Nation

Former IMF Chief Economist and Harvard University Professor Gita Gopinath has reframed pollution not merely as a health or social issue but as a significant economic risk—a perspective supported by senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Gopinath highlighted that the internal economic costs of pollution, such as health burdens and reduced workforce productivity, far exceed potential risks from changing trade tariffs. Her statement underscores a growing recognition that India’s economic stability is closely linked to air and water quality. Political Support and Administrative Suggestions Several Indian leaders advocating environmental reforms have endorsed Gopinath’s view. Shashi Tharoor reiterated these concerns, noting tha...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday noted that the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) order did not explicitly state that the exercise was also aimed at identifying illegal migrants. The court observed that the directive did not clearly mention citizenship verification as one of its objectives. Election Commission’s lawyer Rakesh Dwivedi acknowledged the court’s observation, agreeing that the order contained no direct reference to this. Dwivedi emphasized that the SIR process was fair, transparent, and impartial, countering claims that it was arbitrary. He pointed out that during the process in Bihar, names of 6.6 million individuals were removed, but none had approached the Supreme Court or High Court, nor submitted petitions to the Election Commission. On C...

In a remarkable breakthrough in medical science, Delhi witnessed the country’s first-ever “knee-salvage” surgery, offering hope to patients with severe knee injuries. A New Lease of Life for Knee PatientsA 30-year-old woman had been suffering from intense knee pain following a serious meniscus tear. Despite undergoing standard meniscus repair surgery, the procedure failed, putting her at risk of needing a knee transplant at a young age. As a last resort, RML Hospital adopted the innovative “knee-salvage” technique. The procedure involved creating a new cushion from the patient’s thigh tissue and replacing the damaged meniscus. Post-surgery, the patient experienced significant pain relief, and the risk of arthritis or early knee replacement was averted. Details of the SurgeryThe su...

Drivers can now challenge traffic or transport-related fines online, within 45 days of receiving the challan, following new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The move comes as only 38% of e-challans are currently being paid across various states and union territories, partly due to leniency in some regions. Timeframe to Challenge a FineYou have 45 days from the date of the challan to submit a challenge via the centralized portal echallan.parivahan.gov.in, along with relevant documentary evidence. Failure to do so within this period will be treated as acceptance of the fine. The penalty must then be paid within 75 days of the challan issuance, either online or offline. What’s New in the SystemEarlier, unpaid fines after 90 days automatically went to vir...

India and the European Union (EU) are set to sign a major defence agreement next week, coinciding with the finalization of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two sides. The deal is expected to accelerate India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in the defence sector, as European countries recognize India’s significant manufacturing potential. Strategic Defence PartnershipThe India-EU Security and Defence Partnership aims not only to strengthen military-industrial cooperation but also to enhance joint operational capabilities. Under the agreement, a new EU-India Defence Industry Forum will be established to bring defence companies from both sides onto a shared platform, identifying opportunities for collaboration and business growth. Government representatives f...

The United States recently invited India to join its Gaza Peace Board, a new initiative led by former President Donald Trump aimed at post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza. While seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, have agreed to participate alongside Israel, India has yet to accept or decline the invitation. Experts advise caution, citing several strategic concerns. Why India Should Stay Out1. Support for Two-State Solution: India has consistently backed a two-state solution and avoids third-party mediation in Israel-Palestine or India-Pakistan issues. Participation could contradict its long-standing diplomatic stance. 2. Diplomatic Dilemma: India maintains balanced relations with both Israel and Palestine. Any action under the board could create a diplomatic ...

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe weather alert for nine states, warning of heavy rain and storms over the next 24 hours. In addition, 17 districts in northern India are expected to experience a cold wave. Residents are advised to remain cautious. States Under Rain and Storm AlertThe IMD has forecast heavy rain accompanied by strong winds 40–65 km/h in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. Hilly regions such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may see heavy snowfall. Cold Wave in Northern CitiesA cold wave is expected in 17 districts across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab: UP: Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Kanpur, Lucknow, Raebareli, Barabanki, Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Meerut Haryan...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a vocal critic of former U.S. President Donald Trump and a longstanding friend of India. During the 45-minute discussion, the leaders reviewed progress in the India-Brazil strategic partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in the coming year. Focus on the Global South and AI SummitBoth leaders emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation for the Global South, a group of developing and least-developed countries. Prime Minister Modi also expressed hope that President Lula would participate in the upcoming AI Summit during his visit to India. Upcoming VisitPresident Lula is scheduled to visit India from 19 to 21 February 2026, during which P...

For the first time in history, nine women Agniveers will join the Indian Air Force (IAF) band at the 77th Republic Day Parade, marching on Rajpath while playing their musical instruments. The IAF announced the historic inclusion at a press briefing on Thursday. Presidential Flag HoistingFlight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankhar will assist President Draupadi Murmu in hoisting the national flag ahead of the formal parade on 26 January. Marching ContingentBehind the IAF band, a 144-member marching contingent led by Sergeant Charles Antony Daniel will march, under the command of Squadron Leader Jagdish Kumar. Squadron Leader Nikita Chaudhary, Flight Lieutenant Prakhar Chandrakar, and Flight Lieutenant Dinesh Murli will serve as additional officers in the Air Force contingent. Flypast in Two...