Nation

Amid rising global pressure and the firm stance of U.S. President Donald Trump, India has officially taken over the chairmanship of BRICS from Brazil. The symbolic transfer underscores the commitment to sustainable development and mutual cooperation, signaling a new phase for the group with India at the helm. A Symbolic HandoverThe transition from Brazil to India was not merely ceremonial. Following the symbolic “steel hammer” from Russia in 2024, Brazil presented India with a gavel made from recycled Amazon rainforest wood, symbolizing sustainability and trust in India’s upcoming leadership. BRICS Sherpa Mauricio Lirio emphasized that this gesture reflects confidence in India’s approach and commitment to collaborative growth. India will formally assume BRICS chairmanship from 1 January...

Rising tensions between India and Bangladesh are raising serious concerns in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to lodge a formal protest over recent incidents targeting Indian missions in Dhaka. Here’s an analysis of the situation and its possible implications. Protests in Dhaka EscalateAs Bangladesh approaches its February 2026 elections, India-Bangladesh relations are witnessing increased strain. Once known for close ties, particularly under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the relationship has deteriorated in recent times. Demonstrations in Dhaka, including marches towards the Indian High Commission, have raised security concerns. During the protests, two Indian visa centers were temporarily closed for safety reasons. Who...

It seems the formula for winning elections in India has caught the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump. Ahead of the upcoming mid-term elections, Trump has decided to distribute “freebies” in America, mirroring tactics commonly used in Indian politics. Freebies for Service MembersIn a recent announcement, President Trump declared that 1.45 million U.S. service members will receive $1,776 each—approximately ₹1.6 lakh—just before Christmas. The initiative, named the “Warrior Dividend,” is reportedly funded from revenues generated through tariffs. Trump’s gesture aims to reduce financial pressure on military families and is being seen as a strategic pre-election move. Trump’s TimingThe timing of this announcement is significant. With mid-term elections scheduled for March 2026, Tru...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Car Diplomacy” has once again captured global attention. Known for his distinctive approach to building personal relationships with world leaders, Modi’s style goes beyond protocol—it fosters trust, camaraderie, and deeper diplomatic connections. Recently, Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II personally drove PM Modi to the Jordan Museum, while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali welcomed him at the airport and accompanied him to his hotel. These gestures underline the warmth and personal rapport Modi shares with international leaders. This is not Modi’s first ride in the vehicles of world leaders. Over the years, he has traveled in cars alongside prominent figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, former U.S. President Barack O...

Brussels/New Delhi: Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, accused in the ₹13,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, has suffered a major setback. The Supreme Court of Belgium has rejected Choksi’s appeal against his extradition to India, stating that his arguments lack merit and that the extradition process adheres to both Indian law and European human rights standards. The court dismissed Choksi’s three main claims: violation of the right to a fair trial, alleged abduction, and concerns about prison conditions in India. Choksi had contended that some documents were initially withheld, affecting his ability to defend himself. No Violation of Fair Trial RightsThe court noted that concerns regarding a fair trial had already been addressed at the appeal stage. It emphasized that t...

New Delhi: The Delhi-NCR region is currently enveloped in a thick blanket of smog, making daily life extremely challenging for residents. The toxic haze has obscured the blue skies and even the sun, prompting some citizens to consider leaving the city temporarily. Smog Crisis Reaches Unprecedented Levels The severity of pollution in Delhi-NCR has reached alarming proportions. Experts warn that the combination of vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and seasonal factors has created a hazardous environment for millions. Health risks, reduced visibility, and respiratory issues are now daily concerns for residents. Learning from China’s Clean Air Transformation China, once notorious for its heavily polluted cities, offers a model for addressing such crises. Decades ago, cities...

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently shared a striking AI-generated image of himself on social media. In the photo, Altman appears shirtless, displaying sculpted abs while posing as a muscular firefighter, surrounded by Christmas lights in a calendar-style setup. The image was created using ChatGPT’s image generation tool, showcasing the platform’s new capabilities. The post, intended as a demonstration of the AI tool’s features, quickly went viral, racking up over 1.5 million views within hours. However, it also sparked widespread amusement and critique online. Showcasing ChatGPT’s Image Generation Tool Altman tweeted the image from his X account with the caption “For example,” indicating that users can now generate their own custom images using ChatGPT. The firefighter-themed image wa...

India’s prisons are set to receive a major technological upgrade. Karnataka is introducing an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based surveillance system to enhance security in jails. This advanced system will be capable of detecting suspicious activities instantly, significantly improving inmate monitoring. AI System in Indian Prisons The use of AI is rapidly increasing worldwide, including in India, and it is now being applied to surveillance systems. Karnataka Jail Director General Alok Kumar recently announced plans to implement AI-driven monitoring in state prisons. Testing of the system has already begun. The technology enables cameras to identify abnormal behavior on their own and alert authorities in real-time, acting like a tireless security guard. This will help prevent illegal ...