Natioanal

New Delhi: The Indian Army is set to revamp its physical fitness test system starting the 2026 training year. The changes will apply across all ranks—from junior soldiers to senior officers—and aim to better prepare personnel for the demands of modern warfare. Simplifying Fitness EvaluationsCurrently, soldiers undergo two types of physical tests every three months: the Battle Preparedness Efficiency Test (BPET) and the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT). Under the new system, both tests will be merged into a single Combined Fitness Test (CFT), conducted twice a year instead of four. This adjustment allows soldiers to focus on maintaining overall fitness while devoting more time to operational and military training activities. What the New Combined Fitness Test IncludesFor soldiers under...

New Delhi: Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav has addressed the ongoing controversy over mining in the Aravalli Hills, asserting that over 90% of the region is fully protected. He criticized certain YouTube channels and individuals for spreading misinformation regarding the “100-meter” safety zone, clarifying the actual provisions. Strict Mining Regulations Remain in ForceMinister Yadav emphasized that there has been no relaxation in mining regulations in the Aravalli range, which spans four states—Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat—and covers 39 districts. Out of the total 1.44 lakh square kilometers, only 0.19%, roughly 2%, may be eligible for mining. The rest remains fully protected. He highlighted that legal scrutiny over Aravalli mining is not new; petitions have been o...

In a pioneering move, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has, for the first time, deployed 60 officers from its headquarters across the country to conduct surprise audits of highways. The officers will assess road quality, operational standards, and the convenience provided to the public. Observations and deficiencies will be recorded directly on the NHAI One app to ensure a real-time understanding of ground conditions. Direct Insights from the GroundThe initiative aims to bridge the gap between field reports and actual road conditions. Officers will evaluate the highways for aspects such as road safety, smoothness, aesthetics, and user convenience. By documenting findings directly on the app, NHAI ensures that insights are based on first-hand observations rather than filter...

In a historic achievement, a young woman from India’s Northeast has carved her name in the annals of public service. Tenzin Yangki, hailing from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, has become the first female Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the state, inspiring a new generation of young women. Her journey, rooted in determination, discipline, and a strong legacy of public service, has garnered national attention, drawing praise from ministers, business leaders, and social influencers alike. Entrepreneur Anand Mahindra described her accomplishment as a “Monday Motivation,” while Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu hailed her as a shining example of women’s empowerment and a source of inspiration for youth. A Trailblazer from Arunachal PradeshTenzin Yangki achieved the 545th ra...

New Delhi: Amidst reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat made a significant statement regarding India’s identity. He asserted that India is a Hindu nation and that there is no need for constitutional proof to establish this, as it is an undeniable reality. Bhagwat emphasized that the concept of a Hindu nation is ancient. “The sun rises in the east, but no one knows since when. Do we need the Constitution’s approval for that? Hindustan is a Hindu nation. As long as there is a single person who considers India their motherland, respects Indian culture, and cherishes the pride of Indian ancestors, India will remain a Hindu nation,” he said. He added that although the word “Hindu” is not explicitly mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution, principl...

New Delhi: India and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to preserve the maritime heritage of Lothal, one of India’s oldest port cities located in Gujarat. The agreement marks a major step towards establishing the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, with collaboration from the National Maritime Museum, Amsterdam. The MoU, signed during bilateral talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Dutch Foreign Minister David Van Weel, aims to leverage mutual expertise in museum planning, design, and heritage preservation. The partnership will facilitate joint exhibitions, collaborative research, cultural exchange programs, and initiatives to enhance visitor engagement and educational outreach. Lothal to Emerge as a Major Tourism Hub ...

New Delhi: Oman, a trusted ally of India in the Gulf, is home to a flourishing Hindu community, constituting approximately 5.5% of the country’s population. Among the most notable sites is the Motishwar Temple in Muscat, one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Gulf, dedicated to Lord Shiva, alongside a Krishna temple also located in the city. Historic Roots of Hinduism in Oman Hinduism first arrived in Oman in 1507 when traders from Kutch, Gujarat, settled in Muscat. Over centuries, Indian communities have contributed significantly to Oman’s economy, engaging in trade of pearls, grains, and other commodities. Today, many Indians hold prominent positions and continue to strengthen economic ties between India and Oman. According to Wikipedia, by the early 19th century, Oman had aroun...

New Delhi: Air India has announced the suspension of direct flights from Bengaluru and Mumbai to San Francisco, effective from 1 March 2026. The airline cited challenges in aircraft deployment and increased costs due to airspace restrictions as the reasons behind the decision. Passengers who have booked tickets for travel after 28 February are now facing uncertainty. Delhi Flights to North America to Increase As part of the operational adjustment, Air India will increase flights from Delhi to San Francisco and Toronto. Delhi will now operate 10 flights per week to these destinations, expected to partially meet passenger demand. However, the discontinuation of direct connectivity from Bengaluru and Mumbai is likely to inconvenience tech professionals and business travelers who prefer ...

New Delhi: Most parts of North India, including Delhi-NCR, are currently grappling with severe cold, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that relief is unlikely in the next 48 hours. Snow in Hills, Dense Fog in Plains Hilly regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are witnessing heavy snowfall, while plains in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana are shrouded in dense fog. The IMD predicts that snow, rain, and fog will continue across major parts of the region over the next 24–48 hours. In Jammu & Kashmir, the ‘Chillai-Kalan’ period, a 40-day phase of extreme cold, has begun. Gulmarg recorded about two inches of snow, with temperatures dropping to minus 1.5°C—the lowest in the valley. Sonamarg experienced continuous snowfall from morni...

New Delhi: The recent chaos in India’s aviation sector, attributed to IndiGo, was not due to a shortage of pilots but stemmed from a malfunction in the airline’s automatic roster system, sources reveal. Software Glitch Sparks Disruption According to insiders, the problems began after a global software update was mandated for the Airbus-320 fleet following an incident involving JetBlue Airlines on 30 October in the United States. IndiGo was under pressure to upgrade its software across 200 aircraft between 29 November and 30 November. To meet deadlines, IndiGo routed planes through its six maintenance centers across India, disrupting the alignment of pilots and flight schedules. The airline’s roster system could not handle the sudden operational stress. Manual Efforts Fail to St...