Nation

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is set to file a chargesheet today in connection with the Pahalgam terrorist attack that shook Kashmir in April. The attack, carried out by Pakistani terrorists on April 22, targeted tourists and claimed 26 lives. Investigations have revealed the direct involvement of three terrorists in the attack. According to officials, the NIA will submit the chargesheet in the special NIA court in Jammu. Arrests and Key Revelations In June, NIA arrested Parvez Ahmed Jothar (Batkot) and Basheer Ahmed Jothar (Pahalgam) for harboring the three terrorists. These militants, identified as Pakistani nationals affiliated with the proscribed terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, were killed by the Indian Army on July 28 in a counter-terror operation named ...

New Delhi: Questions are emerging over India’s aviation safety as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) relies heavily on airline-contracted captains rather than its own regular officers to conduct safety audits. Currently, safety inspections of major airlines—including IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and SpiceJet—are mostly carried out by senior pilots hired on contract from these very airlines. DGCA’s permanent officers primarily focus on auditing airport operations, leaving airline and aircraft audits to these contracted experts. Who Conducts the Audits? Sources indicate that over 120 captains, experienced in flight operations, are currently on contract with DGCA. Their role is to ensure that airlines comply with safety norms and international standards. Howeve...

New Delhi: In recent years, Russia has gradually expanded its ties with Pakistan, yet these relations have never matched the depth, trust, and strategic breadth of its long-standing partnership with India. Historical alignments, strategic interests, and economic realities have cemented this distinction. A telling example occurred on September 23, 2016, when around 250 Indian soldiers of the Kumaon Regiment arrived in Vladivostok for the INDRA-2016, an 11-day joint military exercise with Russian forces. Coincidentally, on the same day, 70 Russian soldiers arrived in Pakistan for the first Pakistan-Russia joint exercise, Druzhba-2016, sparking international attention. While India viewed the timing with concern, Russia’s long-term commitment to India remained unwavering. Recently, durin...

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flight for his three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman was briefly delayed on Monday morning due to dense fog in Delhi. The aircraft took off safely once the fog eased. The heavy fog significantly disrupted air traffic in Delhi, preventing the Prime Minister’s journey from commencing as scheduled. PM Modi was originally scheduled to depart at 8:30 AM from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. However, poor visibility forced a short delay before the flight could take off. Delhi’s visibility dropped below 50 meters, causing considerable difficulties for motorists as well. This morning marked the city’s first episode of dense fog this season, impacting flight operations and compelling airlines to revise schedules to ensure passenger...

New Delhi: The Indian Armed Forces are set to significantly enhance their aerial and naval capabilities. The Indian Army will soon receive three additional AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the U.S., while the Indian Navy is set to commission its second MH-60R Seahawk anti-submarine helicopter squadron this week. Apache Helicopters for the Army As part of a ₹5,691 crore deal signed in February 2020 with the U.S., India ordered six heavy-duty Apache helicopters for the Army. The first three were delivered in July 2025 after delays due to Boeing’s supply chain issues. The incoming helicopters are armed with Stinger air-to-air missiles, Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, guns, and rockets, and will join the existing fleet of 22 Apaches acquired in a 2015 deal worth ₹13,952 crore. Th...

New Delhi: Northern India is witnessing a sharp dip in temperatures along with dense fog, causing severe inconvenience to residents. From Delhi-NCR to Uttarakhand, the cold wave has set in, while Bihar faces intense winter chill. Delhi-NCR Conditions In Delhi, visibility has dropped drastically due to thick fog, with pollution levels reaching hazardous levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in some areas has soared to 500. The city can expect dense morning fog with a maximum temperature of 26°C and a minimum of 9°C, making it difficult for residents to step outdoors safely. Forecast for Uttar Pradesh UP continues to experience cold and foggy conditions. Cities like Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Fatehpur, Pratapgarh, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Varanasi, and Sant Ravidas Nagar are like...

New Delhi / U.S.: Indian nationals living in the U.S. were thrown into confusion after receiving an email indicating that temporary work visas (H-1B and H-4) had been prudentially revoked. The message, reportedly sent by the U.S. Embassy, has caused widespread concern among visa holders, although experts clarify that the measure is precautionary, not permanent. Background Earlier in India, H-1B visa interviews were postponed. Now, visa holders in the U.S. have been informed that their visas are temporarily canceled as part of increased scrutiny, including enhanced social media checks — a measure previously applied to international students. Legal Perspective According to immigration attorney Emily Newman, the prudential revocation is a temporary, cautionary step, not a permanen...

Mumbai: While air pollution has long plagued Delhi-NCR, Mumbai is now beginning to face a similar crisis. Once considered relatively safe due to its coastal winds, the city’s air quality has started showing worrying signs, raising alarms for public health and governance. Mumbai’s Rising Pollution Levels In November, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 300 on 24 days, with three days crossing 400 — classified as “severe.” Now, Mumbai too is seeing AQI readings around 150, categorized as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Coastal winds that once helped disperse pollutants are no longer sufficient to keep the air clean. Experts warn that without strong policy intervention, the situation could deteriorate rapidly. Main Causes Mumbai’s worsening air quality stems from three prim...

Northern India is grappling with severe cold, and the weather is expected to change in six major cities tomorrow, December 14. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of dense fog in 16 districts, urging commuters to exercise caution, especially during early morning travel. Heavy Snowfall Alert in Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh’s Manali, Shimla, Samdo, Tabo, and Kukumseri are on alert for heavy snowfall. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply in these areas, with Manali recording a minimum of -6°C. Uttarakhand districts including Nainital, Mussoorie, and Chamoli will also see a steep fall in temperatures. Cloudy Skies Across Six Cities Tomorrow, the skies over Delhi, Shimla, Manali, Dehradun, Gulmarg, and Srinagar are expected to be covered with dark clouds. Gul...

New Delhi: Today marks the 24th anniversary of the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament, a day when the nation remembers the brave security personnel who foiled the terrorists’ plans at great personal risk. Leaders across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, paid tribute to the martyrs, honoring their courage and sacrifice. Home Minister Amit Shah shared his tribute on the social media platform X, stating:"Today, we recall the indomitable bravery and courage of our security forces against terrorism, when they thwarted the cowardly terrorist attack on the temple of the world’s largest democracy—our Parliament—in 2001. I salute the security personnel who laid down their li...