Tehran has formally responded to a United States proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and reopening negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, according to Iranian state media and multiple international reports.
The Iranian response was reportedly delivered through Pakistan, which has emerged as a key intermediary in backchannel diplomacy between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials said the current phase of negotiations should focus primarily on ending hostilities and easing tensions in the region.
US President Donald Trump, however, rejected Tehran’s latest position, calling it “totally unacceptable” amid continuing friction over the future of Iran’s uranium enrichment program and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to reports, the US proposal includes a temporary 14-point memorandum designed to halt fighting, reopen shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz and launch broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear activities. Washington is seeking a long-term freeze on uranium enrichment, removal of highly enriched uranium stockpiles and dismantling of key nuclear facilities.
Iran has reportedly opposed dismantling its nuclear infrastructure and instead proposed a narrower agreement focused on ending military action, lifting sanctions and restoring commercial navigation in the Gulf.
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the crisis. The strategically vital waterway, through which a major share of the world’s oil shipments passes, has faced severe disruptions for more than two months amid the conflict. Oil prices rose sharply on Sunday after Trump rejected Iran’s response and tensions in the Gulf intensified further.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington had largely achieved its military objectives in operations against Iran, but acknowledged that Tehran still retains significant quantities of enriched uranium.
Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high, with reports of drone incidents near Gulf states and continued military deployments linked to efforts to secure maritime routes through Hormuz.
The atmosphere of Bengaluru,the environment here, is something quite unique;This city is known worldwide for software and services, but this city has also taken India’s cultural identity, Spirituality, and spiritual consciousness to new heights: PM
Seva Paramo Dharma (Service is the supreme duty), is the natural character of our society: PM
Our Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, is not just a government programme, but it has become a natural part of people’s lives; Now, it is advancing driven by the strength of the society: PM
The realization of Viksit Bharat will only be possible through such youth, who are mentally calm, who are socially responsible, and who are sensitive towards society: PM
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today participated in the 45th Anniversary Celebrations of The Art of Living in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Reflecting on the auspiciousness of the occasion, the Prime Minister described the uniqueness of the morning enriched by the welcome through Vedic mantras by children, the darshan of Lord Ganesha, Shri Shri Ravi Shankar Ji’s 70th year, and Art of Living’s 45th anniversary celebrations. “These are moments that will always remain in my memories,” remarked Shri Modi.
Marking the inauguration of the divine and grand Meditation Temple, the Prime Minister affirmed the importance of such dedicated institutions and extended best wishes to the Art of Living family for their newest sanctuary. “When resolve is clear and work is done with the spirit of service, then every effort yields pleasant results,” Shri Modi asserted.
Appreciating the distinct ambience of Bengaluru, the Prime Minister highlighted how the city is globally recognized not only for software and services but also for elevating India’s cultural identity and spiritual consciousness. “Spirituality and spiritual consciousness too have been given new heights by this city,” observed Shri Modi.
Tracing the deep roots of yoga, meditation, and pranayama as integral parts of India’s values, the Prime Minister noted the global influence of India’s spiritual heritage and its role in inspiring numerous institutions. “Today people across the world are influenced by India’s spiritual values, and from these ancient values many institutions of India too have been drawing inspiration,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Drawing inspiration from these ancient spiritual values, the Prime Minister recalled how Shri Shri Ravi Shankar Ji sowed the seed of Art of Living 45 years ago, which has now grown into a huge banyan tree. “Today it stands before us as a huge banyan tree whose thousands of branches are touching the lives of countless people across the world,” remarked Shri Modi.
Highlighting India’s rich tapestry of diversity encompassing languages, traditions, customs, and worship practices, the Prime Minister posed the fundamental question about what binds these beautiful diversities together. “The answer is living not for oneself but for others,” asserted Shri Modi.
Quoting the ancient wisdom from the Puranas, the Prime Minister emphasized that serving others is virtue while causing pain is sin, underscoring that service is the natural character of Indian society. “Seva Paramo Dharma is the natural character of our society,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Noting that India’s many spiritual movements have ultimately expressed themselves through service to humanity, the Prime Minister expressed happiness at witnessing the same spirit reflected in every effort of Art of Living. Extending heartfelt wishes to every volunteer associated with Art of Living’s journey, the Prime Minister commended their dedication and service orientation.
Stressing that societal engagement is essential for any mission’s success, the Prime Minister emphasized that awakening social strength is fundamental to achieving important goals. He underscored his longstanding conviction that society possesses greater power than political systems and governments, and that no administration can truly succeed unless communities actively participate in nation-building. He cited the Swachh Bharat Mission as exemplary, noting that what began as a government initiative has become woven into the natural fabric of people’s lives, now advancing through society’s own momentum.Emphasizing that any campaign becomes successful when the power of society joins it, Shri Modi stressed, “Awakening the power of society for every such important mission is very necessary.”
सेवा परमो धर्मः …ये हमारे समाज का स्वाभाविक चरित्र है: PM @narendramodi
Observing that active societal engagement enables collective solutions to the nation’s greatest challenges, the Prime Minister commended Art of Living for consistently channeling society’s strength in its initiatives. He praised the organisation’s social approach across development programs, whether through tree-planting campaigns, rural smart village centers, women’s and tribal empowerment initiatives, or mental health programs for incarcerated individuals. “These efforts contribute significantly to the country’s and society’s development journey,” Shri Modi noted.
Commending every individual present for prioritising youth empowerment, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of this focus given today’s rapid global transformations driven by scientific advancement and innovation. He observed that India is not merely participating in these changes but leading in numerous sectors, with particular achievements in digital payments, infrastructure expansion, and startup ecosystems. He highlighted that India’s youth are pioneering space technology and contributing to all such national successes. “India is not just participating in this change, it is also leading in many areas,” asserted Shri Modi .Crediting India’s youth for these achievements, the Prime Minister acknowledged Art of Living’s role in helping youth find solutions to modern-era challenges.
Acknowledging technology’s power to instantly connect distant individuals, the Prime Minister stressed the parallel necessity of strengthening people’s ability to connect with themselves. He asserted that India’s developed future depends on cultivating youth who are mentally peaceful, socially responsible, and sensitive to societal needs. He emphasized the critical role of institutions working on spiritual wellbeing, mental health, yoga, and meditation in fostering connection, belongingness, and collective responsibility, while simultaneously providing opportunities for cultural understanding. “A Viksit Bharat will be built through such youth,mentally peaceful, socially responsible, and sensitive toward society,” Shri Modi asserted.
Expressing confidence that the newly inaugurated meditation temple will serve as a sanctuary of peace and healing for thousands, the Prime Minister acknowledged that while society is already fulfilling its duties toward the nation admirably, he wished to place before them several important appeals for holistic national development.
Highlighting the crucial role organisations like Art of Living must play in advancing India’s comprehensive development, the Prime Minister urged particular attention to connecting farmers with natural farming practices. He framed sustainable agriculture as an expression of the Art of Living itself, emphasizing that preserving Mother Earth from chemicals constitutes both spiritual practice and environmental stewardship. “Adopting natural farming and saving Mother Earth from chemicals,this too is Art of Living,” Shri Modi affirmed.
Encouraging broader expansion of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, the Prime Minister linked environmental protection directly to the philosophy of living well. “Protecting the environment is also Art of Living,” he asserted, calling for renewed commitment to this mission.
Advocating for improved water management practices among farming communities through the “Per Drop, More Crop” initiative, the Prime Minister emphasized that societal cooperation would enhance outcomes. He stressed the urgency of this work given the approaching monsoon season, making it the ideal moment for widespread water conservation awareness. “Saving every drop of water is also Art of Living,” Shri Modi affirmed.
Expanding this vision of responsible living to encompass electricity conservation, elimination of single-use plastics, and promotion of locally-produced goods, the Prime Minister connected all these practices to the Art of Living philosophy. He highlighted the government’s Mission LiFE initiative, which promotes living with greater responsibility and awareness while maintaining harmony with nature. “This lifestyle that balances with nature is also Art of Living,” asserted Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the organisation will increasingly prioritise such critical issues in the coming days.
For decades, Tata Consultancy Services has been considered one of India’s most stable career launchpads, a corporate finishing school for thousands of engineering graduates entering the software industry. But beneath the company’s image as a reliable gateway into India’s technology sector, employee testimonies reveal growing dissatisfaction among younger professionals, many of whom see TCS less as a destination and more as a stepping stone.
A widely discussed employee account on Quora offers a revealing glimpse into why many engineers are quietly walking away. A former software engineer who spent two years at TCS described leaving after feeling professionally stagnant despite securing what many would consider a coveted placement.
The engineer cited multiple frustrations: limited project learning opportunities, excessive micromanagement, denied leave requests, and compensation that no longer matched market realities.
The employee said they had been planning an exit for months, using lockdown restrictions as an opportunity to pursue online certifications and self-directed learning before eventually securing a higher-paying role elsewhere. “The project work hardly helped me learn anything,” the former employee wrote, describing an environment where hard work often went unrecognized.
The post resonated strongly, drawing thousands of reactions and sparking broader debate about the work culture within India’s large IT services firms.
The salary problem
Compensation remains one of the biggest flashpoints thoug.
Even employees in premium internal tracks such as TCS Digital, which pays significantly more than standard fresher salaries, increasingly compare their pay packages against booming external offers in cloud engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and product development roles.
Many feel salary increments fail to keep pace with both inflation and rapidly rising technology-sector benchmarks. The perception gap becomes sharper when engineers independently upskill in high-demand technologies only to discover they can command substantially higher salaries elsewhere.
Another recurring grievance is rigid project allocation.
Several engineers report being assigned repetitive maintenance work with limited exposure to modern engineering practices, making skill growth difficult without external effort. For many, this creates a paradox: they are employed in one of India’s largest tech companies but often must learn relevant technologies entirely on their own time to remain competitive.
One commenter summarized it bluntly: “People leave bad bosses, not the organisation.”
That sentiment reflects a broader truth inside large outsourcing firms where employee experience can vary dramatically depending on project managers, client assignments and internal leadership culture.
Despite criticism, even former employees acknowledge TCS’s critical role in India’s employment ecosystem.
The company remains one of the country’s largest private-sector recruiters, hiring tens of thousands of engineering graduates annually and offering structured onboarding that many smaller firms cannot match. Former employees often credit TCS for giving them their first break and foundational exposure to enterprise systems.
Some defended the company strongly in online discussions, arguing that large service firms serve as economic stabilizers and mass employment generators for India’s middle class. “These companies form a major driver of the nation’s employment generation,” one commenter noted.
Changing expectations
The exodus reflects a larger shift across India’s technology workforce.
Today’s engineers are entering the market with very different expectations from earlier generations. Career security alone is no longer enough; younger professionals increasingly prioritize accelerated learning, meaningful work, flexibility and compensation aligned with global standards.
For companies like TCS, the challenge is no longer simply hiring talent at scale. It is convincing ambitious engineers to stay once they realize what the wider technology market can offer.
And as India’s digital economy matures, that may prove to be the harder task.
Indian Railways is preparing to launch the most significant upgrade to its train ticket reservation system in nearly four decades, marking a major milestone in the country’s ongoing digital infrastructure push.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the revamped Passenger Reservation System (PRS) will begin rolling out from August and is expected to dramatically improve booking efficiency, processing speed and system reliability for millions of passengers across the country.
The reservation network, originally introduced in 1986, has now been completely rebuilt using upgraded digital architecture and enhanced processing capacity to cope with the growing demand for railway travel and online bookings.
Officials said the overhaul is aimed at addressing long-standing issues such as slow response times, server overload during Tatkal bookings and difficulties faced by users during festive travel periods.
Modernisation Drive in AI-Driven Era
The modernisation drive is also being viewed as part of India’s wider push toward technology-led public infrastructure reforms, a trend increasingly highlighted by India International Times in its coverage of digital governance and transport transformation initiatives.
1986 — Indian Railways introduced the Passenger Reservation System (PRS)
2002 — Indian Railways launched internet-based ticket booking services
2026 — Indian Railways announced the biggest overhaul of its reservation system in nearly 40 years
August 2026 — Upgraded reservation platform scheduled to begin rollout
Indian Railways first entered the online reservation era in 2002 with the launch of internet-based ticket booking services. Since then, ticketing operations managed through Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation have become one of the world’s largest public digital transaction systems.
Railway officials say the upgraded system will support higher transaction volumes, faster confirmations and improved user stability during periods of peak demand.
The overhaul also aligns with broader efforts by Indian Railways to expand passenger-focused digital services, including AI-enabled travel assistance, predictive waitlist confirmation tools and mobile-based railway applications.
India Accelerates Travel Infra
Recent developments in railway technology and mobility infrastructure have been closely tracked by India International Times, particularly as India accelerates investments in large-scale transport modernisation projects.
The ministry has not yet disclosed detailed technical specifications of the new reservation platform but described it as the biggest technological transformation of the railway booking ecosystem since the PRS was first introduced almost 40 years ago.
Officials expect the phased rollout beginning in August to significantly improve the overall booking experience for passengers while strengthening the resilience of India’s railway digital infrastructure.
The UK‑led OpenBind initiative has reached a major milestone with the release of its first publicly available dataset and predictive AI model, a groundbreaking step toward accelerating the discovery of new medicines using artificial intelligence. The release showcases how engineering the production of AI-ready data is not only feasible but essential to evolving AI tools for scientific fields, which all suffer from a lack of data. With this OpenBind release, both high‑quality, standardised experimental data, and a newly trained predictive model, OpenBind v1, become freely accessible to researchers worldwide, for immediate use in therapeutic discovery and to drive the next generation of AI models.
While AI has introduced a step‑change in predictive accuracy for protein structures, its impact on drug discovery has remained muted, limited above all by the global shortage of reliable experimental data measuring in atomic detail how molecules of drug discovery bind to disease‑related proteins. OpenBind aims to fill this critical gap. Led by Diamond Light Source, the collaboration of structural biologists and AI specialists – supported in its foundation phase by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) – is the first initiative to generate these essential datasets at industrial scale, openly and continuously, and designed specifically for AI.
This first release demonstrates that OpenBind’s pipeline is now operational, having generated 800 high-quality measurements in only seven months – in the past, such large datasets took years to be produced and released. This integrated operation combines automated chemistry, robust binding measurements and high throughput crystallography at Diamond’s XChem Fragment Screening facility with an engineered data release process and AI model training using UK’s Isambard-AI compute cluster. It lays the groundwork for transformative progress in drug discovery, with future data tranches planned to address global‑health challenges such as COVID‑19, malaria, dengue, Zika, and cancer, where rapid development of new treatments remains vital.
Researcher Jasmin Aschenbrenner loading samples on the crystallography beamline at Diamond Light Source. Credit: Stuart March-DNDi
Professor Mohammed Alquraishi of Columbia University said: “AlphaFold2 revolutionised protein structure prediction by leveraging decades of experimental data on protein structures in the PDB. The equivalent of such a dataset for protein-drug complexes does not yet exist, but OpenBind aims to create it, and in the process create the next generation of computational tools for modeling interactions between drugs and proteins.”
The initial dataset also reflects invaluable learning from the initiative’s early experimental cycles. Standardised workflows, strong metadata practices and high levels of automation have proven crucial in ensuring the consistency and reproducibility required for AI, while highlighting opportunities to further streamline data handling and release frequency.
Dr Fergus Imrie of the University of Oxford said: “High-quality experimental data is essential for developing new and improved AI models, and this first data release shows that OpenBind now has this foundation in place. We’re enabling AI to improve model performance and guide future experiments, helping to accelerate discovery. The lessons from these early cycles are already helping us improve the speed, consistency, and reproducibility of the pipeline, which will be critical as OpenBind grows.”
Professor Frank von Delft, principal beamline scientist at Diamond Light Source said: “We couldn’t have made such rapid progress without the contributions of our consortium members and operational team. Their expertise and commitment have enabled us to reach this ambitious milestone. We will now implement the lessons from this foundation phase to ramp up a long-term operation that links high-volume production of AI data with active discovery projects.”
Building on this foundation, OpenBind will expand to include many more targets, larger chemical series and deeper datasets, alongside community blind‑challenges that will validate AI models for newly generated experimental data. Ultimately, OpenBind aims to create a global, open data engine capable of supporting the development of faster, more accurate and more equitable therapeutics.
The new Aadhaar App has witnessed rapid public adoption, recording more than 21 million downloads within just three months of launch, reflecting growing acceptance of digital identity services and easier access to Aadhaar-related facilities.
According to official data, millions of users are increasingly relying on the app for services such as updating mobile numbers and addresses from anywhere without visiting enrolment centres.
More than 2.8 million users have already updated their mobile numbers through the app, while nearly 6 lakh people have used it to modify their address details.
Developed as a next-generation digital identity platform, the Aadhaar App enables Aadhaar Number Holders to securely carry, verify and share their identity through a privacy-focused mobile interface.
Officials said the rising usage demonstrates growing public trust in digital governance platforms while improving accessibility and convenience for Aadhaar users across the country.
The app also includes several advanced features such as face authentication for proof of presence, one-click biometric lock and unlock functionality, authentication history tracking and a QR-based editable contact card that can replace physical visiting cards.
The application has been designed to support a wide range of real-world use cases, including hotel check-ins through Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE) QR scanning, hospital admissions, visitor management systems, event access, age verification services and identity authentication for gig workers and service partners.
Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya will launch a nationwide Annual Health Check-Up Initiative for workers aged 40 years and above on May 7, 2026, under the provisions of the new Labour Codes. The programme will be inaugurated at the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation Medical College and Hospital in Basaidarapur, New Delhi.
The launch will also be marked simultaneously at 11 other ESIC hospitals across the country in the presence of Labour Ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs and other state dignitaries.
The initiative has been introduced in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Shramev Jayate” vision, which focuses on strengthening labour welfare, dignity of work and social security for workers. It forms part of the broader labour reforms introduced through the four New Labour Codes that merged 29 central labour laws into four consolidated codes aimed at easing compliance, encouraging formal employment and widening social security coverage.
मोदी सरकार के ऐतिहासिक 4 Labour Codes का सीधा लाभ!
7 मई से देशभर के सभी ESIC अस्पतालों में 40+ आयु वर्ग के सभी श्रमिकों के लिए Free Annual Health Check Up की शुरुआत… pic.twitter.com/cUymuVEg0P
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) May 5, 2026
Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, social security benefits have been expanded to include unorganised, gig and platform workers, alongside the creation of a Social Security Fund and broader coverage under the ESI framework.
As part of the new initiative, annual health check-ups will become mandatory for workers aged 40 years and above. Beneficiaries covered under the ESI Scheme will receive these services through ESIC’s nationwide hospital network, with emphasis on preventive healthcare, early detection of diseases and regular health monitoring.
The framework also mandates medical examinations for workers employed in hazardous operations involving chemicals, toxic materials or heavy machinery, regardless of age. Authorities will additionally maintain systematic health records and conduct periodic monitoring to support long-term workforce well-being.
The government said the initiative represents a major step towards strengthening occupational healthcare systems, improving access to preventive medical services for workers and supporting the broader goal of building a “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
A team of international astrophysicists have uncovered new insights into the mystery behind the differences in the appearances of extragalactic jets emerging from the environments of supermassive blackholes. They showed that the plasma composition can affect the appearances of these jets. This may help to unravel the mystery of matter content of relativistic jets.
At the centers of many distant galaxies reside supermassive black holes with masses millions to billions of times that of our Sun. These black holes don’t just eat everything, but can also act like powerful engines, launching narrow beams of plasma and energy known as “jets” that shoot into space at nearly the speed of light. These extragalactic jets can travel for thousands of light-years and emit radiation ranging from low-energy radio waves to high-energy gamma rays.
For a long time, astronomers have been wondering about a noticeable difference in radio images of extragalactic jets, first identified by Fanaroff & Riley in 1974. They broadly classified radio jets into two main categories: FR I & FR II. The FR I jets are “core-brightened,” meaning they are brightest near the core and gradually fade into diffuse structures as they move outward. The FR II jets, on the other hand, are “edge-brightened,” meaning they are fainter near the core but stay tightly focused over long distances until they hit the surrounding gas, creating giant “hot spots” at their tips.
Scientists have for long continued to debate whether this difference is due to the black hole itself, the environment around it, or the intrinsic properties of the jet, such as its speed, temperature, and magnetic strength, etc.
A new research published in The Astrophysical Journal by Mr. Priyesh Kumar Tripathi, Dr. Indranil Chattopadhyay, and Mr. Sanjit Debnath from Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Dr. Raj Kishore Joshi from the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center, Poland, Dr. Ritaban Chatterjee from Presidency University, Kolkata, and Dr. M. Saleem Khan from MJPRU Barelly, used advanced computer simulations to reveal that the secret to these differences may be due to the jet’s composition and the environment it travels through. The research team performed large 3D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of these jets at kiloparsec scales using a numerical simulation code developed by the Numerical and Theoretical Astrophysics Group at ARIES. Notably, this code incorporates a relativistic equation of state, which can accurately handle a very large range of temperatures encountered at different regions of the jet.
The team discovered that a phenomenon called the “kink instability” is a major player in shaping these powerful, narrow jets, causing wiggles (small bend). In space, if this wiggle grows faster than the jet can flow forward, the jet beam disrupts, spreading its energy into a faint, diffuse cloud – the classic look of an FR I jet. Astrophysical jets aren’t made of ordinary matter. Instead, they are composed of plasma, a soup of charged particles including electrons, positrons (the antimatter twin of electrons), and sometimes heavier particles like protons. One of the study’s most significant findings is that the composition of jet plasma can determine its fate.
Jets can be made of mostly electrons and protons (Hadronic plasma), a mixture that includes positrons (the antimatter twin of the electron– Leptonic/Mixed plasma).
Fig: 3D Volume rendering of the jet tracer for electron-proton and mixed plasma jet
The simulations showed that jets rich in positrons (lepton-rich) are relatively hotter, causing them to expand and slow down. They often can’t stay straight and get twisted by the kink instability. As a result, they form a diffuse, FR I–like structure, where the jet gradually fades instead of ending in a bright hotspot. In contrast, jets composed primarily of electrons and protons were more likely to transition between morphologies, thereby changing their identity. This suggests that what we see through our telescopes might just be a snapshot of a long, evolving cosmic process.
Dolphins have long fascinated scientists with their remarkable speed and fluid movement through water. Now, new research offers a clearer explanation of the physics behind their efficiency, shedding light on how these marine mammals generate powerful propulsion.
A study published in Physical Review Fluids by researchers at The University of Osaka identifies a crucial mechanism: the formation of large, energetic vortices driven by the dolphin’s tail motion. Using advanced numerical simulations, the team mapped how these swirling water structures influence propulsion under varying conditions.
As dolphins swim, they move their tails in a rhythmic up-and-down motion, pushing water backward. This action produces a turbulent wake filled with vortices of different sizes. Until now, the exact contribution of these complex flow patterns to forward motion remained difficult to isolate.
Lead author Yutaro Motoori explained that the team aimed to pinpoint which elements of this turbulence actually aid speed. By deploying supercomputer-based simulations, the researchers were able to break down the flow into components and identify the dominant forces at play.
The findings reveal that large-scale vortex rings generated by the oscillating tail are the primary drivers of thrust. These powerful structures push water backward, effectively propelling the dolphin forward. In contrast, smaller vortices—formed through what scientists call an energy cascade—play only a minor role in movement, despite being more numerous.
Senior researcher Susumu Goto noted that understanding this hierarchy of vortices is key. While turbulence appears chaotic, it follows an organized structure where the largest vortices do most of the work, and smaller ones are largely by-products.
The simulation-based approach allowed the team to observe fluid dynamics in extraordinary detail—something that is nearly impossible through direct experimentation. It also enabled them to test different swimming speeds, with results remaining consistent across scenarios.
Beyond explaining dolphin agility, the research holds practical promise. Insights into efficient propulsion could inform the design of faster, energy-efficient underwater robots and improve technologies that manage turbulent flows.
For now, the study offers a compelling reminder that nature’s most graceful swimmers are guided by deeply intricate physics beneath the surface.
Using MIRI (Mid Infrared Instrument) on board the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a team of researchers led by former MPIA (Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Heidelberg, Germany) PhD student Sebastian Zieba (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, Cambridge, USA) and Laura Kreidberg, MPIA Director and study PI (principal investigator), analysed the surface composition of the rocky exoplanet LHS 3844 b. Beyond characterizing exoplanetary atmospheres, this kind of deciphering the geological properties of planets orbiting distant stars is the next step in unveiling their nature. The results of this investigation are now published in the journal Nature Astronomy.
A dark and airless rocky super-Earth
LHS 3844 b is a rocky planet 30% bigger than Earth and orbits a cool red dwarf star once within roughly 11 hours. Whirling just three stellar diameters above the host star’s surface, the planet is tidally locked to its orbit. This means one rotation takes just as long as one revolution. As a result, the same hemisphere of LHS 3844 b always faces its star, producing a constant dayside with an average temperature of about 1000 Kelvin (approximately 725 Degrees Celsius or 1340 Degrees Fahrenheit). The LHS 3844 system is only 48.5 light-years (14.9 parsecs) away from Earth.
“Thanks to the amazing sensitivity of JWST, we can detect light coming directly from the surface of this distant rocky planet. We see a dark, hot, barren rock, devoid of any atmosphere.” – Laura Kreidberg, MPIA.
With its dark surface, LHS 3844 b may resemble a larger version of the Moon or the planet Mercury. This conclusion is based on analysing the infrared radiation received from the planet’s hot dayside. However, when measuring this radiation, we cannot see the planet directly; instead, we register the repeating change in brightness we receive from the star and the orbiting planet combined.
MIRI divided a portion of the planet’s infrared emission, ranging from 5 to 12 micrometres, into smaller wavelength sections and measured the brightness per wavelength bin. This is what astronomers call a spectrum, a rainbow-like distribution of the light’s components. Another data point, obtained from observations with the Spitzer Space Telescope and published a few years ago, augmented the analysis.
Constraining geological activity
Similar to how exoplanetary atmosphere research has benefited from climate science, this emerging field of exoplanetary geology draws on Earth-based geologic knowledge. Zieba, Kreidberg, and their collaborators ran models and accessed template libraries of rocks and minerals known from Earth, the Moon, and Mars to see what infrared signatures they would produce under the conditions on LHS 3844 b. Comparing observation-based data with these computations confidently ruled out a composition comparable to Earth’s crust, typically silicate-rich minerals such as granite.
Although this result is not very surprising – even in the Solar System, Earth is the only planet with such a crust – it may reveal details on LHS 3844 b’s geological history. Earth-like silicate-rich crusts are thought to form through a prolonged refinement process that requires tectonic activity and typically relies on water as a lubricant. The rocky material repeatedly melts and solidifies as it is mixed with mantle material, leaving the lighter minerals on the surface.
“Since LHS 3844 b lacks such a silicate crust, one may conclude that Earth-like plate tectonics does not apply to this planet, or it is ineffective,” says Sebastian Zieba. “This planet likely only contains little water.”
What can we deduce about the exoplanet’s rocky surface?
Instead, the dark surface points to a composition reminiscent of terrestrial or lunar basalt, or of Earth’s mantle material. However, the astronomers attempted an even more detailed characterization.
A statistical analysis of how well this spectrum fits various mineral mixtures and configurations revealed that extended solid areas of basalt or magmatic rock best match the observations. They are rich in magnesium and iron and can include olivine. Crushed material, such as rocks or gravel, also fits fairly well, whereas grains or powders are inconsistent with the observations due to their brighter appearance, at least at first glance.
Without a protective atmosphere, planets are subjected to space weathering, predominantly driven by hard, energetic radiation from the host star and impacts from meteorites of various sizes.
“It turns out, these processes not only slowly dissolve hard rocks into regolith, a layer of fine grains or powder as found on the Moon,” explains Zieba. “They also darken the layer by adding iron and carbon, making the regolith’s properties more consistent with the observations.”
Geologically fresh or weathered? Two possible scenarios
This assessment left the astronomers with two scenarios for the planet’s surface that match the data equally well. One involves a surface dominated by dark, solid rock composed of basaltic or magmatic minerals. Compared to geological timescales, space weathering alters its properties quickly. Therefore, the astronomers conclude that, in this scenario, the surface should be relatively fresh, produced by recent geological activity, such as widespread volcanism.
The second scenario also proposes a dark surface, comparable to the Moon or Mercury. Still, it accounts for prolonged space weathering, which leads to extended regions covered by a darkened regolith layer, a fine powder also present on the Moon, as evidenced by the iconic photos of the astronauts’ footprints. This alternative relies on longer periods of geological inactivity, thereby requiring conditions opposite to the first scenario.
Attempts to resolve the ambiguity
These two alternatives differ in the degree of recent geological activity required. On Earth and other active objects in the Solar System, a typical phenomenon during such activity is outgassing. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a gas commonly connected to volcanism. If present on LHS 3844 b in reasonable amounts, MIRI should have detected it. Still, it found nothing. Therefore, a recent period of activity seems unlikely, which leads the astronomers to favour the second scenario. If correct, LHS 3844 b may truly look much like Mercury indeed.
In order to test their idea, Zieba, Kreidberg, and their colleagues are already pursuing a more direct approach. They have obtained additional JWST observations, which should enable them to discern surface conditions by exploiting small differences in how solid slabs and powders emit or reflect light. The distribution of emission angles depends on surface roughness, which affects the amount of radiation received at a given viewing angle. This concept is successfully applied to characterizing asteroids in the Solar System. “We are confident the same technique will allow us to clarify the nature of LHS 3844 b’s crust and, in the future, other rocky exoplanets,” concludes Kreidberg.
Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered something that experienced ballroom dancers have long known: When dancers are in tune with each other, their brains may sync up, helping them move as one.
“When we dance, our brains are actually coupling,” said Thiago Roque, a graduate student in the Atlas Institute who led the study. “We are synchronizing our brains through our behavior.”
For the unique experiment, the researchers placed electroencephalogram (EEG) caps, or devices that measure electrical activity in the brain, on pairs doing the Argentine Tango—a sensuous dance where a leader and follower hold each other tight while moving together to music.
The team found that when those dancers were moving together in time, the activity in their brains also began to look startling similar. Scientists call that phenomenon “interbrain coupling” or “neural synchronization.” Researchers have seen similar patterns in other social activities, such as playing duets on the guitar, but never before in dancing.
Roque presented the group’s results in March at the 20th International Conference on Tangible, Embedded and Embodied Interaction in Chicago.
The researchers also took their findings one step further, designing a wearable device that monitors dancers’ brains and vibrates when they sync up.
The tool, which dancers wear on their wrists, is still in its early stages. But Roque envisions that similar technologies could one day help people learn a wide range of tasks that require humans to coordinate without speaking—such as playing music or team sports.
“When we are performing, we aren’t conscious of this sort of synchronization,” Roque said. “My goal was to bring unconscious things to the conscious level.”
Shall we dance?
Ruojia Sun knows all about that kind of unconscious communication. She took part in the new study both as a researcher and co-author and as one of the dancers.
Sun started tangoing when she moved to Boulder five years ago. Unlike many other types of dances, the tango is rarely choreographed — dancers usually improvise their steps in the moment. Pairs signal their next moves through subtle signs like a light compression of the hands or a shift in the upper body.
“I wound up loving so many aspects of it,” said Sun, who earned a master’s degree in creative technology and design at CU Boulder in 2024. “It’s a really interesting way to connect with another human being.”
To explore that connection, Roque brought five pairs of experienced tango dancers, including Sun and her long-time dance partner, into the lab. In addition to the EEG caps, the pairs wore movement sensors on their ankles so that the research team could track their steps.
Then, the dancers began to tango.
Riding the wave
When neurons fire in the brain, they create pulses of electrical activity, or “brainwaves.” EEG sensors measure those waves at different frequencies. Humans, for example, tend to produce fast pulses known as beta waves when they are concentrating or thinking hard. In contrast, they often generate slower, theta waves, when they’re relaxing.
Roque noted that how those waves behaved in the experiment depended on how in-step the dancers were with each other.
When a leader, for example, took a step forward and the follower took an immediate (within 200 milliseconds or less) step back, their brain waves tended to match up—rising and falling at about the same time. When their steps weren’t in sync, neither were their brains. Those trends were true for a range of brain waves, including beta and theta waves.
“When I started seeing the results—they were perfect,” Roque said. “The coupling was even better than I expected.”
Other co-authors of the new study included Grace Leslie, associate professor at ATLAS and the College of Music, and Ellen Do, professor at ATLAS and the Department of Computer Science.
From dancing to cycling
He and his colleagues wondered if a wearable device could enhance that experience of synchrony.
Sun tried out the team’s biofeedback device with her tango partner. The tool buzzed at all times but vibrated vigorously when the pair’s brain waves lined up. Sun noted that the buzzing was distracting when she and her partner weren’t in sync. But when they were, it just felt right.
“It almost enhanced that feeling of connection,” Sun said.
Roque still has a lot of work to do before dancers, or anyone else, can wear that kind of device in the real world. For a start, he’d like to flip the settings—making the wrist device buzz when dancers aren’t in tune with each other and go silent when they’re synchronizing.
He believes that technologies that make unconscious signals conscious could help humans learn and understand each other’s behavior—including during collective sports like soccer, cycling and more.
“In sports, you need to know what your teammates are going to do,” he said. “By using a system like this, they may be able to better learn how to understand each other during training.”
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) have joined hands to establish a structured, five-year collaboration in the domains of digital forensics, cybersecurity, and advanced technology research.
The memorandum of understanding provides an umbrella framework for collaboration and brings together two key national institutions to further strengthen cyber resilience across UIDAI’s digital infrastructure, which underpins India’s digital identity ecosystem.
The MoU was exchanged between Shri Vivek Chandra Verma, CEO UIDAI and Prof (Dr.) S.O. Junare, Director Gujarat Campus, NFSU. The ceremony was attended by Shri Abhishek Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General of UIDAI and several senior officials from both the sides.
The collaboration will focus on six strategic pillars: academic and professional development, information security and system integrity, forensic infrastructure and lab excellence, technical support for cyber security activities, technical advisory and research including join research in emerging areas like AI, blockchain, deepfake detection, and cryptographic technologies etc, and strategic placement and outreach including a pathway for placement and outreach opportunities for NFSU students.
“This collaboration marks a significant step towards further strengthening the security, resilience, and forensic capabilities supporting India’s digital public infrastructure and ensuring further safeguards for India’s digital identity systems,” said Shri Vivek Chandra Verma, CEO UIDAI.
India is emerging as a leading hub for Medical Value Travel (MVT) by integrating advanced medical infrastructure with traditional wellness systems such as AYUSH. Strong policy support, digital facilitation, and initiatives like AYUSH Visa and Regional Medical Hubs are strengthening the ecosystem. Rising global healthcare costs and demand for holistic care are driving international patients to India for affordable, high-quality treatment and preventive wellness solutions.
Across the world, rising healthcare costs, long waiting times, and the growing burden of lifestyle diseases are driving patients to seek treatment abroad. This global shift has led to the emergence of a multi-billion-dollar Medical Value Travel (MVT) industry.
The global Medical Value Travel market was valued at about USD 115.6 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach around USD 286.1 billion by 2030. The market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 10.8%.
India has emerged as one of the most significant destinations in this evolving global landscape. Industry estimates place the medical tourism market at about USD 8.7 billion in 2025, with projections of USD 16.2 billion by 2030.
For centuries, India has been regarded as a sanctuary for those seeking healing, balance and recovery. Today, this ancient legacy has evolved into a dynamic Medical Value Travel ecosystem. It combines modern medical science with the timeless wisdom of traditional systems.
Through the flagship “Heal in India” initiative, the Government is positioning the country as a premier destination for integrated and holistic healthcare.
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To understand the scope of this landscape, it is essyogaential to distinguish between its two vibrant pillars:
Medical Tourism: It focuses on curative interventions such as complex surgeries, organ transplants, and advanced diagnostic care provided by specialised hospitals and healthcare institutions.
Wellness Tourism: It centres on preventive and holistic well-being through traditional systems such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Naturopathy and other AYUSH practices. It offers therapies that promote physical, mental and spiritual health.
Together, these two pillars form the foundation of India’s Medical Value Travel ecosystem. They address both advanced clinical treatment needs and the rising global demand for preventive healthcare.
According to the Medical Tourism Index 2020–21:
India ranks 10th among the top 46 medical tourism destinations globally
12th among the world’s top 20 wellness tourism markets
5th among the top 10 wellness destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.
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The 2025-26 Statistical Landscape
As per Ministry of Tourism estimates, in FY24, travel and tourism contributed 5.22 per cent to GDP, close to pre-pandemic levels. The sector also supported an estimated 8.46 crore direct and indirect jobs, accounting for about 13.3 per cent of total employment.
The latest data for 2025 highlights the sector’s momentum:
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): In 2025, India recorded 9.15 million FTAs.
Medical Purpose Arrivals: In 2025, 507,244 foreign nationals arrived specifically for medical treatment.
Sectoral Share: 2025 data shows that medical tourism constitutes approximately 5.5% of total FTAs.
Leading Markets: According to 2025 figures, the top source countries for medical tourists include- Bangladesh (3,25,127 arrivals), followed by Iraq (30,989), Uzbekistan (13,699), Somalia (11,506), Turkmenistan (10,231), Oman (9738), and Kenya (9,357).
Patients from other countries primarily travel to India for specialised treatments such as:
Cardiac surgery
Orthopaedic procedures
Cancer treatment
Organ transplants
Neurological interventions
Cosmetic surgery
Dental care
Fertility treatment
AYUSH-based wellness therapies
India’s Competitive Edge: Quality, Expertise and Affordability
India holds a unique advantage that places it 10th globally in the Medical Tourism Index (MTI). The government identifies several pillars of this competitive advantage:
Robust Medical Resources
India’s healthcare system is supported by one of the world’s largest pools of trained medical professionals.
India has 69,364 hospitals (43,486 private hospitals, and 25,778 public hospitals) with 1.2 million registered doctors, achieving WHO recommended doctor population ratio.
Furthermore, English serves as the primary language of medical education and clinical practice in India, enabling seamless communication with international patients. Over the past decade, India has significantly expanded its medical education capacity and healthcare infrastructure. This has strengthened the availability of skilled healthcare professionals across specialised disciplines.
Advanced Technology and Accreditation
India’s healthcare system is supported by robust quality assurance mechanisms and internationally recognised accreditation standards. Hospitals and healthcare providers across the country obtain accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH).
NABH establishes rigorous benchmarks for patient safety and quality of care. As of 2026, NABH has accredited over 1,299 hospitals using more than 600 safety parameters. Meanwhile, the Quality Council of India oversees systematic quality improvement.
NABH accreditation is recognised globally through its affiliation with the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua). In addition, several Indian hospitals hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. It places the hospitals among healthcare institutions that meet globally accepted standards of clinical excellence.
Medical Value Travel (MVT) service providers are primarily concentrated in the Southern and Western States of India. As of 2022, the concentration of JCI-accredited hospitals by city is as follows:
City
Number of JCI Accredited Hospitals
Delhi
9
Mumbai
6
Bangalore
3
Chennai
2
Hyderabad
2
Ahmedabad
2
Kolkata
1
Nagpur
1
Cochin
1
Other notable cities with a concentration of service providers include Pune and Nashik.
Cost-Effective Medical Treatment
India’s medical tourism appeal is significantly strengthened by its cost competitiveness. High-quality medical treatment in India is often available at substantially lower cost compared to many developed countries, while maintaining comparable clinical standards.
This affordability is supported by advanced medical technology and skilled professionals.
It enables international patients to access specialised treatment without long waiting periods.
Strengthening AYUSH-led Medical Value Travel
India possesses a unique advantage in wellness tourism through its centuries-old traditional systems of medicine collectively known as AYUSH — Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.
As the birthplace of Yoga and Ayurveda, India continues to promote these systems as integral components of holistic health and preventive care.
AYUSH Visa Facilitation: To streamline access for international patients, the Government of India introduced a dedicated AYUSH Visa on 27 July 2023. It enables foreign nationals and their attendants to travel to India specifically for treatment under recognised AYUSH systems.
Quality Standards: Efforts are underway to strengthen credibility and standardisation in the sector. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has adopted ISO 22525, an international standard related to medical wellness tourism services.
Insurance Coverage: Insurance coverage for AYUSH therapies has also expanded significantly. Under the Health Insurance Regulations of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), insurers are permitted to cover treatments under AYUSH. As a result, around 27 insurance companies now offer more than 140 policy products covering AYUSH treatments.
Global Engagement and Ecosystem Development: Medical Value Travel remains a key theme across major AYUSH initiatives. This includes the “Global Synergy in AYUSH: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel” Summit, held in Mumbai (2024) and Chennai (May 2025).
Capacity building is being strengthened through initiatives such as the AYUSH sub-council under the Health Sector Skill Council.
Global outreach is also expanding through platforms like the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit, the Know India Programme, and AYUSH initiatives showcased during Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
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Strategic Initiatives: Union Budget 2026-27 Highlights
The Government of India has unveiled a visionary path to cement the nation’s status as a global medical hub through the Union Budget 2026-27.
Regional Medical Hubs
A key proposal involves the establishment of five Regional Medical Hubs across the country in partnership with State Governments and the private sector. These Hubs are designed as integrated healthcare complexes that will house medical, educational, and research facilities under one umbrella.
To ensure a comprehensive healing experience, these hubs will feature:
Specialised Centres: Every hub will include AYUSH Centres and dedicated Medical Value Tourism (MVT) Facilitation Centres.
End-to-End Care: Infrastructure will be developed for advanced diagnostics, post-treatment care, and rehabilitation.
Employment Generation: These complexes are expected to create diverse job opportunities for doctors and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).
Infrastructure for Wellness
In addition to strengthening modern healthcare infrastructure, the Government is also expanding the country’s capacity in traditional systems of medicine.
The establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda has been proposed to enhance education, research, and clinical services in Ayurveda.
Simultaneously, the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar is being upgraded to strengthen evidence-based research and global collaboration in traditional medicine systems.
These initiatives reflect the Government’s integrated approach to developing both medical treatment services and wellness-based healing traditions as complementary pillars of India’s healthcare ecosystem.
Roadmap for Quality and Governance
To maintain India’s competitive advantage, the Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism.
The roadmap focuses on three key areas of governance:
Institutional Framework: The National Medical & Wellness Tourism Promotion Board (NMWTB) serves as an umbrella organisation to coordinate between ministries, state governments, and the private sector.
Quality Assurance: The government is strengthening NABH accreditation for hospitals, wellness centres, and dental clinics. It is also encouraging the registration and rating of Medical Value Trave (MVT) facilitators to build international trust.
Skilling and Capacity Building: The Union Budget 2026-27 proposed a pilot scheme to upskill 10,000 guides in 20 iconic tourist sites through a 12-week training course. Additionally, paramedical and non-medical staff are being trained in cross-cultural sensitivities and foreign languages to better serve international patients.
By integrating these governance and quality measures, the government aims to project India as a 365-day destination for holistic healing. This integrated communication strategy, is promoted as a sub-brand of “Incredible India”. Through these initiatives, India is transitioning toward a more formalised, regulated, and trusted global hub for the “holistic health revolution”.
Government Facilitation and Digital Transformation
The government has streamlined the international patient’s journey through robust digital and policy interventions. A cornerstone of this is the liberalised visa regime, where the e-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa facilities have been extended to nationals of 172 countries.
Additionally, new categories like the e-AYUSH Visa and e-AYUSH Attendant Visa have been introduced to support those seeking traditional Indian treatments.
Digital initiatives are further enhancing the “Heal in India” experience:
Revamped MVT Portal: The government is upgrading the one-stop Medical Value Travel Portal to provide an “end-to-end” solution. It enables patients to explore, plan, and book services, as well as make payments and access post-operative care.
Airport Facilitation: Plans include setting up MVT Concierge and Lounges at important airports. This is to greet travellers at the aerobridge and assist them through immigration, customs, and baggage claims.
Institutional Mechanism for Medical and Wellness Tourism
To ensure coordinated development of Medical Value Travel, the Government has established an institutional framework.
National Medical & Wellness Tourism Promotion Board (NMWTB): Constituted by the Ministry of Tourism in 2015, chaired by the Union Minister for Tourism. It promotes and facilitates medical and wellness tourism in India.
Multi-Stakeholder Platform: The Board brings together ministries, state governments, hospitals, wellness centres, accreditation bodies, and industry stakeholders. Together, they strengthen the Medical Value Travel ecosystem.
State-Level Coordination: States are encouraged to establish dedicated Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Boards or cells to support regional development and promotion.
Promoting Wellness and Cultural Integration
Wellness tourism represents an important component of India’s broader health tourism strategy. The country’s rich traditions in yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and spiritual healing offer unique opportunities for integrating wellness with cultural tourism.
Yoga as a Global Brand for Holistic Health
Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ (meaning “to join” or “to unite”). It has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s global soft power. It symbolises the unity of mind, body, thought, and action, and promotes a holistic approach to well-being.
The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 served as the primary vehicle for integrating wellness into the national and global consciousness. Under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the event aligned yoga with sustainability and global well-being.
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India is positioned as a favoured destination for Yoga and traditional therapies, attracting Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs). They travel specifically to maintain their wellness lifestyle or seek preventive healthcare. This journey is now significantly streamlined by the government’s dedicated e-AYUSH Visa facility.
Towards a Global Healing Hub
India’s medical and wellness tourism ecosystem is evolving into a globally trusted model of integrated healthcare. It combines modern medical infrastructure with traditional systems such as AYUSH. This enables both curative and preventive care.
Strong government policy, digital facilitation, and international quality standards support this growth. Expanding global outreach is further strengthening India’s position as a comprehensive destination for Medical Value Travel.
As global demand rises, India is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of global healthcare and wellness travel.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has appointed noted lyricist, writer and communications strategist Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati, the country’s public service broadcasting body.
Joshi brings with him a wide creative and professional canvas, spanning literature, advertising, cinema and public messaging. Recognised for writing that blends cultural depth with contemporary relevance, his work across film lyrics, brand campaigns and social narratives has consistently resonated with diverse audiences.
Welcoming the appointment, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw described Joshi as a rare creative voice whose work reflects Indian ethos while earning global recognition. He expressed confidence that Joshi’s leadership would infuse Prasar Bharati with renewed direction and creative vitality.
Prior to this role, Joshi served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification since 2017, where he navigated the balance between artistic freedom and regulatory oversight. His earlier corporate tenure includes leading McCann Worldgroup India as CEO and heading its Asia Pacific operations. He is also associated as a trustee with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
His appointment comes at a time when public broadcasting is undergoing rapid technological shifts and adapting to changing audience behaviour, placing renewed emphasis on digital engagement and content innovation.
About Prasar Bharati
Formed under the Prasar Bharati Act of 1990 and operational since 1997, Prasar Bharati functions as India’s autonomous public broadcaster. It operates through two key arms: All India Radio, one of the world’s largest radio networks reaching audiences across regions and languages, and Doordarshan, which delivers news, education, entertainment and cultural programming nationwide.
The organisation has also expanded its digital presence with its OTT platform, Waves, aimed at strengthening free-to-air digital broadcasting.
With an extensive terrestrial and digital network, Prasar Bharati continues to play a central role in delivering credible information, promoting cultural continuity and ensuring inclusive access to public service media across India.
The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), a CPSE under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), today formally unveiled Padma Doree, a unique cross-cultural textile initiative that brings together the Eri (Ahimsa) silk traditions of Northeast India with the rich Chanderi weaving heritage of Madhya Pradesh.
The initiative was officially launched by Secretary, MDoNER, Sanjay Jaju, followed by a captivating fashion show that showcased the fusion of Eri silk—renowned for its ethical and sustainable production—with the intricate motifs and finesse of Chanderi textiles.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Sanjay Jaju said It is Hon’rable Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s vision of Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat that Padma Doree is come into being. He said that under the visionary leadership of Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia this new initiative as realised today .
He stated Padma Doree is distinct because it is coming from two different textile traditions – Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh and Eri Silk from the North East India. Shri Jaju said Padma Doree is not just bringing heritage, but also brining innovation.
The launch event featured curated exhibition walkthroughs, offering insights into the development of the textiles and the collaborative processes behind them. Positioned within the broader discourse on Indian textiles, indigenous knowledge systems, and sustainable luxury, the initiative underscores the relevance of traditional crafts in contemporary markets.
The three-day exhibition, commencing today, has been designed as an interactive and evolving platform, allowing visitors to engage directly with artisans, understand textile processes, and experience the journey from fibre to fabric.
Artisans from Northeast India and Madhya Pradesh are actively participating in the showcase, offering live demonstrations and sharing insights into their craft traditions. The event also integrates regional culinary experiences, reflecting the cultural richness of the participating regions.
Speaking at launching programme NEHHDC Managing DirectoMara Kocho said, “Padma Doree brings together the fibre traditions of the North East and the handloom heritage of Chanderi, creating an integrated and sustainable textile ecosystem.
The unveiling event was graced by film Director Muzaffar Ali, Senior officials of MDoNER, officials from Madhya Pradesh Handloom along with other dignitaries, designers, and artisans associated with the initiative.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has appointed noted filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker as Festival Director for the 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India, scheduled to take place in Goa later this year.
Gowariker, known for his expansive body of work in Indian cinema, brings with him decades of association with the festival. His engagement with IFFI reflects a long-standing involvement with both Indian and global film cultures, positioning him as a seasoned choice for the role.
Reacting to the appointment, Gowariker said he was honoured to take on the responsibility. He recalled his journey with the festival, noting that he first attended IFFI in 1984 and has remained connected to it over the years, most recently serving as Jury President for International Cinema in 2024. He described the opportunity as both a privilege and a moment of pride.
He emphasised the legacy of the festival, which has been shaped by numerous contributors since its inception in 1952, and said he looks forward to working closely with the Union Ministry and the Government of Goa to build on that foundation.
Established in 1952, IFFI is among Asia’s most prominent film festivals and serves as a key platform for global cinema. Over the decades, it has evolved into a meeting point for filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences, fostering cultural exchange through cinema.
Organised jointly by the National Film Development Corporation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Entertainment Society of Goa, the festival has grown into a diverse showcase of cinematic expression. Its programming typically includes international competitions, country focus segments, retrospectives, masterclasses, and the Film Bazaar—an industry hub for collaboration and project development.
Set against Goa’s coastal landscape, the upcoming 57th edition, scheduled for November 2026, is expected to expand its scope further, bringing together a wide spectrum of storytelling traditions, languages, and emerging technologies in cinema.
In a significant move to bolster supply security and accelerate a circular economy, the Ministry of Mines has completed eligibility screening for its incentive programme on critical mineral recycling, clearing 58 companies to participate.
The scheme—backed by a ₹1,500 crore outlay under the National Critical Mineral Mission—was notified on October 2, 2025, alongside detailed operational guidelines. It is designed to build domestic recycling capacity for key materials recovered from lithium-ion batteries, electronic waste and industrial scrap, helping curb import dependence while supporting clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Applications were invited between October 2, 2025 and April 1, 2026, drawing strong industry interest. Submissions were evaluated by the Project Management Agency at the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre, in line with prescribed criteria.
Following the review, the Executive Committee approved 58 entities in two tranches—20 on March 30, 2026, and 38 on April 29, 2026. Together, these firms have committed an estimated 850 KTPA of recycling capacity and investments of around ₹5,000 crore. The selected participants span battery recycling, e-waste processing and recovery from other waste streams, indicating growing momentum in India’s critical minerals ecosystem.
The programme now moves into the implementation phase, where approved projects will be assessed for financial support based on capacity creation and the start of operations.
Transaction volume surges nearly 12,000-fold in last 10 years, Value exceeds ₹314 lakh crore in FY 2025–26, reflecting deep nationwide adoption.
Over 700 banks onboarded as UPI captures nearly 49% of global real-time payments, driving high-frequency retail usage and inclusive digital growth.
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched on 11 April 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) under the regulatory oversight of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has emerged as the backbone of India’s digital payments ecosystem and a critical driver of financial inclusion.
Over a decade of operations, UPI has demonstrated extraordinary scale and momentum. Annual transaction volume expanded from just 2 crore transactions in FY 2016-17 to over 24,162 crore transactions in FY 2025-26, representing an almost 12,000‑fold surge in transaction volume. Parallelly, transaction value rose sharply from ₹0.07 lakh crore in FY 2016-17 to approximately ₹314 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, translating into a more than 4,000‑fold increase in transaction value.
This simultaneous expansion in both volume and value highlights UPI’s deepening role in supporting high‑frequency retail payments. The unprecedented scale, reliability, and interoperability achieved by UPI have received global recognition, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) acknowledging it as the world’s largest real‑time payment system by transaction volume, underscoring India’s leadership in building scalable, inclusive, and innovative digital public infrastructure.
INDIA CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF UPI
A Decade of Transforming India’s Digital Payment Landscape
From 21 Banks & 0.01 Crore Transactions in a month in the Year 2016 to 700+ Banks & 2000+ crore Transactions in a month in the Year 2025
24,162 Crore
Annual Transactions (FY2026)
₹314 Lakh Crore
Annual Value
(FY2026)
66 Crore
Daily Average Transactions
₹0.86 Lakh Crore
Daily Average Value
(FY2026)
I. The Decade in Numbers
UPI AT A GLANCE : KEY STATISTICS (NPCI)
Annual Transaction Volume (FY2025-26)
24,161.69 Crore
Annual Transaction Value (FY2025-26)
₹314 Lakh Crore
YoY Volume Growth (2025-2026)
30.0%
YoY Value Growth (2025-2026)
20.59%
Daily Average Transactions (2025)
66 Crore
Record Monthly Volume (March 2026)
2264 Crore (peak)
Record Monthly Value (March 2026)
₹29.53 Lakh Crore
Banks Live on UPI (As on March 2026)
703 Banks
Banks at Launch (April 2016)
21 Banks
First Month Transactions (April 2016)
373
Share of UPI in India’s Digital Payments
85% (FY2025-26)
Share of Global Real-Time Volume
49% of World (2025)
Countries Accepting UPI
8 Countries
Annual Transaction Volume Growth (2016-2025)
Fig 1: UPI Annual Transaction Volume in Crore|
Annual Transaction Value Growth (2016-2025)
Fig 2: UPI Annual Transaction Value in ₹ Lakh Crore
II. Monthly Performance, 2025
The Year 2025 marked a significant milestone in the growth trajectory of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Monthly transaction volumes crossed 2,000 crore transactions for the first time in August 2025, reaching 2,001 crore transactions, signalling a new scale of adoption. This momentum continued through the remainder of the year, with December 2025 recording 2,163 crore transactions, the highest monthly transaction volume in UPI’s decade‑long journey.
Over the course of the calendar year 2025, UPI processed approximately 22,000 crore transactions in total, translating into a daily average of about 60 crore transactions. This sustained high‑frequency usage reflects the deep penetration of digital payments across the country and the growing trust of citizens, merchants, and businesses in India’s digital payments ecosystem.
Fig 3: UPI Monthly Transaction Volume (2025)
III. Ecosystem Strength, Banks, Apps & Geography
Banks Live on UPI, Unprecedented Participation
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has witnessed a steady and broad-based expansion in institutional participation since its launch. The number of banks live on UPI increased from 44 banks in FY 2016-17, the first year of operations, to 703 banks by FY 2025-26. This onboarding covers public sector banks, private banks, small finance banks, payment banks, and cooperative banks, enabling UPI’s deep geographic reach. Each bank functions as a Remitter PSP (processing outgoing transactions) and/or a Beneficiary PSP (receiving funds), with NPCI monitoring performance metrics for all participants.
Fig 4: Number of Banks Live on UPI (FY2017–2026)
IV. Transaction Segmentation, P2P & P2M Analysis
An analysis of UPI transactions highlights a clear divergence between volume and value across payment types. Person‑to‑merchant (P2M) transactions account for 63% of total transaction volume, reflecting UPI’s extensive use for high‑frequency, low‑value retail payments. In contrast, person‑to‑person (P2P) transactions dominate transaction value, contributing 71%, indicating their use for higher‑ticket transfers between individuals. This contrast underscores UPI’s dual role as a mass retail payments platform and a trusted channel for larger‑value fund transfers.
Transaction Distribution by Ticket Size, Micro-Payments Dominate
Fig 5: UPI P2P vs P2M Split, Volume & Value
In FY2026, UPI transactions totalling 24,162 crore reflected the platform’s deep integration into everyday digital payment usage across the country. with particularly robust momentum in the merchant segment. P2M transactions were largely driven by small-ticket payments, with 86% below ₹500, highlighting UPI’s deep integration into routine retail and day-to-day commerce, even as higher-value transactions continued to expand. P2P transactions also showed widespread usage for low-value transfers (59% below ₹500), while a significant 41% of transactions above ₹500 reflects UPI’s growing versatility in facilitating both regular personal payments and higher-value fund transfers.
Fig 6: UPI transaction distribution by ticket size
V. UPI on the World Stage
What began as a domestic payments innovation has today evolved into a global benchmark in digital payments.
As of 2024, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) accounts for nearly 49 % percent of the world’s real-time payment transaction volume, a milestone recognized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its report in June 2025.
With over 66 crores transactions processed daily, UPI has surpassed global payment network, reinforcing India’s position as the world leader in instant, secure, and inclusive digital payments.
Country / Region
Status
UAE
Operational, accepted at major merchant points; used by Indian diaspora
Singapore
Operational, linked with Singapore’s PayNow for cross-border transfers
France
Operational, expanding Indian tourist payment acceptance
Operational, integrated with local payment infrastructure
Qatar
Operational.
VI. The Road Ahead, UPI’s Next Decade
The next decade of UPI is poised to drive even greater transformation in India’s digital payments landscape. By bringing new users and merchants to the UPI Ecosystem, Government of India remains committed to enabling the next phase of UPI-led innovation and strengthening India’s digital payments ecosystem through continued policy support, technological advancement, and greater financial inclusion.
India has significantly expanded its Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network since 2014, increasing from 14 operational units to 50, marking over 250% rise. These additions, covering over 87% of the country, improve forecasting for cyclones, heavy rain, and thunderstorms under the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with 50 more planned under Mission Mausam.
This was stated here today by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh speaking to the media after inaugurating a Selfie Point, depicting Weather Radar, at the entrance gate of India Meteorological Department (IMD) headquarters, at Lodhi Road, here. The event was held in the presence of Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Ravichandran, and Director General of Meteorology, IMD, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, along with senior officials and scientists.
The Minister said, this transformation has been made possible due to the high priority accorded to the sector by the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to greater accuracy, accessibility and public trust in forecasts.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that India’s meteorological services have undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade. From a time when weather forecasts were often met with scepticism, the system today provides highly reliable and precise predictions used by a wide spectrum of users, from farmers and homemakers to pilots and event planners. He said that people now routinely check weather updates on their mobile phones before stepping out, reflecting the growing trust and reach of IMD services.
Referring to advancements in forecasting, he highlighted the introduction of ‘Nowcast’ services, which provide highly localised and accurate forecasts for the next three hours. He said that such real-time information is crucial for disaster preparedness, urban planning and day-to-day decision-making. He added that India’s forecasting capability has reached a stage where it can provide detailed inputs on rainfall intensity, type of precipitation, possibility of hailstorms, and even the size of raindrops.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also spoke about the role of Doppler Weather Radar technology in strengthening India’s weather monitoring system. These radars use the Doppler effect to track the movement and velocity of weather systems, enabling accurate and timely forecasts. The modern radars deployed by IMD are equipped with dual-polarization technology, allowing precise identification of precipitation types such as rain, hail and drizzle, improved rainfall estimation, and better detection of severe weather events while minimizing false signals.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the expanding radar network enables continuous monitoring of the atmosphere over large distances and supports early warnings for cyclones, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and other extreme weather events. It also plays a critical role in aviation safety, agricultural planning and disaster risk reduction.
Highlighting the broader impact, the Minister said that India’s forecasting capabilities are also benefiting neighbouring countries, reflecting the country’s commitment to global cooperation and shared resilience.
The Minister also referred to the government’s focused initiatives such as Mission Mausam, aimed at strengthening weather and climate services, and the ongoing expansion of radar infrastructure, including installations in vulnerable regions like Jammu & Kashmir following recent extreme weather events.
The Selfie Point inaugurated today showcases a legacy weather radar system, providing visitors with a tangible connection to the evolution of meteorological technology in India. It has been set up to create greater public awareness about weather science and to encourage citizens to engage with IMD’s services through platforms such as mobile applications, SMS alerts and social media.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that such initiatives will help bridge the gap between scientific advancements and public awareness, enabling citizens to better understand and utilise weather information in their daily lives.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the extended Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express up to Jammu Tawi on April 30, marking a significant upgrade to rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The move comes alongside a major capacity expansion, with the train’s rake increased from 8 to 20 coaches in response to consistently high passenger demand.
The service, which earlier terminated at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now run till Jammu Tawi Railway Station, directly linking the Union Territory’s largest railhead with the Kashmir Valley.
Following the ceremonial run, regular operations will begin from May 2, with two pairs of trains operating six days a week across the 266-km corridor.
The first service will depart Jammu Tawi early morning and reach Srinagar in under five hours, while a second service will offer additional morning and afternoon options from both ends, improving flexibility for travellers.
Seamless travel for pilgrims, tourists and commuters
The extension eliminates the need for passengers to change trains at Katra, a long-standing inconvenience for pilgrims heading to the Vaishno Devi shrine and tourists travelling further into the Valley. It also enables a single, uninterrupted rail journey connecting Jammu directly to Srinagar.
For pilgrims, especially those combining visits to Vaishno Devi and the Amarnath Yatra routes via Srinagar, the new service simplifies travel logistics significantly. Tourists arriving in Jammu can now access Kashmir’s key destinations entirely by rail, bypassing weather-prone mountain roads.
Boost for local mobility and business
The expanded service is expected to benefit daily commuters, including students, officials and patients travelling between Jammu and Srinagar, particularly during winter when highway closures disrupt road connectivity.
For traders and artisans, the faster and more reliable rail link is likely to ease movement of goods and reduce travel costs, strengthening economic activity across the region.
Akashwani News
Engineering backbone of the route
As part of the visit, the minister will inspect the Chenab Rail Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge, both critical components of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
The Chenab bridge, standing taller than the Eiffel Tower, and the Anji bridge represent some of the most complex railway engineering efforts undertaken in the Himalayan region.
Part of a broader rail transformation
The extension is the latest milestone in a decade-long push to modernise rail infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The USBRL project, spanning 272 km with extensive tunnelling and bridge construction, has enabled all-weather connectivity to the Valley.
The first Vande Bharat service on the route was flagged off by Narendra Modi in June 2025. The latest extension now brings that high-speed service to a wider population base, linking Jammu more directly with Kashmir’s economic and tourism circuits.
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