Nation

New Delhi: Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on Wednesday emphasized the central role of air power in modern warfare, asserting that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has the capability to strike multiple targets within Pakistan in just a few hours. Air Power: The Most Effective Force Addressing the 22nd Subroto Mukherjee Seminar, the Air Chief highlighted how air power has repeatedly proven to be the most effective instrument in achieving strategic objectives, citing recent global and domestic conflicts. “Looking at events worldwide and in India, there is no need to question which branch of the military delivered the most precise and decisive results. The answer is air power,” he said. Air Force Achievements: From Humanitarian Rescue to Strategic Strikes Air Chief M...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the alleged misuse of subsidy schemes by real estate developers and financial institutions, which has left homebuyers paying EMIs for years without receiving their flats. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed 28 cases against builders, of which three charge sheets have already been submitted. No Relief for Builders Involved in Buyer Exploitation The bench, comprising Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, observed that a “well-planned and deep-rooted conspiracy” appeared to have been orchestrated by real estate firms and financial institutions, causing prolonged hardship to homebuyers. The court made it clear that no person or entity linked to the builders wh...

India and Spain are actively working to strengthen their bilateral ties. As part of this effort, Spain’s Foreign Minister visited Delhi and held discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar. During the meeting, a significant update regarding the C-295 aircraft was shared. First C-295 Aircraft to be Produced in Vadodara External Affairs Minister Jaishankar announced that the first C-295 aircraft being manufactured in India will be ready for rollout from the Vadodara plant before September 2026. The aircraft is being produced under the Airbus-Tata assembly line at Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in Vadodara. Jaishankar emphasized that the project reflects the growing depth of India-Spain defense industrial cooperation. Vadodara Plant: India’s First Private ...

Astronaut Sunita Williams, visiting India to participate in the Kerala Literature Festival, met the late Kalpana Chawla’s 90-year-old mother, Sanjyoti Chawla, and her sister, Deepa. The meeting was filled with warmth and nostalgic reminiscences. Kalpana Chawla, born in India, was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She tragically lost her life in the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster in 2003, along with six other crew members, when the shuttle disintegrated during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. Her death was mourned deeply across India. A Heartfelt ReunionDuring the meeting on Tuesday, Williams and Chawla’s family shared warm hugs and recalled memories of their friendship and professional camaraderie as astronauts. Williams, 60, is currently on a visit to India to parti...

New Delhi: After prolonged exposure to rising pollution and poor air quality, residents of Delhi-NCR can expect some relief soon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast indicating a change in weather patterns from 23 January, with rain and strong winds expected in several areas. These conditions are likely to significantly improve air quality in the region. Weather OutlookThe current cold spell has been eased slightly by daytime sunshine, providing temporary comfort. However, the IMD has warned that intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is likely over the next few days, bringing the cold back. While the cold may return, the rain will help clear airborne pollutants, offering respite to residents struggling with smog. Rain and Temperatu...

New Delhi: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have strengthened their strategic partnership with a landmark defence agreement, signaling a significant geopolitical shift in the Gulf region. The move comes at a time of heightened tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the importance of reliable alliances. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India for a brief three-hour stopover on Monday, receiving a warm welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit, both nations committed to doubling bilateral trade to $200 billion, while agreeing to a framework for strategic defence cooperation—the first of its kind between the two countries. Timing Amid Gulf TensionsSheikh Mohammed’s visit occurred amid a tense “cold war” with Saudi Arabia...

New Delhi: During a bilateral meeting in New Delhi with Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of deepening India-Spain relations amid shifting global dynamics. Jaishankar noted that Spain is a key trade partner for India within the European Union, with bilateral merchandise trade exceeding $8 billion in recent years. He highlighted Spain’s significant presence in India across infrastructure, renewable energy, urban mobility, engineering, water management, and smart city projects, while Indian companies are active in Spain in IT, pharmaceuticals, and the automotive sector. The minister underlined the need for nations to cooperate on shared global challenges, particularly terrorism, where both India and S...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure over former Union Minister Menka Gandhi’s comments criticizing the Court’s orders on stray dogs, observing that her remarks amounted to contempt of court. However, showing leniency, the Court decided not to initiate formal contempt proceedings against her. Judges Highlight Improper CommentsA bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria noted that Gandhi made “unconsidered comments against everyone.” The Court questioned her senior counsel, Raju Ramchandran, asking whether he had carefully assessed the nature and tone of her statements, including her podcasts and body language, which conveyed contempt. The bench remarked, “Ajmal Kasab never committed contempt of court, but your client has. We are refraini...