Sunday, April 5

Nation

Knesset: Israel’s Parliament at the Center of Diplomatic Spotlight During PM Modi’s Visit
Nation

Knesset: Israel’s Parliament at the Center of Diplomatic Spotlight During PM Modi’s Visit

Jerusalem/New Delhi, February 25, 2026 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday (February 25–26), marking a significant chapter in India–Israel relations. In a historic first, he is set to address the Israeli Parliament — the Knesset — becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. The visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly amid escalating strains between the United States and Iran. Against this backdrop, Modi’s address to the Knesset carries diplomatic weight and strategic symbolism. Why the Knesset Is in the Spotlight The Indian Prime Minister’s address has triggered political debate within Israel itself. Controversy arose after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly did not invi...
Weather Today — 25 February 2026: Snowfall Chills Return in Mountains, Rain Alerts in Multiple States as Weather Shifts
Nation

Weather Today — 25 February 2026: Snowfall Chills Return in Mountains, Rain Alerts in Multiple States as Weather Shifts

New Delhi: India’s weather is set for fresh changes, with the India Meteorological Department issuing alerts for rainfall, thunderstorms, wind, and snow in parts of the country. While plains are experiencing rising temperatures, winter chill persists in hill regions, and active weather systems are expected to influence conditions across many states today. ([Navbharat Times][1]) Nationwide Weather Outlook Rain & Thunderstorms Alert: IMD has warned of rain, gusty winds, and thunderstorms in several states over the next 24 hours, especially in central, eastern, and southern regions. This includes rain over Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. Light to moderate rainfall ...
DGCA Flags Missing Maintenance Records in Aircraft Linked to Ajit Pawar Crash
Nation

DGCA Flags Missing Maintenance Records in Aircraft Linked to Ajit Pawar Crash

New Delhi: Fresh developments have emerged in the investigation into the plane crash involving Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, with aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reportedly suspecting serious lapses in aircraft maintenance. Sources indicate that the aircraft operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, which was used in the crash incident, may not have undergone timely maintenance. During a special safety audit conducted by the DGCA, maintenance records for multiple aircraft owned by the company were found to be missing. Four Aircraft Grounded Following the audit, four Learjet 40/45 aircraft bearing registration numbers VT-VRA, VT-VRS, VT-VRV, and VT-TRI have been grounded. Investigators reportedly could not access mandatory maintenan...
Delhi Police Book Youth Congress Members for Rioting Over AI Summit Protest
Nation

Delhi Police Book Youth Congress Members for Rioting Over AI Summit Protest

New Delhi: The Delhi Police have added charges of rioting against members of the Indian Youth Congress arrested in connection with a protest staged during last week’s ‘AI Impact Summit’ in the national capital. The demonstration took place inside Hall No. 5 of Bharat Mandapam, where a group of Youth Congress activists allegedly removed their shirts and displayed T-shirts bearing slogans against the government and the proposed India–US interim trade agreement. Security personnel swiftly escorted them out of the venue. Youth Congress President Arrested Delhi Police arrested Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib, describing him as the “main conspirator” behind the protest. So far, eight members of the organization have been taken into custody. According to Chib’s arrest memo, h...
Kerala to Be Officially Renamed ‘Keralam’; Rare Political Consensus Puts Identity at Centre Stage
Nation, Politics

Kerala to Be Officially Renamed ‘Keralam’; Rare Political Consensus Puts Identity at Centre Stage

New Delhi: In a rare display of political unanimity, the Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to officially rename the state of Kerala as “Keralam,” following a unanimous resolution passed earlier by the Kerala Legislative Assembly. The move has brought questions of cultural identity and linguistic authenticity to the forefront of state politics, especially in a year when Kerala is heading toward Assembly elections. The proposal received support across party lines — from the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) to the BJP and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) — making it an unusual moment of consensus in an otherwise fiercely competitive political landscape. Restoring Linguistic Authenticity Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has argued that “Keralam” is the state’s origi...
Top Maoist Commander Devji Among Four Senior Leaders Who Surrender; 50 More Expected to Lay Down Arms
Nation

Top Maoist Commander Devji Among Four Senior Leaders Who Surrender; 50 More Expected to Lay Down Arms

New Delhi: In a major breakthrough in India’s campaign to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism, four senior leaders of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) — including top commander Devji alias Tippiri Thirupathi — surrendered before Telangana Director General of Police B. Shivdhar Reddy on Tuesday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing CRPF personnel during the 87th Raising Day parade in Guwahati, reiterated the Centre’s resolve to eradicate Naxalism by March 31. He praised the Central Reserve Police Force and its elite CoBRA battalions for their “unparalleled service” and sustained efforts to make India Naxal-free. Four Senior Leaders Lay Down Arms The surrendered leaders include: Devji alias Tippiri Thirupathi (62) Murali alias Sangram (76) Bada Chokka Rao alias ...
India and Israel Explore ‘Hexagon’ Alliance During PM Modi’s State Visit
Nation

India and Israel Explore ‘Hexagon’ Alliance During PM Modi’s State Visit

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day state visit to Israel on February 25, marking another significant milestone in the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and advance discussions on a proposed regional framework referred to as the “Hexagon Alliance.” Announcing the visit during a recent cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Modi would address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, underscoring the importance Israel attaches to the visit. He emphasized that India and Israel have significantly reinforced their relationship in recent years and are now poised to expand cooperation across economic, diplomatic, and security domains. What...
Chatra Air Ambulance Crash: Engine Failure, Heavy Medical Load or Severe Weather? Six Possible Causes Under Scanner
Nation

Chatra Air Ambulance Crash: Engine Failure, Heavy Medical Load or Severe Weather? Six Possible Causes Under Scanner

A Ranchi–Delhi air ambulance flight turned into a tragedy on Monday night when it crashed in the forests of Simaria in Jharkhand’s Chatra district, killing all seven people on board, including a critically injured patient. The aircraft had taken off from Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi at 7:11 pm and reportedly lost contact with Kolkata Air Traffic Control at 7:34 pm, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It was being operated by Delhi-based Redbird Airways and was identified as a Beechcraft C90 aircraft. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation, with a team already at the crash site. The Victims The patient, identified as Sanjay Kumar, had reportedly suffered nearly 65% burn injuries in an accident and was bei...
PM Modi’s Israel Visit Set to Reshape Regional Equations; Pakistan and Turkey Likely to Feel the Heat
Nation

PM Modi’s Israel Visit Set to Reshape Regional Equations; Pakistan and Turkey Likely to Feel the Heat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Israel at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, including the looming threat of a possible U.S. strike on Iran. The visit, however, carries significance far beyond bilateral ties. Analysts believe it could contribute to a new regional strategic balance — one that may leave Pakistan and its close partner Turkey increasingly uneasy. Likely Renewal of India–Israel Security Pact During the visit, India and Israel are expected to renew and deepen their security cooperation framework. According to reports, negotiations to extend the bilateral security pact are in advanced stages and could be finalized during the Prime Minister’s trip. India and Israel share a robust partnership in counter-terrorism, defense technology, inte...
Youth Congress President Uday Bhanu Chib Arrested in AI Summit Shirtless Protest Case
Nation

Youth Congress President Uday Bhanu Chib Arrested in AI Summit Shirtless Protest Case

In a significant development, the Delhi Police has arrested Uday Bhanu Chib, National President of the Indian Youth Congress, in connection with a shirtless protest staged during the India-AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam. According to sources, Chib has been taken into custody and is currently being held at Tilak Marg Police Station. Security has been tightened outside the police station, with personnel from both Delhi Police and the CRPF deployed at the entrance. No Official Statement Yet While Delhi Police has not issued an official statement regarding the charges, the arrest has triggered sharp political reactions. Several Congress leaders and party workers have criticized the action on social media, alleging suppression of democratic dissent. Senior Congress leader Bhupe...