Nation

The Central Government has informed the Supreme Court that it has decided to establish dedicated National Investigation Agency (NIA) courts in every state and union territory to ensure speedy trials in terrorism-related cases. In Delhi, 16 special courts will be set up and are expected to become operational within three months. The government told the Supreme Court that multiple special NIA courts will be established in states and UTs where 10 or more cases under anti-terror laws are currently pending. The initiative aims to streamline proceedings and avoid delays caused by jurisdictional overlaps between various law enforcement agencies. Delhi to Get 16 Special Courts The Delhi government informed a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi that the 16...

India and Ethiopia share a rich trade and diplomatic history spanning over 2,000 years, rooted in the exchange of spices, silk, gold, and ivory. Centuries ago, Indian merchants crossed the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean to trade black pepper and silk for Ethiopian gold and ivory, creating a foundation for enduring bilateral relations. Ancient Trade and Historical Ties Historically known as Abyssinia, Ethiopia was a key source of ivory, while Indian traders brought spices like black pepper and silk. These trades often took place through ports such as Aden, facilitating cultural and economic links between the two regions. Early exchanges date back to the Axumite Empire in the 1st century CE, marking the beginning of a relationship that has continuously evolved. Modern Diplomatic Relat...

Patients visiting AIIMS Delhi for treatment will soon experience faster CT scan services, as the hospital takes steps to reduce long waiting times. To ensure timely care, AIIMS has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from reputed private diagnostic centers to provide CT scans at subsidized rates for OPD patients. Faster CT Scan Services Under the new initiative, patients referred by AIIMS will not have to wait more than four days for CT scans at partnered private centers. The move aims to alleviate the growing patient load at the hospital and prevent delays in diagnosing severe cases. The private centers on the panel cannot charge more than the CGHS-prescribed rates, and patients will not make direct payments. Instead, fees will be collected by AIIMS, which will remit payments mont...

In the early hours of Tuesday, a devastating multi-vehicle accident occurred on the Yamuna Expressway near Milestone 127, around 150 km from Delhi. Dense fog contributed to a collision involving seven buses and three cars, which subsequently caught fire, resulting in the deaths of approximately 10 people and injuries to 25 others. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as passengers struggled to escape the burning vehicles. Eyewitness Accounts One survivor recounted the terrifying moment: "It felt like a bomb exploded. I jumped from the bus with my family to save our lives." Thick fog severely reduced visibility, contributing to the high-speed collisions. Several passengers were trapped inside, while others sustained burns and injuries as they attempted to escape. Emerge...

The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns over reports that several schools in Delhi and the National Capital Region are ignoring court-mandated restrictions on outdoor sports and recreational activities during periods of high air pollution. The Court has scheduled a hearing on December 17 to review compliance with its orders. Schools Defying Court Orders During the hearing, it was reported to the Court that schools are finding ways to continue outdoor sports activities, despite explicit instructions to suspend such events in November and December when pollution levels peak. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has also issued notifications emphasizing the ban, yet schools have circumvented these guidelines. Supreme Court Observations The bench, headed ...

The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over the rising levels of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, attributing a significant part of the problem to the unsustainable lifestyle choices of the affluent. The bench, led by Chief Justice Suryakant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, emphasized that wealthy citizens’ preference for large, fuel-intensive vehicles and other pollution-causing equipment exacerbates the already critical air quality in the region. Key Observations by the Supreme Court: Lifestyle and Compliance Issues: The Court noted that despite multiple orders and regulations to curb pollution, implementation has remained ineffective because affluent citizens are unwilling to adjust their lifestyle habits. Impact on Public Health: The ben...

North India is experiencing intense winter chill as a severe cold wave and dense fog affect multiple states, including Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for dense fog in several cities, creating difficult travel conditions and lowering visibility significantly. Key Weather Updates: Delhi-NCR: Maximum temperature is expected at 24°C and minimum at 9°C. Moderate to dense fog in the morning may disrupt road travel. Winds are likely to blow at 10–15 km/h. Air pollution levels could reach hazardous levels. Uttar Pradesh: Cities including Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Agra, and Varanasi are covered with thick fog, reducing visibility and causing travel difficulties. Districts like Meerut, Saharanpur, Gautam Buddh Nagar, S...

The recent move by opposition leaders to initiate impeachment proceedings against Madras High Court Judge Justice G.R. Swaminathan has raised unprecedented concerns about political interference in the judiciary. This follows Justice Swaminathan’s rulings related to the Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple on Tirupparankundram Hill, where an ancient tradition of lighting lamps on stone pillars (Deepthoon) during the Kartigai Deepam festival was restricted by local authorities. Background of the Temple Dispute The Tirupparankundram hill, located 10 km from Madurai, houses one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan. The controversy stems from the presence of a 17th-century Sikandar Wadhusah Dargah atop the hill. Temple devotees consider the hill as a sacred Shivalinga, with the temple at ...

New Delhi: Newly appointed BJP Executive National President and Bihar Cabinet Minister Nitin Nabin arrived in Delhi on Monday, receiving a grand welcome from party workers with drums, cheers, and slogans. Ahead of his arrival, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached the BJP headquarters, creating a buzz at the party office. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, and several other leaders were present to receive Nitin Nabin. Hundreds of party workers and office bearers were already gathered at the headquarters in anticipation of his arrival. A Responsibility and a Blessing Speaking earlier in Patna, Nitin Nabin described his new role as a blessing from the party. He expressed gratitude to the BJP leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to continue t...

New Delhi: The famous coffee served at India’s Parliament, loved by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani, and many current ministers and MPs, may soon see a price hike. Known for its unique taste that cannot easily be found in the market—even at ₹50–60 per cup—this coffee has long been a favourite among lawmakers. Current Pricing At present, a cup of this legendary coffee costs just ₹5, with cold coffee priced at ₹12. Popular snacks like tomato sandwiches cost ₹10, egg sandwiches ₹15, cheese sandwiches ₹23, and butter toast ₹6. These rates have largely remained unchanged since 2016. For perspective, 40 years ago, the same coffee cost just 35 paise, and before 2016, it was priced at ₹1.50 per cup. Price Hike on the Horizon I...