Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that 21st century will be shaped by societies that accord topmost importance to education, research, and innovation and urged teachers to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in technology and connect students with the technological trends.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday praised teachers, scholars and academics for their contributions to making India a knowledge power.

Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who often supports various social causes, says that economic empowerment of women is a national agenda.

NDA ally Shiv Sena on Wednesday extended support to fasting Patidar leader Hardik Patel, with party chief Uddhav Thackeray advising him "not to risk your life on insensitive governments".

Facing accusation of playing the "Brahmin card", the Congress on Wednesday defended party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala addressing a Brahmin seminar wherein he claimed his party has "Brahmin Samaj's DNA in its blood".

Facing relentless allegations of corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal, the Modi government is bracing to counter the Opposition onslaught more effectively. On Wednesday, the Union Council of Ministers was briefed about the deal by the National Security Advisor (NSA) besides a top defence official.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said that there was no need for a "knee jerk" reaction due to high prices of global crude oil.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday that if Pakistan stops cross border terrorism, India will have no hesitation in extending its hand of friendship to it.