Nation

New Delhi: In a major strategic signal amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the United States has once again underlined that India is one of its most important defence partners in the region. Washington believes that strengthening defence ties with India is essential to counter China’s growing influence and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific. This was stated by S. Paul Kapur, Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, during his testimony before the US Congress on February 11. Kapur was addressing a subcommittee on the topic “South Asia: US Foreign Policy in the Region.” US Focus on Trade, Defence Cooperation and Investment During the hearing, Kapur explained that the United States is prioritizing deeper engagement with South Asian countries thr...

New Delhi: As the results of Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections become increasingly clear, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led alliance has emerged with a decisive majority, paving the way for BNP chief Tarique Rahman—son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia—to likely become the country’s next Prime Minister. In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to Tarique Rahman on the party’s sweeping victory. PM Modi’s Message of Congratulations Taking to social media, PM Modi praised the BNP’s strong performance and described the victory as a reflection of the Bangladeshi people’s faith in Rahman’s leadership. In his message, Modi stated: “Heartiest congratulations to Mr Tarique Rahman for leading BNP to a ...

New Delhi: Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Government of India has transformed women empowerment from a mere slogan into a strong policy framework backed by institutional support and effective implementation. One such major initiative reflecting this vision is the SHe-Box portal, designed to strengthen the protection of women’s dignity, safety, and justice at workplaces across the country. The portal has been developed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and is being seen as a powerful digital mechanism to ensure that women can work in a secure, respectful, and harassment-free environment. Women-Led Development at the Core of India’s Vision 2047 Speaking on the initiative, Union Minister Savitri Thakur stated that the government’s vision for India’s...

New Delhi: The alarming reality of India’s deteriorating road infrastructure has once again come to the forefront, as official data reveals that 9,438 people lost their lives in pothole-related accidents between 2020 and 2024. The figures underline a disturbing pattern of negligence, raising serious questions about road maintenance and public safety across the country. While citizens continue to face daily risks while commuting, the numbers indicate that potholes have become not just an inconvenience, but a deadly hazard. Uttar Pradesh Records More Than Half of Total Deaths Among all states, Uttar Pradesh (UP) reported the highest number of pothole-related fatalities. Shockingly, the state alone accounted for 5,127 deaths, which is more than half of the national total over the fiv...

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has once again issued a weather warning, forecasting rainfall in three states within the next 12 hours, along with the possibility of strong winds and lightning. According to IMD, gusty winds may reach speeds of 30 to 50 kmph, and the rainfall is expected to cause a drop in temperature, intensifying cold conditions in several regions. The department has advised residents and travelers, especially those heading towards hilly areas, to remain cautious as weather conditions may worsen in the coming days. Rain Alert Issued for Three States IMD has predicted heavy rainfall over the next 12 hours in the following regions: Jammu & Kashmir Ladakh Arunachal Pradesh Along with rainfall, strong wind gusts are likely, whic...

New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has clarified that the investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash, which occurred in June 2025 in Ahmedabad, is still underway and no final conclusion has been reached so far. The AAIB strongly dismissed recent claims circulating on social media and in certain reports suggesting that the investigation has been completed and that the pilot has been held responsible for the tragedy. AAIB Urges Public to Avoid Speculation In an official statement, AAIB said that the probe is still in progress and warned against making premature assumptions. The agency emphasized that unverified speculation can create unnecessary anxiety among the public and may undermine the integrity of the investigation process. “Investigatio...

New Delhi: In a significant relief for commuters, the Government of India has amended the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008, introducing a new regulation that prevents incomplete national expressways from charging the full premium toll rate. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has clarified that National Expressways (access-controlled corridors) are generally permitted to charge toll rates that are 25% higher than those applicable on National Highways, as they offer faster, smoother and more efficient travel. However, under the newly amended rules, if a national expressway is not fully constructed from start to end, toll will no longer be collected at the higher expressway rate. 25% Discount on Toll Until Expressway is Fully Operational According to the revised ...

New Delhi: In a major defence development ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to India, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the requirement for the Indian Air Force to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets. The move is being seen as a significant strategic step that further strengthens India’s military capabilities and deepens defence cooperation between India and France. For the first time, the Ministry of Defence has officially confirmed that the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) requirement of the Indian Air Force will be fulfilled through the Rafale platform. Until now, the MRFA project was discussed broadly, without officially naming the aircraft that would be selected. ₹3.60 Lakh Crore Defence Proposals Cleared The DAC meeting, chaired by Def...

New Delhi: In a historic milestone for the UNESCO-declared Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), Sarita Yolmo has become the first-ever woman Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) in the railway’s 145-year-long history. The 55-year-old has been appointed to the iconic heritage “Toy Train,” famously known as the Queen of Hills railway experience. Speaking to Navbharat Times in an exclusive telephonic conversation, Yolmo expressed immense pride and happiness over her appointment, calling it a moment beyond words. First Duty on the World Heritage Toy Train Sarita Yolmo revealed that she performed her first duty as a TTE on February 5, travelling from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling aboard the world-famous Toy Train. She described the experience as unforgettable and deeply special. The...