Nation

New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has accelerated work on developing a permanent Indian space station in low Earth orbit. The agency has invited applications from Indian aerospace companies to manufacture the core modules of the station, with the first module planned for launch in 2028. Permanent Indian Presence in SpaceAfter achieving several milestones in India’s space journey, ISRO has now embarked on an ambitious mission to establish a permanent Indian space station (Bharatiya Antariksh Station – BAS). Until now, India’s presence in space has been temporary. The new space station will provide a long-term platform for Indian scientists and astronauts to conduct diverse experiments and research in space. First Module Launch in 2028The Vikram Sarabhai Space Ce...

This year, on its 77th Republic Day, India will witness an unprecedented display of military might and national pride along Delhi’s iconic Kartavya Path. The parade promises several firsts, including the long-range rocket launcher system Suryastr, the newly formed Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, Zanskar Tattu, and Bactrian camels. Additionally, the newly raised Shaktibaan Regiment, equipped with drones and anti-drone systems, will make its debut. Every year on January 26, India celebrates Republic Day with grandeur, and 2026 will be no exception. The Republic Day parade in the national capital will feature several historic firsts. For the first time, the long-range rocket launcher system Suryastr, the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, Zanskar Tattu, and Bactrian camels will participat...

The Patiala House Court has granted custody parole to Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid, who is currently in jail on terror funding charges, allowing him to attend the Parliament’s Budget Session. The decision permits him to participate in the two-phase Budget Session scheduled from 28 January to 13 February and 9 March to 2 April. Under the court’s order, Engineer Rashid will be brought from Tihar Jail on the days of the session. He will go directly to Parliament and return to jail once the proceedings conclude. The police and jail authorities will ensure his security and transportation during this period. The court also stated that the expenses for his transportation to and from jail will be determined by the Delhi High Court. The decision follows a pending matter in the Delhi High Cour...

New Delhi: Delhi-NCR and several parts of North India are likely to witness rainfall around Republic Day. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), due to a western disturbance, light to moderate rainfall is expected in the western Himalayan region between January 26 and 28. Some areas may even see heavy rain or snowfall on January 27. Additionally, light to moderate rain is forecast over the northwestern plains and parts of Madhya Pradesh on January 27-28. Yellow Alert for Seven Districts in Tamil NaduThe IMD office in Chennai has issued a ‘Yellow’ alert for seven districts in Tamil Nadu on Saturday, indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall in some areas. The bulletin cites a lower atmospheric circulation over southern India as the cause of rainfall. As a result, coas...

New Delhi:In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on Friday declined to issue directions for providing reservation to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) advocates in elections to State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India (BCI). The Court held that such a policy decision can only be implemented through a legislative amendment to the Advocates Act, 1961, and not through judicial intervention. A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi dismissed a writ petition filed by the Universal Dr. Ambedkar Advocates Association, which sought proportional representation or interim reservation for SC/ST advocates under Section 3(2)(b) of the Advocates Act until an appropriate law was enacted. Emphasising th...

The hearing on the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) chargesheet against businessman Robert Vadra in a money laundering case was adjourned on Saturday by the Rouse Avenue Court. The court has now scheduled the next hearing for February 26, granting the ED a final opportunity to submit certain pending documents related to the case. During the proceedings, the ED sought additional time to file essential documents connected with the chargesheet. Expressing its displeasure over the delay, the court strongly reprimanded the agency and made it clear that this would be the last chance to comply with its directions. The chargesheet pertains to a money laundering investigation linked to UK-based defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari. According to the ED, Robert Vadra’s name surfaced in connection with ...

New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)–led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is the only political force capable of realising the vision of a “Viksit Keralam” (Developed Kerala), launching a sharp attack on the state’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), accusing them of being indifferent to development. Addressing a public gathering in Thiruvananthapuram, the Prime Minister described his visit to the Kerala capital as an emotional and memorable experience. He said the enthusiasm and energy witnessed at the rally reflected a growing desire for change and marked the beginning of a new political chapter in the state. “The energy I see here gives me confidence t...

New Delhi: Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently living in exile in India, has launched a sharp attack on the interim government led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus, accusing it of being a “foreign puppet” and calling upon the people of Bangladesh to rise against what she described as an illegitimate and oppressive regime. In her first public address since being ousted from power on August 5, 2024, Hasina issued an audio message ahead of Bangladesh’s general elections scheduled for February 12. The message was initially played at a programme titled “Save Democracy in Bangladesh” at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club and later released by the Bangladesh Awami League on social media. Hasina alleged that democracy in Bangladesh has been “forced into exile” under the...

New Delhi: Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Saturday recalled a landmark moment in India’s constitutional history, noting that exactly 76 years ago, the 264 members of the Constituent Assembly formally signed the Indian Constitution. On the same day, the members also posed for a group photograph that has since become an iconic historical record. Writing on the social media platform X, Ramesh said, “Seventy-six years ago today, the 264 members of the Constituent Assembly formally signed the Indian Constitution, which they had adopted on November 26, 1949. They signed three handwritten copies—two in English and one in Hindi—featuring 22 illustrations created by artists from Shantiniketan under the guidance of Nandalal Bose.” He further noted that the English calligraphy was ...

New Delhi: The world is currently witnessing unprecedented geopolitical turbulence. Europe is actively seeking to reduce its dependence on the United States and carve out a distinct global identity, while India is reassessing its foreign policy directions. Trump’s Tariff Diplomacy and Global Friction US President Donald Trump has repeatedly used tariffs as a strategic tool against countries worldwide, asserting America’s dominance in global affairs. India, however, has resisted bowing to American pressure. Several other nations have also expressed strong displeasure at Trump’s tariff wars and uncompromising approach. This evolving scenario points to the potential emergence of a new world order. Yet, conceptualizing such an order is far from simple. China, Russia, and the European ...