Nation

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...

In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court on Friday granted major relief to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra by setting aside the Lokpal’s order that had permitted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a chargesheet against her in the much-discussed ‘cash for query’ case. The ruling has temporarily halted the criminal prosecution process against Moitra and sent the matter back to the Lokpal for fresh consideration. High Court Quashes Lokpal’s Sanction A division bench comprising Justice Anil Kshetarpal and Justice Harish Vaidhyanathan Shankar quashed the Lokpal’s order dated November 12, which had granted sanction to the CBI to file a chargesheet against the TMC leader. “The impugned order is set aside,” the bench said, directing the Lokpal to...

After the conclusion of Parliament’s Winter Session, a rare and refreshing scene unfolded in the corridors of Indian politics. Leaders from both the ruling alliance and the opposition came together in a cordial and relaxed atmosphere at a meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were seen sharing hearty laughter. Tea, Talks and Togetherness The informal meeting was held at the Speaker’s Chamber following the adjournment of the Winter Session sine die on Friday. Unlike the often tense and noisy proceedings of the House, the gathering was marked by warmth, smiles and light-hearted conversations over tea. Prime Minister Modi attended the meeting along with Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Si...

Goa Liberation Day, observed annually on December 19, commemorates one of the most decisive and resolute chapters in India’s post-Independence history. On this day in 1961, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Vijay’, bringing an end to more than 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule and firmly integrating Goa into the Indian Union. Despite India gaining independence in 1947, Goa, Daman and Diu remained under Portuguese control for over a decade. Repeated diplomatic and peaceful efforts to resolve the issue failed, leaving the Government of India with no option but to take decisive military action to reclaim its sovereign territory. Operation Vijay: A Swift and Decisive Victory ‘Operation Vijay’ was executed with remarkable precision and coordination by the Indian Army, Nav...

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Justice Revati P. Mohite Dere, currently a senior judge of the Bombay High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court. The recommendation was made during the Collegium meeting held on December 18, underscoring her long-standing judicial experience and impactful contribution to Indian jurisprudence. Who is Justice Revati P. Mohite Dere? Born on April 17, 1965, in Pune, Justice Mohite Dere earned her LLB degree from Symbiosis Law College, Pune. She began her legal career practicing at the Bombay High Court and later served as a Public Prosecutor for the Government of Maharashtra. She was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in 2013 and became a Permanent Judge in 2015. Notably, she has se...