NATIONAL 
EXPRESS

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.

Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed once again in response to a US blockade on Iranian shipping and ports. Iran’s joint military command today said that control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state, under strict management and control of the armed forces. It warned that it would continue to block transit through the strait as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect. On the other hand, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has stated that American forces are enforcing a naval blockade of Iranian ports, adding that 23 vessels have complied with their orders to turn around. In a separate development, the British military reported that two gunboats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard fired at a tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel and its crew were safe, though it did not disclose the tanker’s identity or destination.

Dr. Yashpal Toppo of Karnataka has been honored with the prestigious Bharat Kamal Puraskar 2026, presented by the Bharat Seva Society. This distinguished award recognizes his exceptional contributions to the fields of Health and Medicine, with a particular focus on Hospital Management. With a career spanning over three decades in general medicine, Dr. Toppo has earned a reputation as a dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional. His extensive experience has enabled him to develop a deep understanding of patient care, combining clinical expertise with a strong commitment to improving hospital systems and operations. Throughout his professional journey, Dr. Toppo has consistently demonstrated a patient-centered approach, ensuring that individuals receive timely, effective, and empathetic care—even in high-pressure medical situations. His disciplined work ethic and unwavering focus on quality healthcare have significantly contributed to enhancing emergency medical services and overall hospital support systems. Dr. Toppo’s work reflects a strong sense of social responsibility and humanitarian values. His ability to respond efficiently in critical scenarios and prioritize patient safety underscores his dedication to public welfare. This recognition stands as a testament to his exemplary service and lasting impact on the healthcare sector. His achievements continue to inspire fellow professionals to pursue excellence, compassion, and integrity in their practice.

President Droupadi Murmu today said that everybody should learn other languages, but should not forget their own mother tongue. One should always keep one’s own language at the forefront. President Murmu was speaking while addressing the 6th Convocation Ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University in Wardha, Maharashtra, today. Stressing the importance of Indian languages in nation-building, the President said that we must build a strong, self-reliant, and developed India, and this is possible only upon the bedrock of Indian languages. She said that, powered by numerous initiatives, including the ‘National Education Policy, ’ our country is advancing in the right direction. Highlighting the role of Mahatma Gandhi Hindi Anrashtriya Vishwavidyalaya in promoting the Hindi language, President Murmu said, this university should propagate Hindi language literature along with Indian language and international literature also. She urged the students to respect the Indian language and to restablish Indian knowledge system. She also informed that it was the same place Wardha, where Rashtrabhasha Prachar Samiti was established by Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Dand Kaka Kalelkar. Prior to the Convocation ceremony, the President visited Sevagram Ashram in Wardha this morning.

In Uttar Pradesh, 5 people died after being hit by a train in Prayagraj around 8 pm yesterday. Upon receiving information, police and railway teams reached the spot and took possession of the bodies, sending them for post-mortem. According to the police, efforts are being made to identify the deceased. The accident occurred at Pachdeora Halt in the Karchhana area. The accident took place when all the passengers got down to relieve themselves. At that moment, train coming from the other side hit five people, killing all of them.

Russia hammered civilian areas of Ukraine with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles overnight, killing at least 16 people and injuring more than 80 others in its biggest aerial barrage in almost two weeks, officials said today.   In a social Media post, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Russia launched nearly 700 drones and dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles, primarily targeting civilians. Ukraine’s air force said air defenses shot down or disabled 667 out of 703 incoming targets, including 636 Shahed-type drones and other uncrewed aerial vehicles. It said 20 strike drones and 12 missiles hit 26 locations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak in the Lok Sabha at around 3 pm on the Women’s Reservation Bill. The extended Budget Session commenced today with the three-day special sitting. Three key bills, the Constitution (131st) Amendment Bill, the Delimitation Bill, 2026, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, have been taken up for consideration in the Lok Sabha after a division of votes over their introduction. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that reservation for women in legislative bodies is the need of the hour to make Indian democracy more vibrant and participative. He had said that any delay in bringing this reservation would be deeply unfortunate. Mr Modi said that, over the decades, there have been repeated efforts to provide women with their rightful place in democratic institutions by the previous governments. Mr Modi said, Committees were made, and bill drafts were introduced, but they never saw the light of day. The Prime Minister said that women constitute nearly half of India’s population and their contributions to the nation are vast and invaluable.

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Naveen GM from Karnataka has been conferred with the esteemed Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 by the Veyil Foundation. This distinguished honor recognizes his exemplary service and profound impact in the field of education, particularly his unwavering dedication to social upliftment and inclusive learning. Dr. Naveen GM has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to empowering underserved communities through innovative educational initiatives. His work reflects a strong belief in education as a catalyst for social transformation, enabling individuals to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable progress. By integrating academic excellence with values-based learning, he has helped nurture not only knowledgeable students but also responsible and compassionate citizens. His efforts extend far beyond conventional teaching, as he actively engages in community-driven programs aimed at improving access to quality education for all. Through mentorship, awareness campaigns, and grassroots initiatives, Dr. Naveen has created meaningful opportunities for those who need them the most. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar stands as a symbol of excellence and dedication, and Dr. Naveen GM truly embodies its spirit. The Veyil Foundation proudly honors his contributions and applauds his relentless pursuit of educational equity and societal development. We warmly congratulate Dr. Naveen GM on this remarkable achievement and wish him continued success in his inspiring journey of service and impact.

We are delighted to announce that Srijita Sarkar, hailing from the state of West Bengal, has been honored as the recipient of the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026, conferred by the Veyil Foundation. This esteemed accolade recognizes her outstanding contributions to the field of Performing Arts, with a special emphasis on the classical dance traditions of Kathakali and Bharatanatyam. Srijita Sarkar’s dedication, discipline, and exceptional artistry have distinguished her as a remarkable talent in the world of classical dance. Her deep-rooted passion and commitment to preserving these rich cultural traditions have earned her this well-deserved recognition. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar is more than just an award—it is a celebration of artistic excellence and cultural heritage. Srijita’s journey has been shaped by rigorous training and an unwavering devotion to her craft. Holding a diploma in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Rabindra Nritya, she has showcased an extraordinary ability to harmoniously blend traditional techniques with creative expression, captivating audiences and critics alike. Her performances embody the true spirit of Indian classical dance, marked by technical precision, expressive depth, and emotional resonance. Through her art, she continues to uphold and elevate the timeless beauty of these dance forms. As she receives this prestigious honor, Srijita Sarkar stands as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a shining example of India’s vibrant cultural legacy. The Veyil Foundation’s recognition not only celebrates her achievements but also reinforces the importance of preserving and promoting classical arts in today’s evolving cultural landscape. We look forward to her continued journey and the lasting impact she will undoubtedly make on future generations of performers.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Kotra Bala Yogi from the state of Andhra Pradesh has been honored with the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 by the Veyil Foundation. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional contributions to social upliftment through education, underscoring the vital role educators play in transforming lives and communities. With over two decades of extensive experience in teaching, research, and administration across countries such as India, the United States, and Indonesia, Dr. Kotra Bala Yogi has established himself as a distinguished figure in the field of education. His multifaceted role as a teacher, mentor, trainer, and counselor reflects his ability to connect with students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Dr. Bala Yogi is widely admired for his innovative teaching methodologies and effective behavior management strategies, which empower students to unlock their full potential. His approach fosters an engaging and inclusive learning environment where curiosity is encouraged, and academic excellence is nurtured. Beyond his professional achievements, his passion for education is evident in his ability to inspire and motivate learners of all ages and skill levels. By cultivating a supportive and dynamic atmosphere, he not only enhances academic performance but also instills confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning among his students. This recognition is a testament to Dr. Kotra Bala Yogi’s unwavering commitment to education and his impactful contributions toward social upliftment. His work continues to shape futures, making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the green cards of two foreign nationals linked to the family of late Iranian ​general Qasem Soleimani. Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were detained by federal agents after their lawful permanent resident status was terminated. Both are currently in the custody of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to the State Department, Afshar was an outspoken supporter of Iran’s government and promoted its propaganda while residing in the United States. Officials cited her public statements praising Iran’s leadership and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organisation. Rubio stated that the U.S. will not permit foreign nationals who support anti-American regimes to remain in the country. The action is part of a broader effort that recently included revoking the legal status of other individuals linked to senior Iranian officials, who are now barred from future entry into the U.S.