Nation

The Union Government has set March 31, 2026 as the deadline to declare India free from Left‑Wing Extremism (LWE), and officials are confident the target will be met on time. Even as the final phase of operations against rural Naxalism continues, the government has already prepared a comprehensive post‑Naxal roadmap, with a strong focus on dismantling what it describes as the “Urban Naxal ecosystem.” According to senior officials, a 10‑point action plan has been finalised to ensure that areas liberated from Maoist influence do not relapse into violence and ideological extremism. A key pillar of this plan is the identification, monitoring, and neutralisation of urban‑based networks believed to provide ideological, logistical, and financial support to Naxal groups. Post‑Naxal India: The...

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has announced that India is moving towards the creation of a dedicated Rocket–Missile Force, a major step aimed at significantly enhancing the country’s combat capabilities in modern warfare. Drawing lessons from Operation Sindoor, General Dwivedi said the evolving regional security environment makes such a force a strategic necessity. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Army Day, the Army Chief said India must adapt to changing modes of warfare, where rockets, missiles, drones, and air defence systems play a decisive role. Both China and Pakistan already operate specialised rocket or missile forces, and India can no longer afford to lag behind, he asserted. Why India Needs a Rocket–Missile Force General Dwivedi said the time has come ...

Amid the flames of unrest in Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be pursuing a delicate diplomatic balancing act. On the surface, he is expressing support for protesters challenging the Iranian regime, while simultaneously threatening military intervention and imposing punitive 25% tariffs on countries trading with Iran. A closer look, however, suggests a larger strategy: Trump may be attempting to undermine BRICS, an emerging economic bloc he sees as a potential threat to the dominance of the U.S. dollar. India Faces Pressure from Trump’s Iran PolicyAlthough the 25% tariffs on Iran-trading nations are not expected to directly impact India, government sources cited by The Hindu indicate that New Delhi is preparing to scale back trade with Iran further during the current fiscal ...

The Supreme Court of India was divided on the constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which requires prior approval before initiating investigations against public servants in corruption cases. The case arose from a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the NGO, Center for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), challenging the 2018 amendment to the Act. Split Verdict on Section 17A Justice B.V. Nagarathna held that Section 17A is unconstitutional and should be struck down. She argued that the requirement of prior sanction hinders investigations and gives corrupt officials an opportunity to evade accountability. Justice Nagarathna stated, “There should be no pre-approval requirement before commencing an inquiry. The prior sanction provision de...

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...