Nation

New Delhi: In a unique case, the Supreme Court of India reprimanded a couple who stayed together for just 65 days but filed 40 cases against each other over 13 years. The court granted them a divorce and imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on each, warning against turning courts into battlegrounds. Supreme Court InterventionDuring the hearing, a bench comprising Justices Rajesh Bindal and Manmohan invoked Article 142 to finalize the divorce while prohibiting the couple from filing future cases against each other. The bench noted, “Given that the parties were together for only 65 days and have spent over a decade in relentless litigation, it is appropriate to penalize them with fines of ₹10,000 each. The amount shall be deposited with the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association.” Court’s ...

New Delhi: The security at the Parliament House is set to be significantly strengthened with the installation of full-body scanners at all nine entry gates. While Members of Parliament (MPs) will be exempted, all other visitors will be required to undergo mandatory scanning before entering the premises. Full-Body Scanners to Be Installed SoonSources indicate that the installation of these scanners is expected to begin within a few months, as all formal approvals have been completed. The scanners will ensure that no individual can enter the Parliament complex or attend proceedings in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha without proper screening. Enhanced Perimeter SecurityIn addition to the scanners, the Parliament’s perimeter walls are being fortified with a Perimeter Intrusion Detection Sy...

New Delhi: Implementing the right cycling policies in developing countries can significantly reduce emissions and air pollution, a recent study suggests. Researchers from the University of Chicago and IIT Delhi conducted surveys with cyclists in four cities across India, Bangladesh, and Ghana to examine effective cycling strategies. Need for Context-Specific PoliciesThe study highlights that cycling infrastructure modeled on European and developed-country standards does not suit cities like Delhi. Policymakers are urged to design plans that consider local conditions and the needs of residents. According to Rahul Goyal, Assistant Professor at IIT Delhi, “The lack of cyclists is not the problem; the issue is insufficient institutional support.” Cycling Trends in Wealthy NationsIn many ...

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy rain and strong winds in 10 states over the next 24 hours, raising concerns of an intensifying cold wave across northern India. Dense fog is expected to disrupt travel in 26 districts, while hilly regions will witness heavy snowfall. State-wise Weather Alerts Northern India: From 22–24 January, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, western Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh are likely to experience thunderstorms with winds reaching 30–50 km/h. Eastern Uttar Pradesh will see similar conditions on 24 January. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh: Light to moderate rain is expected on 21 January, with heavy rain and snowfall forecast in the western Himalayas from 22–26 January. Cit...

The government has introduced stricter rules to curb toll evasion under the push for a barrier-free toll system on national highways. According to the revised Central Motor Vehicle Rules, vehicles whose owners fail to pay tolls on NHAI roads will not be issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Without an NOC, the vehicle will not receive a fitness renewal certificate, nor will the owner be able to sell it. The NOC can only be issued after the pending toll dues are cleared. Amendments to Motor Vehicle RulesThe Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified the amendments to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, which are now in effect. Officials said these measures are necessary as India moves towards implementing a barrier-free toll system, where toll plazas will no longer exist on hig...

India and Bangladesh are currently experiencing a period of diplomatic tension. In light of the prevailing security situation, the Indian government has asked the families of its mission officials in Bangladesh to return to India. However, Indian missions in the country continue to function normally. Mission Families RecalledThe Indian government has instructed family members of officials posted at the High Commission and other diplomatic missions in Bangladesh to return to India. According to sources, the decision was taken after assessing the current security environment. Indian diplomatic missions and other posts, however, will continue their regular operations and remain fully functional. Bangladesh is set to hold general elections and a referendum on 12 February 2026. Security R...

New Delhi: Residents of Delhi-NCR facing severe cold can expect some relief soon, while Rajasthan will feel the impact of an approaching Western Disturbance. Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are set to witness another spell of snowfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Delhi-NCR Weather OutlookNorthern India continues to experience bitter cold, although daytime sunshine has led to a slight rise in maximum temperatures. States including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh are still under the influence of cold waves. However, regions in Kashmir, Rajasthan, and a few other areas have seen minor temperature increases. Punjab and Haryana are experiencing severe cold, with Amritsar recording a minimum temperature of 2.8°C. Chandigarh re...