Nation

In a major boost to healthcare research in India, 20 AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) institutes across the country have come together to form a pan-India research consortium, aiming to address critical health challenges from artificial intelligence–driven treatments to affordable cancer care. The historic agreement was formalized during a meeting of all AIIMS directors held in New Delhi, where the institutes signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on large-scale, multi-center research projects. Collaborative Research Across India Under this consortium, AIIMS institutes will jointly conduct studies and clinical trials across multiple locations, leveraging their combined expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and extensive patient networks. Partici...

A tragic twist of fate led to the untimely death of veteran pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor in the devastating plane crash involving Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar near Baramati. What has stunned the aviation community and the nation alike is the fact that Captain Kapoor was assigned the flight at the very last moment, after the originally scheduled pilot got stuck in heavy traffic. According to close friends and colleagues, Captain Kapoor received an urgent call shortly before departure, requesting him to take charge of the aircraft. Without hesitation, he accepted the responsibility—unaware that this decision would become the final chapter of his distinguished flying career. A Highly Experienced Pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor was associated with VSR Ventures Private Limited...

New Delhi / Kerala: The Kerala High Court has acquitted a man accused of provoking a woman and her daughter to commit suicide by telling them “Go and die” during an argument. The court clarified that words spoken in the heat of the moment cannot automatically be considered an incitement to suicide. Presiding Justice C. Pradeep Kumar referred to precedents set by the Supreme Court, emphasizing that the key factor is the intent of the accused, not how the victim perceived the words. Case BackgroundThe case involved Safwan Adhur, a resident of Bara in Kasaragod, against whom local authorities had filed charges under Section 306 (abetment of suicide) and Section 204 (destruction of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code. The incident occurred after Adhur allegedly had an affair with a marrie...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday reserved its judgment in multiple petitions seeking amendments related to stray dogs. After hearing all stakeholders, the court directed lawyers to submit their written responses within one week. The petitions involve diverse parties, including dog lovers, victims of dog bites, animal rights activists, and representatives of the central and state governments. The hearing was conducted by a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria. State Measures and National Highway ConcernsDuring the proceedings, the court considered measures taken by states such as Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to manage stray dog populations. The bench also heard the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on ste...

New Delhi: Palestinian Foreign Minister Warsen Aghabekian Shaheen, on her visit to India, expressed confidence in India’s potential role as a mediator in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Highlighting the long-standing ties between India and Palestine, she said India’s balanced approach in West Asia positions it to help resolve ongoing disputes and support a peaceful two-state solution. Speaking in New Delhi, Shaheen said, “India is a great country that has always stood with the Palestinian people. We respect India greatly and believe it can play a significant role in mediating between Israel and Palestine to end the conflict and occupation.” She also noted India’s clear stance in favor of international law, the two-state framework, and the New York Declaration. Appreciation for India’s...

New Delhi: In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties, India and Bangladesh have agreed to release each other’s fishermen who were inadvertently caught across the international maritime boundary. Following the agreement, Bangladesh released 128 Indian fishermen, while India handed back 23 Bangladeshi fishermen. The move was confirmed in a press statement by the Ministry of External Affairs. The fishermen on both sides were detained after unintentionally crossing into the neighboring country’s territorial waters while fishing. Indian authorities had earlier detained Bangladeshi fishermen under similar circumstances. Successful Repatriation CompletedOn 29 January 2026, both governments successfully facilitated the release and return of all 23 Indian and 128 Bangladeshi ...

New Delhi / Northern India: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh weather alert for northern India, warning of heavy rain, strong winds, and a continuing cold wave in several states. Residents are advised to take precautions, especially the elderly and children. Heavy Rain Warning for Five Northern StatesThe IMD has issued alerts for heavy rainfall accompanied by winds reaching 40–45 km/h in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. The rainfall is expected to cause a drop in temperatures. While Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh may experience rain on 1 February, Rajasthan is likely to see rainfall on 31 January. Cold Wave in 19 DistrictsA severe cold wave is predicted in 19 districts of northern India. I...

After two decades of negotiations, India has successfully concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, being hailed as the “Mother of All Deals.” This historic agreement marks a decisive shift in global trade dynamics and delivers a clear message to the United States, particularly former President Donald Trump, whose tariff-driven and confrontational trade policies have left allies seeking alternative partners. Trump Factor and the EU Deal The deal comes amid growing global disillusionment with U.S. trade policies. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant expressed disappointment over the EU-India FTA, noting that European nations preferred to diversify their trade and secure stable partnerships, even bypassing the United States. Besant also criticized Europe ...

India is rapidly advancing toward self-reliance in long-range air defense with the ambitious Project Kusha of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Under this initiative, India is developing a new generation of interceptor missiles designed to match—or even surpass—the capabilities of Russia’s formidable S-400 air defense system. Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) chief Ankanthi Raju has shared key insights into this high-profile project. Three-Layered Air Defense: M1, M2, and M3 Project Kusha aims to create a “layered air defense shield” with three specialized interceptors—M1, M2, and M3. Together, these missiles will neutralize a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including fighter jets, cruise missiles, and other critical airborne targets. The...