India’s civilizational heritage is preserved through ancient manuscripts, archaeological artifacts, philosophical texts, and cultural traditions. It is one of the world’s richest sources of knowledge. A new vision document titled “Gyan Bharatam: Vision and Mission – Sapta Padi: Seven Steps to Reclaim and Reweaving the Tapestry of Bharat” aims to renew attention on this legacy.

It proposes a structured, evidence-based framework for preserving and studying India’s historical knowledge systems.

The document is authored by Acharya Balkrishna, with backing from the Patanjali Research Foundation and the University of Patanjali in Haridwar. It outlines an ambitious plan that combines traditional wisdom with modern scientific methods to ensure India’s heritage is preserved, studied, and accessible for future generations.

Bridging Heritage and Evidence

The core idea is that India’s past should be explored not only with respect but also through careful academic inquiry. The document stresses that artifacts, manuscripts, and historical traditions must undergo evidence-based research; this way, India’s cultural narrative can be presented globally with credibility and intellectual depth.

The initiative aligns with the cultural outlook endorsed by Narendra Modi, which focuses on reclaiming and celebrating India’s civilizational identity while strengthening institutions dedicated to heritage preservation.

The document also reflects the priorities of the Ministry of Culture, led by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, with administrative support from Vivek Aggarwal. They advocate for expanding research, conservation, and digital documentation of India’s cultural assets.

The ‘Sapta Padi’ Framework

The heart of the vision document is the “Sapta Padi” or Seven Steps framework. This framework suggests a broad ecosystem for heritage conservation and knowledge sharing.

One key idea is the establishment of an Evidence-Based History Museum. Here, artifacts would not just be displayed but interpreted through historical data, archaeology, and scientific validation. Such a museum would help turn static artifacts into engaging stories about India’s past.

Another important component is the proposed National Centre for Evidence-Based History Research. This center aims to connect traditional narratives with empirical research. By blending historical scholarship with modern scientific tools, it would create a clearer and more credible understanding of India’s civilizational journey.

Preserving Ancient Manuscripts

A significant focus of the document is protecting and conserving India’s ancient manuscripts. Many of these texts, which include insights on philosophy, science, medicine, mathematics, and spirituality, are housed in institutions and private collections, often at risk of decay.

The vision suggests systematic conservation efforts along with digitization initiatives to ensure these manuscripts stay accessible to scholars and the public. Creating digital archives and public portals would help share the knowledge contained in these texts with students, researchers, and citizens worldwide.

Making Knowledge Accessible

Another crucial proposal is the development of an Integrated Manuscript Information System. This digital platform would catalog and provide open access to India’s manuscript heritage. By using technology, the initiative seeks to make knowledge available to everyone and ensure that historical wisdom is not confined to archives.

The document argues that heritage preservation should not be just about nostalgia but an active process that allows ancient insights to shape contemporary research and innovation.

A Cultural and Intellectual Mission

More than just a policy proposal, Gyan Bharatam presents heritage conservation as a national mission. It suggests that protecting India’s cultural treasures is about empowering future generations with a deeper connection to their civilizational roots.

As India expands its cultural and intellectual influence globally, initiatives like this vision document show a growing focus on reconnecting with the country’s historical knowledge systems. The goal is to ensure they are studied, preserved, and shared with academic rigor.

In this way, the document aims to position India’s heritage not merely as remnants of the past but as a vibrant source of inspiration and scholarship for the modern world

Day 2 of the New Delhi 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix witnessed a series of impressive performances, with Indian athletes dominating several track and field events and registering multiple podium sweeps.

The highlight of the day was Sumit Antil, who led an all-Indian podium in the men’s javelin throw F43/F44/F64. The Paralympic champion clinched gold with a powerful throw of 69.25 metres, while Pushpendra Singh secured silver with 56.91m and Poonam Ram claimed bronze with 49.48m.

Speaking after his victory, Antil said, “This time we have multiple tournaments lined up. I will try to perform well in the upcoming competitions. It is an off-season loading phase for me. I was not expecting such a throw; I expected around 67–68m, but the throw was good today at 69.25m. So I am happy, and my team is happy as well.”

He added that he is continuing with the same technique, as his training remains on the right track and that he is targeting a 75m throw ahead of the Asian Games.

India also dominated the Men’s 400m T13, where Subodh Bhatt won gold in 51.88 seconds, followed by Priyanshu Kaushik with silver in 53.19 seconds, while Avnil Kumar claimed bronze with 56.91 seconds.

In the Men’s 400m T46/T47, Bhavikkumar Din Bharwad secured gold with a time of 49.89 seconds, while fellow Indian Jasbeer finished second with 50.09 seconds. Ivan Cvetkovic of Serbia took bronze with 50.93 seconds.

India also swept the podium in the Men’s Wheelchair 400m T53/T54, with Manojkumar Sabapathi winning gold in 54.33 seconds, Anil Kumar taking silver in 57.57 seconds, and Manikandan Jothi securing bronze with 1:01.94.

The women’s events also saw strong performances. In the Women’s 400m T11/T12, Tejalben Amraji Damor won gold with a time of 57.53 seconds, while Lalitha Killaka claimed silver in 1:07.92 and Shalini Chaudhary secured bronze in 1:16.79, completing another Indian podium sweep.

In field events, Lakshmi won gold in the Women’s Shot Put F36/F37/F40 with a throw of 7.76 metres. Akutai Sitaram Ulbhagat took silver with 5.49m, while Chimi Dema of Bhutan secured bronze with 5.27m.

India also dominated the Men’s Long Jump T42/T63, where Shaliesh Kumar clinched gold with a jump of 5.47 metres, followed by Ramsingbhai Govindbhai Padhiyar with silver (4.68m) and Solairaj Jagannathan with bronze (3.23m).

Another podium sweep came in the Men’s Shot Put F46, where Rohit Kumar won gold with a throw of 14.35 metres, while Devendra Singh Gurjar took silver (13.97m) and Lokesh Akula claimed bronze (10.92m).

India continued its strong showing in throwing events with Sahil Salim Sayyad winning gold in the Men’s Discus Throw F51/F55 with 36.83 metres, followed by Sukhchain with silver (30.49m) and Sudhir with bronze (28.78m).

In the Men’s Javelin Throw F12/F13, Manjeet secured gold with a throw of 57.86 metres, while Pratik Amrutrao Patil claimed silver (50.43m) and Irfan Diwan took bronze (45.39m), completing another Indian podium sweep.

India also dominated the Men’s Javelin Throw F40/F41, with Sunil Kumar winning gold with 32.58 metres, followed by Prince Kumar with silver (31.23m) and Kathir Dhanasekaran with bronze (18.73m).

Among other results, Mohit Pal won gold in the Men’s 400m T12 with a time of 54.39 seconds, while Lucky Yadav secured silver in 1:04.27.

International athletes also impressed during the competition. In the Men’s 400m T20, Russia claimed all three medals, led by Sergei Makarov, who won gold in 49.20 seconds. Meanwhile, Natalia Sainchina also secured gold for Russia in the Women’s 400m T20 with a time of 1:00.52.

With several podium sweeps and standout performances, Indian para-athletes continued to demonstrate their growing strength on the international stage at the New Delhi World Para Athletics Grand Prix.

Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP and chief Sena spokesperson said here on Thursday that saying ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Namo Namo’ is enough to ensure that cooking gas cylinders reach households.

Replying to a question posed by media persons about the disruption of cooking gas supplies due to the ongoing Iran war, Sanjay Raut said, “Just say ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and you will get a cylinder at your doorstep. If you chant ‘Namo Namo’, petrol and diesel will also reach your doorsteps. Blind devotion has reached its peak in our country. There is a gas shortage crisis in the country. But what crisis is there before the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi? They are only focused on winning elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam.”

“Where is the country’s Prime Minister at present? He is busy campaigning for the Kerala assembly elections. He is campaigning for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections. A serious issue has arisen before the people of the country. There is a crisis of gas, petrol, diesel and edible oil. But there has been no action from the Prime Minister yet. Not even a simple statement has been made. But he is spending a lot of government funds only to win the elections. It is the misfortune of the country that it has such an insensitive Prime Minister,” Sanjay Raut said.

“This country has no foreign policy. Narendra Modi has no respect or prestige in the world. Once upon a time, this country was very important in world politics. People used to ask what India’s policy is. But now nobody is interested in India. One day before the war, Modi visited Israel. After that, the Supreme Leader of Iran was assassinated, but the Prime Minister did not even express his condolences. This means he is under someone’s pressure. Somebody is blackmailing him,” Sanjay Raut said.

“There was a rumour that a bomb was planted in the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan while the session was in progress. What Devendra Fadnavis actually does as the Home Minister must be a subject of research. As the opposition, we can only protest against the kind of dictatorship going on in the country and the state. Even if there is a rumour that a bomb was planted, this is still a challenge to the state’s Home Minister. Hotel Taj, located next to the Vidhan Bhavan, was attacked on 26/11. Trident was attacked. Now that there is a rumour of a bomb, it means that Mumbai is not safe,” Sanjay Raut said.

The Kerala unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Thursday filed a complaint with the state police chief and the Poovar Police Station Station House Officer (SHO), seeking action against those who officiated and participated in the marriage of Monalisa Bhosle, who gained widespread attention during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj.

VHP Kerala State General Secretary Anil Vilayil submitted the complaint to the Kerala Police Director General of Police (DGP) and the Poovar SHO, requesting an investigation under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

In the complaint, the VHP alleged that the interfaith marriage between Monalisa Bhosle and Mohammed Farman Khan is illegal because the bride is allegedly a minor. The organisation demanded action against the couple, temple authorities and alleged political patrons, claiming the bride is under 18 years of age.

According to the complaint, the wedding took place on March 11, 2026, at the Sree Narayana Guru Temple in Arumannoor. The VHP cited social media footage of Monalisa’s 16th birthday celebration on January 21, 2025, as evidence to support its claim.

The complaint also mentioned the presence or support of several political leaders, including Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty, Communist Party of India (Marxist) Rajya Sabha MP A. A. Rahim, and party state secretary M. V. Govindan, who attended the wedding.

However, the bride and groom have denied the allegations, stating that Monalisa is 18 years old. They produced a birth certificate issued in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, indicating that she was born on January 1, 2008.

Monalisa, originally from Indore, became widely known after a video showing her selling rudraksha beads at the 2025 Kumbh Mela went viral online. She later travelled to Kerala for the shooting of a film in Poovar, where she and Farman Khan, who played the lead role, developed a close relationship.

According to reports, Monalisa’s family strongly opposed the relationship and wanted her to marry a relative in their native place. After deciding to marry, the couple approached the Thampanoor Police Station on Wednesday morning seeking protection.

Police officials informed the family that Monalisa was 18 years old and legally free to live with a partner of her choice. Following this, the couple proceeded with the wedding.

Farman Khan, originally from Uttar Pradesh, has been living in Aluva for about a year, working as an actor and assistant in Tamil and Malayalam short film projects.

Ahead of the unveiling of the first phase schedule of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have revealed their match jersey for the upcoming campaign. The franchise has retained its signature red and blue colours while introducing a refreshed design for the new season.

India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer will lead the side, with legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting serving as head coach. PBKS finished as runners-up in IPL 2025, losing the final to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

♦️
Our Sarpanch is ready. Punjab is ready.

Presenting our new kit for #TATAIPL 2026. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GCG88A6AiV

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 12, 2026

Explaining the design concept, the franchise stated that a lion motif sits at the centre of the jersey and gradually transitions into diamond-shaped patterns across the fabric.

“The lion represents instinct, aggression and raw talent, while the diamonds symbolise what that talent becomes when shaped through preparation, high-performance systems and the pressures of top-level competition,” the franchise said in a statement.

Our threads for #IPL2026! #SherSquad, saddi navi jersey ghaint aa? #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/JESDKdsntG

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 12, 2026

Apart from PBKS, teams such as Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have also unveiled their jerseys for the IPL 2026 season.

Punjab Kings will debut the new jersey on the field when they begin their campaign at home against the IPL 2022 champions Gujarat Titans at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on March 31.

They will then face Chennai Super Kings at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium on April 3 before travelling to Kolkata to take on three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on April 6. PBKS will then return home to face Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The franchise began its IPL 2026 preparations with a five-day pre-season camp in Udaipur from January 16–20, followed by another training camp from February 8–14 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. PBKS are currently holding another pre-season camp in Dharamsala, which will also serve as their second home venue for the IPL 2026 season.

In a major setback for the ruling CPM in Kerala, veteran party leader and former minister G Sudhakaran on Thursday announced that he would contest the upcoming Assembly elections as an independent from the Ambalappuzha constituency.

Announcing his decision at a press conference at his residence in Punnapra on Thursday, Sudhakaran said his candidature would be a protest against “the hostile attitude of the district leadership of the CPM.”

“I will contest as an Independent candidate in Ambalappuzha. At the same time, I have not abandoned the Communist ideology and politics. For the CPM, politics is the only weapon. I do not have the support of any party so far. I will not join any other party or seek the support of other parties. I will remain a Communist. I am not going to surrender. If anyone attacks me personally, I will hit back. The party will perish if the party attacks me personally,” he said.

“My contest will be against the criminalisation of politics. It will be a major issue that I will raise during campaigning,” he added.

Referring to recent reports about him, Sudhakaran said several statements attributed to him in the media were incorrect. He also dismissed speculation that he would contest with the backing of the UDF, calling such claims “propaganda”.

He further said that although some leaders had visited him, no senior party leaders had approached him for reconciliation.

Sudhakaran recalled that he joined the CPM 68 years ago while still in school and became active in party politics during his time at SN College in 1967. “I did not join the party after being forced by anyone,” he said.

A prominent CPM member since 1967 and founding SFI state president, Sudhakaran served as a minister under both V.S. Achuthanandan (2006–2011) and Pinarayi Vijayan (2016–2021). Renowned for his integrity and direct, honest, and outspoken demeanour, he has the image of an upright, honest, and outspoken leader.

After over four decades on the CPM state committee, G. Sudhakaran was demoted to a local branch role in Alappuzha in 2022. This followed his exclusion from the 2021 Assembly candidate list, as the party enforced a two-term limit for sitting legislators.

Opposition leader VD Satheesan said that the Congress will consider supporting G Sudhakaran, who has announced that he will leave the CPM and contest as an independent candidate in Ambalappuzha. The UDF constituent parties will discuss the matter. After that, an appropriate decision will be taken, VD Satheesan told the media in Kochi.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said that his personal opinion is that the presence of persons like G is necessary in the Assembly. Sudhakaran’s presence in the Assembly is very good for parliamentary democracy and protecting high democratic values. However, Ramesh Chennithala added that the party and the front will discuss and decide the matter whether to support Sudhakaran or not.

In a significant visit to Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann offered prayers at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Thursday afternoon.

Accompanied by their families, the leaders performed ‘Sewa’ and paid obeisance to express gratitude following a recent Delhi court verdict that dismissed allegations against the party’s top leadership in the high-profile liquor policy case. This marks Kejriwal’s first visit to the state since being cleared of the charges.

Addressing the media, Arvind Kejriwal stated that their visit was a pilgrimage of gratitude. He remarked that the recent court decision served as a major vindication for the party after its senior leaders, including a sitting Chief Minister, were subjected to imprisonment based on what he described as baseless accusations.

Kejriwal emphasized that the court found insufficient evidence to even proceed with a trial, let alone a conviction.

He attributed this legal victory to the blessings of the Almighty, stating that reclaiming their honor would not have been possible without divine intervention and the unwavering support of the public.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the court’s decision was rooted in truth. He clarified that the case did not even reach the trial stage because the judiciary found no merit in the allegations. Mann noted that the visit also coincided with his government nearing the completion of four years in office.

He expressed that the administration sought strength to continue its path of service, particularly following a budget recently presented with a focus on Punjab’s progress and public welfare.

The AAP leaders reiterated their commitment to public service, citing their government’s initiatives in healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment as the source of the public’s blessings. Kejriwal remarked that as ordinary individuals, it was only the combined strength of the people and spiritual guidance that allowed them to withstand immense political pressure.

As they walked through the complex, the leaders noted that the spiritual environment and ‘Gurbani’ provided them with renewed inspiration to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to them by the citizens of Delhi and Punjab.

The anti-corruption vigilance wing of the Odisha Police on Thursday arrested an Odisha Administrative Officer (OAS) under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly amassing enormous wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Prasanna Samantaray, Tahsildar of Kantapara in Cuttack district, was arrested by Odisha Vigilance and produced before the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, in Cuttack for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The disproportionate assets are estimated at around 80 per cent of his known income, which he failed to account for satisfactorily.

During house searches, movable and immovable assets worth crores of rupees were unearthed in the name of Samantaray and his family members.

The assets detected include, among other things, a triple-storeyed building with an area of approximately 4,200 sq ft in Bhubaneswar; another triple-storeyed building with an area of around 6,750 sq ft, seven high-value plots in Bhubaneswar; cash worth Rs 2.17 lakh; and household articles valued at around Rs 11 lakh.

After a thorough search, inventory and further enquiry, the income, expenditure and assets of Samantaray were calculated, and he was found to be in possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, amounting to about 80 per cent in excess of his known income.

Over 500 Earthquake Early Warning Systems (EEWS) sensors will soon be installed across Uttarakhand under the National Earthquake Risk Mitigation Programme (NERMP) to detect ground motion, given the Himalayan state’s high seismic susceptibility.

The Pushkar Singh Dhami government shared the information during the ongoing budget session of the state assembly at Bhararisain on Thursday. Replying to a question raised by Congress MLA Qazi Nizamuddin, state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Subodh Uniyal said that 500 EEWS sensors will be installed in selected locations across the state. Of these, 169 have already been installed, while the remaining sensors will be set up in the coming months.

In his reply, the minister said that the sensors will mainly be installed in selected fault-thrust regions such as the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT), Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and Main Central Thrust (MCT).

The HFT region in the Uttarakhand Himalayas lies between the Shivalik Foothills and the Indo-Gangetic plains. The MBT is a major active geological fault line that separates the outer Himalayas or Siwalik range from the lesser Himalayas. The MCT region is a highly unstable geological fault zone separating the lesser and greater Himalayas. It mainly covers areas such as Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Joshimath and Munsyari.

Apart from these regions, the minister, replying on behalf of the Chief Minister, who heads the state disaster management department, said that EEWS sensors will also be installed in seismically sensitive areas along the Indo-Nepal border towards Uttarakhand and along the Uttarakhand-Himachal border. He added that the exact sites for installing these sensors will be decided on the basis of geological surveys of the regions.

Uttarakhand is considered a highly seismically vulnerable state as it witnesses tectonic activities throughout the year, most of which are of very low intensity on the Richter scale.

With the outbreak of war between Iran and the United States–Israel alliance and disruption of the supply chain, Odisha is bearing the brunt of the shortage of petrol and diesel in general and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), prompting the government to convene a high-level meeting with major oil and fuel marketing companies to tide over the prevailing situation.

A high-level meeting was held today under the chairmanship of the Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra. The meeting focused on reviewing the availability and supply chain of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Petrol, and Diesel across the state, officials said.

Besides the minister, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Department, K. Sudarshan Chakraborty, Managing Director of the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation, and senior officials of the department, alongside representatives from major oil and fuel marketing companies, including IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, Reliance, and GAIL, deliberated over the issue.

Minister Patra later assured the public that there is a sufficient stock of cooking gas and fuel available in the state. He advised citizens not to succumb to panic or anxiety regarding the supply.

The minister also reviewed LPG distribution to distributors and retail outlets and directed officials to remain vigilant to ensure consumers do not face any hardship.

To ensure seamless monitoring, District Collectors have been instructed to submit daily reports on the supply situation in their respective regions, he said.

Amid global concerns, the minister urged the people of Odisha to remain alert but calm despite the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

He issued a stern warning against black marketing and hoarding, noting that departmental officers have been deployed to conduct raids. He further instructed that strict legal action be taken immediately upon receiving any reports of such illegal activities.

Principal Secretary Singh added that the department is maintaining comprehensive data on the daily requirement and availability of fuel. In this regard, the Collectors of each district will provide daily reports.

Marketing officers have been specifically tasked with monitoring sensitive government institutions, such as SCB Medical College in Cuttack, as well as various educational centres. He reaffirmed that the state government is taking all necessary steps to ensure that domestic consumers face no disruptions in their daily lives.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma exhorted industrialists’ corporate groups to prepare and inspire youths to set their eyes on becoming job creators and not the job seekers.

“India needs more job creators rather than job seekers, and there is immense potential in Rajasthan to nurture such an ecosystem”, Sharma
said while addressing the session on the annual day of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Rajasthan chapter here Thursday.

The Chief Minister said that the environment in the state is conducive for economic growth — the law and order situation in the state has
significantly improved, with a noticeable reduction in crime. Connectivity has also strengthened, with better air and rail networks, contributing to stronger economic growth,he asserted.

“Under the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi, India’s economy has risen rapidly — from being among the world’s top ten economies a decade ago to now becoming the fourth-largest economy globally, and it is poised to soon become the third-largest'” he said, stressing the need to improve infrastructure and opportunities in rural areas so that people can continue to live and work there.

At present, urban populations are expanding rapidly while rural populations are declining, making balanced development across regions essential.

During the Special Address, Chairperson, CII Northern Region and Executive Chairperson, Anand Group, Anjali Singh said CII’s 13 Centres
of Excellence are helping translate vision into action. These centres focus on areas such as competitiveness, agriculture, sustainability,
skills, water management and MSME development.

She said that CII is closely working with the Government to expand opportunities for youth. She also highlighted that initiatives of CII
are encouraging greater participation of women professionals and entrepreneurs, especially in rural and semi-rural areas. She also
proposed a Rajasthan Tourism Board in a PPP model to further boost tourism in the State.

Lieutenant Governor-designate of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, received a warm welcome upon his arrival at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport in Leh on Thursday. Senior officials, representatives of political and religious organisations and a large number of citizens gathered at the airport to welcome Saxena.

Among those present to receive Saxena were Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra; Director General of Police, Ladakh, Mukesh Singh; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Romil Singh Donk; Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh, Shree Ram; and BJP state president Tashi Gyalson Khachu, along with representatives of various political, social and religious bodies. They extended their greetings and conveyed their best wishes to Saxena as he prepares to assume the office of Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on Friday.

Saxena is scheduled to take oath as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on Friday at 12:30 PM at the Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium Hall of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) in Choglamsar. The oath of office will be administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Arun Palli.

Saxena will succeed Kavinder Gupta, who recently assumed charge as the Governor of Himachal Pradesh.

Saxena demitted the office of Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor on 10th March.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Assam and West Bengal beginning March 13, during which he will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stones for a wide range of infrastructure and development projects collectively worth more than Rs 66,000 crore.

‎According to an official statement, the Prime Minister will participate in programmes across Kokrajhar, Guwahati and Silchar in Assam on March 13 and 14 before travelling to Kolkata later on March 14. The projects span sectors including road infrastructure, railways, ports and shipping, energy, waterways, tourism and agriculture.

‎During his visit to Assam, Modi will launch development initiatives worth over Rs 47,800 crore. At Kokrajhar on March 13, the Prime Minister will perform the Bhoomi Poojan of Assam Mala 3.0, a major road infrastructure initiative valued at more than Rs 3,200 crore aimed at constructing over 900 kilometres of roads across the state to strengthen inter-state connectivity and improve links between national highways and rural roads.

‎He will also perform Bhoomi Poojan for six road infrastructure projects in the Bodoland Territorial Council region, including four flyovers and two bridges, with an investment of around Rs 1,100 crore. These projects are expected to reduce congestion in Kokrajhar district while improving connectivity, tourism and access to agricultural markets, healthcare and rural services.

‎The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of a Periodic Overhauling workshop at Bashbari in Kokrajhar district to strengthen railway maintenance infrastructure and create employment opportunities. In addition, he will flag off three train services: the Kamakhya–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express linking the Northeast with southern India, the Guwahati–New Jalpaiguri Express connecting Assam with West Bengal, and the Narangi–Agartala Express improving connectivity between Assam and Tripura.

‎Later in the day in Guwahati, Modi will distribute land pattas to tea garden workers, marking what officials described as a significant step in providing homestead land rights to members of the tea garden community. The move is expected to enhance housing security and help beneficiaries gain better access to credit and government welfare schemes.

‎The Prime Minister will also release the 22nd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, transferring Rs 2,000 each to more than 9.3 crore farmers across the country through direct benefit transfer.

‎In the energy sector, he will dedicate to the nation the Kopili Hydro-Electric Project located in the Dima Hasao and West Karbi Anglong districts, built at a cost of more than Rs 2,300 crore. The project is expected to enhance clean energy generation and improve power reliability in the region. Modi will also dedicate the capacity enhancement project of the Numaligarh–Siliguri product pipeline operated by Oil India Limited and inaugurate Phase 1 of the North East Gas Grid, which connects Guwahati with Numaligarh, Gohpur and Itanagar, with a branch line extending to Dimapur.

‎He will also lay the foundation stone for Numaligarh Refinery Limited’s rail-fed POL terminal at Panchgram in Hailakandi district, part of efforts to strengthen energy infrastructure and support the refinery’s planned capacity expansion.

‎Several railway electrification projects will also be dedicated to the nation, including the Rangiya–Murkongselek rail line and the Chaparmukh–Dibrugarh rail line electrification projects, along with electrified rail sections between Badarpur–Silchar and Badarpur–Churaibari. These initiatives are aimed at enabling faster and more energy-efficient train operations across the Brahmaputra and Barak Valley regions.

‎The Prime Minister will further lay the foundation stone for the 194-kilometre Furkating–Tinsukia rail line doubling project, which will increase rail capacity and allow additional passenger and freight services.

‎In the waterways sector, Modi will lay the foundation stone for cruise terminals at Bishwanath Ghat in Biswanath district and Neamati in Jorhat district, and perform Bhoomi Poojan for a Regional Centre of Excellence at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh to serve as a maritime training and research hub for the Northeast.

‎Among the major urban mobility initiatives, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a ropeway connecting Kamakhya Railway Station to the revered Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. The ropeway, to be developed using monocable detachable gondola technology, is expected to carry around 17,000 passengers daily and provide an environmentally friendly transport option for pilgrims.

‎He will also inaugurate the PM Ekta Mall in Guwahati, which is envisioned as a commercial and tourism hub showcasing handicrafts, handloom and GI-tagged products from Assam and other states under the One District One Product initiative.

‎On March 14 in Silchar, Modi will perform Bhoomi Poojan for the 166-kilometre Shillong–Silchar Corridor, the first access-controlled greenfield four-lane high-speed highway corridor in the Northeast. The project, estimated at about Rs 22,860 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Meghalaya and Assam and reduce travel time between Guwahati and Silchar from about 8.5 hours to nearly five hours.

‎The Prime Minister will also perform Bhoomi Poojan for an elevated corridor on National Highway 306 in Silchar aimed at reducing congestion along one of the city’s busiest routes and improving connectivity with neighbouring states such as Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur.

‎In addition, he will lay the foundation stone for a new College of Agriculture at Patharkandi in Karimganj district to strengthen agricultural education and research in the Barak Valley region.

‎Later on March 14, Modi will travel to Kolkata in West Bengal, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth around Rs 18,680 crore.

‎A major portion of the investment will go towards road infrastructure projects covering more than 420 kilometres of national highways, worth around Rs 16,990 crore. These include key stretches of National Highway 19 in West Bengal and Jharkhand and sections of National Highway 114 within the state.

‎The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for five packages of the 231-kilometre Kharagpur–Moregram economic corridor on National Highway 116A, part of a larger economic connectivity route between Kharagpur and Siliguri. Officials said the corridor will reduce travel distance by nearly 120 kilometres and cut travel time by seven to eight hours while linking major national highways such as National Highway 16, NH-19, National Highway 14 and National Highway 12.

‎Additional projects include a 5.6-kilometre four-lane bypass at Dubrajpur and new bridges over the Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers on NH-14.

‎In the maritime sector, Modi will inaugurate the mechanisation project at Berth No. 2 of the Haldia Dock Complex and a rejuvenation project at Khidderpore Docks. He will also lay the foundation stone for several port infrastructure projects under the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, including the mechanisation of Berth No. 5 at Haldia, renovation of the bascule bridge at the Kolkata Dock System and riverbank protection works along the Hooghly River stretch from the Howrah Bridge pylon to Nimtala Ghat.

‎The Prime Minister will also flag off the Purulia–Anand Vihar Terminal Express connecting Purulia with Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi, strengthening rail connectivity between eastern India and the national capital region.

‎Additionally, six redeveloped railway stations—Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum and Siuri—will be inaugurated under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which aims to modernise railway stations across the country with improved passenger amenities and infrastructure.

Officials said the large set of projects across Assam and West Bengal reflects the government’s focus on strengthening connectivity and accelerating economic growth in eastern and northeastern India. “These initiatives demonstrate the government’s continued commitment to building modern infrastructure, improving connectivity and promoting balanced regional development,” the statement said.

‎Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday urged the government to undertake
detailed excavation of an ancient Buddhist monastery discovered in Kalaburagi in Karnataka while also raising concerns in the House over
the security of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah following a recent attack in Jammu.

‎Speaking in the house, Kharge called for urgent archaeological work at the Kalaburagi site, saying several historical remains linked to
the spread of Buddhism in the region had not yet been properly studied or preserved. He said he had written to the government requesting a
survey and further excavation of the monastery believed to be connected with the expansion of Buddhism during the period of the Satavahana dynasty.

‎Kharge told the House that historical records suggest Buddhism spread from Amaravati to regions such as Kalaburagi and Raichur during that period, making the site historically significant. According to him, an initial survey of the monastery discovered in his constituency had
already been completed, but further excavation had not taken place despite repeated requests to the government. “I had earlier requested
a survey of the Buddhist monastery found in my constituency. The survey has been completed, but further excavation has not yet taken
place despite repeated appeals,” he said.
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Highlighting the broader historical importance of the region, the Congress leader referred to the influence of renowned Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna, who played a significant role in spreading Buddhist teachings and strengthening the monastic tradition across parts of the Indian subcontinent.
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Kharge also pointed to the presence of several Buddhist relics and structures along the Bhima River and the Krishna River, saying these sites required proper archaeological exploration and protection. “Further excavation should be carried out. Many such Buddhist temples and symbols exist along these rivers, and they should be taken care of,” he said, urging the government to take steps to preserve the region’s historical and cultural heritage.

‎In a separate intervention in the Upper House, Kharge raised concerns about the security of Farooq Abdullah following what he described as a life-threatening attack on the veteran leader in Jammu on Wednesday.

‎Condemning the incident, Kharge said Abdullah’s life could have been in danger had the security personnel accompanying him not responded swiftly.

‎“The situation could have been very serious if the security personnel present there had not acted immediately,” he said.

‎Questioning the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Kharge pointed out that law and order in the Union Territory is under the direct control of the central government. ‎“How can such a situation arise when law and order in Jammu and Kashmir is entirely under the control of the central government,” he asked.
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The Congress leader argued that the incident reflected a deterioration in the law and order situation in the region and renewed his demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, which has been a Union Territory since the reorganisation of the former state in 2019.

‎According to him, the prevailing atmosphere of insecurity was a consequence of the region being governed directly by the Centre, with law and order falling under the authority of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

‎He said people in the region would feel more secure once governance and policing responsibilities are restored to an elected state government. “The people will not feel secure unless law and order is brought under an elected government,” Kharge said.
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The Congress president also warned that the situation reflected growing insecurity for both political leaders and ordinary citizens in the region, adding that those standing for secularism, socialism and national unity were increasingly being pushed into an environment of fear and violence.

‎The remarks come amid continuing political debate over governance and security in Jammu and Kashmir, with opposition parties reiterating
demands for the restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government over India’s energy security and the US waiver allowing India to buy crude oil from Russia. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, he said the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran could have far-reaching consequences, cautioning that the conflict in West Asia may significantly impact India.

Any disruption or closure of the Strait of Hormuz would directly affect India’s economy and energy supplies, he said, adding that the anxiety over LPG availability was already spreading and could worsen if the conflict escalates.

Gandhi, who had given notice to speak on energy security — which he described as the foundation of a nation — questioned who allowed the United States to decide whether India could buy oil from Russia. “Why would a nation the size of India allow any other nation, the President of another nation, to permit us to buy Russian oil,” he asked.

He said the answer to the “puzzle” lay in what he described as a “compromised” oil buying policy, which he claimed was linked to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and his alleged association with disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein and investor George Soros. Chaos soon erupted in the Lok Sabha following the mention of Epstein and Speaker Om Birla asked Gandhi to confine his remarks to the subject mentioned in his notice.

“I have a copy of the notice given by the Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi regarding the gas shortage in the country, and I allowed him to speak on that subject. However, despite being a responsible Leader of the Opposition, discussing other issues without notice is not within the procedures and rules of Parliament…I am urging you again, and Parliament will not function this way. Parliament will function according to rules and procedures,” Birla said

Speaking to the media later, Gandhi said the Prime Minister was asking people not to panic over the situation but he “himself is panicked because of the Adani case and the Epstein files.”

“He is not able to come inside the House and he is telling the country not to panic when he himself is panicked,” Gandhi added.

Bank of Baroda has raised a $500-million five-year syndicated term loan through its International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), according to an official statement issued here on Thursday.

Proceeds from the facility will be used for general banking and corporate purposes, according to the statement.

The term loan raising saw participation from 13 investors across Asian markets including Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore.

According to the statement, the transaction aims to broaden its global investor base, increasing participation from investors in Asia. It also aims to diversify its funding sources alongside its domestic investor base, which participates in local currency issuances, the statement mentioned.

MUFG Bank and HSBC acted as mandated lead arrangers, underwriters and book runners for the transaction.

“This successful transaction reinforces the confidence that global institutions place in Bank of Baroda’s prudent financial management and long-term strategic direction. The participation from investors across Asia reflects growing international interest in the bank and
supports our focus on diversifying funding sources and strengthening global investor engagement,” Bank of Baroda MD& CEO Debadatta Chand said.