey. The honor acknowledges his lifelong commitment to cultural preservation and his role in promoting discipline, respect, physical fitness, and heritage through martial arts. His work stands as an inspiration for those dedicated to keeping India’s traditional arts alive.

Dr. Sabita Sinh, a dedicated medical professional from the state of Karnataka, has been honored with the prestigious Bharat Kamal Puraskar 2026 in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the field of health and medicine. The award celebrates her commitment to patient care and her significant work as a Medical Oncologist and MD in Electro Homeopathy, where she has focused on providing holistic and compassionate treatment for patients. With years of experience in the healthcare sector, Dr. Sabita Sinh has devoted her career to supporting individuals battling complex health challenges, particularly cancer. Her expertise in electro homeopathy and integrative medical practices has enabled her to offer alternative and supportive treatment approaches that aim to improve the overall well-being of patients. Dr. Sabita is the driving force behind Dr. Sabita’s Multi-Speciality Homeo Care, a healthcare center dedicated to addressing a wide range of health concerns including cancer-related conditions as well as physical and mental health issues. Through her clinic, she strives to provide personalized care that focuses not only on treating illness but also on strengthening the body’s natural healing abilities. Her approach to medicine emphasizes empathy, patient education, and holistic healing. By combining medical knowledge with alternative therapeutic methods, Dr. Sabita has helped many individuals find hope and support during difficult medical journeys. The Bharat Kamal Puraskar 2026 stands as a recognition of Dr. Sabita Sinh’s unwavering dedication to healthcare and her continuous efforts to make quality treatment accessible to those in need. Her work reflects a deep commitment to serving society and improving lives through compassionate medical practice. As she continues her mission in healthcare, Dr. Sabita Sinh remains an inspiring example of how dedication, knowledge, and service can create a meaningful impact in the field of medicine.

Cinema often finds its most powerful voice in the quietest stories. “Deuka”, an Assamese short film produced by Rekha Neog and directed by Dip Kumar Sarma, is one such moving narrative that gently yet powerfully explores the aspirations, struggles, and innocent dreams of a deaf and mute child. At the heart of Deuka is a young boy whose world is filled with silence, but whose dreams are as loud and vibrant as any child’s. Despite being deaf and unable to speak, he carries the same curiosity, hope, and longing that define childhood. The film portrays his daily reality—one where survival often comes before dreams. Director Dip kumar sarma The child longs to go to school. He wants to learn, to be part of a world that promises knowledge and possibility. But life presents a harsh dilemma: if he does not work and earn money, he will not be able to eat. Education, which should be a basic right, becomes a distant dream overshadowed by the need to survive. Through small yet deeply emotional moments, the film highlights the boy’s simple desires. He watches other children enjoy treats and dreams of tasting an ice cream himself, but he has no money to buy one. This seemingly small wish becomes a powerful symbol of the inequalities many children face—where even the smallest joys are out of reach. Yet the story is not only about hardship. It is also about hope. Producer Rekha Neog The boy dreams of flying—of having “deuka,” or wings. His desire to fly represents freedom, opportunity, and the limitless imagination of childhood. Even when circumstances try to ground him, his spirit continues to reach for the sky. Director Dip Kumar Sarma uses this simple yet profound story to shed light on the struggles of marginalized children, especially those living with disabilities and poverty. With minimal dialogue and a focus on visual storytelling, the film captures emotions that transcend language. Producer Rekha Neog’s story idea forms the emotional backbone of the film, presenting a narrative that is both intimate and universal. It reminds audiences that dreams exist everywhere—even in the most difficult conditions—and that every child deserves the chance to chase them. Deuka ultimately becomes more than just a short film. It is a reflection on resilience, innocence, and the quiet strength of a child who refuses to stop dreaming, even when the world around him makes it difficult. In its silence, Deuka speaks volumes. Through the story of one boy, it asks viewers to see, to feel, and to remember the countless children whose dreams are still waiting for wings.

Trauma is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language crime thriller that presents an intense and thought-provoking cinematic experience. Written and directed by debutant filmmaker Thambithurai Mariyappan, the film marks a promising entry into Tamil cinema with its compelling storytelling and strong performances. The film features Vivek Prasanna, Prathosh, and Poornima Ravi in the lead roles, bringing depth and authenticity to the narrative. Their performances play a key role in building the suspense and emotional intensity that define the film’s storyline. Trauma is produced by S Uma Maheshwari under the banner of Turm Production House. The film runs for 117 minutes and is crafted with a dedicated creative team that enhances its cinematic appeal. The technical aspects of the film are handled by talented professionals. Cinematography by Ajith Srinivasan captures the film’s tense atmosphere and dramatic moments, while editing by Mugan Vel ensures a tightly paced narrative that keeps audiences engaged. The music composed by RS Rajprathap adds emotional depth and suspense, complementing the film’s crime-thriller tone. With its engaging narrative, strong performances, and focused direction, Trauma stands as a notable independent Tamil film. The project also highlights the creative vision of its debutant director, making it a significant step in the journey of emerging filmmakers within the industry.

Ayesha Fathima from Telangana State, India, has been honored with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 by the Veyil Foundation, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the field of education. This distinguished award celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact within their respective fields, and Ayesha Fathima’s achievements in academic leadership and teacher development have made her a deserving recipient. With a strong background in teacher training and curriculum development, Ayesha Fathima has played a significant role in strengthening academic standards and improving educational practices within her institution. Serving as a School Academic Coordinator, she has been instrumental in guiding educators, refining teaching methodologies, and ensuring that students benefit from a structured and progressive learning environment. Her leadership in academic coordination has contributed to the enhancement of curriculum planning, teacher mentoring, and academic monitoring, enabling her institution to maintain a high standard of educational excellence. Through her dedication and strategic approach to learning, she has helped foster an environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and continuous improvement among both teachers and students. Ayesha Fathima’s commitment to nurturing quality education reflects her passion for shaping the future through knowledge and innovation. By focusing on effective teacher training and modern academic practices, she has positively influenced not only her institution but also the broader educational community. Receiving the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 stands as a testament to her tireless efforts, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing education. Her work continues to inspire educators and institutions across Telangana and beyond, setting a remarkable example of dedication and excellence in the field of education.

Jay Amonkar is an emerging filmmaker from Goa who has made a mark as a director, writer, and composer with a strong passion for storytelling. Known for his creative versatility, he brings together multiple artistic elements—direction, writing, and music—to create films that are engaging, thought-provoking, and emotionally impactful. His work reflects a deep commitment to exploring human experiences through the language of cinema. With a keen interest in visual storytelling, Jay approaches filmmaking as a collaborative and multidimensional art form. By actively participating in different aspects of production, from developing the story to composing the film’s music, he ensures that every element aligns with the narrative’s emotional tone. This dedication allows him to present stories that feel cohesive and immersive to audiences. One of his notable short films, Prarabdha, highlights his ability to tackle serious social issues through powerful storytelling. The film focuses on the dangers of drinking and driving and presents a tragic yet impactful narrative. In the story, a father who works as a bus driver drives under the influence of alcohol and unknowingly runs over his own son, adding a shocking and suspenseful twist that emphasizes the devastating consequences of irresponsible decisions. The film’s strong narrative and emotional depth make it both compelling and socially relevant. Jay Amonkar has also directed the psychological film Manas, which explores themes of fear, trauma, and emotional healing. The story follows a young girl who develops a deep fear of rain because of a painful incident from her past. As the narrative unfolds, she receives support that helps her gradually confront and overcome this fear. Through this film, Jay demonstrates his ability to explore psychological themes while presenting a story of resilience and recovery. Based in Goa, Jay Amonkar continues to pursue filmmaking with creativity and dedication. His work reflects a filmmaker who values meaningful narratives and artistic expression. By combining thoughtful storytelling with visual and musical elements, he aims to create films that resonate with audiences and contribute to the evolving landscape of independent cinema.

In FIH women Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, India were held to a 2-2 draw by Scotland in their second Pool B match in Hyderabad last evening. Indian team was in a strong position, leading 2-1 at half time but Scotland staged a late comeback to level the score in the third quarter and snatch a point. The Hyderabad meet was one of the two qualifying tournaments for the Women’s Hockey World Cup, alongside another event in Santiago, Chile. The teams finishing first, second and third in both Hyderabad and Santiago will earn direct qualification for the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup. This year, the World Cup will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has called for a comprehensive upgrade of the state’s police department to tackle the growing menace of cyber crime and narcotic drugs. He was speaking at the Telangana Police Retreat 2026, held in Hyderabad yesterday. Addressing senior police officials, the Chief Minister said the department faces two key challenges technical challenges, which can be resolved by providing resources and technology, and adaptive challenges, which require deeper understanding and strategic planning. Mr Reddy announced that the government will constitute a high-level committee headed by Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao to examine proposals submitted by police officials on issues including cyber crime, narcotics, and recruitment, and to recommend actionable solutions. The Chief Minister also announced that a Police Retreat will be organised every year in December. The Chief Minister stressed that law and order is critical to attracting investments into the state and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving a three trillion US dollar economy by 2047 under the Telangana Rising 2047 vision. He also highlighted the development of the CURE region, spanning over 2,100 kilometres within the Outer Ring Road, as a key investment corridor. Referring to the rising air pollution in Delhi and the traffic congestion and flood threats in Mumbai and Chennai, Mr Reddy urged Telangana Police to draw lessons from metropolitan cities and plan proactively.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast severe heatwave conditions over Himachal Pradesh today. Heatwave conditions are expected over Gujarat, Konkan, Goa, Vidarbha, and Rajasthan. Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada will experience hot and humid weather throughout the day. Furthermore, the weather agency has predicted heavy rainfall over Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. Thunderstorm and lightning conditions will also prevail over Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala, Mahe, Gangetic West Bengal, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Northeastern states.

In Nepal, counting for 165 seats under the first-past-the-post system is complete, and counting for Proportional representation is underway. Under the first-past-the-post system, the Rastriya Swatantra Party has won in 125 constituencies, Nepali Congress won 18 seats, UML has 10 seats and NCP has won 8 seats. RPP has won 1 seat, Shram Sanskriti Party has won 3 seats and an independent candidate has won 1 seat. The Election Commission had completed the counting of nearly 90 percent of the votes cast under the proportional representation system. So far, 6 political parties have crossed the PR threshold, with the RSP leading by significant margin. Any party must cross the PR threshold which is by securing 3 % of the valid votes. A total of 10,977,711 votes were cast under the PR system and 316,158 votes were required to cross the PR threshold. Now EC has to present the Election report to the President. The president then shall call the new session of House of Representaive within 30 days. After the House of Representatives session convenes, the senior most member of the House, will administer the oath of office and secrecy to all the elected members. According to Article 76(1) of constitution, the president shall appoint the leader of the parliamentary party that commands majority in the House of Representatives as the Prime Minister and the council of Ministers shall be constituted under his or her chairmanship. As RSP is the largest winner in march 5 elections, RSP has to choose its Parliamentary Party leader. During election campaigning, RSP had gained votes promising Prime Ministership to Balendra Shah. If RSP continues to keep its promise, Balendra Shah would become the youngest PM of Nepal.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) today announced that it has eliminated five senior commanders in the IRGC Quds Force’s Lebanon Corps in a precise strike in Beirut. In a social media post, the IDF noted that those eliminated were Commander of the Lebanon Corps Daoud Ali Zadeh, Majid Hassini, Commander of the intelligence sector of the Lebanon Corps – Ali Reza Bi-Azar; and Hasan Ahmadlo, an intelligence operative in the Lebanon Corps, among others. The IDF said that these were eliminated in Operation Roaring Lion. In another post on X, the IDF said that it also eliminated the new Head of the Military Office of the Supreme Leader and the Chief of Staff of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Abu al-Qassem Baba’iyan. Baba’iyan was responsible for coordinating between the Iranian terror regime’s various force employment organisations to execute operations and emergency operations.