Nation

The Census of India 2027, conducted in two phases for the first time since 2011, will begin its first phase on 1 April 2026 and continue until 30 September 2026. The Registrar General and Census Commissioner have issued instructions for census officials to collect detailed information about households within their assigned local areas. What Will Be Recorded in the First PhaseDuring the first phase, officials will conduct a house listing and housing census, collecting information on 33 key parameters. This includes the materials used in walls, roofs, and floors of houses; availability of internet connections; cooking fuel types such as LPG, PNG, firewood, or coal; house usage (residential or mixed-use); and the condition of the dwelling (good, livable, or dilapidated). Household and F...

The central government has released the draft National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2026 for public consultation, aiming to prepare the country’s power sector for the future. Stakeholders across the industry have been invited to provide their suggestions on the draft. New Focus on Nuclear EnergyThe draft emphasizes moving away from coal-based thermal power and highlights nuclear energy as a potential alternative. This follows the recent implementation of the SHANTI Act, which opens up the nuclear sector to private companies. The draft outlines significant changes in India’s electricity policy and signals the government’s push for a more sustainable, reliable, and economically strong power sector. Will Electricity Become More Expensive?For the average consumer, the key concern remains whe...

New Delhi: This Republic Day, the nation will witness a historic aerial display as the Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to fly its fighter jets in a ‘Sindoor’ formation during the 77th Republic Day parade. The formation will include Rafale, Sukhoi-30, MiG-29, and Jaguar fighter jets—all of which played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor, highlighting India’s strategic and tactical capabilities. Sindoor Formation: A Tribute to Operation Sindoor According to the News Agency NAI, the IAF jets participating in the Republic Day parade will replicate the Sindoor formation, which commemorates the successful strikes during Operation Sindoor. The formation will consist of: Two Rafale jets Two Sukhoi-30 jets Two MiG-29 jets One Jaguar fighter jet This formation symbolizes the pre...

New Delhi: India is witnessing an AI-driven transformation that extends beyond technology, aiming to empower women, skill the youth, and provide security and opportunities for workers in the unorganized sector. The upcoming India-AI Impact Summit next month will bring global AI experts together to discuss ways of making AI inclusive, practical, and beneficial for all, rather than focusing solely on machines, algorithms, or automation. India AI Mission: Empowerment Through Technology Launched in March 2024, the India AI Mission seeks to develop AI capabilities across the country. Its initiatives include: Expanding computing power and opening new innovation centers. Creating trustworthy data platforms and AI-based applications. Skill development for youth and financial suppor...

In a significant ruling against terrorism-related activities, a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday sentenced Syed M. Idris to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of ₹70,000. The case involves the recruitment and radicalization of Muslim youth in West Bengal for the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Details of the Conviction According to an official NIA press release, the Kolkata-based NIA special court found Idris, a resident of Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The sentences have been ordered to run consecutively, reflecting the severity of the offenses. The case dates back to April 2020, when the...

A visible shift is underway in Europe’s global outlook, with the 27-member European Union (EU) increasingly turning towards India as a strategic partner of choice. Disillusionment with the United States’ recent postures—particularly attempts to assert control over Greenland and former President Donald Trump’s dismissive rhetoric towards Europe—has left EU leaders reassessing their alliances. In this changing geopolitical landscape, India has emerged as a reliable, indispensable partner. Strengthening ties with India is no longer merely a diplomatic preference for Europe; it has become a strategic necessity. While India’s rapidly growing economy remains the central attraction, several other compelling factors have pushed Europe decisively closer to New Delhi. This renewed momentum com...

The mystery surrounding Delhi-NCR’s persistently poor air quality has been substantially clarified. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has informed the Supreme Court that vehicular emissions and dust are the two primary contributors to air pollution in the National Capital Region, making it a serious problem during both winter and summer months. CAQM, the apex statutory body tasked with addressing air quality issues in the NCR, presented its findings before the country’s top court on Wednesday, along with a set of short-term and long-term recommendations aimed at achieving sustainable improvement in air quality. Vehicles and Dust Named as Main Offenders Air pollution in Delhi-NCR has long been attributed to multiple factors, with fireworks during Diwali often singled...

New Delhi: Strengthening its defense and surveillance capabilities, India has announced plans to launch 52 advanced surveillance satellites over the next three years as part of the Space-Based Surveillance Phase-III program. The initiative aims to monitor enemy activity from space and provide real-time intelligence across borders. Project Details and Cost:The project, valued at approximately ₹26,000 crore, is India’s largest military space endeavor to date. The first satellite is expected to be launched by April 2026. These satellites will be equipped with infrared sensors, capable of capturing high-resolution images at night, through clouds, and during adverse weather conditions. This will allow 24/7 intelligence collection along India’s land borders and coastline. ISRO and Private ...

In a strong directive aimed at curbing pollution, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the Delhi government, municipal corporations, and agencies of NCR states to submit a detailed Action Taken Report on long-term measures implemented to reduce pollution. The court emphasized that full compliance with the recommendations of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) must be reported without delay. Court Issues Firm Directives During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing CAQM, informed the bench that the commission has proposed multiple long-term measures. These include the phased removal of old vehicles, strengthening the Pollution Under Control (PUC) system, expanding metro and rail networks, introducing a new electric vehicle policy, and in...