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  • SWAYAM-16 Exam Schedule Out for June 2026

    SWAYAM-16 Exam Schedule Out for June 2026

    New Delhi, January 10:
    The exam schedule for the SWAYAM-16 recruitment test has been officially released for June 2026, providing candidates with the timeline and key dates for one of the year’s most anticipated competitive examinations. SWAYAM-16 — the Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds test — serves as a qualifying and scholarship pathway for thousands of students across India seeking academic advancement and financial support. According to the schedule, the examinations are set to be conducted at various designated centres nationwide over a span of several days in June, with detailed date sheets and reporting times already available to registered candidates.

    Education officials urged aspirants to begin final preparations and complete all requisite formalities well in advance of the exam window, including downloading their admit cards and verifying test centre information. Candidates are required to strictly adhere to instructions regarding reporting times, permissible items and identification requirements, as outlined in the official timetable. The announcement of the SWAYAM-16 schedule has been widely welcomed by students and educators alike, who view the standardised exam as a critical step toward academic opportunities, scholarship awards, and competitive placements in higher education.

  • Big Blow for RCB: India Star to Miss Two Weeks of WPL 2026 Due to Injury

    Big Blow for RCB: India Star to Miss Two Weeks of WPL 2026 Due to Injury

    Bengaluru, January 10:
    Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a significant setback ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 after one of their India stars was ruled out for two weeks due to injury, team sources confirmed on Saturday. The player — a key contributor with both bat and ball — sustained a strain during a recent training session and was subsequently advised to rest by the medical team to prevent aggravation. Her absence is expected to impact RCB’s balance in the early stages of the tournament as the team adapts to the absence of an all-round match-winner.

    RCB coach and support staff said the decision to sideline the player was made with her long-term well-being in mind, stressing that rushing her back would be counter-productive. The team’s physio confirmed that initial scans showed a mild muscle strain, and the player has already begun rehabilitation with targeted strength and conditioning work. With RCB having ambitions of lifting the WPL title, the team management is now likely to re-strategise its playing XI and rotation policies, while hoping for a swift recovery that aligns with the mid-tournament fixtures. Fans and teammates have extended messages of support, wishing the star a speedy return to action.

  • India-US Trade Talks: Differing Accounts Over Modi-Trump Call and Tariff Negotiations

    India-US Trade Talks: Differing Accounts Over Modi-Trump Call and Tariff Negotiations

    New Delhi / Washington, January 10:
    In the context of ongoing India-US trade discussions, there have been differing accounts between the United States and New Delhi regarding a stalled trade deal, with the US Commerce Secretary suggesting that a missed phone call from Prime Minister Modi may have contributed to the impasse. However, the Indian government has dismissed this claim as inaccurate, maintaining that discussions continue while emphasising the importance of constructive engagement on tariff and trade issues. The talks have gained focus amid US proposals to levy high duties on imports from certain countries, which India views within the framework of protecting its economic and energy interests.

    The external affairs ministry and trade experts emphasised that India prefers diplomatic and consultative channels to resolve differences and seek mutually beneficial outcomes. Officials highlighted that both sides remain committed to advancing strategic economic ties, with dialogues ongoing to address market access, tariff concerns, and broader bilateral trade cooperation.

  • PM Modi to Interact With Young Leaders at Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue 2.0

    PM Modi to Interact With Young Leaders at Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue 2.0

    New Delhi, January 10:
    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also engaging with India’s youth leadership as part of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue (VBYLD) 2.0, scheduled from January 10 to 12. Modi expressed his eagerness to interact with emerging young leaders, innovators, and change-makers from across the country, focusing on topics such as ethical leadership, innovation, governance, and nation-building. Organisers said the event aims to motivate youth participation in public service and to encourage innovative solutions for societal challenges.

    The dialogue aligns with National Youth Day celebrations and underscores the government’s emphasis on empowering the next generation. Modi’s engagement highlights the role of youth in shaping India’s future, including support for start-ups, skill development, and leadership opportunities in diverse sectors. Authorities expect the discussions to result in actionable ideas that contribute to inclusive growth and sustainable progress nationwide.

  • PM Modi Begins Three-Day Gujarat Visit for Somnath Swabhiman Parv and National Events

    PM Modi Begins Three-Day Gujarat Visit for Somnath Swabhiman Parv and National Events

    Ahmedabad / Somnath, January 10:
    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a three-day official visit to Gujarat, where he participated in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations, highlighting India’s spiritual heritage and national unity. Modi took part in the Omkar Mantra chanting at the Somnath Temple on the evening of January 10, followed by a special drone show at the temple premises. The event, being observed from January 8 to 11, marks 1,000 years since the first attack on the historic shrine and celebrates its resilience and cultural significance across centuries. Modi reiterated the sacred site’s role in awakening the collective consciousness of the nation and emphasised its enduring symbolism of faith and courage.

    Looking ahead, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the Shaurya Yatra and perform darshan and pooja at Somnath Temple on January 11, honouring warriors and citizens who defended the shrine through history. During this visit, he will also attend a public function in Somnath before proceeding to Rajkot and Ahmedabad, where he is expected to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra region and meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on January 12. The itinerary reflects a blend of cultural, regional development, and international diplomacy initiatives under Modi’s leadership.

  • Andhra Pradesh Student Goes Missing in Alaska During Solo Winter Trip

    Andhra Pradesh Student Goes Missing in Alaska During Solo Winter Trip

    Guntur / Alaska, January 10:
    A **24-year-old student from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, pursuing his master’s degree in Houston, Texas, has reportedly gone missing during a solo winter trip in Alaska, U.S., officials and family sources said on Friday. The student, identified as Karasani Hari Krishna Reddy, was last traced on December 31 while travelling in a remote part of Alaska, prompting concern from relatives and the Indian community abroad. Local authorities in Anchorage and U.S. search teams are continuing efforts to locate him amid challenging winter conditions, and family members have appealed for public assistance and information.

    The disappearance has drawn attention on social media in Andhra Pradesh, with many urging authorities and volunteers to aid in search efforts. The Andhra Pradesh government has been informed of the situation, and consular officials from India’s diplomatic mission are reportedly coordinating with U.S. law enforcement to support the search and keep the family updated.

  • Andhra Pradesh DGP Launches RACE Phase II Vehicles to Enhance Communication in Remote Areas

    Andhra Pradesh DGP Launches RACE Phase II Vehicles to Enhance Communication in Remote Areas

    Mangalagiri, January 10:
    Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta on Friday inaugurated the Phase II rollout of Remote Area Communication Enhancement (RACE) vehicles, adding eight four-wheelers and sixteen two-wheelers worth ₹2 crore to the fleet at the AP Police Headquarters in Mangalagiri. These specially equipped vehicles are aimed at improving communication and command capabilities in remote, forested, coastal and disaster-prone areas where mobile network connectivity is weak or non-existent. Each RACE vehicle functions as a mobile communication centre, ensuring faster response and coordination during emergencies, public events and law-and-order situations, and strengthening disaster preparedness across eight additional districts under Phase II.

    DGP Gupta highlighted the importance of RACE vehicles in bridging communication gaps, noting their crucial role during past incidents such as the Kachuluru and Polavaram boat accidents. The launch event was attended by senior officials including Additional DGP N. Madhusudhan Reddy and IGP CH Srikant, who emphasised that technology-driven public safety initiatives are critical for enhancing security and emergency management in challenging terrains. The RACE Phase I programme (2018–19) had covered nine districts, and this expansion marks a continued focus by the police on integrating mobility with rapid communication systems to better serve citizens.

  • Third Indian Lighthouse Festival Begins in Visakhapatnam, Showcases Coastal Culture and Heritage

    Third Indian Lighthouse Festival Begins in Visakhapatnam, Showcases Coastal Culture and Heritage

    Visakhapatnam, January 10:
    The third edition of the Indian Lighthouse Festival commenced on Friday at MGM Park in Visakhapatnam, drawing thousands of visitors and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate India’s rich maritime heritage and coastal traditions. Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the two-day event, which features a variety of cultural performances, traditional cuisine stalls, theatre shows, and exhibitions aimed at promoting lighthouse tourism and community development. The festival highlighted folk art, regional dances, and craft displays, attracting over 3,500 attendees on the opening day and emphasising the role of lighthouses as socio-economic and cultural hubs under the Maritime India Vision 2030.

    Organisers noted the event also included stalls by more than 40 self-help groups (SHGs), promoting women-led enterprises and local products, helping strengthen livelihoods in coastal communities. Cultural performers from across the region, including a special Kuchipudi recital by Guru Sannidha Rajasagi, entertained audiences, while talks by dignitaries highlighted the strategic importance of lighthouse tourism in boosting local economies. Union Minister Sonowal and Naidu both underscored the festival’s contribution to sustainable coastal development and its alignment with broader efforts to make lighthouses focal points for cultural tourism and regional growth.

  • AP Government Secures Talks With Bus Owners, Proposed Strike Withdrawn Ahead of Sankranti

    AP Government Secures Talks With Bus Owners, Proposed Strike Withdrawn Ahead of Sankranti

    Vijayawada, January 10:
    In a relief to commuters across Andhra Pradesh ahead of the busy Sankranti festival season, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and hire bus owners’ associations successfully resolved differences on Friday, leading to the withdrawal of a proposed strike that was set to begin on January 12. Representatives of the hire bus operators had raised concerns over reimbursement rates and operational issues with APSRTC officials during talks held at the RTC House in Vijayawada. After discussions led by APSRTC Vice-Chairman and MD Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, the associations agreed to call off the strike, with both sides committing to address their concerns by January 20 and ensure uninterrupted bus services during the festival rush.

    Officials confirmed that hire buses will operate as usual during the Sankranti period, avoiding travel disruptions for passengers and festivalgoers. APSRTC management assured that issues such as cost adjustments and service improvements will be monitored closely, with follow-up meetings planned to finalise solutions. Senior transport executives, including KS Brahmananda Reddy and A Appalaraju, were present for the talks. The development has brought reassurance to residents and travellers, many of whom depend on hire buses for long-distance and inter-district travel during the festive season.

  • Trump Calls Off Planned Second Wave of Attacks on Venezuela After Caracas Shows Cooperation

    Trump Calls Off Planned Second Wave of Attacks on Venezuela After Caracas Shows Cooperation

    Washington, January 9:
    U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has cancelled a previously planned second wave of military attacks against Venezuela, citing improved cooperation from the interim Venezuelan government as the reason behind the decision. Trump highlighted that Caracas has taken steps that the United States views as positive, including the release of political prisoners as a “gesture to seek peace,” and expressed that the two nations are now “working well together,” especially on efforts to rebuild Venezuela’s oil and gas infrastructure.

    Trump made the announcement in a statement and on his social media platform Truth Social, saying that because of the cooperation, further offensive operations are no longer expected — though U.S. military units and naval assets will remain in the region for safety and security purposes. He also noted plans for significant economic engagement, including potential $100 billion investment by major oil companies in Venezuela’s energy sector, and highlighted forthcoming meetings with U.S. oil executives. The move follows earlier U.S. military action in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife on charges brought in the U.S. amid wider tensions between Washington and Caracas.