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EXPRESS

We are delighted to announce that One Stop Immigration Solution Pvt Ltd, based in Gujarat, has been honored with the prestigious Netaji Smriti Puraskar 2026 by the Indian NGO Awards Council. This esteemed recognition celebrates the company’s outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of Global Mobility and Immigration. The award acknowledges the significant impact One Stop Immigration Solution Pvt Ltd has made in simplifying and streamlining immigration processes, enabling individuals and businesses to navigate global mobility with confidence and ease. Their innovative approach and client-centric services have set a benchmark in the industry. The Netaji Smriti Puraskar is conferred upon organizations that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, and dedication in their respective domains. One Stop Immigration Solution Pvt Ltd has consistently exemplified these qualities by offering comprehensive immigration solutions and guiding clients through complex legal frameworks with professionalism and expertise. This accolade marks an important milestone in the company’s journey, reinforcing its position as a trusted leader in the immigration sector. Recognition from the Indian NGO Awards Council not only honors their achievements but also motivates the team to continue delivering excellence and fostering global connections. As they move forward, One Stop Immigration Solution Pvt Ltd remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service quality—empowering individuals and organizations in their global mobility aspirations.

We are proud to announce that Dr. Yashpal Toppo from Karnataka has been honored with the prestigious Bharat Kamal Puraskar 2026, conferred by the Bharat Seva Society. This esteemed recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions to the fields of Health and Medicine, with a special emphasis on Hospital Management. Dr. Yashpal Toppo’s selection for this distinguished award reflects his significant impact on the healthcare sector and his unwavering dedication to enhancing patient care and hospital operations. With over three decades of experience in general medicine, he has earned a reputation as a committed and compassionate healthcare professional. His extensive medical practice has not only enriched his clinical expertise but has also enabled him to develop a profound understanding of patient needs. Known for his disciplined work ethic and empathetic approach, Dr. Toppo has consistently prioritized the well-being of his patients, ensuring they receive timely and quality care, particularly in critical and high-pressure situations. Throughout his career, he has played a crucial role in strengthening healthcare support systems and emergency medical services. His ability to respond effectively in demanding environments highlights his strong humanitarian values and deep sense of responsibility toward society. This honor stands as a testament to Dr. Yashpal Toppo’s exemplary service and dedication. His journey continues to inspire fellow healthcare professionals to pursue excellence with compassion and commitment.

We are proud to announce that Preetha T, hailing from the state of Kerala, has been honored with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026, presented by the Veyil Foundation. This distinguished recognition celebrates her exceptional contributions to social upliftment through education—an area where she has made a lasting and meaningful impact. With an illustrious career spanning over 22 years, Preetha T has established herself as a dedicated educator and an accomplished writer. Her unwavering commitment to expanding educational opportunities for underprivileged communities reflects her deep belief in the transformative power of education. Through her work, she has set a remarkable standard of excellence in social development. A bilingual expert in English and Malayalam, Preetha has reached a wide and diverse audience through her academic writing. She is also a recognized translator associated with the Kendra Sahitya Academy, and her scholarly research has been published in both national and international journals, underscoring her intellectual contributions to the field. Over the years, she has received multiple literary accolades, further cementing her position as a respected figure in educational literature. Currently serving at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Haripad, Alappuzha, Kerala, Preetha continues to inspire young minds with her passion, dedication, and vision. Her work stands as a powerful testament to the role of education in shaping lives and communities. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 is a well-deserved recognition of her tireless efforts and invaluable contributions. Her journey serves as an inspiration to educators, writers, and change-makers across the country.

President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings to the creator of the Ol Chiki script for the Santali language, Pandit Raghunath Murmu on his birth anniversary today. In a social media post, President Murmu said, the farsightedness and creativity of Pandit Murmu gave a new identity to the Santali language. She noted that the Ol Chiki script promoted education, literature, and expression in Santali and gave momentum to the overall development of the Santhal community. The President also urged people to draw inspiration from his ideals and resolve to remain committed to the preservation and promotion of the nation’s cultural heritage, while contributing to building a developed and inclusive India.

On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Sacred Holy Relics Exposition of Tathagata Buddha at Jivatsal in Leh today. Extending wishes to the people of Ladakh on Buddha Purnima, Mr Shah highlighted that after 75 years, these sacred relics have come to Ladakh. The Home Minister said, ‘Lord Buddha’s wisdom is relevant even 2500 years after him.’ He said that this is not just a religious event but a historic reunion. Mr Shah expressed confidence that not only the followers of Lord Buddha from Ladakh and Kargil but also the followers of other faiths will receive energy from the sacred relics of Lord Buddha. The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, Ladakh MP Mohamd Haneefa and Rinpoches from different Monasteries were present at the event. This is the first time that these sacred relics have been taken out of their permanent location for an exhibition within the country. The sacred exposition of the Holy Relics of Tathagata Buddha is being organised in Ladakh from today till 14th May.

We are proud to announce that Dr. Akshay Gupta from Katni, Madhya Pradesh, has been honored with the prestigious Asia Talent Award 2026 and Indo Spanish International Award 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to dentistry, innovation, and ethical entrepreneurship. These distinguished honors celebrate his remarkable journey of blending healthcare excellence with visionary leadership to create meaningful impact in society. A highly respected dentist with over 15 years of professional experience, Dr. Gupta has dedicated his career to advancing oral healthcare while upholding the highest standards of ethics and patient care. His commitment to service and innovation has earned him admiration as a professional who consistently strives to improve lives through modern healthcare solutions. Dr. Gupta is also the founder of IntelliDent, a Made-in-India AI-driven dental application designed to transform oral healthcare through greater accessibility, awareness, and early intervention. Inspired by the vision of a self-reliant and progressive New India, IntelliDent reflects his passion for leveraging technology to address real-world challenges and deliver scalable healthcare solutions. In addition to his clinical and entrepreneurial achievements, Dr. Gupta is the author of The Honest Code, a thought-provoking book based on his own journey of building an application from the ground up. Through this work, he highlights the importance of integrity, discipline, resilience, and long-term thinking over the pursuit of short-term success. Deeply connected to his roots in Katni, Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Akshay Gupta continues to inspire aspiring professionals, entrepreneurs, and young leaders to follow purposeful and principled paths. His recognition with these international awards stands as a testament to his dedication, innovation, and commitment to creating a better future.

We are pleased to announce that Veena Madhuri (Janaki), hailing from the vibrant state of Telangana, has been honored with the esteemed Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 by the Veyil Foundation. This distinguished recognition celebrates her exceptional contributions to social upliftment and her unwavering dedication to creating meaningful change within society. Through her compassionate service and tireless efforts, Veena has become a shining example of humanity, leadership, and community spirit. As a committed volunteer and changemaker, Veena Madhuri has made a remarkable impact in the fields of education, welfare, and inclusivity. Her selfless initiatives include rescuing dogs in distress, teaching spoken English to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, and preparing students in slums and government schools for the NMMS scholarship examination. Her passion for empowering young minds has opened doors of opportunity for many aspiring students. Her service also extends to environmental conservation, where she has actively participated in tree plantation drives and litter-cleaning campaigns in the Nallamala forest. This dedication reflects her deep sense of responsibility toward preserving nature while uplifting communities. Veena’s holistic vision of service embraces both people and the environment, making her efforts truly commendable. In collaboration with various NGOs, Veena has also worked to empower homemakers by offering training in soft skills, stitching, and tailoring, helping many women move toward financial independence and self-confidence. Additionally, her noble service to orphanages and her support for visually impaired students—through recording academic books in partnership with LVPEI—highlight her strong commitment to accessibility, equality, and care for marginalized communities. Veena Madhuri (Janaki)’s inspiring journey of service, compassion, and dedication truly embodies the values of the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026. Her achievements continue to motivate others to contribute positively to society and build a more inclusive and compassionate world.

We are proud to announce that Dr. Krishna Kumar T.P. from Keralam has been honored with the Bharat Kamal Puraskar 2026, conferred by the Bharat Seva Society. This prestigious recognition celebrates his exceptional contributions to social upliftment through education and entrepreneurship. Dr. Krishna Kumar T.P.’s inspiring journey reflects unwavering dedication and meaningful impact across multiple domains. A distinguished academician, seasoned officer, and pioneer in healthcare, he began his professional career with 17 years of exemplary service in the Indian Air Force, where he cultivated strong leadership, discipline, and strategic thinking. Transitioning into academia, he emerged as a respected academic administrator and prolific researcher, blending military precision with innovative educational leadership to drive transformation in the field. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Krishna Kumar T.P. remains deeply committed to social reform and community welfare. Through his initiatives, including the operation of a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra and a dental clinic, he has been instrumental in making essential healthcare services accessible to underserved communities. His unique integration of academic excellence, ethical values, and public service continues to position him as a visionary leader and an enduring source of inspiration.

We are proud to announce that Viswanath Sashank Jajala of Maharashtra has been honored with the distinguished Indian Literature Award 2026, presented by the Indian Literature & Arts Society. This prestigious recognition celebrates his exceptional contribution to literature, particularly in advancing contemporary thought through authorship. He receives this honor for his remarkable book, "Leadership After Success: Leadership When Stability Becomes the Risk," a powerful work that redefines leadership in the face of rapid technological evolution and disruption. The book offers a compelling narrative on how sustained success can often lead to complacency, and why leaders must continuously challenge the status quo. A highly respected technology leader and strategist, Jajala brings deep expertise in artificial intelligence and organizational transformation. His experience in establishing Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and leading large-scale innovation initiatives enriches the practical relevance of his work. Through his writing, he bridges the gap between theory and real-world application. In "Leadership After Success," he advocates for a mindset shift—from preserving past achievements to building systems that thrive on change, adaptability, and innovation. His insights encourage leaders to embrace uncertainty, foster a culture of reinvention, and proactively shape the future rather than react to it. This recognition highlights Viswanath Sashank Jajala’s significant contribution to both literature and leadership thinking. His work stands as an inspiration for organizations and individuals striving to succeed in an ever-changing global landscape.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 8.30 tonight. The address comes a day after the Constitution Amendment Bill linked to the Women’s Reservation failed to get a two-thirds majority for its passage in the Lok Sabha after Opposition parties did not back it. The proposed legislation, tied to the implementation of women’s reservation through delimitation, fell short after a long debate.

The United States has extended by a month a waiver from sanctions to allow countries to buy petroleum products from Russia, days after it ruled out renewal of the special measure. According to an order issued by the US Department of the Treasury yesterday, the waiver now permits transactions involving Russian oil shipments that were already at sea on or before April 17 through May 16. Earlier, the US had granted an exemption from sanctions to India for buying Russian oil for a month beginning March 5. A few days later, a similar waiver was extended to several other countries, which ended on April 11. The Treasury clarified that the general licence does not authorise transactions involving individuals, entities, or joint ventures located in Iran, North Korea, Cuba, or certain regions of Ukraine. Earlier this week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would not be renewing the waiver for Russian oil and another for Iranian oil. The previous exemption had enabled approximately 140 million barrels of Russian oil already loaded onto vessels to reach global markets, at a time when oil prices were rising amid tensions linked to the ongoing US conflict with Iran.

In Andhra Pradesh, NDA alliance parties organised a protest rally in Nidadavolu today, condemning the obstruction of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament. Addressing the media after the rally, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described the development as a betrayal of the nation and termed it a black day in the history of Indian democracy. He accused opposition parties, particularly those led by Congress, of denying justice to women by blocking the bill. Mr. Naidu said there was widespread expectation that the long-pending demand for 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies would finally be fulfilled. He said people hoped to see greater representation of women in legislative bodies, but those hopes were shattered. He further stated that the Centre had assured that no injustice would be done to southern and smaller states and that the number of seats would increase by 50 per cent, including in Andhra Pradesh. However, he alleged that opposition parties deliberately prevented the bill from securing the required two-thirds majority for political reasons. The Chief Minister said the protest in Nidadavolu was only the beginning. He said large-scale awareness programmes would be conducted to take the issue to every household and mobilise public opinion.