Political figures, yoga professionals, diplomats, and regular citizens are all actively preparing for International Yoga Day, which is scheduled for tomorrow. They are coming together to commemorate the ancient Indian practice that has developed into a global wellness trend.

Under the subject “Yoga for Healthy Aging,” this year’s International Day of Yoga is being celebrated with a focus on yoga’s role in helping individuals live more active, satisfying, and healthier lives.

Before the national celebrations on June 21, Saturday saw the organization of large-scale yoga events and awareness campaigns throughout the nation, from Kolkata and Hyderabad to Jodhpur and New Delhi.

Nationally, 778 districts in all States and Union Territories are now covered by the initiative.

According to ministry statistics, over 3. 22 lakh government agencies, approximately two lakh educational institutions, over 16,000 private enterprises, more than 5,000 non-governmental organisations, and around 44,000 entities from other categories have registered on the site.

Rajasthan, with approximately 1. 50 lakh registrations, and West Bengal, with more than 2. 76 lakh registered organizations, have the highest levels of involvement among the states.

Professor Kashinath Samagandi, Director of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would do yoga with thousands of participants in Kolkata, the location of the primary International Yoga Day event.

Sitting with the general public, the Prime Minister will practice yoga. In addition, the governor, the chief minister, and the Minister of Union Ayush will attend. According to him, the event will be attended by MPs, MLAs, municipal government representatives, and a number of other notables.

The event, according to Prof. Samagandi, would adhere to the Common Yoga Protocol, which has been regularly observed for the previous twelve years. The show will run from 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM and include nine yoga asanas, five pranayama sessions, and meditation sessions, according to him.

In Hyderabad, BJP official Prakash Reddy stressed the global recognition of yoga and said that Prime Minister Modi’s vision was crucial in gaining support for Yoga Day at the United Nations.

Yoga is a universal treatment for many diseases, according to Prime Minister Modi, who stated this twelve years ago. He stated that in line with this vision, India proposed International Yoga Day to the United Nations, where member countries offered overwhelming backing, resulting in the adoption of a global resolution.

In Mumbai, BJP Minority Morcha President Wasim Khan conveyed an important message of inclusivity, stating that yoga had overcome obstacles related to religion, caste, and community.

Yoga has been elevated to a global health movement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. No one community or faith is exclusive to yoga. Khan stated that it has now spread to every household and is practiced year-round for physical and mental health.

To participate in Yoga Day celebrations in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu accompanied well-known yoga instructor Baba Ramdev at Amaravati’s Undavalli Caves.

In Jaipur, at his official home, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma did yoga and said that yoga is the cornerstone of a balanced lifestyle, mental calm, and physical power. In addition, he urged the populace to take part in the Yoga Day events being organized all throughout the state.

According to Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Hyderabad has maintained the custom of holding a 24-hour countdown event before International Yoga Day for the past seven years, attracting distinguished people and yoga fans.

Under the direction of Rajya Sabha MP Rajendra Gehlot, Jodhpur also had a big turnout for a yoga session held at Gaushala Ground. Different yoga exercises were practiced by public officials, members of the government, police personnel, and locals. Gehlot stated that yoga, formerly considered India’s historic legacy, is currently being adopted throughout the globe with exceptional eagerness.

Additionally, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in New Delhi collaborated with Life Yoga to host a special yoga session, adding an international element to the festivities.

The gathering brought together community members and diplomats to advocate for wellness and deepen the cultural links and interpersonal relationships between India and Russia.

Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary received the Best Athlete Awards in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards. Pooja and Shahnavaz Khan received the Best Emerging Athlete honors during an impressive ceremony.

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, presented the prizes established by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).

Among the many notable people who came to commemorate distinction throughout the Indian athletics ecology were Mohamed Tholal, Sports Commissioner of the Maldives; Korottage Bimal Prasanna, President of Sri Lanka Athletics; and Adille J. Sumariwalla, World Athletics Vice President.

“Indian athletics has seen incredible growth over the past ten years, with our competitors producing world-class performances at the most prominent events. The Indian Athletics Awards are a deserving homage to the individuals and organizations responsible for this development. These honors will strengthen India’s sports environment even more,” Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stated.

Awards for Lifetime Achievement were presented to some of the most influential figures in Indian athletics during the Indian Athletics Awards night. P. T. Usha, Anju Bobby George, and Bahadur Singh Chauhan were among the illustrious athletes who received tributes for their exceptional contributions to Indian athletics throughout the years.

According to Bahadur Singh Sagoo, President of the AFI, the Indian Athletics Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the people who help Indian athletics succeed. Every stakeholder has an important part to play on our path, from athletes and trainers to technical personnel. “These medals will be a distinguished distinction in Indian athletics,” he stated.

This is a really special honor to be recognized among such outstanding athletes from our nation, Neeraj Chopra stated. “Indian athletics is growing quickly, and we are witnessing fresh talent emerge and compete on the international stage every year. This prize encourages me to aim for greatness and give back to the sport,” he stated.

Parul Chaudhary stated that she greatly appreciates the acknowledgment. “Athletics requires daily patience, discipline, and perseverance. I want to thank my family, support staff, and coaches for their ongoing encouragement. I hope my path encourages more young girls to pursue their aspirations and enter the world of athletics, she remarked.

Shahnawaz Khan expressed his pride. “This is a proud occasion and serves as a major inspiration. It pushes me to work harder and keep getting better as an athlete. “I want to thank my family, my coaches, and everyone else who has helped me throughout this trip,” he stated.

Pooja said this acknowledgement gives her hope and pushes her to set higher goals. “It’s really encouraging to be recognized on a national level like this. In the years to come, I will keep striving to make the nation proud. ”

PT Usha, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, expressed her profound humility and stated that athletics has given her everything in life. She said, “I have seen the great development of Indian Athletics over the years, and I am happy to witness young athletes succeeding at the highest levels.”

Anju Bobby George, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, said that Indian Athletics had advanced significantly. “It is encouraging to witness the sport receiving the respect it merits. ” On behalf of everyone who has helped me along the way, I would like to receive this honor. I hope the next generation will keep dreaming big. “I think our players are good enough to play against the top in the world,” she commented.

Coaches and administrators, as well as some of India’s biggest athletics icons, such as Sriram Singh, Charles Borromeo, Chand Ram, and Kamaljit Sandhu, gathered at the awards event to honor outstanding performers from the 2025 season as well as those who have flown the flag for Indian athletics in the past.

Each of Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary received Rs. 10 lakh, while each of Shahnawaz Khan and Pooja received Rs. 2. 50 lakh. Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award each received Rs. 5 lakh.

Additionally, AFI gave out prizes in several other categories, such as Best Technical Official of the Year, Best Coach of the Year, Best State Association of the Year, Best State Supporting Athletics, Organization Supporting Athletics, and Partner Supporting Athletics.

The winners of the awards include:

• Best Male Athlete of the Year (2025) – Neeraj Chopra (Rs. 10,00,000)
• Parul Chaudhary (Rs. 10,00,000) will be named Best Female Athlete of the Year 2025.
• Shahnawaz Khan (Rs. 2,50,000) was named the Best Emerging Male Athlete in 2025.
• Pooja (Rs. 2,50,000) – Best Emerging Female Athlete 2025
• P T Usha, a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Athletics Award, will get Rs. 5,00,000.
• Gurbachan Singh Randhawa (Rs. 5,00,000) will receive the Lifetime Achievement Athletics Award.
• Anju Bobby George receives the Lifetime Achievement Athletics Award (Rs. 5,00,000).
• Bahadur Singh Chauhan (Rs. 5,00,000) – Lifetime Achievement Athletics Award

India completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep over Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday with a commanding nine-wicket win, thanks to fast bowler Prasidh Krishna‘s first five-wicket haul and Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s fluid unbeaten century.

Despite skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi scoring his first ODI century with a score of 102, India was able to bowl out Afghanistan for 218 in 44. 2 overs thanks to Prasidh’s incredible statistics of 5-23 in nine overs, which included four wickets during the power play thanks to his pace, bounce, and swing.

Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma (who made 79) scored 170 together in the first over, five of which were penalty runs. As India concluded the chase with 128 balls left, Jaiswal then went on to score an undefeated 110 runs in 86 balls, hitting 14 boundaries and three sixes for his second ODI century in three innings.

Under Shubman Gill’s captaincy in ODIs, India also claimed their maiden series victory with this win.

India started well, with Rohit and Jaiswal negotiating the initial movement and scoring boundaries through clean drives and cuts to reach 42 without loss at the end of the fifth over.

In the seventh over, Jaiswal stepped on the gas by hitting a deluge of boundaries against Fareed Ahmad. India was able to reach 86 runs without losing a wicket at the end of the Powerplay thanks to additional strike rotation and boundaries.

Jaiswal and Rohit kept up the pressure since Afghanistan didn’t raise many questions, and the former hit his half-century off 38 balls in the 11th over with a confident drive to long-off. In the 16th over, Rohit also found his stride and scored his half-century in 47 balls.

Despite a blunder that almost resulted in a run-out, Rohit and Jaiswal hit loose balls and rotated the strike while Afghanistan utilized spinners Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi to control the flow.

Rohit provided the customary support at the other end after a scratchy start, while Jaiswal’s placement and timing were especially impressive.

Rohit was removed for a well-made 79 in the 23rd over by Nabi after he pulled to deep mid-wicket. Jaiswal kept up his control as Shreyas Iyer came out to the middle. Jaiswal and Iyer exchanged blows and punished anything brief because the required pace was low.

Afghanistan’s bowlers worked tirelessly for breakthroughs, but fielding blunders and misfields proved costly. With a magnificent inside-out drive over additional cover off Nabi, Jaiswal shifted gears as the finish approached and scored his century off 83 balls.

Before sweeping and lofting the final delivery over long-on, he ended the chase undoubtedly.

Brief scores:
Afghanistan 218 all out in 44.2 overs (Hashmatullah Shahidi 102, Azmatullah Omarzai 50; Prasidh Krishna 5-23, Harsh Dubey 1-38)
India 224/1 in 28.4 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 110 not out, Rohit Sharma 79; Mohammad Nabi 1-47)

It was announced that India has helped Austria make its first-ever commercial export delivery of dried whole egg powder from Balangir, Odisha, which is a major step toward promoting value-added agricultural and processed food exports from India.

The export cargo was facilitated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

Balangir’s OVO Farm Pvt. Ltd., an APEDA-registered exporter, shipped the shipment. According to an official statement, the delivery “shows the increasing global acceptance of Indian value-added chicken products and opens new avenues for the export of processed egg products to premium international markets.”

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev symbolically waved the export shipment, which consisted of 22. 6 metric tons of whole dried egg powder.

For a variety of food and industrial purposes, egg powder is imported into Austria and a number of other European countries.

This shipment’s successful export underscores the rising demand for Indian processed food products in the European Union and strengthens India’s position as a reliable supplier of premium agricultural and food products.

According to the ministry, the export is anticipated to stimulate more investment in poultry processing, reinforce Odisha’s agro-processing environment, and open up new avenues for the state to increase its exports of value-added goods.

The exporter opened a cutting-edge egg processing plant in Balangir in 2025 in order to promote export-led growth and reinforce the regional egg value chain.

EIC standards, European Union hygiene standards, and other internationally recognized regulations are among the national and international food safety and quality standards that the facility’s dried egg products meet.

Because of its adaptability, ease of transportation, and lengthy shelf life, dried whole egg powder is frequently employed in the food processing sector, bakeries, confectionery production, and pharmaceutical applications.

The product, which is manufactured through the spray drying of liquid eggs, goes through strict quality control procedures to guarantee conformity with global standards.

The title of director Rajkumar Periasamy‘s next movie, starring Tamil actor Dhanush and Malayalam legend Mammootty, was revealed on Thursday as “Om” by the film’s creators.

According to the producers, the movie will be released on October 16 of this year.

The film’s title, which has the tagline Chapter 1, suggests that there may be a follow-up.

The creators released a title teaser on Thursday that revealed the narrative focuses on those who make a profession out of cutting red sanders. Dhanush portrays the role of a lumberjack. The trailer depicts police arresting woodcutters for illegally chopping red sanders. Dhanush comes to their rescue while keeping the employees at gunpoint.

Sreyas, head of Wunderbar Films, announced during the title teaser launch event that this movie would be one of the most expensive in Dhanush’s career. Additionally, he said that the fans’ much awaited mass vintage Dhanush will return in this film.

The movie, which until recently was known by the working name D55, has sparked a lot of curiosity among cinephiles and enthusiasts.

Sai Abhyankkar composed the soundtrack for the picture, which stars Sai Pallavi and Sreeleela as the leading women. The film’s cinematography is done by Ezhil Arasu.

Kalaivanan R is editing the movie, and Kavya Sriram is handling the outfits.

It may be remembered that when Malayalam star Mammootty joined the cast of the film, the producers gave him a cordial reception. “When the Big M chooses a narrative, it becomes history,” said Wunderbar Films, one of the production firms making the movie. We are so thrilled to have Megastar @mammukka join D55! It’s an honor! Mammootty, thank you very much.

Director Rajkumar Periasamy, who personally welcomed the Malayalam megastar on his X timeline, said, “Dear @mammukka, the moment you said ‘Yes,’ I realized that D55 had been blessed with Divinity by the almighty. ” Our very own Mammootty sir, I am humbled and delighted to have you join us for the movie! I’m excited to see your magic unfold alongside @dhanushkraja sir. Here’s to my lifetime of Mammootty experiences.

Mammootty responded to the welcome greetings by saying, “Elated and thrilled to be a part of this adventure with @dhanushkraja and @Rajkumar_KP. ”

It should be remembered that R Take Studios, another production company, had said just a few days ago that it would be collaborating with Wunderbar Films to make this movie.

Samantha, whose next film “Maa Inti Bangaram” was recently released, has now revealed one feature of the character she plays in the movie that made her fall in love with it!

Samantha said that the resilience of the character she played in the movie made her fall in love with it during a recent social media interactive session with her followers in which she responded to a query.

The actress also mentioned that Swarna, her character in Maa Inti Bangaram, was the most similar to the actual Samantha out of all the roles she had portrayed in Telugu movies, which is interesting.

At a press conference, the actress, who produced the movie in addition to playing the starring role, was questioned about the film’s realistic action sequences.

Samantha had stated in response to the query that “there are no slow motion sequences, no flying shots, and no buildup shots if you see in the picture. “ It’s incredibly real. Real punches. I have also experienced hardships. I have bled. They are extremely realistic action sequences. I performed every stunt myself. Everyone likes the act and it seems like I did it because of that.

The film’s trailer, which was released a few days ago, has increased its appeal.

The trailer depicts Samantha arriving at her boyfriend’s house. She is greeted with a slew of questions, including, “I think I’ve seen you before. ” What’s your name? Where do you come from?

However, she responds by asking a leading question. Do you know who I really am?

The impression given by the trailer is that her partner, who fell in love with her, waited two years for her, and she has now moved in with him.

Her relatives inquire as to her caste, her ability to cook, and the number of siblings she has. Nevertheless, she believes that these inquiries are grilling her like a criminal.

Then, Anusuya, the younger daughter-in-law of the house, is introduced to her. The other members of the family call Anusuya “maa inti Bangaram” (the gold of our house).

For a woman to be regarded as ideal, a daughter-in-law must possess a variety of traits. She moans before saying, I have none of those characteristics; she ought to be beautiful, slender, well-mannered, able to cook and sing. However, I do have one quality. In order to safeguard my family, I am prepared to take all chances.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced that it has mandated that all food business operators (FBOs) in the nation utilize only food-grade and corrosion-resistant knives, blades, and other cutting tools while handling and processing food.

In an advisory, the food regulator raised alarm about reports that certain food businesses are employing rusted, corroded, chipped, painted, damaged, or otherwise unfit cutting tools during food preparation, processing, slicing, packaging, and related operations.

According to FSSAI, there is a major food safety hazard associated with using such machinery since it might physically, chemically, or microbiologically contaminate food products.

According to the agency, the practice is against the hygienic and sanitary standards outlined in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

The regulator reiterated that all equipment, utensils, and food-contact surfaces used in the handling, preparation, processing, packaging, and storage of food must be constructed of food-grade, non-toxic, and corrosion-resistant materials in accordance with existing food safety regulations.

Food establishments must ensure that all knives, blades, and cutting devices are in good hygienic condition and are free of rust, corrosion, cracks, chipping, paint, breakage, or any other defects that might contaminate food, according to the FSSAI.

“The FSSAI has ordered all Food Business Operators (FBOs) in the country to only use food-grade, corrosion-resistant knives, blades, and other cutting gear in food handling and processing operations,” according to the statement.

It also highlighted the importance of cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing such equipment on a regular basis as needed.

Additionally, in order to avoid the risk of contamination, the authority recommended companies to quickly replace or discard any damaged, rusted, or otherwise inappropriate cutting instruments.

To ensure food safety standards, appropriate cleaning and disinfection processes must be implemented at regular intervals, according to the statement.

FSSAI warned of strong action against offenders, stating that non-compliance with the advisory may result in penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.

FSSAI Regional Directors and Food Safety Commissioners in all states and Union Territories have also been requested by the authority to ensure strict monitoring during inspections.

During inspections, the FSSAI has told food safety officials and licensing authorities to keep a close eye out and make sure the recommended criteria are being followed.

According to the regulator, necessary action should be initiated wherever violations are discovered, in line with the Food Safety and Standards Act and its accompanying regulations.

The government has approved an 8. 25% interest rate on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for the 2025-26 fiscal year, allowing interest to be credited to the accounts of over seven million contributing subscribers to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).

The Finance Ministry has apparently authorized the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), the highest decision-making authority of the EPFO, to suggest an 8. 25 percent interest rate.

The money from interest is expected to be put into members’ accounts by the end of the month.

For FY26, the CBT, which is led by Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, had chosen on March 2, 2026, to maintain the EPF interest rate at 8. 25 percent.

For the third year in a row, the retirement fund organization has kept the same rate for its members.

The proposal was forwarded to the Finance Ministry for agreement since the government is the guarantor of EPF deposits after the CBT made its choice.

The ministry has now given its approval, therefore EPFO anticipates starting the process of giving interest to the accounts of its members.

The development comes as EPFO gets ready to implement significant digital reforms on its future EPFO 3. 0 platform.

It is anticipated that the organization will roll out a feature that will let users take their provident fund cash via EPF-linked ATMs and UPI applications.

It is reported that the new facility, which is being created in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India, will likely be available shortly.

The system has already undergone testing, and an official announcement on the rollout is anticipated shortly.

Members might be able to instantly take up to 75% of their EPF amount directly into their bank accounts using ATM access and UPI-enabled platforms under the suggested system.

According to experts, the action will improve openness and accountability in PF withdrawals while drastically lowering paperwork and processing delays.

Nearly 16 lakh applicants have downloaded their admit cards ahead of the NEET (UG)-2026 re-examination, which is set for June 21, according to the National Testing Agency (NTA). For candidates taking the retest, the admission cards were made available on June 14.

The NTA declared that it had received several requests from candidates who were unable to finish their account information for a variety of reasons and wished for direct access to download their admit cards.

As a result, the agency has opted to allow all applicants to download their NEET (UG)-2026 admission cards through the official website by selecting one of the available choices and using their login information.

Either they may download their admit card right away and later review and verify their bank information for the test fee return, or they can review and verify their bank information first and then download the admit card.

Candidates experiencing any difficulties downloading their admit cards should call the NTA on its helpline numbers, 011-40759000 or 011-69227700, or send an email to (neetug2026@nta. ac. in).

Moreover, candidates have been advised to check the official NEET and NTA websites often for the most recent information and announcements about the exam.

In the interim, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has carried question sheets for the NEET-UG 2026 retest to 18 sites around the country as part of comprehensive security measures in preparation for the exam.

In light of the authorities’ stepped-up efforts to ensure that the re-examination is done smoothly, securely, and without any inconsistencies, the decision has been made.

Using Air Force airplanes is meant to guarantee that question papers are delivered safely and on schedule to their designated distribution centers throughout the nation, according to officials.

The NTA has implemented a multi-layered security framework for the re-examination in collaboration with other government organizations. Security personnel, local administration officials, and law enforcement agencies have been dispatched to monitor the transportation, storage, and distribution of testing supplies.

Moreover, sensitive test facilities will be subjected to higher surveillance. To stop any efforts to manipulate question papers or interfere with the examination process, the authorities have put in place rigorous monitoring systems.

Candidates who were impacted by issues found during the prior examination procedure will take the NEET-UG 2026 retest on June 21.

It is one of India’s biggest entrance examinations and serves as the doorway for admission to undergraduate medical programs around the country.