Nation

New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has clarified that five indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A jets are fully ready and discussions with the Indian Air Force (IAF) are ongoing to ensure timely delivery. The announcement comes amid reports suggesting potential delays in the handover, possibly pushing the inclusion of these jets in the Air Force fleet to May 2026. HAL Statement on LCA Mk1A:HAL confirmed that the five aircraft meet all major specifications outlined in the contract. “HAL is in active discussion with the IAF to ensure early delivery,” the company stated. The statement also noted that five engines supplied by General Electric (GE) have already been received, and the supply outlook remains positive, aligning with HAL’s delivery schedule. HAL reaffirmed its ...

New Delhi: A political storm has erupted following controversial remarks by M.R.K. Panneerselvam, the Agriculture Minister of Tamil Nadu and a senior DMK leader, about North Indians. The BJP has sharply criticized the DMK as well as other parties in the opposition coalition for their silence on the issue. Add Post BJP national spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala took to social media to accuse the opposition of harboring hatred, saying, “They have the Constitution on their tongue but a shop of hatred in their hearts.” Poonawala further alleged that DMK leaders have repeatedly made derogatory statements about North Indians, particularly North Indian women, while Congress, SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav remain silent. Poonawala described this as “not a coincidence...

Khatu Shyam, Rajasthan: Renowned storyteller Jaya Kishori has once again proven that true style doesn’t need constant change. Known for her simple yet elegant appearance, she recently visited Khatu Shyam Temple, wearing a familiar outfit that highlighted her charm without any extravagance. Even in an old coat, she captivated devotees with her warmth and grace. A Signature Style That InspiresOver the years, Jaya Kishori has created a distinct identity for herself. Wherever she goes, her presence brings joy to people. During her visit to the temple, she kept her usual simple look, paired with a gentle smile while offering prayers. What stood out the most was her ability to make an old coat look stunning, proving that elegance doesn’t require new or flashy clothing. Since she began narr...

New Delhi: India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which aims to develop fifth-generation fighter jets, is now set to be led by private companies. Three private sector firms—Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Bharat Forge—have been shortlisted for the project. These companies are required to submit detailed Requests for Proposal (RFPs) within the next three months, after which the final winner will be selected to execute this strategic program. The inclusion of AMCA in the Indian Air Force’s fleet is expected to strengthen national defense capabilities and serve as a deterrent to potential adversaries such as China and Pakistan. AMCA Program: 7 Companies Competing, 3 ShortlistedInitially, seven public and private sector compani...

New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her political attack on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, signaling support for moves to remove him from office over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. While Banerjee has acknowledged that the opposition lacks the numbers in Parliament, she says the effort is aimed at sending a political message. Speaking after a meeting with Election Commission officials, Banerjee indicated she would support any move to initiate proceedings against the CEC, even if success is unlikely. Her remarks echo calls from sections of the opposition demanding accountability from the poll body. Constitutional process for removing a CEC The removal of a Chief Election Commissioner is governed by Article 32...

New Delhi: India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, Bharat Taxi, will be formally launched on Wednesday, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurating the service in the capital. The initiative aims to provide a driver-owned alternative to private app-based taxi aggregators, promising fair pricing for passengers and higher earnings for drivers. Ahead of the launch, Shah said driver-partners — referred to as Sarathis — would not only earn better profits through the platform but would also enjoy ownership and dignity as stakeholders. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “prosperity through cooperation,” according to the Ministry of Cooperation. The ministry described Bharat Taxi as a transformative step in the mobility sector, placing driv...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday took a stern view of delays in deciding bail applications in High Courts and directed all High Courts to submit a detailed status report on pending cases. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant instructed Registrars General of all High Courts to furnish data on all bail pleas — both regular and anticipatory — filed on or after January 1, 2025. The report must include the date of filing, the date of disposal if decided, and the next scheduled hearing in pending matters. The Court further directed that details of bail applications filed before January 2025 that are still pending must also be disclosed. This includes petitions seeking suspension of sentence that remain undecided. The order came during the hearing of a petition challenging re...

New Delhi: A high-level meeting between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio last year played a key role in easing tensions between New Delhi and Washington after a sharp tariff dispute, according to a Bloomberg report. Relations between the two countries had deteriorated after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on certain Indian goods and publicly criticized India’s trade practices. The situation improved recently after the U.S. reduced those tariffs to 18%, a move seen as a step toward stabilizing ties. Citing officials in New Delhi familiar with the private discussions, the report said the meeting took place in early September, shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks in Tianjin with Chinese President Xi Jin...

New Delhi: Large parts of India continue to experience winter chill, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts for fog, rain, and snowfall in several northern regions on Wednesday. Weather conditions are expected to remain largely stable, though higher Himalayan areas may witness light rain and isolated snowfall. Delhi-NCR Forecast Dense morning fog reduced visibility across Delhi and the National Capital Region at daybreak. The IMD has forecast a maximum temperature of around 22°C and a minimum of about 8–9°C, keeping the cold firmly in place. Light winds and high humidity levels are likely to make mornings feel colder. Temperatures are expected to remain close to seasonal averages over the next five days. Uttar Pradesh Outlook Uttar Pradesh is likely to se...

New Delhi: Gold prices have climbed to historic highs during India’s wedding season, reflecting deep currents of uncertainty in the global economy and a structural shift in how nations manage their reserves. Over the past year, gold has surged nearly 70% in international markets and about 76% in India, despite a brief mid-year correction. Analysts say the rally signals more than routine commodity volatility. Historically, similar spikes in gold prices have coincided with periods of global upheaval — such as the collapse of the Bretton Woods monetary system in the 1970s, the oil shock following Iran’s revolution, and the financial crisis that reshaped the U.S.-led economic order in the late 2000s. While no single crisis of that scale is visible today, markets appear gripped by a persiste...