Nation

In a significant boost to India’s naval capabilities, Russia has proposed supplying three fully refurbished diesel-electric Kilo-class submarines to India. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had assured India of one submarine during his visit to New Delhi, but the new offer now includes three submarines, marking a major enhancement in India’s underwater defence strength. Strategic Significance and Timing The proposal follows Putin’s December 2025 visit to New Delhi, where he had pledged to lease a nuclear-powered Akula-class attack submarine by 2028. The new offer provides a ready-to-deploy conventional alternative from Russia’s surplus naval reserve. The deal, estimated at under $1 billion, aims to address the Indian Navy’s immediate operational needs and fleet gaps. Moder...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit West Bengal on Saturday, 20th December. During his visit, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation for two major national highway projects worth approximately ₹3,200 crore. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the 66.7 km long 4-lane stretch of NH-34 between Barajaguli and Krishnanagar in Nadia district. He will also lay the foundation for the 17.6 km 4-lane stretch of NH-34 from Barasat to Barajaguli in North 24 Parganas district. These projects are expected to significantly improve connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri, reducing travel time by nearly two hours and ensuring smoother traffic flow. PM Modi Shares Details on Social Media The Prime Minister took to X (formerly Twitter) to share details of his West Bengal visit. He...

Amid rising anti-India sentiment within Bangladesh, fresh tensions have emerged between the two neighbours—this time in the Bay of Bengal, raising serious concerns over maritime security and the safety of Indian fishermen. While anti-India protests continue on land in Bangladesh, recent incidents at sea suggest a troubling pattern. Over the past two months, Indian authorities have observed an increase in Bangladeshi fishing vessels operating close to, and allegedly within, Indian maritime boundaries. The situation escalated sharply on December 15, when a Bangladeshi Navy patrol vessel allegedly rammed an Indian fishing trawler carrying 16 fishermen, causing it to capsize. The incident has sparked outrage and heightened fears among fishing communities operating near the international ...

Congress Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs Shashi Tharoor has strongly condemned a provocative statement made by a Bangladeshi student leader regarding India’s northeastern states, popularly known as the “Seven Sisters.” Tharoor described such remarks as irresponsible, foolish, and capable of worsening an already volatile situation in Bangladesh. Reacting to the statement, Tharoor said that certain non-serious elements in Bangladesh are making reckless comments that could inflame tensions and harm bilateral relations. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Bangladeshi government to control such voices and ensure that India’s core national interests are not threatened. “You may have seen a recent statement by a so...

A deepfake video falsely featuring Sudha Murty, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, has been circulating widely on social media, misleading people with fake investment claims and promises of massive financial returns. Cyber fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to exploit the credibility of well-known personalities. In the latest case, an edited video allegedly shows Sudha Murty promoting a fraudulent investment scheme, claiming that several investors are earning up to ₹10 lakh per month. The video, shared from a handle named “Triade Wine”, urges viewers to click on a link and register quickly, creating a false sense of urgency by stating that registrations are being closed due to high demand. Clickin...

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has strongly condemned the brutal mob killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh, describing the incident as a crime against humanity. She has urged the Government of India to take serious cognizance of the growing violence against religious minorities in the neighbouring country and to raise the issue firmly at the diplomatic level. Reacting to the killing of 25-year-old Dipu Chandra Das, Priyanka Gandhi said that violence and murder based on religion, caste, or identity have no place in any civilized society. Expressing deep concern, she highlighted the alarming rise in attacks against Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist minorities in Bangladesh. In a social media post on Friday evening, she stated,"The brutal mob killing of Hindu youth Dipu ...

New Delhi: The Winter Session of Parliament, which commenced on 1 December, was adjourned indefinitely on Friday. During the sixth session of the 18th Lok Sabha, a total of 10 government bills were introduced, out of which eight bills were passed. The session recorded impressive productivity figures, with the Lok Sabha achieving 111% and the Rajya Sabha 121% productivity. Lok Sabha HighlightsBefore the adjournment, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla noted that the session comprised 15 sittings, lasting 92 hours and 25 minutes. Among the key bills passed was the Developed India-Gi Ram Ji Bill, 2025, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), despite strong opposition protests. Other bills passed included: Nuclear Energy (Sustainable Utilization and...

New Delhi: India and Oman share a historic relationship, highlighted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit, where a free trade deal was signed. Amid this backdrop, the remarkable story of an Indian businessman, who earned the rare title of the world’s only Hindu Sheikh from the Sultan of Oman, comes into focus. The Journey of India’s Only Hindu SheikhThe title was bestowed upon Kankasi Khemji, head of the Khimji Ramdas Group, one of Oman’s most prestigious business families. This recognition traces back nearly 144 years when Khemji’s grandfather, Ramdas Thakkarse, migrated from Mandvi in Gujarat to Oman in 1870. Starting from Mandvi, the family expanded their trade to Muscat, establishing strong connections with major ports. Khimji Ramdas Group: From Traders to TitansThe...

In a move that has escalated tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the United States has announced a $10 billion arms package for Taiwan, including missiles, artillery, drones, and advanced military equipment. The announcement comes amid growing friction between Beijing and Washington over Taiwan’s status, with China claiming the island as its own territory. Strategic Significance for the Region and India The arms deal is not only aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities but also carries significant strategic implications for India. China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh as “South Tibet” have led to frequent incursions in Indian territory. With Taiwan’s military capabilities bolstered, China could face pressure on a two-front scenario, limiting its ability to engage aggressiv...