Nation

In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that a widow daughter-in-law is entitled to maintenance from her deceased father-in-law’s property under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 (HAMA). The court cited principles from the Manusmriti emphasizing the duty of family members to support each other. Relief Granted by the Supreme Court Earlier, there was confusion that a daughter-in-law could claim maintenance only if she became a widow during her father-in-law’s lifetime, not after his death. The Supreme Court has clarified that this distinction is unjust and baseless. Whether the widow loses her husband while her father-in-law is alive or after his demise, she is equally entitled to claim maintenance. Bench Observation The judgment, delivered by ...

A major BRICS naval exercise is underway off the coast of South Africa, with China, Russia, and Iran deploying warships in the Atlantic near the Cape of Good Hope. The exercise, titled ‘Will for Peace 2026’, runs from 9–16 January 2026 and focuses on joint defense operations, maritime security drills, and technical exchanges among participating countries. Participants and Observers While the exercise includes China, Russia, Iran, and South Africa, notable BRICS members India and Brazil have abstained from participation. Observers include Egypt, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. Chinese and Iranian forces have deployed destroyers, Russia and the UAE sent corvettes, and South Africa deployed a medium-sized frigate. At the opening ceremony, Captain Nandwakhulu Thomas Thamaha, Commander of Sou...

In a setback for India’s space ambitions, ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission failed on Monday due to a technical glitch, resulting in the loss of 15 satellites. However, a small Spanish private company’s space capsule, ‘KID’, onboard the mission, survived and successfully transmitted flight data back to Earth, offering a rare silver lining. Mission Details and Failure The PSLV-C62 rocket lifted off from Sriharikota at 10:18 AM on Monday, carrying a total of 16 satellites, including India’s Anvesha satellite and the Spanish capsule KID. A malfunction in the rocket’s third stage, specifically involving the strap-on motors providing thrust, caused the mission to deviate from its intended trajectory, leading to the loss of all satellites except KID. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed that the ...

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India has directed the central and state governments to ensure that 25% of seats in private unaided, non-minority schools are reserved for children from economically and socially weaker sections (EWS), under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The court emphasized that providing access to quality education for underprivileged children is a national mission essential for fostering social fraternity. Equal Education for All The bench, comprising Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice A.S. Chandurkar, noted that the RTE Act guarantees equal education to all children irrespective of caste, class, gender, or economic status. Justice Narasimha highlighted that Section 12 of the Act reinforces constitutional principles of equality, liberty, and fraternit...

A major development has emerged in India-US trade relations, raising hopes that a long-pending trade deal could be finalized soon. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during which both leaders discussed the ongoing bilateral trade agreement and broader economic cooperation. Analysts suggest that this dialogue brings India and the U.S. closer to reaching a formal agreement. Key Points from the Call The discussion between Rubio and Jaishankar was not limited to trade. Both leaders also exchanged views on regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. According to an official statement from the U.S. State Department, Rubio extended New Year greetings to Jais...

In a historic move on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti (14 January 2026), Prime Minister Narendra Modi is shifting his office (PMO) to a brand-new building. The new PMO is now located at the ‘Seva Teerth’ complex, developed under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. This state-of-the-art complex has been designed to house the Prime Minister’s Office, the Cabinet Secretariat, and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in separate buildings. Seva Teerth: A Modern Hub of Governance The new PMO will operate from Seva Teerth-1, featuring modern workspaces and ceremonial halls themed around the spirit of ‘Seva’ (Service). With this shift, an era comes to an end, as the Prime Minister’s Office had been functioning from the South Block since India’s independence in 19...

After weeks of biting cold, northern India may finally see some relief. Traditionally, Makar Sankranti marks the turning point of winter, as the sun begins its northward journey. This year, however, the change is expected to be gradual, with temperatures rising slightly over the next couple of days. Morning fog may still pose a challenge intermittently. Northern India: Clouds, Cold Waves, and Fog Today, on 14 January, northern parts of the country are expected to remain under the grip of cold and dense fog. Weather experts indicate that while winter’s hold is slowly easing, there is no major shift in conditions yet. Hilly regions, including the western Himalayas, are likely to experience cloud cover throughout the day and night. Cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Bhopal, Lucknow, Patna...

Pakistan’s long-standing use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy is no longer a hidden truth. Recent audio and video messages attributed to Jaish‑e‑Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and his deputy Saifullah Kasuri have once again brought Pakistan’s terror ecosystem into sharp global focus, exposing the deep nexus between extremist groups, the Pakistani military, and the ISI. In an audio message circulated widely by social media handles believed to be aligned with Pakistan’s intelligence establishment, Masood Azhar claimed that JeM has prepared thousands of suicide attackers ready to strike India. Earlier, Saifullah Kasuri appeared in a video boasting that he was invited to offer prayers at the funerals of Pakistani soldiers killed during “Operation Sindoor.” More disturbingly,...

New Delhi, January 13:The Supreme Court of India has issued a landmark statement regarding incidents involving stray dog attacks, emphasizing that state governments and individuals who feed or care for stray dogs can be held accountable for injuries or deaths caused by these animals. States to Face Compensation Liability A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria expressed concern over the lack of enforcement of laws governing stray animals over the past five years. The court stated that victims of dog bites, especially children and the elderly, should receive substantial compensation from state governments due to this negligence. Justice Nath remarked, “For every case of injury or death caused by dog bites, we will demand significant compensation fro...

New Delhi, January 13:As India prepares to celebrate Makar Sankranti on January 14, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for dense fog, cold waves, and snowfall in parts of northern India. Citizens are advised to exercise caution, as weather conditions may affect festivities like kite flying and travel across several states. Northern India Faces Cold Wave IMD has issued warnings for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh due to dropping temperatures. Light snowfall is expected in hilly regions, which may hamper Makar Sankranti celebrations. While rainfall is unlikely, dense fog in six northern states could affect visibility. The IMD has specifically highlighted Uttar Pra...