Nation

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...

Delhi Police has gone on high alert ahead of the 77th Republic Day, following intelligence inputs about potential terrorist threats. As part of the security measures, the capital’s law enforcement agencies have released the photo of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) operative, Mohammed Rehan. Officials say Rehan is a Delhi resident and has been on the radar of the police and intelligence agencies for an extended period. This marks the first time his image has been publicly shared on an alert poster. Multi-Layered Security and Surveillance Additional Commissioner of Police, Devesh Kumar Mahla, stated that nearly 10,000 police personnel, along with paramilitary forces, will be deployed across key areas, including Rajpath, to ensure the security of the Republic Day celebrations...

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the irreversible damage caused by illegal mining in the Aravali Hills. During Wednesday’s hearing, the Court ordered the formation of an expert committee to conduct a comprehensive review of mining activities in the region. The panel will submit names of environmentalists and scientists with expertise in mining within four weeks. Expert Committee to Work Under Court Supervision The Supreme Court directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati and Court Advisor K. Parameshwar to propose suitable experts within four weeks. The panel will operate under the guidance and monitoring of the Court. It will examine key questions, including whether controlled mining can be allowed in areas with a 500-meter gap between hills, and if so,...

India and the United States are yet to finalize a bilateral trade deal, even as U.S. President Donald Trump once again referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his “good friend” and a respected global leader. Despite the warm words, India is advancing with extreme caution, carefully weighing each step in ongoing negotiations over tariffs and trade barriers. Trump Expresses Optimism for Trade Deal Speaking at the 56th Annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump expressed confidence that both countries would reach a beneficial agreement on the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The deal, first discussed during PM Modi’s visit to Washington in February 2025, aims to increase bilateral trade from approximately $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030 — more than double...