Nation

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has made a stern statement regarding stray dog attacks, emphasizing accountability and raising questions about the responsibility of dog lovers and related organizations. During a hearing on incidents involving stray dogs, the bench asked pointedly: when children or elderly citizens are killed or injured by stray dogs, who should be held responsible? The court cited the tragic death of a 9-year-old child attacked by stray dogs fed by a dog lovers’ organization, questioning whether such negligence can be ignored. Strict Accountability Framework in the Works The bench highlighted the apparent disparity in public and institutional response, asking if empathy is shown only toward dogs while similar urgency is not extended to human victims. The Sup...

New Delhi: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has issued a stern warning to Pakistan, reaffirming that Operation Sindur remains active and any hostile moves will be met with a decisive response. Speaking on the security situation along the Northern and Western fronts, he emphasized that India’s armed forces remain vigilant, strong, and resolute. Operation Sindur and Pakistan’s Threat General Dwivedi highlighted that during 2025, 31 terrorists were neutralized, of which 65% were Pakistan-based militants, including three attackers from the Pahalgam incident eliminated under Operation Mahadev. While forward movements on both sides were gradually reduced, the army continues to monitor activity across the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC). According to the Army Ch...

New Delhi: Tensions between India and China are escalating over the Shaksgam Valley in Ladakh. India maintains that the valley is an integral part of its territory, currently under illegal Chinese control, while China has increasingly asserted claims over the area. China’s Renewed Claims On Tuesday, China reiterated its claim on Shaksgam Valley and defended its ongoing infrastructure projects, citing a 1960s border agreement with Pakistan. Beijing asserted that its construction activities fall within “Chinese territory” and are therefore legitimate. India, however, has consistently objected to such developments under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), emphasizing that any construction in this region violates Indian sovereignty. Historical Context of the Dispute Shaksg...

New Delhi: Preparations are underway at Rashtrapati Bhavan for the Republic Day 2026 celebrations, and this year’s ‘At Home Reception’ promises to be especially unique. The invitation cards for the event showcase the traditional handicrafts of India’s Eight North-Eastern States (Ashtalakshmi States), highlighting the country’s rich cultural diversity while promoting local artisans. Showcasing North-East India’s Craftsmanship The specially designed invitations celebrate the centuries-old artisanal skills of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. Each design reflects the vibrant cultural traditions of these regions, presenting India’s heritage to a global audience. Rashtrapati Bhavan’s initiative not only recognizes the creativity of these...

New Delhi: India has officially launched the logo and website for its BRICS 2026 Presidency, marking a significant step in its leadership role within the five-nation bloc. The launch was unveiled by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who highlighted the key priorities and vision for India’s tenure. Theme and Vision The theme for BRICS 2026, according to Dr. Jaishankar, is “Enhancing Capabilities, Promoting Innovation, and Ensuring Sustainable Development for All.” The newly launched logo reflects this philosophy, blending tradition with modernity. Its petals incorporate the colors of all BRICS member countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—symbolizing unity, diversity, and shared purpose. The design emphasizes that while BRICS draws strength from the collec...

New Delhi: In a bold diplomatic move that could shake up global trade dynamics, India is set to host two top European Union leaders as chief guests for Republic Day 2026—a strategic gesture that may pave the way for a historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Unlike past attempts to invite former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose reluctance to participate in key Quad meetings or state events left India empty-handed, this time India is aiming higher. The invited dignitaries are Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council. Their presence underscores India’s intent to strengthen ties with the EU as a unified bloc of 27 nations. A Game-Changer for Trade This high-profile engagement could coincide with the signin...

New Delhi: During the visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally raised the issue of Baby Ariha Shah, an Indian child currently in foster care in Germany. The briefing was provided by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who emphasized India’s ongoing commitment to the child’s welfare and cultural upbringing. Who is Baby Ariha Shah? Baby Ariha Shah, born in September 2021, is an Indian child currently under the custody of Germany’s Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt). She was seven months old when an accidental injury occurred while in the care of her grandmother. Medical authorities suspected possible abuse, prompting intervention by German child protection authorities. Ariha has since been placed in foster care. Her parents, Dhara Shah an...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has refused to grant relief to a government employee who concealed pending criminal cases while applying for a government job, overturning the Allahabad High Court’s earlier judgment. The apex court emphasized that sympathy cannot replace the law, and as a result, the individual will lose his government position. The court noted that disclosing all relevant information is a fundamental condition for employment in government service. By hiding his criminal record, the applicant undermined the integrity of the recruitment process. Apex Court’s Observations A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and N.K. Singh remarked during the hearing, “The law may be strict, but law is law.” The Supreme Court struck down the High Court’s decision, which had...

New Delhi / Gujarat: During German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s two-day visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted him in Gujarat, resulting in 19 major agreements between India and Germany. The deals cover critical areas including defence, trade, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and key minerals, reflecting strengthened bilateral ties amid shifting global dynamics following recent U.S. tariff pressures on India. Strategic and Defence Cooperation A joint declaration emphasized enhancing defence-industrial collaboration, paving the way for co-development and co-production initiatives between the two nations. Indian passport holders will now enjoy visa-free transit through Germany, easing travel and strengthening people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Modi said, “Grow...

New Delhi: IndiGo may face stringent action following last December’s mass flight cancellations and delays that disrupted travel for thousands of passengers. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has submitted a 66-page confidential report to the Aviation Ministry Secretary, Sameer Kumar Sinha, outlining the causes and consequences of the crisis. Potential Penalties and Accountability According to sources, the report could trigger action not only against the airline but also against some senior executives, including the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The airline could face a penalty of up to ₹10 crore, while individual cases may attract fines exceeding ₹1 crore. The ministry is now preparing an action-taken report at its level to ensure accountability for the inconvenience...