Nation

New Delhi: Amid nationwide protests against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Indian government has issued an advisory for its citizens, urging them to avoid non-essential travel to the country. Reports have even suggested that Khamenei may leave Iran for Moscow, with the U.S. allegedly supporting the ongoing protests. Despite the unrest, a significant number of Indians continue to live, study, and pursue education in Iran. Why India Sends Students to Iran India has long-standing cultural and historical ties with Iran. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 15 March 1950, the two countries have maintained deep connections in trade, education, and culture. Many Indian students go to Iran to study MBBS or BDS, while others pursue religious education, especia...

New Delhi: The United States has shown significant force in Venezuela with its move towards regime change, marking a new chapter in what can be seen as a modern "Cold War." This development could be a boon for India. Should the U.S. gain control over Venezuela and lift sanctions on its oil, India stands to benefit in several ways. Venezuela's Oil and India’s Strategic Gains If the sanctions on Venezuela’s oil are lifted, India could diversify its oil imports and secure payments for dues owed by ONGC Videsh Ltd., the foreign arm of India's state-owned oil giant. The company holds stakes in Venezuelan oil fields like San Cristobal and Carabobo-1, amounting to nearly $1 billion in outstanding payments. With these sanctions removed, India could once again access oil from Venezuela, reduc...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has expressed deep concern over illegal constructions on forest land in Uttarakhand and has demanded a comprehensive report from the state government within two weeks. The report must include site maps and detailed descriptions of the illegal constructions. The court also raised questions about the apparent collusion between officials and land grabbers, citing negligence in protecting government land. A bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant had previously raised serious concerns on 22 December regarding large-scale and systematic encroachment on forest land in Uttarakhand. The court proposed widening the scope of the investigation to probe the shocking failure of the state machinery in protecting forest areas. Court’s Observation on Collusion Between Offic...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has denied bail to prominent accused Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the major conspiracy case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots, ruling that there is prima facie evidence of their involvement in the riots. However, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur-Rehman, Shadab Ahmed, and Mohammad Saleem Khan were granted bail. The court noted that not all accused were in the same position and directed the trial court to expedite proceedings in the case. Bail ConditionsWhile granting bail, the Supreme Court imposed 11 stringent conditions. These include restrictions on leaving Delhi without the trial court's permission, surrendering their passports, and refraining from attending any public gatherings, making speeches, or participating in activities that could disrupt...

Pune: Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi has passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. He breathed his last at the Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. His body will be kept at Kalmadi House, Erandwane until 2:00 PM today, and the final rites will be performed at 3:30 PM at the Vaikunth Crematorium, Navi Peth, Pune. Kalmadi, a prominent figure in Indian politics and sports, was a member of the Indian Air Force and served in both the 1965 and 1971 wars. He studied at Fergusson College, Pune, before joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla. Kalmadi was the son of Dr. K. Shamarav, a well-known social activist from Pune. His father also played a pivotal role in founding the Kannada School and Kannada Sangh in the city, motivated b...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has set aside the dismissal of a judicial officer from Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing that disciplinary proceedings cannot be initiated against members of the district judiciary solely for issuing allegedly wrong judicial orders. A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan allowed the appeal filed by Nirbhay Singh Sulia, who had been removed from service in 2014 while serving as an Additional District and Sessions Judge. Sulia faced allegations of corruption and was accused of applying a “double standard” while deciding bail petitions under the Excise Act. The action had followed a departmental inquiry initiated by the High Court. High Courts Must Exercise CautionJustice K.V. Viswanathan stressed that High Courts must exercise extreme cau...

Severe cold and dense fog continue to grip much of the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of persistent fog in several northern states over the next few days. Frost and cold-wave conditions are expected in many regions. Northern India Faces Intense ColdDense fog and plummeting temperatures are causing severe discomfort in northern India. Himalayan states are experiencing heavy snowfall, adding to the challenges. The IMD predicts that from 6–10 January, thick to very dense fog is likely during morning hours in north-west, central, eastern, and north-eastern India. States including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal may experience frost and cold-wave conditions. Between 5–7 January...

In a significant stride towards self-reliance, India has inducted the pollution control vessel ‘Samudra Pratap’ into the Indian Coast Guard fleet. The vessel, built with over 60% indigenous content, is designed to tackle maritime pollution while also being fully capable of search and rescue operations, coastal patrolling, and strengthening maritime security. Meeting Today’s Maritime ChallengesThe vessel integrates multiple operational capabilities on a single platform. According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, this modern approach reflects the current demands of maritime operations, where flexibility and preparedness are equally critical. The Samudra Pratap has been constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited, measures 114.5 meters in length, weighs approximately 4,200 tonnes, and is equippe...

New Delhi: The United States has reportedly pressed India to reduce tariffs by 25% following a decline in India’s crude oil imports from Russia. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham claimed that Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Mohan Kwatra, made this appeal during a meeting last month. According to Senator Graham, Ambassador Kwatra highlighted that India is importing less oil from Russia and requested that President Donald Trump remove the 25% tariff. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Graham said he visited the ambassador’s residence a month ago, where the discussion focused exclusively on India’s reduced Russian oil imports. The timing of this appeal is significant, as President Trump had recently threatened higher tariffs on India for continuing to import Russian oil. Trump r...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the bail petitions of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). While the court granted bail to five other accused—Gulfisha Fatima, Miran Haider, Shifaur Rahman, Shadab Ahmed, and Mohammad Salim Khan—it emphasized that each bail petition must be examined on its own merits. The bench, comprising Justices Arvind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria, noted that Khalid and Imam’s cases are qualitatively different from the other accused. Supreme Court Allows Bail Plea After One YearThe court observed that prima facie evidence exists against Khalid and Imam. However, it allowed them to refile their bail applications after one year or after examination of protected witnesses. The ...