New Delhi, May 27 (IANS) In a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday conferred Padma Awards to 68 individuals who have made exceptional contributions in diverse fields such as art, literature, education, public affairs, medicine, social work, science, sports, and industry. The event, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and other dignitaries, marked the second phase of the Padma Awards ceremony for the year 2025.The Padma Awards, among the highest civilian honours of India, are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. This year, the government had announced a total of 139 Padma awardees on the eve of Republic Day.Among those honoured in this phase were 3 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan, and 56 Padma Shri awardees. The ceremony held special significance with 13 posthumous recognitions, honouring legends who left a lasting legacy in their fields.One of the most emotional moments of the event was the posthumous conferral of the Padma Vibhushan to late Bhojpuri and folk singer Dr Sharda Sinha, whose music resonated deeply with the Indian heartland. Her son, Anshuman Sinha, received the award on behalf of the legendary folk singer renowned for her devotional and Chhath songs.Other recipients of the Padma Vibhushan included former Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar and classical dancer Kumudini Lakhia (posthumous).The Padma Bhushan awardees included social activist Sadhvi Ritambhara, known for her role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, actor-politician Nandamuri Balakrishna, and celebrated journalist and author A. Surya Prakash. Among the posthumous Padma Bhushan recipients were legendary singer Pankaj Udhas, veteran politician Manohar Joshi, economist Bibek Debroy. enowned Malayalam writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and Osamu Suzuki, the Japanese industrialist known for his pivotal role in Suzuki’s partnership with India.The largest share of honours came under the Padma Shri category, with 57 individuals recognised for their grassroots and innovative contributions across the country. Prominent names include playback singer Arijit Singh, cricketer R. Ashwin, author Pratibha Satpathy, former SBI Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya, and violinist Tejendra Narayan Majumdar. The list also included foreign nationals, NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs—ten in total—reflecting India’s acknowledgement of global contributions.Notably, 23 of the awardees are women, showcasing the growing recognition of female excellence in various sectors. The Padma Awards continue to honour unsung heroes—many of them from remote regions—who have made significant contributions without seeking the limelight.This year’s ceremony reaffirms the spirit of “nation first, people first”, with awardees reflecting India’s cultural, scientific, and humanitarian diversity. The government’s efforts to democratise the Padma Awards have made them a true people’s honour, celebrating not just fame, but meaningful service.–IANSbrt/vd

Varanasi, May 27 (IANS) An Uttar Pradesh MP-MLA Special Court in Varanasi rejected a complaint seeking registration of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi for his ‘Lord Ram fictional’ remark made in the US last month, said a lawyer on Tuesday.Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Neeraj Kumar Tripathi junked the complaint, holding that it was not maintainable due to a lack of sanction from the Lok Sabha Speaker to proceed against Gandhi, an MP from Rae Bareli.The petition was filed by Advocate Harishankar Pandey, urging the court to direct registration of an FIR for referring to Lord Ram as a “mythological and fictional character.”Sharing details of the court order, made available on Tuesday, Pandey said the court admitted that the remarks were made but rejected the complaint on the grounds of maintainability.“I plan to file a revision petition after considering the grounds on which I will approach the Lok Sabha Speaker for sanction to proceed against Rahul Gandhi,” he said.He claimed in his complaint that the Congress leader made the remark on April 21 during an interaction at Brown University in Boston, representing a wilful attempt to denigrate religious beliefs and create communal discord.The complainant accused Gandhi of referring to Lord Ram as a “mythological and fictional character,” calling it hate speech that offended the sentiments of followers of Sanatan Dharma.Pandey had also named the All India Congress Committee (AICC) as a respondent, claiming that the powerful decision-making body of the Congress could not escape responsibility for its leader’s remarks.The court had earlier accepted Pandey’s complaint and decided to take it up for hearing on May 19.After the filing of the complaint, notices were sent to Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajai Rai, who is a resident of Varanasi.In his petition, Pandey had alleged that Gandhi’s remarks amounted to committing penal offences related to promoting enmity between different groups on the ground of religion under section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.He also sought action against Gandhi under BNS section 351, which deals with criminal intimidation and section 353, dealing with public mischief.–IANSrch/uk

Bengaluru, May 27 (IANS) Karnataka BJP has slammed the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for skipping the NITI Aayog Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he (Siddaramaiah) betrayed the interests of the state.

State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra said that the Congress government under Siddaramaiah repeatedly make irrational decisions.He questioned Siddaramaiah’s absence from a NITI Aayog meeting, pointing out that even the Chief Ministers from other Congress-ruled states like Himachal Pradesh and Telangana participated.“By skipping the meeting, Siddaramaiah disrespected and betrayed the interests of Karnataka,” he claimed.He demanded clarification from Siddaramaiah on whether he represents the people of Karnataka or merely the Congress party, and condemned the state government’s frequent confrontation with the Centre, calling “unforgivable offence.”Vijayendra also criticised the state government for struggling with financial consolidation. He remarked that Karnataka has an excise policy unlike any other state in the country, pointing out that taxes have been raised by 200 per cent to 250 per cent.He questioned the outcome of such a policy, asking whether the government’s goal to increase revenue was actually aimed at increasing the number of alcohol consumers.Vijayendra condemned the government’s decision to shut down Jan Aushadhi centres in state-run hospitals, allegedly for technical reasons, calling the move foolish.He stated that Prime Minister Modi launched these centres in 2014 to provide affordable medicines to the poor. Former Union Minister late Ananth Kumar had helped implement the programme, and the country’s first generic medicine store was opened in Karnataka.“The centres have saved the poor Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 crore nationwide and created jobs for hundreds of youth,” said Vijayendra.He accused the state government of opposing central schemes and doing injustice to the poor. He asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s background of hailing from a backward caste and his photo at the Janaushadi centres were intolerable to the current government.Vijayendra also criticised the decision to rename Ramanagara district as Bangalore South, questioning whether decisions were being made just to please individual ministers, and called it irrational and careless policymaking.Vijayendra also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 11 years of service as Prime Minister. He praised Modi’s governance both as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and as India’s Prime Minister, highlighting that he has led the country effectively.Vijayendra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bold leadership in the past 11 years has introduced many people-centric schemes, helping India surpass Japan to become the fourth-largest economy.“Initiatives like Digital India, Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Startup India have significantly contributed to India’s growth,” he said.He emphasised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support for Karnataka, mentioning that since 2014, the state has received Rs 2,702 crore for railway development, with over Rs 5,000 crore spent during NDA-2, including electrification.“Karnataka has also been granted 10 Vande Bharat Express trains and assistance in several sectors, including highway development,” he said.Vijayendra also mentioned a tragic incident in Mandya, where a child died after falling while the parents were being stopped by police for a traffic check while rushing for treatment after a dog bite.He blamed the incident on high-pressure targets set for traffic police and demanded accountability.–IANSmka/dan

Bengaluru, May 27 (IANS) The Karnataka government on Tuesday announced that the system of towing…

Patna, May 27 (IANS) Expelled Tej Pratap Yadav will brave the odds and will emerge victorious as a hero, said Akash Yadav, the brother of Anushka Yadav with whom the former RJD leader claimed to be in a long-term relationship.

Akash’s defence of Tej Pratap Yadav came as he spoke to newsmen over the raging controversy and made an appeal to Lalu Yadav’s family to stop name-calling of his sister.“My sister and my family are being maligned. My sister is subjected to malicious attacks from those close to the RJP supremo’s family. It’s our request that no one other than the Lalu family speaks on the issue,” he said.Akash further said that they come from a family of Swatantra Senanis (freedom fighters).“They (Lalu’s family) should immediately stop the humiliation of our family’s reputation. We come from a family of freedom fighters,” he said.Taking objection to honey-trapping charges against his sister, he said his family commands immense respect in society because of the family’s contribution to the nation’s freedom movement, and it’s time that attempts to defame them are stopped.“My sister’s grandfather’s name is Tulsidas, while her maternal grandfather is late Amir Guru. There are memorials built in the village, in the names of our ancestors,” he said.Issuing a veiled threat, he said that he has many recordings on his phone, which will unravel the truth when the time comes, leading to much embarrassment and trouble for those who are targeting their family.Tej Pratap Yadav, Lalu Yadav’s son and former minister in the Bihar government, was shown the door from the RJD for six years on Sunday, while the family also snapped ties with him, following revelations by him that he was in a love affair with a girl named Anushka Yadav.Tej Pratap shared a video with her ’partner’ on his Facebook account; however, upon facing backlash, he deleted it and claimed that it was hacked.–IANSmr/dan

New Delhi, May 27 (IANS) The CBI has registered an FIR and launched a probe…

Shillong, May 27 (IANS) The Meghalaya government has taken ambitious initiatives to bring UNESCO’s focus to the iconic natural living root bridges of the mountainous northeastern state, an official said on Tuesday.

A workshop on the ‘Living Root Bridges Cultural Landscape’ was held on Tuesday at the Heritage Club in Shillong.Addressing the workshop, Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Department, Sampath Kumar, highlighted that the initiative was originally envisioned by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who expressed a strong commitment to bring UNESCO’s focus to the unique living root bridges and assured dedicated funding for the project.Kumar noted that several research efforts are already underway to study the bridges in depth, with the government working closely with local communities to further the initiative.Representing UNESCO, Junhi Han, Chief of the Culture Unit at the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office in New Delhi, expressed gratitude to the Meghalaya government for facilitating the study of these bioengineered structures.She described the living root bridges as extraordinary examples of harmony between nature and humanity.Han commended the state for promoting these naturally formed structures, which are not products of industrial machinery but the result of indigenous knowledge and skills passed down through generations.She stressed the importance of conserving this heritage and educating the youth on its significance.Padma Shri awardee and former UPSC Chairman David R. Syiemlieh shared his appreciation for being part of the discussion titled ‘Guiding the Preparation of World Heritage Nomination Dossier for Living Root Bridges’.Syiemlieh emphasised the vital role the bridges play for local communities, especially in enabling river crossings. He explained that locals use bamboo and betel nut trunks to direct the roots across streams until they grow into functional footbridges.Syiemlieh further stated that while some root bridges have been lost over time, many still stand today, some even over a century old.He underscored their cultural and ecological significance and noted their wide presence across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. The workshop marked a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to preserve and potentially nominate the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya for UNESCO World Heritage recognition.The root bridges of Meghalaya are an enigma, an integral part of the old Khasi lifestyle that dates back to the times when trekking through thick forests and negotiating fast-flowing rivers was a part of the routine.The workshop was organised by the Meghalaya government’s Department of Arts and Culture, in collaboration with UNESCO, INTACH, and the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA).–IANSsc/dan

Bhopal, May 27 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Yadav-led Madhya Pradesh Cabinet, on Tuesday, approved the Finance Powers Manual 2025 (Part-1), empowering administrative departments on financial issues.
The state government has revised Finance Powers Manual after 13 years, which will empower the heads of the departments to take quick decision on projects and use the money allocated to them.The approval of the Finance Powers Manual 2025 (Part-1) is aimed at enhancing ease of doing business in government operations and streamlining administrative procedures.The newly approved financial powers will come into effect from July 1, 2025, State’s Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said, adding that revision of existing Finance Power Manual-2012 has become necessary due to several key factors.The Minister told that a significant rise in the cost of various items over the past 13 years and emergence of new categories of expenditures related to office operations were among the key reasons which made the government to come with the new financial power.”The Finance Department has been authorised to correct clerical errors and make future amendments as necessary. Permission was also granted to publish the Hindi version of the manual,” Minister Vijayvargiya said.He added that new provisions include empowering administrative departments to designate budget controlling officers, authorising departments to engage consultancy firms and agencies for project work.It will also empower departments to engage interns, approve honorariums under Fundamental Rule 46, permitting departments to write off excess pension or grant payments.With new financial power system, departments can now independently approve demolition of departmental buildings, and departments may now sanction 80 per cent of medical advance without seeking approval or consultation from the Health and Medical Department.–IANSpd/khz

Kolkata, May 27 (IANS) Trinamool Congress, on Tuesday, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding…

New Delhi, May 27 (IANS) Amid growing concerns over mass deportations by the US and its fresh warning to Indian and other foreign students that skipping classes or dropping out of their courses may lead to the risk of losing their visa status, a foreign policy expert has expressed concern over the prevailing sentiment there.

Robinder Sachdev said that while the warning is technically valid, the broader environment in the US has become increasingly hostile to immigrants.”On one level, what America is saying is correct. Students on visas are expected to attend classes regularly, maintain good academic standing, and continue their studies. If they don’t, they are violating the terms of their visa. So, America’s warning is understandable from that perspective,” Sachdev told IANS.However, he emphasised a deeper concern.”The atmosphere in the US has turned anti-immigrant. There’s a growing sentiment that no immigrant – whether a student or an H1B tech worker – should be allowed in. During the Trump administration, there has been particular scrutiny of students, especially those involved in political activities or demonstrations. Even minor infractions, like a traffic violation, are being used as grounds for visa cancellation,” he said.He added that universities have been directed to report any charges or concerns involving international students. “Any student with even a minor charge against them is being flagged. The administration is aggressively cancelling visas under such circumstances. This makes the current environment very troubling for international students in the US,” Sachdev said.This warning follows a series of mass deportation drives carried out by the US government earlier this year, many of which targeted students and other immigrants.In response, several colleges across the US have issued advisories urging international students not to travel outside the country to avoid the risk of visa complications or cancellation.The growing apprehension among foreign students reflects a broader shift in US immigration policy, where even legitimate visa holders are now facing increased scrutiny and uncertainty about their future in the country.–IANSjk/vd