Nation

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh alert for heavy rainfall and storms across 13 states over the next 12 hours. Cold waves in northern India are expected to intensify the discomfort for residents. Temperatures may drop by 2–3°C in regions experiencing heavy rainfall. States Under Severe Weather Alert On January 27, the IMD has warned of strong rain and storms in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. Winds are expected to reach 50–60 km/h, and residents are advised to exercise caution, especially while traveling outdoors. Additionally, 23 districts in northern India are under a cold wave warning. Northern India: Cold Wave Alerts ...

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: The Republic Day celebrations on Kartavya Path this year witnessed a breathtaking display of India’s aerial prowess, as the Indian Air Force executed a highly anticipated flypast that left the crowd exhilarated. Fighter pilots formed the dramatic ‘Sindoor’ formation, dedicated to Operation Sindoor, paying tribute to last year’s strategic missions. Impressive Flypast Featuring 29 Aircraft A total of 29 aircraft participated in the flypast, including 16 fighter jets, four transport planes, and nine helicopters. The formations included Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar jets, along with strategically vital C-130 and modern C-295 transport aircraft. The roaring jets enthralled spectators, and pilots executed several formations including the Arjun, Vajra...

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: The Republic Day celebrations on Kartavya Path witnessed a spectacular display of India’s military prowess, indigenous defense capabilities, and cultural heritage, with a notable India-Europe collaboration marking the event. The Indian Air Force’s flypast stood out this year, with fighter pilots forming a striking ‘Sindoor’ formation in the sky, dedicated to Operation Sindoor. The parade also featured a historic India-Europe partnership, as Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council, participated as chief guests. This marked the first time that two top European Union leaders jointly graced India’s Republic Day celebrations. EU Military Contingent Joins Parade A military contingent fr...

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new regulations, aimed at promoting equality in higher education, are sparking heated debate across social media. Critics from upper-caste communities claim the rules are biased against them and warn that they could create a hostile environment on college and university campuses. Meanwhile, backward class groups have welcomed the regulations as a step toward greater inclusion. What the New UGC Regulations Say Following directives from the Supreme Court, the UGC issued the “Regulations for Promoting Equality in Higher Educational Institutions, 2026.” These rules establish a structured framework to address complaints and provide assistance to students and staff from marginalized groups. The regulations were prompted ...

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: A debate has erupted between the BJP and Congress over the wearing of the traditional Assamese ‘patka’ at a Rashtrapati Bhavan reception. The controversy arose after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reportedly did not wear the patka presented to all guests at the event, prompting BJP criticism that he disrespected the North-East and President Draupadi Murmu. The Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, took to X to express his disapproval. “Times may change, but unfortunately, the attitude of Congress Party’s supreme leader Rahul Gandhi seems unchanged. Not wearing the traditional patka, a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the North-East, at an event hosted by the Hon’ble President of India, was deeply insensitive and disrespectful,” he wrote. Sarma a...

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: Maulana Sajad Rashidi, President of the All India Imam Association, has expressed his support for AIMIM leader Waris Pathan’s controversial remarks about turning Maharashtra and the country “green.” Speaking to IANS, Maulana Rashidi questioned why criticism arises over the green color while saffron-colored political statements face no action. “If a political party wants to expand, what is wrong with it? What is the harm in Waris Pathan talking about green? Those who talk about bringing Ram or waving saffron flags face no action. So why is there an issue when someone talks about making Mumbai or the country green?” he asked. Green is Not an Islamic Color, Says Rashidi Maulana Rashidi emphasized that green is not exclusively an Islamic color and lamented...

New Delhi: During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army faced a less visible but highly impactful front—fake news and disinformation. Misleading videos, false claims, and coordinated misinformation campaigns originating from across the border were circulated on social media, aiming not only to create confusion but also to undermine the credibility of military operations and institutions. While Indian forces and allied agencies countered these efforts, significant time and resources were spent in the process. AI to the RescueRecognizing the scale of the challenge, the Army is now set to receive an indigenously developed AI-based system to identify and counter disinformation in real time. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, revealed that nearly 15 percent of operational time du...

New Delhi: The Modi government has strategically stirred Kerala politics by announcing the Padma Vibhushan for veteran CPM leader and former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan. This move has put the state’s ruling party in a politically delicate position, as it navigates the reactions of Achuthanandan’s family and the electorate ahead of upcoming assembly elections. For the first time, a senior communist leader will be awarded the country’s second-highest civilian honor, even posthumously. While there have been past attempts to honor communist leaders with national awards, most declined due to ideological reasons. In this case, however, Achuthanandan’s family has welcomed the recognition, with his son V.A. Arun Kumar confirming, “It is an honor from the nation, and we will gladly ...

New Delhi: On the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu hoisted the national flag at Rajpath, marking the beginning of the grand parade. The celebrations saw a spectacular aerial display by the Indian Air Force and Coast Guard, featuring the ALH Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter) and its advanced variant, Rudra. The helicopters captured the attention of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior officials, with their impressive formations. The Dhruv ALH, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has been serving the Indian Army, Navy, and Coast Guard for over 25 years. This indigenous, twin-engine, 5.5-ton helicopter is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including reconnaissance on the battlefield. Its advanced vari...

New Delhi: The ongoing trade tensions between India and the United States have sparked a political storm in Washington, following the leak of an audio recording involving a prominent U.S. Senator. The recording has raised questions about whether President Donald Trump and his close aides are intentionally slowing down the India-US trade agreement. Senator Ted Cruz’s AllegationsAccording to reports, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas reportedly mentioned White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro and Vice President J.D. Vance in the leaked conversation. Cruz claimed that Trump himself was obstructing progress on the trade deal with India. In a call with donors, Cruz said he and several other Republican Senators were actively lobbying the White House to advance the agreement, highlighting internal di...