The Ministry of Ayush has invited applications for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga 2026, which aims to inspire broader participation, innovation and leadership in the field. The Ministry of Ayush informed us that the award will be given in two categories: Individuals and Institutions. Each awardee will receive a trophy, a certificate and a cash award of 25 lakh rupees. Ministry informed us that this award will recognise exemplary contributions toward the development andpromotion of Yoga at both National and International levels. It added that the last date for submission of applications is the 21st of next month. Eligible individuals and institutions can apply through the National Awards Portal.

Shri Somanna said the book is a rich visual and narrative tribute to one of Indian Railways’ most impactful cultural and spiritual tourism initiatives. He said the book beautifully captures the spirit, vision, and collective effort behind a pioneering model that seamlessly integrates faith, culture, heritage, and modern rail infrastructure. He added, the remarkable initiative was conceptualised and driven by Dr. Anup Dayanand, IRTS (Retd.).

Shri Somanna said it is historic that under the Bharat Gaurav Scheme, more than 30,000 devotees from Karnataka have fulfilled their lifelong dream of visiting Kashi and other sacred destinations at an affordable cost.

The book vividly showcases the train as a “moving gallery of India,” detailing its thoughtfully designed coaches, onboard amenities, curated spiritual circuits, and end-to-end passenger experience. Special focus is given to how comfort, accessibility, and affordability were prioritised, particularly for senior citizens and first-time pilgrims through policy support and state subsidies. At its core, the book chronicles the conception, evolution, and successful execution of the Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train under the Bharat Gaurav Policy.

The Union Health Ministry is set to launch a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme targeting girls aged 14 years. The vaccination will be voluntary and free of cost, ensuring equitable access across socio-economic groups.

India will use Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine, for protection from HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer, as well as types 6 and 11. “Global and Indian scientific evidence confirms that a single dose provides robust and durable protection when administered to girls in the recommended age group,’’ a senior Health Ministry official said.

“The nationwide programme will target girls aged 14 years, an age at which the HPV vaccine offers maximum preventive benefit, well before potential exposure to the virus,” the official said.

A World Bank report warned of a “shockingly large” gap between legislation promoting gender equality and its enforcement, with no country currently ensuring all the legal rights required for women’s full economic participation.

The annual report, released on Tuesday, emphasized that while many nations have made progress on laws that advance women’s economic rights, weak enforcement systems and institutional shortcomings have hindered their real-world impact.

“There is a shockingly large gap between the two,” the report stated, referring to the divide between gender-equal legislation and the mechanisms needed to enforce those laws effectively.

Artisan Beats (born Seo Jae-min), the first-generation hip-hop producer, has passed away. He was 47 at the time of his death. He was known for shaping the Korean hip-hop scene and also contributed to the country’s underground rap movement.

According to the music industry, Artisan Beats died on February 17, per Allkpop. Rappers AJ and Minos, who had worked alongside him during the Master Plan Allstarz, shared tributes on their social media handles. The cause of Artisan Beats' death is not known yet.

AJ penned an emotional tribute as he wrote, “Jaemin, thank you for hanging out with me for 30 years. Rest comfortably now.” Minos expressed grief, writing, “I hope you rest in peace.”

On February 24, hip-hop crew Bulhandang shared a notice on its official Facebook page announcing Artisan Beats’ demise, with hip-hop fans offering condolences to the producer.

Young adults in India, aged 18 to 34, rank 60th globally in mental health and well-being, according to the Global Mind Health 2025 report covering 84 countries. They have a Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) score of 33. In contrast, Indians aged 55 and above score 96, ranking 49th globally and aligning more closely with functional norms of mental health.

The findings, part of Sapien Labs’ Global Mind Project, are based on responses from 78,093 internet-enabled, literate individuals in India — including 29,594 in the 18–34 age group and 24,088 aged 55 and above. Globally, the study draws on data from over a million respondents across 84 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Researchers say the results reflect a structural, multi-year generational shift rather than a temporary post-pandemic effect.

Germany and India have reinforced their commitment to enhancing adaptation and resilience during a high-level Climate Talk held in New Delhi.

Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), announced a new Large Grant project for India, which has a funding volume of up to EUR 20 million under the International Climate Initiative (IKI).

The project aims to improve resilience in high-risk ecosystems across priority regions, including the Himalayas, island areas, the Western Ghats, the North-East, and the Lower Gangetic floodplains. This initiative will support ecosystem-based approaches (EbA) such as forest restoration, enhancing biodiversity corridors, flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge, and community-led natural resource management.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said in the Legislative Assembly that the State Government is planning to extend the Bhavantar Yojana to the mustard farmers to compensate them for the difference between the government procurement price and the market price.

Speaking in the Vidhan Sabha during the ongoing Budget session, Mr. Yadav said that the State Government has sent a proposal to this regard to the Union Government and that the move is expected to benefit about 80 lakh farmers.

The Bhavantar scheme, which pays the farmers the difference if their crop is sold in the market at a price less than the government-declared minimum support price (MSP) or procurement price, currently benefits the soybean farmers in Madhya Pradesh.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said biotechnology will drive the next industrial revolution, as India steadily moves towards building a USD 1 trillion bioeconomy by 2047.

Addressing the 40th Foundation Day celebrations of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in New Delhi, the Minister launched “SUJVIKA”, an AI-driven biotech product data portal developed in collaboration with industry body ABLE.

Singh said India has ensured that it does not remain a late entrant in emerging technologies and has positioned biotechnology as a key pillar of future economic growth under the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Argentine tennis player Tomas Martin Etcheverry has won his maiden ATP Tour title, claiming the ATP 500 Rio Open with a 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 victory over Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo at the final in Brazil. Rain had delayed his semi-final, forcing him to play two matches in a single day. The 26-year-old rose to the challenge to secure the biggest title of his career. It is his first ATP crown after finishing runner-up in three previous finals.

Etcheverry also recorded his 100th tour-level match win during the tournament. He defeated Tabilo in Buenos Aires last week and repeated the win in Rio, extending his head-to-head lead to 2-0. With the win, Etcheverry has jumped 18 places to World No. 33 and will return to the Top 40 for the first time since last February. Earlier, in men’s doubles, Brazil’s Joao Fonseca and Felipe Melo defeated Constantin Frantzen of Germany and Belgium’s Robin Haase 4-6, 6-3, 10-8. It was Fonseca’s first home title and Melo’s second straight trophy.