Natioanal

New Delhi: The dense forests of Lohit Valley in Arunachal Pradesh have been engulfed in flames, prompting immediate action from the authorities. In response to the escalating situation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched a specialized mission to combat the fire, deploying Mi-17V5 helicopters for aerial firefighting operations. The IAF helicopters carried out the mission at an altitude of approximately 9,500 feet, where the thin Himalayan air poses a significant challenge for aviation operations. During the operation, the helicopters dropped nearly 12,000 liters of water over the affected areas, showcasing the skill, precision, and commitment of the Air Force in protecting human lives and fragile ecosystems. IAF Shares Mission Details and MediaThe Indian Air Force shared photogra...

A Kuwait-bound Indigo flight carrying passengers to Delhi was diverted to Ahmedabad following a bomb threat written on a tissue paper. Security agencies acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all on board. Fortunately, the threat was later confirmed to be a hoax. Swift Action Ensured Passenger Safety Airport authorities reported that the Indigo flight, en route from Kuwait to Delhi, was diverted to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad around 6:40 a.m. All 180 passengers were safely evacuated. The handwritten note claimed the presence of a bomb inside the aircraft, prompting immediate precautionary measures. Following the alert, the pilot informed Air Traffic Control, and the flight was rerouted as a safety precaution. Upon landing, passengers were safely dise...

India and the European Union (EU) have recently signed a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA), opening the doors for enhanced market access for Indian industries across 27 European countries. As part of the deal, the EU has provided India with five key assurances regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), aimed at easing trade and ensuring fair carbon compliance. 1. Exemption on CBAM for India Under the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle, India will receive equal treatment in future CBAM exemptions. If any other country is granted CBAM-related concessions, India will automatically be entitled to the same benefits under the newly signed FTA. 2. Technical Dialogue and Transparency India and the EU will establish a technical working group to maintain full transparen...

The Delhi government has issued a notice clarifying the eligibility criteria for ration cardholders, emphasizing that households owning both a house and a vehicle may no longer qualify for subsidized food. The move comes as part of an ongoing verification drive by the Food and Supply Department to identify beneficiaries who do not meet the prescribed criteria. Verification Notices Sent Ration cardholders whose assets include land, a house, and a vehicle are receiving SMS notices requiring them to provide details of their income, property, and vehicles. Beneficiaries must also submit an income certificate issued by the Revenue Department, reflecting a minimum annual income of ₹1 lakh, which has now been made mandatory. Failure to comply will result in the cancellation of their ration ...

The Central Government has assured that the investigation into the tragic plane crash near Baramati Airport, which claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, will be completed in a timely and thorough manner. Questions have arisen over why firefighters were not present at the airport when the incident occurred, and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has provided clarifications. Investigation Underway Speaking at Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad, Minister Naidu stated that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have reached the crash site. The black box of the ill-fated aircraft has been recovered, and the investigation is in progress. He emphasized a strict timeline will be follo...

India’s economic landscape is witnessing a silent yet dramatic shift as the country’s middle class expands rapidly, particularly among salaried taxpayers. Over the past 12 years, the number of upper-middle-class families has grown by a staggering 600%, transforming the consumption and investment patterns of the nation. Rising Salaried Taxpayers Data from the Income Tax Department reveals a significant change in the salaried segment. Between 2014 and 2023-24, the number of individuals in the ₹10–15 lakh and ₹15–20 lakh annual income brackets increased more than sixfold. In 2014, the upper-middle-class was considered a small segment; today, it represents a sizable and influential portion of the economy. Income Growth and Patterns This growth is not just about higher salaries—it r...

The investigation into the tragic plane crash at Baramati Airport, which claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, has taken a critical turn with the recovery of the aircraft’s black box. Authorities now hope that this, along with a detailed examination of the plane’s carnet fuel card, flight plan, and logbook, will provide vital insights into the circumstances leading to the crash. Investigators to Trace the Aircraft’s “Flight Profile” Aviation experts have emphasized that the Learjet-45 operated by VSR Ventures must be thoroughly scrutinized. This includes not only the black box data but also the plane’s operational history. By analyzing the fuel card, investigators can determine how much fuel was used and whether there were any anomalies in...

In a major boost to healthcare research in India, 20 AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) institutes across the country have come together to form a pan-India research consortium, aiming to address critical health challenges from artificial intelligence–driven treatments to affordable cancer care. The historic agreement was formalized during a meeting of all AIIMS directors held in New Delhi, where the institutes signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on large-scale, multi-center research projects. Collaborative Research Across India Under this consortium, AIIMS institutes will jointly conduct studies and clinical trials across multiple locations, leveraging their combined expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and extensive patient networks. Partici...