Nation

New Delhi: North India continues to reel under intense cold and dense fog. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of severe cold and extremely low visibility in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Bihar from December 19 to 21. Light rainfall and snowfall are also expected in hilly areas due to the influence of a western disturbance. Widespread Cold and FogAcross the country, temperatures remain low from the mountains to the plains. States including UP, Bihar, Uttarakhand, and Delhi are experiencing thick fog during mornings and evenings. According to the IMD, visibility is expected to remain severely restricted in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana during early hours. Dense fog may also blanket Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Bihar on December 19–20. The western d...

India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2026 are set to carry major diplomatic significance, as the top leadership of the European Union will attend the January 26 parade as Chief Guests. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will represent the 27-member EU bloc at the event, marking a rare and symbolic gesture in India’s foreign policy outreach. The visit will be followed by the India–European Union Summit on January 27, during which key discussions are expected on trade, strategic cooperation, and the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Why This Invitation Matters Inviting the EU’s highest leadership—rather than a single head of state—underscores New Delhi’s intention to treat the European Union as a unified...

The Supreme Court on Thursday made sharp observations during the hearing of a case related to the management of stray dogs, stating that at the next hearing it would screen a video and ask the parties concerned to reflect on the meaning of humanity. A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta was hearing the matter when senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing in the case, informed the Court that the special three-judge Bench scheduled to hear the matter on Thursday had been cancelled. The Bench said the next hearing would now take place on January 7. Court Responds to ‘Inhuman Treatment’ Claim During the proceedings, Kapil Sibal raised serious concerns over what he described as “inhuman treatment” of stray dogs by civic authorities. He submitted that the Munici...

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking stricter standards for bottled drinking water, describing the plea as “luxury litigation” driven by “urban phobia.” A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Suryakant observed that a significant portion of India’s population is still struggling to access even basic clean drinking water. Rejecting the petition, the Court emphasized that concerns over premium quality standards cannot override the ground reality faced by millions, especially in rural areas where people continue to depend largely on groundwater for drinking purposes. “Quality Comes Later” Addressing the petitioner, Sarang Vaman Yadavdkar, the CJI remarked, “In this country, people are still deprived of clean drinking water. ...

In one of the most striking examples of India’s diverse tribal heritage, a now-defunct tradition from Nagaland’s Longwa village reveals how acts of warfare, honour, and family pride were once deeply intertwined. According to this age-old custom, if a man beheaded an enemy, his wife would commemorate the act by getting a tattoo on her body—one tattoo for each head taken. Located on the India–Myanmar border, Longwa village is unique not only for its geography—half of the village lies in India and the other half in Myanmar—but also for its centuries-old warrior culture. Among the local tribes, beheading an enemy was historically regarded as a symbol of bravery, prestige, and social status. A Symbol of Valour and Celebration As per tribal belief, severing an enemy’s head was not merel...

As Parliament clears a landmark bill allowing private participation in India’s nuclear energy sector, nominated Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murty has come out in strong support of the move, arguing that nuclear energy should not be viewed solely through the prism of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Speaking during the debate on the Sustainable Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SANTI) Bill, 2025, Murty said nuclear energy has long been unfairly associated only with destruction, while its peaceful and developmental potential is often ignored. “Nuclear energy is frequently linked to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but it can and should be used for peaceful purposes,” she said, adding that this is precisely why the legislation is being referred to as a ‘peace bill’. Support for Privat...

Muscat, Oman: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian community and students in Muscat, Oman, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between India and Oman and emphasizing India’s bold, decisive approach in the 21st century. 21st Century India: Bold and Decisive PM Modi said, “21st century India takes bold and swift decisions, sets ambitious goals, and delivers results within defined timelines.” He praised the recent UNESCO recognition of Diwali as an intangible cultural heritage, calling it a global acknowledgment of India’s spirit of hope, harmony, and humanity. Celebrating India’s Diversity and Heritage Addressing the Indian community, Modi remarked, “Every tradition brings with it new ideas. Our diversity is the strong foundation of our culture. Wherever Indians go, th...