Nation

New Delhi: The Government of India has announced the Padma Awards 2026, recognizing exceptional contributions from citizens across 84 districts in 30 states and union territories. This year, the awards highlight several “unsung heroes” from remote areas, bringing their talents into the national spotlight. Maharashtra leads the count with 15 recipients, followed by Tamil Nadu (13), West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh (11 each), and Karnataka and Kerala (8 each). For the first time, 10 districts—Mandya (Karnataka), Betul (Madhya Pradesh), Parbhani (Maharashtra), Bageshwar (Uttarakhand), Rangareddy (Telangana), South Dinajpur (West Bengal), Nuapada (Odisha), Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), Eluru (Andhra Pradesh), and Dig—have produced awardees, marking a historic inclusion in the Padma list post-1947....

New Delhi: The United States has invited India to join its Pax Silica initiative, a strategic effort aimed at strengthening the supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors. The initiative seeks to ensure uninterrupted production in modern manufacturing sectors, particularly in sensitive technologies and infrastructure. India has not yet taken a final decision and is carefully evaluating the potential benefits and risks before committing. Ensuring Critical Mineral Supply ChainsAccording to industry reports, India is keen to be part of this emerging global framework but is cautious regarding policies linked to artificial intelligence and other technologies that could limit its strategic autonomy. The key advantage of joining Pax Silica lies in securing reliable supply chains fo...

Mark Tully, the former BBC correspondent celebrated for his fearless and impartial reporting during India’s Emergency, has passed away at the age of 90. His reporting earned him respect across India, and during the Emergency, his uncompromising coverage led to his expulsion from the country. Tully also narrowly escaped lynching during the Babri Masjid demolition, making him one of the few foreign journalists whose name remains widely recognized in India. Tully had been unwell for the past two years and was hospitalized last week. Serving as the BBC’s Chief of Bureau in India for 22 years, he covered a wide range of topics including the India-Pakistan wars, sati practices, Operation Blue Star, caste issues, Maoist insurgencies, and wildlife conservation. His reporting style was both empa...

New Delhi:Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has raised serious allegations over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Gujarat, accusing authorities of systematically removing voters from the list in areas where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is electorally vulnerable. Citing documents shared by the Gujarat Congress, Gandhi claimed that the voter verification exercise was not a routine administrative process but a “planned, organised and strategic theft of votes.” He also alleged collusion between the central government and the Election Commission of India (ECI), questioning the impartiality of the constitutional body. ‘Voters Disappear Where BJP Faces Defeat’ In a post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi said that thousands of obj...

New Delhi: The political debate over the upcoming national census has intensified after the Centre issued its official notification, with the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) strongly criticising the government for not including a caste column in the census format. The Congress accused the Modi government of going back on its stated commitment to conducting a caste-based census and held Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly responsible for the omission. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera said that the absence of a caste column exposes the government’s “double standards”. “Prime Minister Modi says one thing and does the exact opposite. The BJP makes promises but fails to translate them into action. Decisions are taken without thought or intent,” Khera said, adding that whenever the P...

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has clarified his stance amid speculation about his differences with the party. The Thiruvananthapuram MP stated that his only public disagreement was regarding Operation Sindoor and India’s counter-terrorism policy. Tharoor emphasized that his focus remains on national interest above political differences. Speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival, Tharoor explained that he has never violated the party line in Parliament. “The only issue on which I have publicly differed on principle is Operation Sindoor, where I took a strong position, and I do not regret it. I will not apologize for this,” he said. Tharoor had taken a firm stand on the matter while leading India’s delegation in the United States to present New Delhi’s position on counter-terrorism and P...

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...