Titled Yashoda and Krishna, the work was made by the feted Indian artist, Raja Ravi Varma in the 1890s and bears his signature.

A 35 x 28.25-inch oil painting by Raja Ravi Varma sold for ₹167.2 crore at the Saffronart spring auction on Wednesday, making it the costliest Indian painting to be sold in an auction till date. Titled Yashoda and Krishna, the work was made by the feted Indian artist in the 1890s and bears his signature. “It shows the immense value of our culture, and the lengths that collectors are willing to go to acquire such a work,” Dinesh Vazirani, co-founder and CEO of Saffronart said after the sale.

The painting was bought by Cyrus S Poonawalla, the founder and managing director of the Pune-headquartered Serum Institute of India.

“I am privileged to have the opportunity to acquire, preserve, and care for the iconic Raja Ravi Varma painting Yashoda and Krishna. This national treasure deserves to be made available for public viewing periodically, and it will be my endeavour to facilitate this going forward,” a press release sent by Saffronart quoted him as saying.

Raja Ravi Varma’s works are classified as national treasures and are thus non-exportable, making the buyer an Indian collector.

“This is a defining moment for the Indian art market. Raja Ravi Varma’s Yashoda and Krishna — a universal subject reminiscent as much of Madonna and Christ, or of any mother and child, and arguably the most iconic and desirable work, the Mona Lisa of Indian art — has not only achieved a new world record, it has done so with conviction, more than doubling its lower estimate of ₹80 crore, exceeding it by ₹87.2 crore — an increase of over 100%,” said Ashish Anand, MD and CEO of DAG (formerly Delhi Art Gallery).

Last March, a work by Maqbool Fida Husain sold for a record $13.7 million (approximately ₹118.7 crore) at a Christie’s South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art auction in New York setting the world record for Indian art.

The Raja Ravi Varma work sale surpassed the record by ₹49.2 crore — an increase of over 40%.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headlines edited)

The delivery was carried out by PLR Systems, a joint venture between IWI and Adani Group, the first private company in India to manufacture small arms and ammunition.

Israeli small arms manufacturer Israel Weapons Industries has delivered the first batch of light machine guns to India, marking a key milestone in bilateral defence cooperation and local manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The initial consignment of 2,000 NEGEV 7.62×51 LMGs — part of a larger order of 41,000 units — was delivered over the weekend, with another 4,000 units slated for supply later this year, the company said in a recent press release.

The delivery was executed by PLR Systems, a joint venture between IWI and Adani Group, which is the first private firm in India to manufacture small arms and ammunition.

“The milestone follows the successful completion of the technology transfer process under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and reflects IWI’s commitment to delivering advanced systems in accordance with contractual schedules and the highest quality standards, while supporting India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem,” the company said.

The NEGEV 7.62×51 — among the lightest in its class of 7.62 mm light machine guns — features both semi-automatic and fully automatic modes and is currently deployed by the Israel Defence Forces. It is engineered for reliability in harsh operational conditions, offering high precision and effective target acquisition.

Its lightweight build and 7.62 mm ammunition enhance its ability to penetrate fortified cover, making it suitable for urban warfare and critical missions. The weapon can also be mounted on helicopters, vehicles, and naval platforms, adding to its operational flexibility.

Equipped with Picatinny rails and tritium night sights, the system is optimised for improved targeting in low-light environments, while adherence to NATO standards ensures durability.

The NEGEV LMGs are also compatible with a computerised weapon system designed to enhance operational effectiveness by enabling precise engagement under stress, the release added.

In a sign of deepening defence ties, PLR Systems has also secured a contract to supply 170,000 close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines, with the first 18,000 units expected to be delivered this year.

India and Israel, in November last year, signed an agreement to boost defence, industrial and technological cooperation, facilitating the transfer of advanced technologies for co-development and co-production.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

Five Indian airports figure in the list, with Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport included in the world’s top 30 best airports.

Singapore’s Changi Airport has topped the list of world’s best airports for the fourteenth time since 2000 at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026.

The airport was also named the World’s Best Airport Dining, the World’s Best Airport in the 60–70 Million Passenger Category, the World’s Best Airport Immigration Service, and the Best Airport in Asia.

Five Indian airports figure in the list of top 100 world’s best airports, with Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport included in the world’s top 30 .

Indian airports among world’s top 100

There are five Indian airports among the world’s top 100, including Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, which has been ranked 28th this year. The airport, which was at the 32nd spot earlier, rose four spots this year. It was also named the best airport in India & South Asia.

Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport took the 41st spot, and was also recognised as the ‘Best Regional Airport in India & South Asia’ for third consecutive year at Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026.

Goa’s Manohar International Airport was ranked 64th, and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport took the 66th spot, with both also climbing up from their earlier spots.

Why did Changi retains world’s best airport title?

The Changi airport, which has retained the world’s best airport title for the 14th times, is not just an airport but also serves as a destination, which has inside it several gardens, art and entertainment areas, ANI news agency reported. The tallest indoor waterfall, the Jewel, is one of the most recognisable sights for tourists.

The airport is also a major connecting hub for international travel, providing a smoother experience for connecting flights to Southeast Asia. Singapore also offers various accommodation facilities for different budgets. Among the top five airports are Incheon International Airport in Seoul, Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita and Hong Kong.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

The WoW awards recognises exceptional women across business, science, arts, culture, education, sports and beyond.

The Hindu Group hosted the “World of Women (WoW) Awards 2026”, in Chennai on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Over the years, the WoW Awards have emerged as a powerful initiative that spotlights inspiring journeys of women who have broken barriers and created meaningful impact. The 2026 edition honoured distinguished achievers from diverse domains, reaffirming the platform’s commitment to recognising excellence and inspiring future generations. Themed “Breaking ceilings. Reaching for the Skies”, the edition celebrated women who continue to challenge norms, push boundaries, and build a more inclusive and progressive future.

The event brought together leaders, changemakers, and visionaries, who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also contributed to societal transformation.

The World of Women Awards 2026 was presented by GRT Jewellers and co-presented by Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University). The event was held in association with DRA Homes and Gold Winner.

The associate partner was Aqua Group and Gopuram, the banking partner was DBS Bank India Ltd, the beauty partner Mysore Sandal Soap, the television partners were Puthiya Thalaimurai and Puthu Yugam, and the industry partner was Madras Management Association.

The event can be viewed on newsth.live/THWOW

Here is the full list of winners:

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The ICHR will honor 160 young freedom fighters from 1857-1947 with events from May 2026 to inspire youth through their stories.

The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) will organise a programme to honour 160 young freedom fighters who died from 1857 to 1947, officials said on Sunday.

Under its the theme “martyrs under 20 years”, the ICHR will oraginse exhibitions, seminars and youth conclaves from May 2026 to “inspire youth through stories of unsung heroes”. Coinciding with the birth centenary of Baji Rout, India’s youngest freedom fighter and martyr who was shot dead by British police at the age of 12 in Odisha’s Dhenkanal, the first leg of the programme is slated to be held in Odisha. Rout’s ongoing birth centenary celebrations, which began last October, will conclude on October 5 this year.

“The activities, costing over ₹75 lakh, will feature stories of teenage victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre to young revolutionaries like Khudiram Bose (19), and Kanaklata Barua (16), to child martyrs like Kali Bai (12) with an emphasis on reclaiming ignored histories,” officials said.

ICHR, an autonomous body under the ministry of education, in its latest research projects committee held in the last week of February 2026, has approved the proposal to organise academic activities on the theme martyrs under 20 years in collaboration with Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The objective of the project is “to spread awareness among youth and students about the sacrifice and patriotism of freedom fighters” and “to instill love for the motherland and a sense of national responsibility among the younger generation,” according to minutes of the meeting, approved in the third week of March 2026. HT has seen the minutes of the meeting.

The activities will include student and youth congregations, seminars and conventions across universities, colleges and schools; curated exhibitions on the theme; publications and monographs; talks and interactive sessions; essay competitions, debates and discussions; as well as the production and screening of documentary films.

Officials said the programme will highlight figures such as 12-year-old Kali Bai, who was shot in 1947 while trying to save her teacher; 16-year-old Kanaklata Barua, killed while leading a procession during Quit India; and 19-year-old revolutionary Khudiram Bose, executed in 1908. The list also includes several child victims of Jallianwala Bagh such as nine-year-old Hassan Mohammad and 12-year-old Hukam Singh, alongside teenage revolutionaries like Kartar Singh Sarabha, one of the youngest members of the Ghadar Party, who was executed in 1915 for his role in anti-colonial activities against British rule.

Historian Narayani Gupta said the approach of isolating teenage martyrs may miss a broader historical context, suggesting it would be more meaningful if it conveyed the diversity of places and moments in which these events occurred. “The theme could be an opportunity to convey a stronger sense of geography and the varied moments when history took unexpected turns… otherwise, there is a possibility it may remain broadly celebratory and shaped by present-day concerns,” Gupta said.

ICHR member secretary (officiating) Om Jee Upadhyay said the list of 160 Indian martyrs below the age of 20 has been drawn from primary archival sources and original documents. “The programmes on the theme of martyrs under 20 years old will be held nationwide. Through these programmes, ICHR aims to inspire youth, inculcate a sense of patriotism, and bring attention to lesser-known freedom fighters,” he said.

Among other proposals, the ICHR approved a two-day national seminar on Guru Tegh Bahadur to mark his 350th Shaheedi Diwas, as well as a two-day national seminar on the contribution of South Odisha to India’s traditional knowledge systems.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

A company spokesperson says total order for the LMGs stands at around 40,000. The first lot has 2,000 weapons.

Adani Defence and Aerospace on Saturday delivered the first batch of 2,000 Prahar light machine guns (LMGs), manufactured under the Make in India initiative, to the army.

The company manufactures the 7.62 mm-calibre weapon at its Small Arms Complex located on the outskirts of Gwalior.

A ceremony was held on the factory premises on Saturday to hand over the LMGs to the army. A. Anbarasu, DG Acquisition, ministry of defence; Adani Defence and Aerospace CEO Ashish Rajvanshi and other senior officials of the private firm were present.

Anbarasu later flagged off a series of trucks carrying the first batch of the LMGs meant for the army.”

The journey that has begun today took us six years, starting from bid submission, and we have delivered it 11 months ahead of schedule,” Rajvanshi said.

“The original timeline, which was given to us by the customer, was over seven years, but I can assure you that in the next three years the full order will be delivered.”

A company spokesperson said the total order for the LMGs stands at around 40,000.

Anbarasu praised the firm for saving several months by delivering ahead of schedule and said it shows there is the ability to “race and fire” against time in turning contracts into deliveries.

The government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with defence industry partners, he said.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

The new positions will span product development, support functions and financial services functions such as payment processing and fraud investigations.

European fintech firm Revolut plans to have around 40% of its global workforce based in India by the end of 2026 as it expands its India global capability centre.

The company, which in 2025 committed 500 million pounds ($669.8 million) to its India business and GCC over five years, said it will fill 1,600 roles in its India centre through 2026, taking its headcount in the country to 5,500 by year-end.

The new positions will span product development, support functions and financial services functions such as payment processing and fraud investigations.

Revolut currently employs 12,000 people globally.

Global capability centers in India, once seen as low-cost outsourcing hubs, now handle operations, finance, research and development for their parent corporations.

Jonathan Beaney, Revolut’s head of talent acquisition, called India one of the “deepest and most dynamic talent pools in the world”.

“Our India tech hub is central to our global scale… the technical caliber, ambition and excellence we see here make India a natural long-term home for Revolut,” Beaney said.

The GCC expansion is, however, separate from Revolut’s India business.

India CEO Paroma Chatterjee told Reuters that about a third of Revolut’s processes are now run from India, includingwork on routine transaction monitoring and AI-based alerts.

“Things made visible using the India tech stack, like video KYC – more intelligence came in from the India GCC to share that knowledge overseas to try to implement it in other markets to have tighter onboarding,” Chatterjee said.

Revolut, founded in 2015, is one of Europe’s leading fintech companies with a $75 billion valuation.

In India, the company is authorised to issue prepaid payment instruments and aims to launch its product next quarter, the company said in a statement.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)
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The findings increase the total number of known odonate species in Sikkim from 82 to 93.

A scientific study conducted by the Sikkim University recorded 11 new species of dragonflies and damselflies for the first time in the Himalayas in the state.

The research, published recently in the journal ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences’, was conducted by Neera Rawat, a PhD scholar in the Department of Zoology of the university, under the supervision of Professor Bhoj K Acharya of the department, along with joint supervision by K A Subramanian of the Zoological Survey of India, an official statement said.

“These new discoveries highlight the rich yet understudied taxa of the region and significantly adds to our understanding of insect biodiversity in the region,” it said.

Dragonflies and damselflies, collectively known as odonates, are considered key indicators of environmental health. Their life cycle spans both water and land, with larvae developing in freshwater habitats such as streams and ponds, and adults occupying surrounding vegetation, the statement said.

Because of this amphibiotic life cycle, the occurrence and higher diversity of odonates often reflect the ecological condition and better quality of freshwater ecosystems.

In addition to their ecological importance, odonates serve as natural biocontrol agents as both larvae and adults. This makes them an important component of ecosystem functioning and biodiversity, it said.

Fieldwork for the study was conducted between April and October 2024 across multiple locations in Sikkim, including areas around Gangtok, Jorethang and Mangan, representing different environmental and urbanisation gradients.

Researchers surveyed streams, rivulets and other freshwater bodies, recording a total of 52 species, including 28 dragonflies and 24 damselflies, it said.

Of these, 11 species were documented in the state for the first time. These include Aristocyphatrifasciata, Calicnemiaimitans, Coelicciaschmidti, Gynacanthasubinterrupta, Lamelligomphusrisi, Nepogomphusmodestus, Perissogomphusstevensi, Scalmogomphusbistrigatus, Stylogomphusinglisi, Cratillalineata and Sympetrum orientale, the statement said.

The findings increase the total number of known odonate species in Sikkim from 82 to 93, extending the known range of these insects into the eastern Himalayan region, it said.

Researchers have called for continued studies to better understand the distribution, population trends and ecological roles of odonates, as well as to support conservation efforts in fragile mountain ecosystems.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

The milestone underscores PM Narendra Modi’s long and continuous tenure in executive office, which now extends close to 25 years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday became the longest-serving head of a government in India, surpassing former Sikkim chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling in total days in office, a milestone that drew praise from senior members of his cabinet and top leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

With 8,931 days as head of government — spanning his tenure as Gujarat chief minister and as Prime Minister — Modi edged past Chamling’s record of 8,930 days, marking a significant moment in India’s political history.

Union home minister Amit Shah described the development as “a milestone rooted in service, hard work and unwavering commitment”. In a post on X, Shah said: “PM Modi Ji’s 8,931 days in public life, first as Gujarat CM and now as Prime Minister reflect a deep dedication to nation-first governance, integrity in action, and tireless service to every citizen.”

Defence minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated the PM, saying, “Pure devotion to the nation and its people defines PM Modi Ji.” “With 8,931 days in public office as head of government, this moment reflects his deep commitment to nation-first governance, integrity in action, and tireless service to every citizen,” he said on X.

Narendra Modi has held the Prime Minister’s Office since 2014. (HT Photo)

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal termed the milestone a “matter of pride”, noting that Modi’s journey in public life “reflects an unwavering commitment to inclusive development”. In his X post, Goyal said: “…His journey of Jan Seva reflects an unwavering commitment to inclusive development. Rooted in hard work and firm resolve towards nation-building, his years in public service continue to strengthen India’s growth story.”

BJP chief Nitin Nabin hailed the milestone, saying in a post on X in Hindi: “Under his leadership, India’s global stature has risen, and “Viksit Bharat” has been established as a national campaign rooted in public participation. Inspired by the spirit of “Nation First,” this tenure sets numerous high standards, serving as an inspiration for us all.”

The milestone underscores Modi’s long and continuous tenure in executive office, which now extends close to 25 years. Before moving to the national stage, he served as Gujarat’s chief minister for over a decade, becoming one of the state’s longest-serving leaders. He is also the PM with the longest prior experience as a chief minister and the first to have been born after Independence.

Modi has led the BJP to three consecutive victories in the Lok Sabha elections — in 2014, 2019 and 2024 — consolidating his position as one of India’s most enduring political leaders.

Reflecting on his journey last year, when he entered the 25th year as head of government, Modi recalled taking oath as Gujarat chief minister in 2001 under “very testing circumstances”, including a devastating earthquake, droughts and political instability.

“It has been my constant endeavour to improve the lives of people and contribute to national development,” Modi had said, adding that those early challenges strengthened his resolve to rebuild Gujarat. He described the state’s transformation during his tenure as the emergence of a “powerhouse of good governance”, citing progress in agriculture, industry and infrastructure.

He also pointed to the political context ahead of the 2014 general elections, when he was named the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate in 2013, a period he described as one marked by a “crisis of trust and governance”. Modi credited voters for giving his party a decisive mandate.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)