Nation

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced significant changes to land requirements for schools. Under the new rules, all CBSE-affiliated schools must have a minimum playground area of 2,000 square meters. Minimum Playground RequirementSchools with less than 6,000 square meters of land must either allocate space within their campus for the playground or enter a written agreement for at least 15 years with nearby schools, colleges, stadiums, sports complexes, or public parks. The facility should be within 200 meters of the school building, ensuring students do not need to cross busy roads or national highways. Building RegulationsThe height and covered area of school buildings will be governed by the respective state or Union Territory building bylaws. Regional ...

New Delhi: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have taken a significant step to strengthen their strategic defense partnership, a move that could deliver a diplomatic setback to Pakistan. The two countries signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Monday to enhance collaboration in the defense sector, signaling deeper cooperation between India and a key Muslim country. The agreement comes amid rising tensions in West Asia and the Gulf region, with shifting geopolitics creating new opportunities and challenges. Discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paved the way for this strategic defense cooperation. The partnership demonstrates growing proximity and trust between India and the UAE and marks a significant development for Pak...

New Delhi: In a significant move to bolster national security, India’s Ministry of Environment has approved 17 defense infrastructure projects along the China border in Ladakh and Sikkim. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The committee ensures that infrastructure development near wildlife-protected areas is conducted in a balanced and environmentally sustainable manner, while also adhering to all legal and ecological safeguards. Strategic Importance of the ProjectsMinister Bhupender Yadav stated that the approvals were granted keeping national security and strategic requirements in mind. The projects include the construction of: New border outposts and...

New Delhi: India and the European Union (EU) are gearing up to showcase their growing partnership in multiple areas, from trade to defense and security. The long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the 27 EU member countries is expected to reach its final stage, with the historic announcement scheduled for 27 January. EU Leaders to Attend Republic Day as Chief GuestsThis year, the EU leadership will be the chief guests at India’s Republic Day celebrations on 26 January, marking a first in the history of the parade. The announcement regarding the FTA will follow the next day during the India-EU summit. The agreement is expected to go beyond trade, also covering cooperation in defense and security. EU Military Contingent to Participate in ParadeFor the first time, a mi...

New Delhi: The ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union could prove advantageous for India, potentially boosting exports and strengthening negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Trade experts suggest that the new tariffs imposed by the US on European goods may encourage the EU to focus more on stable trading partners like India. US Imposes Tariffs on European CountriesAccording to The Economic Times, on 17 January, US President Donald Trump announced a 10% import tariff on countries including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. These tariffs were linked to the countries’ support for Denmark’s decision to block US interests in Greenland. The tariffs are set to take effect from 1 February and wil...

New Delhi: Amid strained India-US relations over tariffs, US President Donald Trump has sent India an invitation to join the Gaza Board of Peace. Indian officials have indicated that New Delhi has several reservations regarding the legal framework of the proposed board and has yet to respond, although the proposal is under consideration. According to Hindustan Times, Indian authorities confirmed on Sunday that India has received the invitation. Officials are carefully examining the plan, as it involves multiple sensitive issues. One officer noted that India remains committed to the two-state solution and supports all initiatives aimed at establishing peace in the region, without elaborating further. Trump’s Letter to ModiIn his letter, President Trump described the board as a “histor...

New Delhi: Amid severe cold conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for heavy rain and strong winds in nine states from 22 to 25 January 2026. Northern states are also expected to experience a drop in temperatures, and dense fog in the mornings may disrupt travel. Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and several other states are likely to witness significant weather changes. Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Across Nine StatesThe IMD has warned of moderate to heavy rainfall in Haryana, Uttarakhand, western and eastern Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. Winds are expected to reach speeds of 40-50 km/h, causing further challenges. On 20 January, Himachal Pradesh may experience thunderstorms and rainfall, which could...

New Delhi: Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, has welcomed the historic verdict by the Allahabad High Court concerning independent and non-affiliated religious madrasas. He described the judgment as a clear victory for the supremacy of the Indian Constitution and constitutional values. Speaking on the ruling, Maulana Madani said it sends a strong message to all governments and administrative authorities that have attempted to shut down madrasas and maktabs as a measure of achievement. Such steps, he added, were not only unconstitutional but ultimately embarrassing for those implementing them. He highlighted that Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind had represented 30 madrasas from Shravasti district in the Allahabad High Court and had also been engaged in a legal and democ...

New Delhi: The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation has urged the Indian government not to accept the Trump administration’s proposed ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, calling it a part of a neo-colonial agenda. The party described the proposed board as an attempt to undermine the right of Palestinians to self-determination and establish a new colonial order led by the United States. According to the CPI(ML) Liberation’s Central Committee, the board, which emerged from the Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement, has deviated from its original purpose. It is now being positioned as an alternative to established international institutions like the UN, but with all authority concentrated in the hands of the US. The party cited recent US actions against Venezuela as evidence of the dangers...