Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will organise a special Yoga Day celebration at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today. As part of the nationwide celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, the event is expected to bring together nearly 1,500 senior citizens.

The celebration is being organised in alignment with the national theme of the Day – “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”. Reflecting this national vision, the Ministry’s celebration seeks to promote Yoga as a practical and sustainable approach for supporting longevity, emotional well-being, and dignified ageing among elders.

The programme will include collective performance of the Yoga by senior citizens and a spiritual discourse focusing on mindful living, inner harmony, emotional wellness and healthy ageing.

Global crude oil prices rose yesterday but registered steep losses on a weekly basis. During the week, Brent crude August futures plunged more than 7.7 per cent to settle at 80 US dollars and 57 cents per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate July futures shed over 8.6 per cent to end at 77 US dollars and 54 cents per barrel. 

 

Yesterday, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect following intensive diplomatic efforts by the United States, Qatar and Iran. The ceasefire is being seen as an important step towards easing tensions across West Asia, supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran aimed at reducing regional tensions and ensuring the smooth flow of trade through regional shipping routes. 

Norway is imposing a near ban on the use of generative AI tools by elementary school pupils while also restricting their ​use in the education of older children to prevent a ‌negative impact on learning. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere told a press ​conference that using AI increases the risk that young children skip important ⁠steps in their education.

 

The most important thing in school is that our children ​learn to read, write and do mathematics, Stoere said, adding that the new standards will be imposed from the new school year beginning in late August.

 

Facing a broad decline in education test scores, the government in 2024 banned smartphones from schools and has ​given teachers back more power to enforce discipline in the ​classroom.

President Droupadi Murmu today attended the 36th Convocation Ceremony of Rani Durgavati University in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. On the occasion, she awarded gold medals to meritorious students from different faculties. Madhya Pradesh Governor and Chancellor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar were also present at the ceremony.

 

Addressing the gathering, the President said that Rani Durgavati, after whom the university is named, was a symbol of courage, bravery and valour. She said that Rani Durgavati continues to inspire Indian women and will remain a source of inspiration for future generations.

 

President Murmu said that a large tribal population lives in the areas surrounding the university. She urged people associated with the university to work for the empowerment of tribal communities, disadvantaged groups and especially young girls.

 

She said that tribal communities are self-respecting and often do not speak openly about their problems. In such a situation, educated young people should stay connected with their villages and communities and help spread awareness about government schemes and opportunities.

 

The President said that the goal of building a developed India by 2047 can be achieved only when the benefits of development reach every section of society and every individual. She added that education is the most effective tool for the development of both individuals and society. Therefore, continuous efforts should be made for the education and overall development of tribal communities.

 

On June 22, President Murmu is scheduled to visit Kuno National Park, where she will interact with members of the Sahariya tribe, cheetah trackers and the park’s field team.

A yoga session was organised at the National Media Centre in New Delhi today to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga. Various officers and staff members of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting participated in the session.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Chanchal Kumar, said that yoga should not remain confined to an annual observance but should be adopted as an integral part of daily life.

He stated that regular self-practice of yoga is essential for the holistic development of the body and contributes significantly to both personal and professional well-being. Emphasising that yoga is relevant for people across all professions and age groups, he urged citizens to imbibe its values and practice it every day, rather than limiting it to a single occasion.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today participated in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations at the Eastern Air Command Headquarters in Upper Shillong, Meghalaya. 

 

The Defence Minister, along with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma and hundreds of other participants, took part in the event that was themed “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.

 

Singh urged everyone to make Yoga an integral part of their routine. Also present on the occasion were the Chief Secretary and the Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, along with officers, personnel, and staff of the command.

 

The event highlighted the importance of yoga in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and healthy ageing. Participants enthusiastically took part in the session, reaffirming their commitment to adopting yoga as a way of life.

In Cricket, India will begin their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in a Group A match at Edgbaston in Birmingham today. The match is scheduled to start at 7 PM IST. India have dominated this rivalry in Women’s T20 Internationals, winning 13 of the 16 matches played between the two sides.

 

In the other fixture of the day, tournament debutants Netherlands will face Bangladesh at 3 PM IST.

The month-long tournament is being played across England and Wales, with the final set to be held at Lord’s Cricket Ground on 5th July.