On this Special Report, the focus is on the announcement of the Padma Awards 2026, celebrating icons and grassroots changemakers. Former UGC Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar, honoured with the Padma Shri, stated, ‘You know that many reforms have to happen in higher education and in the coming years we will be rapidly implementing the NEP 2020 and already a lot of transformation has taken place and these reforms will be carried out at scale.’ The awards recognize a diverse group, including late actor Dharmendra for the Padma Vibhushan and cricketer Rohit Sharma for the Padma Shri. The bulletin also highlights a historic milestone for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to receive the Ashok Chakra following his Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the recipients, noting their contributions strengthen the nation. The 2026 list features significant representation from Southern states, particularly Kerala and Tamil Nadu, alongside gallantry awards conferred by President Droupadi Murmu.
