Top opposition figures, including Congress's Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar and Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja were absent from the Republic Day parade. Trinamool Congress is also understood to have been unrepresented.
The giant fog layer over north India, which at times covers a 2,500 km swathe from Lahore to Dhaka, has now persisted for more than a month. This makes it the longest spell of large-scale fog/low cloud cover over the region since daily satellite data started being analysed in 2014.
A conflict between two benches of Calcutta High Court over whether CBI should probe an alleged fake caste certificate scam in Bengal boiled over Thursday. The controversy erupted the previous day after Justice Gangopadhyay allowed CBI to probe the case, only for the division bench to stay the order twice.
Satyam, a PhD Scholar in the department of biosciences and bioengineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-Guwahati), recently achieved a significant feat by securing the “Best Product Design” award in the Water and Sanitation category at the prestigious Vishwakarma Awards 2023.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a non-bailable warrant against an individual who persistently failed to appear before the court in the suo-moto contempt proceedings initiated against him last year, as reported by Live Law. The contempt proceedings were initiated by the apex court after Upendra Nath Dalai repeatedly failed to pay a Rs 1 lakh fine. The penalty was imposed on Dalai after he filed a public interest litigation requesting the court to declare Satsang founder 'Sree Sree Thakur Anukulcharndra' as 'parmatma' (supreme spirit).
The cultivation of Dehraduni Basmati rice in the Doon valley has drastically reduced by 62% between 2018 and 2022. Factors such as summer temperatures, poor soil fertility, water scarcity, changing rain patterns, and unplanned development have contributed to the decline.
India-Maldives ties strained as Maldives allows Chinese vessel despite India's concerns. Maldives claims vessel won't conduct research. Sri Lanka has a moratorium on research ships. US voices concerns about Chinese research vessels. Maldives reneges on agreement with India for hydrographic surveys.
Five villagers detained by the army after a terror ambush in J&K's Poonch last month, which resulted in the deaths of four soldiers, have reported severe torture during their detention. The disclosures were made during a police investigation into the deaths of three civilians in custody. The army authorities have not yet commented on the allegations.
National Minorities Commission chairperson Iqbal Singh Lalpura said on Monday that to reinforce the message of “unity in diversity” NMC representatives plan to visit the Ram temple some time next month along with a group of people drawn from all minority communities.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Narendra Modi lit 'Ram Jyoti' to celebrate the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. RSS workers and BJP President JP Nadda also celebrated. PM Modi, Mohan Bhagwat, Anandiben Patel, and Yogi Adityanath attended the ceremony and devotees chanted 'Jai Sri Ram'.
India closely tracks Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 heading to Malé via Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka denied permission for docking, and the Indian Navy is monitoring its movements. Previously, Chinese vessels Shi Yan-6 and Hai Yang 24 Hao had visited Colombo despite Indian objections.
The consecration of Ram Lalla’s idol on Jan 22 will begin with ‘Mangal Dhwani’, for which more than 50 different musical instruments will be played together for two hours. The instruments will represent different areas of the country and include the pakhawaj, flute, dholak, veena, sundari, algoza and mardal. The performance will start at 10am and continue till the start of the ceremony.
J&K police say a Kashmiri Pandit's terror killing in Pulwama was part of a Pakistan-orchestrated design to disrupt peace and communal harmony in the Kashmir Valley. A chargesheet against 12 suspects reveals a broader conspiracy originating from across the border.
Jaishankar highlighted India's extensive contributions through 600 projects in 78 nations, demonstrating India's commitment to global solidarity and cooperation. He emphasized India's role as a friend to the world, willing to share its expertise and resources for mutual progress. "I recognise Azerbaijan for leading NAM during a difficult period. I also welcome South Sudan as a new member," he said.
On the second day of the Congress' 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Assam, the party claimed that its first yatra, which traversed from south to north, faced fewer problems passing through BJP-ruled states compared to the challenges encountered in the northeastern state. The party continued to level corruption allegations against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. Rahul Gandhi, who led both yatras, asserted that Chief Ministers of other BJP-ruled states could learn from Sarma on how to engage in corruption.
A young soldier enlisted through the Agniveer scheme was killed and two Army colleagues were wounded in a landmine explosion in Nowshera sector along LoC. The fallen soldier was identified as Ajay Singh from Ludhiana. Security forces have faced a concerning rise in Army fatalities in Rajouri and Poonch districts, with a total of 35 reported since Oct 2021.
The Centre orders an inquiry into the activities of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) under the Companies Act, 2013. The probe is in response to complaints of unlawful and fraudulent business practices. KCCI is asked to submit financial documents dating back to 2010.
The idol of Ram Lalla was placed in the sanctum sanctorum of Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi temple on Thursday afternoon, setting the stage for the upcoming grand consecration ceremony on January 22. Covered with a veil, the first photo of the idol was revealed during the placement ceremony in the sanctum sanctorum earlier today, accompanied by the chanting of prayers. The 51-inch idol of Lord Ram, made from 'shyamal' (dark) stone was crafted by artist Arun Yogiraj of Mysuru which portrays the deity as a five-year-old child standing on a lotus also crafted from the same stone.
Bombay high court releases Yukta Rokade on bail. Justice Madhav Jamdar allows the bail plea of Rokade, who was booked for killing her daughter. The woman claims harassment by her husband and his mother. Gangapur police station lodged an FIR against an unknown person based on Rokade's complaint.
To incentivize increased private investment, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is instituting comprehensive revisions to contract conditions. A new provision will be introduced, allowing NHAI to repurchase tolled highway projects if a competing road or an additional tolled road emerges in proximity. The finalized changes also incorporate the commitment to settle 90% of outstanding loans to lenders before the termination of any contract in the event of default by contractors or the highway authority. This measure is designed to provide reassurance to banks and financial institutions, enhancing their confidence in the investment landscape.
The Centre has moved Delhi HC seeking a recall of an order allowing a widow to terminate her 29-week pregnancy, saying the unborn child has a fair chance of survival and the court should consider protecting the right to life of the fetus. It submitted that "feticide in this case is neither justified nor ethical as the fetus is grossly normal." The woman, who got married in February 2023, lost her husband in October after which she moved to her parents' house and got to know that she was 20 weeks pregnant.
A 20-year-old Pakistani intruder has been arrested by BSF from a forward area along the international border in Jammu’s Makwal. Officials on Tuesday said BSF troops observed suspicious movement along the international border in the Makwal area. They challenged the suspect and took him into custody. A Pakistan national identity card identifying the intruder as Muhammad Sadiq has been recovered from the intruder. Sadiq, the intruder is being interrogated.
PM Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the role of tribal woman Shabari in the story of Ram, ahead of the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22. He also emphasized the importance of the welfare of the poor, deprived, and tribals, and mentioned the construction of 4 crore permanent houses for the poor in the last 10 years. “The story of Shri Ram is not possible without Mata Shabari,” the PM said.
Security forces in the Krishna Ghati sector of J&K's Poonch are conducting searches to find terrorists who fired on an army convoy. No casualties were reported. Concurrently, another operation is underway in Sawjian, Mandi, based on reports of suspicious activities in the forested area. This follows a recent ambush in Dera Ki Gali, Poonch, where four soldiers lost their lives. “The search is underway in Dharti, Dhara, Magnad and Jhallas areas of Poonch,” an official source said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of chanting the name of Lord Ram for political gains, while ignoring the real issues of the country like the Manipur crisis and joblessness — a frontal jibe that appeared to target BJP’s overdrive over the upcoming consecration of the Ayodhya temple for which the Congress brass has declined the invitation. Hurled at the rally to flag off Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the attacking words on BJP and its mascot provided the ideological contrast with the welfarist-justice agenda of the Gandhi scion’s 6,500 km.
The departure of Milind Deora from Congress marks a significant chapter in Rahul Gandhi's political journey, as it nearly completes the exodus of the original band of young "dynasts" who came to be identified with the Gandhi scion during his initial days. After Jitin Prasada and Jyotiraditya Scindia, Deora is the third of the second-generation Congress leaders who hogged the headlines as Team Rahul during the UPA decade. Another of the coterie member R P N Singh has also joined BJP, like Prasada and Scindia, though he is still awaiting his legislative rehabilitation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Monday release the first instalment of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) for one lakh beneficiaries. The PM will also interact with the beneficiaries of PM-JANMAN from particulatly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) via video conferencing. The event will be held in more than 100 districts. A statement from the PMO highlighted that PM-JANMAN was launched "in line with the PM's efforts towards the vision of Antyodaya to empower the last person at the last mile."
Government on Saturday said that it is keeping close tabs on developments around the Red Sea, where Houthi militants have been attacking ships and oil tankers, though there have not been significant disruptions in India so far. An official said that new trade routes are being considered, and other options will be considered if the problem persists. Officials from the commerce department, and the ministries of defence, external affairs, shipping and finance are slated to meet on Wednesday to address some of the concerns flagged by stakeholders.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar, who will touch down in Tehran on Sunday, just 48 hours after the US-UK joint strike on Iran-backed Houthi militias, told a gathering in Nagpur about India's dramatic rise in geopolitics in the last decade amidst the United Nation's dwindling relevance due to the stranglehold of five countries, some of whom were no longer top global economies. Covid-19 diplomacy and a successful hosting of the G-20 summit amid the Russia-Ukraine war dramatically raised India's global stature, Jaishankar said, adding "New Delhi is now consulted in every major international issue. The world has come to us".
Many others might have been on a sticky wicket having lost both arms in an accident at age seven. Not Amir Hussain Lone. The 34-year-old from Kashmir’s Anantnag is scoring runs and fame, drawing Sachin Tendulkar among his cheerleaders. “Hope I get to meet him one day and get a jersey with his name. Well done for inspiring millions who are passionate about playing the sport,” Sachin wrote in a post on X recently after learning about Amir’s incredible feats on the field include bowling with his feet and batting by placing the bat between his shoulder and neck.
Leaders of INDIA bloc parties will hold a virtual meeting on Saturday morning where strengthening the anti-BJP platform and seat-sharing are expected to be the main subjects of discussion. The grouping is also likely to deliberate on the appointment of a convener. TMC chief Mamata Banerjee will not attend the meeting "as she has other engagements", party leaders said. Banerjee had earlier sought Kharge's appointment as the head of the bloc, a demand that was rejected instantly by the Congress chief.
The wreckage of an Antonov-32 transport aircraft of the IAF, which went missing with 29 personnel while flying over the Bay of Bengal on way to Port Blair from Chennai in July 2016, has finally been found by an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) of the National Institute of Ocean Technology.Images of the aircraft debris lying on the sea bed, at a depth of 3,400 meters around 140 nautical miles (310 Km) from the Chennai coast, were taken by the unmanned AUV, which is geared for deep sea exploration of polymetallic nodules, a few days ago.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Atal Setu, or Mumbai Trans Habour Link (MTHL), by traveling on the sea-bridge. The 21.8km MTHL will primarily help people travelling between south Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The sea-bridge will, as of now, primarily help people travelling between south Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, cutting the journey short.
The Army deploys additional troops and strengthens intelligence network to counter the spike in terror attacks in Rajouri-Poonch. They study terrorists' tactics and draw tactical lessons to improve counter-infiltration and counter-terrorism operations. The focus is on respecting human rights and zero tolerance for violations. The Army works with other agencies to establish a robust intelligence gathering and sharing mechanism.
Coaching institutes will be barred from making misleading claims like '100% selection' or '100% job guaranteed' in their advertisements. The consumer affairs ministry is introducing guidelines to prevent such misleading advertisements. The guidelines will apply to all coaching institutes and cover all forms of advertisement. The aim is to ensure complete and honest disclosure of institute credentials. The guidelines will specify dos and don'ts, including disclosure of courses, duration, and whether they are paid or free.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Nyay Yatra as a mere enjoyment trip, saying that it doesn't benefit the people. Mocking Gandhi, Rijiju called him a baby with immature thoughts. "He is still a baby. He has aged but his thoughts are still like that of a child," he said. He also emphasized that the schemes launched by PM Modi are what truly matter for the country. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi is preparing to embark on the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, covering key constituencies like Amethi, Rae Bareli, and Varanasi.
India's Astrobotic's Peregrine lander, the second private mission to the moon, will lift off on Monday with over 80,000 messages from kids worldwide and a piece of Mount Everest. The mission director, Sharad Bhaskaran, has early India connections. The touchdown is scheduled for February 23 on the moon's Bay of Stickiness. This will be the first US lunar landing since Apollo 17, and it launches under Nasa's Commercial Lunar Payload Services Initiative with the help of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur rocket.
Ex-Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria has revealed the inside story of how India's post-Pulwama coercive diplomacy spooked Pakistan, forcing it to rethink its terror policy. The Pakistan government, spooked by 9 Indian missiles apparently pointed at them, reached out to Ajay Bisaria, the Indian high commissioner, to facilitate a conversation between Imran Khan and PM Narendra Modi. Bisaria checked with people in Delhi and got back to the Pakistanis, saying PM Modi wasn’t available at that hour and that any urgent message could be conveyed to the high commissioner himself. Bisaria didn’t hear from them again that night.
The number of creches under the National Creche Scheme dramatically decreased due to a combination of factors, including financial irregularities and changes in funding patterns. The scheme's fund utilisation worsened over time, leading to a slash in allocation from the centre. Several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, no longer have any creches. The scheme was renamed Palna Scheme under Mission Shakti, but it has struggled to get off the ground. The new scheme aims for 17,000 anganwadi cum creches by 2025-26, but there are concerns about meeting the demand and maintaining funding allocation.Top opposition figures, including Congress's Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar and Le...
