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Modern Men, Modern Jewellery: Candere By Kalyan Jewellers Styles For Every Outfit

Men’s jewellery is witnessing a quiet yet confident resurgence. Once largely reserved for ceremonial dressing, it has now become an integral part of everyday personal style. From subtle chains to sculpted rings and bracelets, modern men are increasingly embracing jewellery as a form of self-expression—pieces that complement both traditional attire and contemporary tailoring.

This shift is also reflected in popular culture. Candere’s brand ambassador, Shah Rukh Khan, has long been known for carrying jewellery with effortless confidence—whether layered chains, statement rings, or understated bracelets. His styling reflects a broader movement where jewellery is no longer viewed as occasional ornamentation but as a natural extension of personal style.

Today, the modern wardrobe transitions seamlessly between festive gatherings, professional settings, and social evenings. Jewellery that adapts to these moments becomes especially valuable. A thoughtfully designed ring, a minimal chain, or a refined bracelet can add character without overpowering an outfit, working just as effortlessly with a kurta at a celebration as it does with a tailored suit.

This is where Candere’s lifestyle jewellery, under the house of Kalyan Jewellers, finds its place. Designed with clean lines and contemporary aesthetics, these pieces are crafted in gold, platinum, and diamonds to complement a variety of personal styles. Distinctive yet versatile, they are created to transition effortlessly across occasions.

Here’s what stands out in Candere’s men’s jewellery edit-

The Desirable Platinum and Diamond Ring

Crafted for the modern man, this sleek ring from Candere blends contemporary design with refined craftsmanship. Featuring a bold geometric silhouette accented with black enamel and subtle sparkling stones, it adds a sharp yet understated touch to any look.

Versatile and distinctive, the ring pairs effortlessly with both traditional attire and modern tailoring—making it a stylish statement for everyday wear. It reflects Candere’s signature balance of elegance and modern style.

The Luxora Platinum Chain

Minimal and polished, the Luxora Platinum Chain is designed for effortless styling. Its sleek silhouette sits naturally against the neckline, making it an easy addition to both a kurta for festive gatherings and a crisp shirt or suit for formal occasions. Subtle yet distinctive, it’s a modern essential that enhances any look without overpowering it

The Stylish Men’s Gold Stud Earring

Bold yet refined, this men’s gold stud earring from Candere features a striking black enamel finish accented with a modern geometric pattern. Crafted in polished gold, the design blends contemporary style with everyday versatility, making it a standout accessory for men who appreciate subtle yet distinctive jewellery.

The Enzo Diamond Pendant

The Enzo Diamond Pendant from Candere blends modern design with refined elegance. Crafted in polished gold, the pendant features a sleek vertical silhouette accented with a line of sparkling diamonds set against a textured dark backdrop. Bold yet sophisticated, it adds a contemporary edge to everyday style while making a subtle statement.

The Travis Diamond Cuff Bracelet

Structured yet refined, the Travis Diamond Cuff Bracelet brings together the boldness of a cuff with the subtle brilliance of diamonds. Designed in gold and accented with carefully placed stones, its open cuff silhouette lends a contemporary edge while remaining versatile enough for a festive kurta or a tailored suit, it adds a confident finishing touch that feels both modern and effortless

March 17, 2026
THOMSON Launches Energy-Efficient Washing Machine Range with Advanced Features in India
New Delhi, Mar 17th: THOMSON, the iconic French consumer electronics and home appliances brand, announces the launch of its 3 new models of washing machines in India. The latest portfolio expansion includes one fully automatic top load washing machine and two semi-automatic top load washing machines, aimed at addressing the laundry requirements of Indian households across different family sizes and usage preferences.

the newly launched washing machines are now available on Flipkart, with attractive consumer offers expected during the upcoming Flipkart Summer Sale scheduled from March 18 to March 23.

The newly introduced models include the THOMSON TTL7500SN fully automatic top load washing machine with a 7.5 kg capacity, along with THOMSON TSA8500SPN (8.5 kg) and THOMSON TSA1400D (14 kg) semi-automatic top load washing machines. All models are equipped with a BEE 5-Star energy rating, supporting energy-efficient operation and lower electricity consumption.

Commenting on the launch, Avneet Singh Marwah, CEO, SPPL and Exclusive Brand Licensee of THOMSON in India, said,“The expansion of our washing machine portfolio reflects our focus on offering practical, energy-efficient and reliable home appliances for Indian consumers. With the introduction of these new models, we are strengthening our presence in the home appliances segment while addressing varied capacity requirements, usage habits and value expectations across households”

Fully Automatic Top Load Washing Machine

The THOMSON TTL7500SN features a 7.5 kg wash and spin capacity and is equipped with Fuzzy Logic technology to automatically optimize wash parameters based on load size. The washing machine includes a stainless steel tub, a magic filter and auto balancing system. It offers multiple wash programs, including Standard, Soft, Wash and Air Dry, along with soak and air-dry functions.

Semi-Automatic Top-Load Washing Machines

The THOMSON TSA8500SPN comes with an 8.5 kg wash capacity and 4.5 kg spin capacity. Key features include a dual waterfall wash system, magic lint filter, collar scrubber, detergent box and 3D roller pulsator. The model is also equipped with caster wheels and rubber pads for ease of movement and stability.

The THOMSON TSA1400D semi-automatic washing machine offers a 14 kg capacity, making it suitable for large households and joint families with higher laundry requirements. The high-capacity design enables users to wash large loads in a single cycle, including heavy garments, bed linens and curtains, helping reduce the number of wash cycles and overall water usage.

The washing machine is equipped with a 35-minute wash timer with soak function, allowing better loosening of dirt and stains before the wash cycle begins. Its quad flow pulsator creates powerful multi-directional water movement, ensuring deeper detergent penetration and effective removal of tough stains, even on bulky loads. Additional features include a dual waterfall system for uniform water distribution, a faster air-drying spin tub, buzzer alert, and magic lint filter, making the TSA1400D a practical solution for high-volume, everyday laundry needs.

Key Features at a Glance
- BEE 5-Star Energy Rating: Designed to support energy-efficient operation across all models.
- Multiple Capacity Options: Ranging from 7 kg to 14 kg to suit different household requirements.
- Efficient Wash Performance: Enabled through Fuzzy Logic, waterfall wash systems and specialised pulsators.
- User-Oriented Design: Includes features such as child lock, collar scrubber, caster wheels and buzzer alerts.
- Durable Construction: Stainless steel tubs and robust components for long-term usage.
The Indian home appliances market continues to witness steady demand, driven by rising household penetration, replacement cycles and growing preference for energy-efficient and high-capacity appliances. Consumer sentiment remains focused on value, durability and practical features that address everyday usage conditions.

THOMSON has been consistently expanding its home appliances portfolio year on year, aligning product development with Indian consumer needs across metros and non-metro markets. By focusing on capacity-led offerings, energy efficiency and feature relevance, the brand aims to bridge existing gaps in the market while strengthening its footprint in the washing machine category.
March 17, 2026
Wama’s Newest Exhibition Unearths The Mysterious World Beneath Our Feet

WAMA’s newest exhibition, Entanglements with Fungi: Life, Death and Renewal, is opening at the National Centre for Environmental Art on March 21. This exhibition brings together a group of multidisciplinary artists who explore the Kingdom Fungi, a mysterious underworld that acts as the bridge between interspecies life.

Through a compelling mix of reflections on art, science, history, and politics, Entanglements with Fungi: Life, Death and Renewal focuses on the cycles of life, death, and renewal that exist within this hidden kingdom.

The multi-sensory exhibition features a mix of traditional and experimental projects. Highlights include works created from local earth and materials created through the fungus recycling process, paintings based on data that tracks how mushrooms grow, and an artists’ book that stretches eight metres across the gallery.

The gallery also features digital projections of the forest floor, sound installations made from recordings of tree roots and soil, and live experiments where sensors track the movement of growing fungi.

“The artists invite you to imagine what it might feel like to see, or hear, or smell, through the nurturing exchanges between species which are often remote from the immediacy of our human senses. They ask you to imagine what it might feel like to be something other than human,” says exhibition curator Dr Felicity Spear.

Neither plant nor animal, fungi underpin all ecosystems, living in water, on trees, in the air, and even on our bodies. Their networks span kilometres and they are linked to every function on the planet, from food security to pharmaceutical medicines. Despite this, they remain largely misunderstood and their future is threatened by the impact of human influences.

“WAMA at Gariwerd is building a bridge between nature and culture, prompting us to think about human culture not as separate from, but intertwined with Earth’s hidden networks and ecological systems, mutually shaping each other,” says Spear.

Exhibiting artists include UK environmental artist Chris Drury, sound artist Vicki Hallett, environmental photographer Alison Pouliot and handmade book and digital collage artists Gracia Haby & Louise Jennison.

Other artists include Sam Leach, Chris Henschke, Debbie Symons, and the curator herself, Felicity Spear.

Situated at the foothills of Gariwerd/Grampians National Park, WAMA offers a distinctive new cultural experience that unites contemporary art and environmental consciousness across a 16-hectare precinct and includes the Gariwerd Endemic Botanic Garden and Jallukar Native Grasslands alongside the National Centre for Environmental Art – Australia’s only institution dedicated exclusively to the intersection of art and the environment.

EXHIBITION LAUNCH EVENT

Mushroom Masterclass with Alison Pouliot

Saturday 21 March 10am to 12.30pm

This hands-on workshop is designed to change the way the forest floor is seen. Learn the basics of mushroom identification, how to tell edible species from toxic look-alikes, and where to find the most interesting fungi in the wild.

Tickets are extremely limited, $75.

-ENDS-

March 17, 2026
Sony World Photography Awards 2026 Announces National & Regional Winners, Celebrating Global Talent

New Delhi, Mar 17: The Sony World Photography Awards today revealed the 2026 National and Regional Award winners, recognising outstanding photographic talent from across the globe. Selected from over 430,000 submissions spanning more than 200 countries and territories, this year’s winners highlight the diversity and depth of contemporary photography.

Organised by the World Photography Organisation, the National & Regional Awards programme aims to support local photography communities worldwide, offering global exposure and recognition to both emerging and established photographers.

India National Award Introduced

A key highlight this year is the introduction of the India National Award within the Professional competition. The inaugural winner, Avijit Ghosh, was recognised for his powerful series Keepers of Mangroves, documenting the conservation efforts of “tiger widows” in Dayapur, India, who work to restore mangrove ecosystems following tragic human-wildlife conflicts.

Global Winners Across Categories

In the Latin America Professional Award, Citlali Fabian secured 1st place for Bilha, Stories of My Sisters, a visually rich project combining portraits and digital illustration to highlight stories of women in southern Mexico. She was followed by María Fernanda García Freire (2nd place) and André Tezza (3rd place).

The Japan National Award was won by Hayate Kurisu for Living Photographs, a deeply personal series exploring grief, memory, and time following a stillbirth.

Spotlight on Emerging Talent

The newly introduced European Student Award recognised Teresa Halbreiter from the University of Applied Sciences Hamburg as its inaugural winner for Stillgestanden (‘Attention!’), which examines identity and femininity within the German Armed Forces.

Open Competition Winners

The Open competition, celebrating the best single images of 2025, featured winners from over 30 countries, showcasing a wide range of subjects—from landscapes and portraits to compelling images of the natural world.

Exhibition and Next Announcements

All National Award winners and Regional first-place recipients will be showcased at the official exhibition at Somerset House from April 17 to May 4, 2026. Winners will also receive Sony Digital Imaging equipment, while select participants will attend exclusive workshops in London.

The overall winners across Professional, Open, Student, and Youth competitions will be announced on April 16, 2026.

Recognising Excellence in Photography

Produced by Creo, the Sony World Photography Awards remain one of the most prestigious platforms in global photography. This year, renowned photographer Joel Meyerowitz will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Photography Award, joining an esteemed list of past honourees.

Through its continued global reach and commitment to artistic excellence, the Awards provide a vital platform for photographers to showcase their work, share powerful stories, and contribute to the evolving narrative of contemporary photography.

March 17, 2026
JAIN University Hosts 24-Hour Coding Marathon for India’s Brightest Student Minds : INCEPTRIX 2.0
Bengaluru, Mar 17th: The Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), hosted INCEPTRIX Hackathon 2.0, a national-level innovation and technology hackathon that brought together student innovators from across India to design and develop practical, technology-driven solutions addressing real-world challenges.

Organised by the Tech Council, FET, the event was conducted as a 24–hour offline coding and innovation marathon, emphasising creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and technical excellence. Over 600 teams from 28 states registered for the competition, each comprising a minimum of four members, including at least one female participant, to promote diversity and inclusivity.

The competition began with an online presentation round, where teams submitted detailed proposals outlining their problem statements, proposed solutions, technology stacks, feasibility, and team roles. Following a rigorous evaluation, 100 teams were shortlisted for the final round held on campus, where participants engaged in continuous coding, designing, testing, and refining their prototypes. Eminent mentors and judges from top corporate and IT companies provided ongoing guidance and assessed each project for technical depth, innovation, scalability, and presentation quality.

The judging panel awarded the top prizes based on innovation, technical excellence, feasibility, and overall presentation:
1. Winner: Team Envision, Sri Sai Ram Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu – INR 1,00,000
2. 1st Runner-up: Team Error404, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Kanakapura, Karnataka – INR 50,000
3. 2nd Runner-up: Team Windows12Devs, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Karnataka – INR 25,000
The hackathon concluded on 28th February with final evaluations, result announcements, and closing remarks. Participants benefited from structured mentorship, collaboration, and networking opportunities with peers from different states, alongside access to dedicated workspaces, refreshments, and support throughout the event.

The initiative reinforced the University’s commitment to fostering innovation, practical problem-solving, interdisciplinary teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking among students. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on application, INCEPTRIX Hackathon 2.0 highlighted the growing culture of technological creativity and collaborative learning within academic institutions nationwide.
March 17, 2026
Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Modern Knowledge, crucial to achieve sustainability aver experts at Amity

Mar 17: Amity School of Economics, Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida campus is organizing its 9th National Conference on the theme “Integrating Diverse Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Dynamic Advancement of Sustainable Development Goals” from 16th-17th March, 2026.

Addressing the students during the Inaugural Session, Ms. Shikha Rai, MLA(Delhi), Bhartiya Janta Party, averred, “Sustainability cannot exist without wisdom and therefore, every citizen needs to be extremely careful, wise and responsible, so as to safeguard the planet. Tribal communities have developed agricultural and ecological practices that sustain both livelihoods and ecosystem. These communities inherited sustainability as a way of life. India is building ancient sustainable systems into modern governance. Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Ministers, India has taken crucial steps in combining ancient wisdom with modern innovation. Therefore, India has launched global missions like “Mission Life” which encourages sustainable living inspired by traditional values. The well- being of humanity and the well-being of nature are inseparable, this is why India model of development is based on “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas.”

Mr. Rajeev Kumar, Director, National Accounts Division, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), said, “If we have to make things sustainable, we must go local and focus on indigenous development, at grassroot level. Traditional knowledge needs to be combined with policy framework, which can be helpful in removing the challenges and obstacles. We need to work on rediscovering traditional medicines since we know the harmful effects of antibiotics on human body. Also, there is a need to brainstorm about how we can revive ancient wisdom and apply it in the present context.”

Mr. Antony Cyriac, Additional Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance, stated, “When a country is capital deficient, skilled labour cannot flow. Therefore, skill development is essential for making the country economically strong and we need to develop our own systems of resilience. We must know the stage of development in order to make further development in all areas. Ancient wisdom is important, however, we should not be dependent on ancient wisdom for development, rather we must integrate it with modern practices.”

Mr. Atul Kharate, Chief Operating Officer, Indian Oil Adani Ventures, opined, “There is only 6.8% contribution by India in cleaner use of fossil fuels which needs to be increased. Conservation of fossil fuels, biogas and renewable energy are required to achieve a sustainable economy. We should be committed to holistic energy conservation system which includes a comprehensive approach to saving energy, thereby contributing to sustainability.”

Keynote Speaker, Ms. Tanushri Roy, Policy Consultant, Niti Aayog, asserted, “It is important to align traditional medicine with Sustainable Development Goals. Some of the initiatives which have been taken by the government to achieve sustainability include building traditional knowledge digital library, bringing back ayurveda and ancient systems of medicine, establishment of National Innovation Foundation which is working to strengthen technological innovations by integrating it with traditional knowledge, adopting chemical-free agriculture practices, participation of tribal communities in various sectors and many other initiatives. We all must support these initiatives of the government and make our own contribution towards achieving sustainability.”

Welcoming the guests, Prof. (Dr.) Kavita Indapurkar, Assistant Director, Amity School of Economics, said “The Conference will demonstrate the role of Indigenous Knowledge systems for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. It will also help in facilitating interdisciplinary studies between heritage, science and sustainability in the light of Indian ethos, by providing a national platform to bring together policymakers, practitioners and innovators towards achieving SDGs.”

During the two-day Conference, Technical Sessions on “Integrating Diverse IKS for Dynamic Advancement of Sustainable Development Goals: A Global and Inclusive Approach”, “Enabled Digital Finance and Accounting: Inclusion, Sustainability, and Transparency, “Inspired Governance and Public Service Innovation: Sustainability, Inclusion, and Digital Transformation in a Global Framework”, “Infused Tech Solutions for Sustainable Socio-Economic Progress”, and many others will be conducted.

March 17, 2026
Retail Digital Payments Surge to Over 22,000 Crore Transactions in FY25: Finance Minister

New Delhi, March 17: India’s retail digital payment transactions have witnessed rapid growth over the past four financial years, driven by coordinated efforts of the government, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the government informed the Lok Sabha.

In a written reply, Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance, said the total volume of retail digital payments rose from 7,176.90 crore transactions in FY 2021–22 to 22,167.90 crore transactions in FY 2024–25.

During the same period, the value of transactions increased from ₹457.44 lakh crore in FY 2021–22 to ₹849.12 lakh crore in FY 2024–25, reflecting sustained expansion in India’s digital payments ecosystem.

According to the data shared in Parliament, digital payments recorded 58.42 percent growth in volume and 28.41 percent growth in value in FY 2022–23, followed by 44.39 percent and 22.47 percent growth respectively in FY 2023–24. In FY 2024–25, transactions continued to rise with 35.04 percent growth in volume and 18.04 percent growth in value.

Among various digital payment modes, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) accounted for 81 percent of total retail digital payments in FY 2024–25, making it the largest real-time retail payment system in the world.

The growth of digital payments has been supported by factors such as increasing smartphone penetration, Aadhaar-enabled authentication, e-KYC, expanded financial inclusion, and wider merchant acceptance infrastructure across urban and rural areas. India’s digital public infrastructure has also enabled interoperability and simplified onboarding processes for users.

Government initiatives such as the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Digital Payments and the Payment Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) have further supported the expansion of digital payment systems.

The Finance Minister noted that the rise in digital payments has also brought challenges including cybersecurity risks, digital literacy gaps, network issues and user awareness, though no specific concerns related to Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have been reported.

To combat digital financial fraud, the government, RBI and NPCI have implemented several safeguards, including device binding between mobile numbers and devices, two-factor authentication through PIN, daily transaction limits and restrictions on certain use cases. NPCI has also introduced an AI and machine learning-based fraud monitoring system to detect suspicious transactions.

Citizens can report cybercrime incidents, including financial fraud, through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and the National Cybercrime Helpline number 1930, launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Additionally, the Department of Telecommunications has introduced the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) and the “Chakshu” facility, enabling people to report suspicious communications received through calls, SMS, or WhatsApp.

To improve digital payment infrastructure in rural and remote areas, the PIDF initiative has supported the deployment of about 5.80 crore digital touchpoints and nearly 56.86 crore QR codes across the country.

For users in low-connectivity regions and feature phone users, NPCI has introduced UPI 123PAY, which allows payments through interactive voice response (IVR) and sound-based proximity payments, and Hello UPI, which enables conversational digital payments.

The government has also focused on improving financial literacy. As of March 31, 2025, a total of 2,421 Centres for Financial Literacy (CFLs) have been established across India, each covering three blocks. In addition, Financial Literacy Week, observed annually since 2016, continues to promote awareness about safe and responsible use of digital financial services.

March 17, 2026
National Mission on Libraries Strengthens Digital Access and Upgrades Library Infrastructure Across India

New Delhi, March 17: The National Mission on Libraries (NML) is progressing across multiple components aimed at strengthening library infrastructure, digital access to knowledge, and capacity building of library professionals across India, the government informed in the Lok Sabha.

In a written reply, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, said the mission operates through four key components, including the National Virtual Library of India, model libraries, library surveys, and capacity-building programmes.

Digital Knowledge Access through NVLI

Under the National Virtual Library of India (NVLI) component, the Indian Culture Portal was launched in December 2019 to provide unified digital access to resources related to India’s cultural traditions, history, literature, arts and heritage.

The Version 2.0 of the portal, launched on March 5, 2026, introduces a modern architecture with a React-based frontend and Drupal backend, improving performance and scalability.

The upgraded portal features an AI-powered chatbot “Bharti”, integrated with the Government of India’s Bhashini language platform, enabling assistance in 22 Indian languages. It also offers advanced multi-level search, operates as a Progressive Web App, and includes 3D walkthroughs, virtual tours, 46 curated cultural categories, and interactive learning activities.

Model Libraries Across States

Under the Setting up of NML Model Libraries component, financial assistance has been sanctioned for 28 State Central Libraries, 41 District Libraries, and five libraries under the Ministry of Culture to upgrade facilities and services.

Libraries upgraded under the scheme are spread across states and union territories including Port Blair, Itanagar, Ambala, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram and Bhubaneswar, among others.

For instance, in Rajasthan, financial assistance has been provided to Dr. Radhakrishnan Rajya Kendriya Pustakalaya, Jaipur with ₹183.51 lakh sanctioned (₹94.81 lakh released) and Rajakiya Sarvajanik Mandal Pustakalaya, Kota with ₹63.46 lakh sanctioned (₹63.21 lakh released).

Survey and Capacity Building

The Quantitative and Qualitative Survey of Libraries component has been completed and the report has been accepted by the Ministry.

Under the Capacity Building Programme, 54 training programmes have been organised so far, training 2,465 library professionals from across the country.

State Responsibility for Libraries

The government clarified that libraries fall under the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, and therefore public libraries are managed by respective State and Union Territory authorities.

However, the NML scheme provides financial assistance for upgrading one State Central Library and one District Library in each State or Union Territory, based on recommendations from the concerned state authorities.

According to the government, a total of ₹8,671.01 lakh has been sanctioned under the mission, of which ₹6,716.56 lakh has been released so far for library development across the country.

The initiative aims to modernise India’s library ecosystem, expand digital knowledge access, and strengthen the country’s reading and research infrastructure.

March 17, 2026
Sahitya Akademi Announces Awards for 24 Indian Languages for 202

New Delhi, March 17: Sahitya Akademi has announced the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 for outstanding literary works in 24 Indian languages recognised by the national literary body. The awards cover a diverse range of genres including poetry, novels, short stories, essays, literary criticism, autobiography, and memoirs.

According to the Akademi, the awards this year include eight books of poetry, four novels, six short story collections, two essay collections, one work of literary criticism, one autobiography, and two memoirs.

The selection process for the awards began in January 2025 with an open advertisement issued on 30 January 2025. The awardees were recommended by distinguished jury members across the 24 languages, and the final selections were approved by the competent authority of the Akademi.

Among the notable winners are Devabrat Das for the Assamese novel Karhi Khelar Sadhu, Navtej Sarna for the English novel Crimson Spring, N. Prabhakaran for the Malayalam novel Maayaamanushyar, and Mamta Kalia for the Hindi memoir Jeete Jee Allahabad.

In the poetry category, awards have been announced for Shrestha Kabita by Prasun Bandyopadhyay (Bengali), Thakur Satsayie by Khajur Singh Thakur (Dogri), Bhattkhadaki by Yogesh Vaidya (Gujarati), Najdavanek’y Pot Aalav by Ali Shaida (Kashmiri), Padapurana by Girijakumar Baliyar Singh (Odia), Prasthanacatustaye Brahmaghosah by Mahamahopadhyaya Sadhu Bhadreshdas (Sanskrit), Animesha by Nandini Sidha Reddy (Telugu), and Safar Jaari Hai by Pritpal Singh Betab (Urdu).

The short story category includes works such as Dada Seerisu Tande by Amaresh Nugadoni (Kannada), Kanglamdriba Eephut by Haobam Nalini (Manipuri), Safety Kit by Jinder (Punjabi), Bharkhama by Jitender Kumar Soni (Rajasthani), Mid Birna Chenne Saon Inag Sagai by Sumitra Soren (Santali), and Waghoo by Bhagwan Atlani (Sindhi).

The awards also recognise essay collections such as Konkani Kavyem: Rupani Ani Rupakam by Henry Mendonca (H.M. Pernal) in Konkani and Nepali Paramparik Sanskriti Ra Sabhyata Ko Dukuti by Prakash Bhattarai in Nepali.

In addition, Sa. Tamilselvan received the award for literary criticism for Thamiz Sirukathaiyin Thadangal (Tamil), while Raju Baviskar was honoured for the Marathi autobiography Kalyanilya Resha. The memoir category includes Jeete Jee Allahabad by Mamta Kalia (Hindi) and Dhatri Paat San Gaam by Mahendra (Maithili).

The Sahitya Akademi Award carries a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000. The awardees will be honoured at a presentation ceremony scheduled on March 31, 2026, in New Delhi.

Established as India’s national academy of letters, Sahitya Akademi annually recognises literary excellence across multiple Indian languages, promoting the richness and diversity of the country’s literary traditions.

March 17, 2026
Department of Posts Launches ‘24 Speed Post’ for Next-Day Guaranteed Delivery in Six Cities

New Delhi, March 17: The Department of Posts has launched ‘24 Speed Post’, a next-day guaranteed delivery service designed for urgent and time-sensitive consignments. The service was formally launched on March 17, 2026, at the Rangbhawan Auditorium in Akashwani Bhawan.

The launch ceremony was attended by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Communications, and Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications, along with senior officials of the postal department.

The 24 Speed Post service introduces next-day guaranteed delivery (D+1) for consignments sent through the premium postal network. In the first phase, the service will be available in six major metropolitan cities — New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

In addition to the new offering, the department will also provide 24 and 48 Speed Post services, ensuring assured D+1 and D+2 delivery timelines. These services will be supported through dedicated processing windows and priority air transmission, enabling faster handling and transportation of consignments.

The upgraded Speed Post services will include several customer-centric features such as OTP-based secure delivery, end-to-end tracking with SMS alerts, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) facility for business customers, free pickup for bulk bookings, API integration, and centralized billing.

The department has also introduced a money-back guarantee in case of delivery delays, reinforcing the reliability of its premium express delivery services.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at strengthening India Post’s express logistics capabilities and enhancing service standards for businesses and individual customers requiring fast and secure delivery solutions.

March 17, 2026