Nation

New Delhi: The year 2026 opens on a historic note for India, marking two major economic milestones. India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan, and has assumed the BRICS chairmanship from 1 January 2026. With Russia and China as BRICS partners, India is now positioned at the center of a powerful geopolitical and economic bloc, even as last year’s trade tensions with the United States left some questions about Washington-New Delhi relations. BRICS Chairmanship: India’s New Strategic RoleIndia’s new leadership role in BRICS comes at a time of increasing global influence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited countries including Ethiopia, Oman, and Jordan, strengthening regional partnerships and positioning India as a major power in global affairs. Ac...

New Delhi / Mumbai: The first day of 2026 brought a welcome change in the weather for residents of Delhi and Mumbai, as light rainfall was recorded in both cities, offering a temporary respite from pollution. Delhi Sees First Rain of the SeasonIn Delhi, light showers were reported in several areas, including Dwarka and Uttam Nagar in West Delhi. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rainfall, accompanied by occasional thunder and lightning, is likely to provide relief from the biting cold and pollution levels. Minimum temperatures in the capital dropped to 6.4°C, slightly below normal by 0.4°C. Morning fog and cold persisted throughout the day, with temperatures expected to remain low into the night. Rainfall Alerts Across North IndiaThe IMD has issued rainfall ...

New Delhi: The year 2025 proved to be monumental for India’s defense sector, marked by strategic military operations, technological advancements, and a resolute stance against terrorism. The highlight of the year was Operation Sindoor, along with a series of decisive strikes that set a “new normal” in counter-terrorism. Operation Sindoor: A Demonstration of Strategic MightFollowing the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India delivered a strong and measured response, compelling Pakistan to seek a ceasefire. On 7 May 2025, under Operation Sindoor, India launched targeted strikes against terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir. Subsequent retaliatory attempts by Islamabad were effectively neutralized, including precise bombing on Pakistani airbases. Experts sa...

New Delhi: As the nation rings in the New Year, a sharp cold wave and scattered rain are expected across several states in North India, including Delhi-NCR. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for rainfall over the next 48 hours, signaling a chilly start to 2026. Rain Alert for Delhi and Surrounding RegionsDelhi is expected to experience the first rains of the season on New Year’s Day. Minimum temperatures are likely to rise by 3–4°C over the next two days before dropping by 2–3°C, keeping nighttime temperatures higher than usual. Maximum temperatures, however, are forecasted to remain 3–5°C below normal over the next four days. Morning fog and cold conditions will persist throughout the day. A cyclonic circulation over Punjab and Haryana may cause light, scat...

New Delhi: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Dhaka on Wednesday to attend the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. While representing the Government of India and the Indian people, Jaishankar’s visit was marked by key diplomatic engagements, though notably, he did not meet Mohammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government. At the airport, Jaishankar was welcomed by India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma. During the funeral proceedings, he met with Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of the late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. However, there was no interaction with Mohammad Yunus, sparking widespread speculation about the reasons behind the absence of a meeting. Speculations A...

New Delhi: The U.S. Embassy in India has highlighted a year of strengthened bilateral ties, reflecting on key moments that shaped India-U.S. relations in 2025. Through a video released at the year’s end, the Embassy showcased major diplomatic engagements and agreements, emphasizing the shared commitment of both nations to a more robust partnership. The video features Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington D.C. earlier this year, including meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. These interactions underscore the priority both countries placed on high-level dialogue, despite a challenging global environment. Strengthening Defense TiesA significant highlight of the year was the signing of the 10-year update to the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership fr...

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a four-point action agenda to 12 states and Union Territories to streamline the document verification process under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The move aims to make it easier for voters whose names were omitted from the draft voter lists to complete the verification process. Four-Point Verification Agenda Document Submission via BLO App: Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) will allow voters to submit additional documents required to prove eligibility, including those from previous SIR lists, through the BLO app for verification. Five-Day Verification Timeline: District Election Officers (DEOs) must verify all received documents on ECINET within five days of receipt. Cross-District Verification: ...

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will travel to Dhaka today to represent the Indian government at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Jaishankar will lead the official Indian delegation, marking a significant diplomatic engagement at a time when India-Bangladesh relations are under strain. Recent incidents targeting the Hindu minority in Bangladesh and remarks from key Bangladeshi leaders critical of India have heightened sensitivities, making this visit particularly important. Khaleda Zia: A Pioneering Leader Begum Khaleda Zia passed away yesterday at the age of 80. She was Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and played a pivotal role in restoring democracy after perio...

India is forging a stronger economic and strategic partnership with Oman, a Gulf nation that maintains robust ties with both India and the United States. This relationship is increasingly being seen as more stable and mutually beneficial than India’s engagements with Qatar or Saudi Arabia. India-Oman Relations: A New Chapter Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Oman, the two nations have signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, marking a significant milestone. Oman now joins a select group of countries having Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with both India and the U.S., offering opportunities for trade, investment, and skilled manpower exchange. Oman’s liberal policies, strategic location, and industrial expertise make it a favorable destination for ...

As India gears up to welcome 2026, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather warnings for six states in North India. Citizens are advised to stay cautious as rain, snowfall, and dense fog could impact celebrations and travel plans. Rain and Snow Alert in Northern States On December 31, 2025, the IMD has forecasted rain and snowfall in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir. The severe weather may cause temperatures to drop by 2–3°C in affected areas. Hill stations and high-altitude regions should prepare for snowfall, while plains may experience intermittent rain showers. Delhi Weather Forecast Delhi is expected to experience chilly weather with chances of rain. Maximum temperature will hover around 20°C, while the mini...