Nation

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the misuse of the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, which was enacted to safeguard children from sexual abuse. The Court has suggested that the central government consider introducing a ‘Romeo-Juliet Clause’ under the Act to ensure that genuine adolescent consensual relationships are not caught in the stringent provisions of the law. Supreme Court’s Observations A bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice N. Kotishwar Singh reviewed the matter, overturning a previous Allahabad High Court order. The Supreme Court emphasized that courts cannot direct medical age verification of the victim at the time of granting bail under POCSO. The Court clarified: “The age of the victim is a matter fo...

New Delhi: Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval appealed to India’s youth to draw inspiration from history and work toward building a stronger India. Addressing the gathering in Delhi, Doval emphasized the sacrifices of India’s forefathers, highlighting the hardships, humiliation, and losses they endured to secure the nation’s freedom. Learning from History Doval reminded the youth that independence was hard-won. Our ancestors faced severe oppression, endured public humiliation, and sacrificed greatly. Villages were burned, civilizations destroyed, and temples looted, yet the nation survived. “History challenges us today,” Doval said. “Every young Indian must carry a fire within. The word ‘revenge’ may not sound ideal, but i...

On this day, 10 January 1966, India and Pakistan signed a historic peace agreement in Tashkent, then part of the Soviet Union. The Tashkent Declaration aimed to end hostilities following the 1965 India-Pakistan war. However, just hours after the accord, India suffered a profound shock with the sudden and mysterious death of then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. The Tashkent DeclarationThe Tashkent peace agreement was mediated by Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin to restore peace between the two nations after the 1965 war. Negotiations took place over six days, from 4 to 10 January 1966, in Tashkent. India was represented by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, while Pakistan’s delegation was led by President Muhammad Ayub Khan. The agreement stipulated that both countries’ armies would...

The Supreme Court has ordered a fresh hearing in a ₹400 crore land dispute between the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) and the family of former Deputy Chief Minister and Jaipur royal member, Diya Kumari. The bench, comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Vishwanathan, overturned a Rajasthan High Court decision that had upheld a lower court ruling in favor of the royal family without examining the merits. The High Court has now been directed to decide JDA’s original appeal on merit within four weeks and submit a compliance report. Background of the DisputeThe dispute concerns land in the urban area of Jaipur, historically known as Hathroi village. Today, this area includes valuable real estate, schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure. JDA estimates the land’s value ...

More than half of India’s cities have been struggling with air pollution for over five years. Yet, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) covers only a fraction of these, highlighting a significant gap in the country’s fight against air pollution. Experts emphasize the urgent need to expand NCAP’s scope and focus on pollutants like PM2.5. Year-Round PollutionAccording to a new analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), only 4% of India’s most polluted cities fall under NCAP. Nearly half of the cities (44%) failed to meet PM2.5 standards consistently for five or more years. This indicates that air pollution is not a seasonal issue but a year-long challenge, driven by continuous emissions from transport, industry, and power plants. CREA’s study, based on satel...

The world of science and technology is witnessing transformative developments. From the possible discovery of a ninth planet in our solar system to artificial intelligence (AI)-driven scientific breakthroughs, the coming months could bring unprecedented progress. Advances in solar energy, carbon emission reduction, self-healing infrastructure, and ambitious space missions are set to redefine the scientific landscape. A Ninth Planet?After Pluto lost its planetary status, Neptune remained the outermost recognized planet. However, in late December 2025, Japanese astronomers using infrared imaging from satellites (taken in 1983 and 2006) reported an object that appeared to have shifted position over 23 years. Estimated to be 7–17 times the mass of Earth, this icy body could potentially be t...

New Delhi: Recent statements by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have injected fresh tension into India-US trade relations. In a podcast, Lutnick directly held India responsible for delays in finalizing a major trade deal, sparking a sharp diplomatic debate between the two nations and reigniting discussions on the sometimes warm, sometimes tense relationship between Washington and New Delhi. Lutnick’s Remarks and the “C-Saw” AllegationAccording to Lutnick, a trade agreement between India and the US was almost finalized, but India allegedly took the “wrong side of the seesaw” at the last moment. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have called President Donald Trump, whom he described as the “ultimate closer” for trade deals. Lutnick’s remarks imply that India canno...

New Delhi: On January 11, 1966, India lost its second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, who passed away in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Remembered for his simplicity, honesty, and steadfast leadership, Shastri Ji inspired a nation through his principles and actions. He famously coined the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” during the 1965 war with Pakistan, encouraging both soldiers and farmers as pillars of the nation. Shastri Ji believed firmly that discipline and united action are the real sources of a country’s strength. His words remain deeply relevant to India’s democracy and society even today, reflecting the timeless spirit of nation-building. Discipline and Unity: The Core of Shastri Ji’s VisionFor Shastri, discipline meant that citizens understand their rights and responsibilities, ...

New Delhi: Against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to visit India next week. The highlight of his visit is expected to be discussions on the Chabahar Port, a strategically vital port managed by India in southeastern Iran. Observers note that the visit also carries broader geopolitical implications, given ongoing US sanctions and regional trade dynamics. Strategic Importance of Chabahar PortChabahar Port, operated by India Ports Global Limited under a 10-year agreement signed in 2024, is not only crucial for Afghanistan’s connectivity but also provides a gateway to Central Asia. Through the port, India and Gulf countries can access key trade routes, while Russia’s Central Asian regions are also l...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has stayed its own order redefining the Aravalli Hills, ruling that hills under 100 meters in height will not be considered part of the Aravalli range. Environmentalists and activists have welcomed the stay but warn that the real battle for full protection is far from over. Activists Call for Complete ConservationNeelam Ahluwalia, founder member of People for Aravalli and a member of the Aravalli Virasat Jan Abhiyan, told Navbharat Times:"While we welcome the Supreme Court’s stay, the real concern is that expert committees will now decide what qualifies as Aravalli. The range does not need redefinition; it needs complete protection. Aravalli has already suffered greatly due to mining and real estate activities." Ahluwalia emphasized that the movement will...