Wednesday, April 8

Nation

Heat Waves: Half the World’s Population at Risk by 2050, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines Most Vulnerable
Nation

Heat Waves: Half the World’s Population at Risk by 2050, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines Most Vulnerable

The world needs to brace for extreme heat in the coming decades, as a new study warns that by 2050, half of the global population could be severely affected by rising temperatures. Countries such as India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and the Philippines are expected to bear the brunt of the heat surge. Global Temperatures on the RiseAccording to research from Oxford University, the global temperature is projected to rise by more than 2°C by 2050. While the Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C, experts now say achieving this target has become almost impossible. In 2010, 23% of the world’s population was already experiencing extreme heat; this figure rose to 41% over the next decade. Temperatures Could Double in Some RegionsBetween 2006 and 2016, global a...
IAF Rafale Jets Perform Spectacular Maneuvers with Meteor Missiles, Silencing Critics
Nation

IAF Rafale Jets Perform Spectacular Maneuvers with Meteor Missiles, Silencing Critics

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released a striking video on Republic Day showcasing its fighter jets armed with advanced missiles, firmly countering claims from Pakistan and some Western media regarding India’s aerial capabilities. The footage features Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas aircraft equipped with Meteor and BrahMos missiles, similar to those used in the 2019 Balakot airstrikes and last year’s Operation Sindoor. Dispelling DoubtsCritics had previously questioned whether India possessed beyond-visual-range (BVR) Meteor missiles. The IAF’s newly released video, shared on X, clearly shows Rafale, Su-30MKI, and indigenous Tejas fighters loaded with these high-end missiles, performing complex maneuvers at high altitudes. The video decisively dispels all doubts and serves as a strong reb...
India-EU Trade Deal: Trump Likely to Regret as India Secures ‘Mother of All Deals’
Nation

India-EU Trade Deal: Trump Likely to Regret as India Secures ‘Mother of All Deals’

India is set to ink one of the largest trade deals in the world with the European Union (EU) today. Following this landmark agreement, U.S. President Donald Trump may find himself regretting past trade strategies, as India will no longer be solely dependent on a deal with the United States. After 18 rounds of negotiations spanning four years, the path for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the EU has finally cleared. The official announcement is expected today (27 January). This deal is poised to provide significant relief to Indian exporters in sectors such as textiles, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, chemicals, and marine products by reducing import duties in the EU. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal confirmed that the deal has been finalized. From India’s per...
Supreme Court Clarifies Compensation for Deaths During Manual Scavenging: ₹30 Lakh for Those Uncompensated Before 2023
Nation

Supreme Court Clarifies Compensation for Deaths During Manual Scavenging: ₹30 Lakh for Those Uncompensated Before 2023

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: The Supreme Court of India has clarified the compensation amount for deaths occurring during manual scavenging. The top court ruled that if no ex-gratia payment was made before its October 2023 judgment, the States and Union Territories are required to pay ₹30 lakh to the family of the deceased. The clarification came following differences in the implementation of the 2023 order by various High Courts. Some High Courts reopened cases and increased compensation from ₹10 lakh to ₹30 lakh, while others refused to alter previous awards. On January 20, 2026, the Supreme Court issued this order based on an application by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). Senior advocates argued that in cases where the deceased received ₹10 lakh before October 20, 2...
India-EU Set to Announce Major Trade and Strategic Deals Following Republic Day
Nation

India-EU Set to Announce Major Trade and Strategic Deals Following Republic Day

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: Ahead of the India–European Union (EU) Summit, key announcements are expected on completing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), finalizing a strategic defense partnership, and establishing a framework to facilitate mobility for Indian and European citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, during the summit. The summit is likely to focus on trade, defense, security, climate change, critical technologies, and strengthening the rules-based global order, while developing a joint approach to geopolitical challenges arising from shifts in US policies. Historic Trade Agreement on the HorizonEuropean leaders recently stated that Indi...
European Union Troops Participate in India’s Republic Day Parade for the First Time
Nation

European Union Troops Participate in India’s Republic Day Parade for the First Time

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: For the first time, troops from the European Union (EU) participated in India’s Republic Day parade, highlighting the growing strategic, defense, and diplomatic ties between India and Europe. The parade was graced by Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, who attended as chief guests. The EU contingent included military staff flags and banners representing naval operations such as Operation Atalanta and ESPIDES, marking Europe’s first participation in such an event outside the continent. There were three key reasons for their inclusion: Defense Cooperation: The contingent reflects the expanding collaboration between India and the EU in international maritime security and defens...
Foreign Think Tank Highlights India’s Strategic Victory in Operation Sindoor
Nation

Foreign Think Tank Highlights India’s Strategic Victory in Operation Sindoor

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: For the first time, a prominent Swiss military think tank, the Centre for Military History and Perspective Studies (CHPM), has released an in-depth analysis of Operation Sindoor, calling it a game-changing event in South Asian air power dynamics. The report, authored by military historian Adrian Fontanelaz, examines the 88-hour India-Pakistan air conflict from May 7–10, 2025, describing it as the most comprehensive independent assessment of the operation so far. According to the report, while international media initially focused on the loss of an Indian Rafale aircraft, this narrative obscured India’s decisive gains. India systematically neutralized Pakistan’s air defense infrastructure and strike capabilities, compelling Pakistan to seek a ceasefire aft...
Congress Questions Seating of Opposition Leaders During Republic Day Parade
Nation, Politics

Congress Questions Seating of Opposition Leaders During Republic Day Parade

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: Congress has raised concerns over the seating arrangement of opposition leaders during the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path, questioning whether the government intended to insult senior opposition figures. The party highlighted that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge were seated in the rear rows, sparking controversy. Congress MPs Vivek Tankha and Manickam Tagore shared images from the 2014 Republic Day parade showing L.K. Advani, then Leader of the Opposition, seated in the front row. They questioned why a similar protocol was not followed this year and whether this deviation was deliberate. Manickam Tagore, in a post on X, said, “Opposition leaders cannot be disrespected, especially on Republic Day. L.K. ...
RSS Chief Hosabale Highlights ‘Vande Mataram’ and Constitutional Values on Republic Day
Nation

RSS Chief Hosabale Highlights ‘Vande Mataram’ and Constitutional Values on Republic Day

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: On the occasion of Republic Day, Dattatreya Hosabale, the Sarsanghchalak (General Secretary) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), emphasized the importance of India’s national flag, constitutional values, and the country’s ancient spiritual heritage. Hosabale called upon citizens to uphold these values in daily life, perform their civic duties, and act in accordance with national responsibilities. Praising the government’s decision to play “Vande Mataram” during the Republic Day parade, he said, “It is our national song. Those who led India’s freedom struggle drew inspiration from ‘Vande Mataram’ and moved forward. Each line and word of this song continues to inspire every Indian generation to serve the nation.” Hosabale urged citizens to cultivate l...
Congress Questions Modi Government’s Intentions on Caste Census, Demands Immediate Dialogue
Nation, Politics

Congress Questions Modi Government’s Intentions on Caste Census, Demands Immediate Dialogue

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: Following the Samajwadi Party, the Congress has raised concerns over the Modi government’s intentions regarding the inclusion of a caste census in the upcoming 2027 population enumeration. The party has called for immediate consultations with all stakeholders before finalizing the process. Congress’s communications chief and party general secretary Jairam Ramesh expressed skepticism over the government’s approach after the release of 33 questions related to the first phase of the census. Sharing the notification on social media, he said, “Phase-1 of Census 2027 will take place from April to September 2026 and will cover house-listing and housing enumeration. Phase-2, or the population count, will be conducted across the rest of the country in February 2027.”...