Thursday, December 25

Nation

Despite Electoral Bonds Ban, BJP Sees Massive Donation Inflow of ₹3,577 Crore
Nation, Politics

Despite Electoral Bonds Ban, BJP Sees Massive Donation Inflow of ₹3,577 Crore

New Delhi: The BJP continues to see a rapid increase in its party funds even after the Supreme Court’s February 2024 ban on electoral bonds. Contrary to expectations of a slowdown, the party received over ₹3,577 crore in donations during the 2024-25 financial year, primarily through Electoral Trusts (ETs). Electoral Trusts Step UpIn 2023-24, BJP received a total of ₹3,967 crore in donations, including ₹1,686 crore via electoral bonds and ₹856 crore from ETs. With electoral bonds now discontinued, companies seeking a semi-anonymous way to donate have shifted to ETs—benefiting BJP the most. According to the Election Commission, a total of ₹4,276 crore was collected through ETs in 2024-25, with BJP receiving 83.6%—more than four times the previous year. Congress received 7.3%, and Trina...
India vs Bangladesh: Military Power Comparison Shows India’s Clear Strategic Edge
Nation

India vs Bangladesh: Military Power Comparison Shows India’s Clear Strategic Edge

Following the brutal mob lynching of Hindu youth Deepu Chandra Das in Bangladesh, where a dozen people have been arrested so far, concerns over regional tensions have resurfaced. While India has raised concerns over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, experts point out that in terms of military strength, Bangladesh is far behind India and would struggle to sustain a confrontation. Air Power AdvantageIndia enjoys a decisive edge in air capabilities. According to data from NationMaster, Bangladesh operates approximately 100 combat aircraft, whereas India fields nearly 1,080, making India more than ten times stronger in aerial combat potential. India also possesses around 140 attack helicopters compared to Bangladesh’s 24, further consolidating its dominance in air warfare. Ground Forc...
India Demands Justice in Killing of Hindu Youth in Bangladesh, Voices Concern Over Attacks on Minorities
Nation

India Demands Justice in Killing of Hindu Youth in Bangladesh, Voices Concern Over Attacks on Minorities

India has urged the Bangladesh government to ensure that those responsible for the brutal murder of Hindu youth Deepu Chandra Das are brought to justice. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also dismissed misleading reports in Bangladeshi media about protests in New Delhi, emphasizing that demonstrations outside the Bangladesh High Commission were peaceful. Protests and Calls for JusticeMEA spokesperson Randeep Jayswal stated, “We are closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh. Our officials are in contact with Bangladeshi authorities, and we have expressed serious concern over attacks on minorities.” On Saturday, around 20–25 youths gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi to protest the murder of Das in Mymensingh. The demonstrators demanded security for ...
BSF Soldier Abducted at India-Bangladesh Border, Later Safely Returned
Nation

BSF Soldier Abducted at India-Bangladesh Border, Later Safely Returned

In a startling incident on the India-Bangladesh border, a BSF soldier was reportedly abducted by smugglers and handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), only to be safely returned to India later. The incident occurred early Sunday in the Mekhliganj area of North Bengal. Details of the IncidentAccording to sources, the soldier, identified as Ved Prakash of the 174th Battalion stationed at Arjun Camp, was taken advantage of dense fog near the border. After being abducted, he was handed over to the BGB across the border. Indian authorities coordinated with their counterparts, and the soldier was safely brought back to Indian territory. The BSF has not yet issued an official statement on the incident. However, sources confirmed that it took place along the India-Bangladesh border...
Weather Alert: Northern India Witnesses First Snowfall, Bitter Cold to Grip Delhi and UP
Nation

Weather Alert: Northern India Witnesses First Snowfall, Bitter Cold to Grip Delhi and UP

Northern India is experiencing severe cold as the first snowfall of the season blankets the hilly regions. Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh are expected to witness heavy rainfall and snowfall over the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, dense fog is likely to persist over the plains, potentially disrupting road, rail, and air traffic. IMD Issues Weather WarningThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a caution for the next few days, predicting heavy rainfall and snowfall in high-altitude regions of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and northeastern Himachal Pradesh. Strong winds reaching 50–60 km/h may reduce visibility significantly. In the plains, dense to very dense fog is forecasted over eastern Uttar Pradesh until 23 December, and across Punj...
‘Maa Ka Masala’ to Become a Pillar of Women’s Self-Reliance
Nation

‘Maa Ka Masala’ to Become a Pillar of Women’s Self-Reliance

A Mother’s Love and Taste to Reach India and the World: Shila Thakur New Delhi/Indore | Special Correspondent A mother’s love, blessings, and homemade taste will no longer remain confined within the four walls of the kitchen—it is now set to travel across India and overseas. This was stated by Ms. Shila Thakur, Founder and Director of Maa Ka Masala Food Private Limited, while addressing the media. She announced that through the “Maa Ka Pyaar Cloud Kitchen – Mother Innovation Program,” homemakers across the country are being provided with a dignified platform for economic independence, self-respect, and social empowerment. Ms. Thakur emphasized that ‘Maa Ka Masala’ is not merely a food brand, but a social innovation dedicated to a mother’s love, values, dignity, and blessings. T...
From Rome to Solapur: Discovery of Ancient Labyrinth Reveals Historic Trade Route
Nation

From Rome to Solapur: Discovery of Ancient Labyrinth Reveals Historic Trade Route

Solapur, Maharashtra: Archaeologists have uncovered India’s largest circular stone labyrinth in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur district, Maharashtra. This ancient labyrinth, consisting of 15 concentric rings, sheds new light on trade connections between Ter (Dharashiv) in India and Rome nearly 2,000 years ago. The discovery was made by archaeologist Sachin Patil from Pune’s Deccan College and has garnered international recognition. It will be featured in the 2026 issue of the UK-based journal “Caerdroia,” which specializes in studies of labyrinths. Previously, India’s largest circular labyrinth had only 11 rings, making this find unprecedented. While Tamil Nadu’s Gedimedu site features the largest square labyrinth (56 feet), Solapur’s labyrinth is the largest circular labyrinth by a...
India-Russia Forge Mega Plan on Critical Minerals and Rare Earths, Challenging China and US Dominance
Nation

India-Russia Forge Mega Plan on Critical Minerals and Rare Earths, Challenging China and US Dominance

New Delhi: India and Russia have joined hands to tackle one of the world’s most pressing strategic challenges — critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs). This joint initiative marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation and reducing global dependence on China’s monopoly over these essential resources. A Landmark India-Russia PartnershipDuring the annual India-Russia summit held in early December in Delhi, both countries discussed critical minerals and rare earths extensively. Following the summit, India and Russia have accelerated efforts to establish joint projects in this sector. The collaboration covers exploration, processing, and refining technologies for these vital natural resources, which are essential for green energy initiatives and modern technolog...
No Concrete Data Linking AQI to Lung Disease, Government Tells Parliament; Pollution Control Plans Outlined
Nation

No Concrete Data Linking AQI to Lung Disease, Government Tells Parliament; Pollution Control Plans Outlined

New Delhi: Amid rising pollution in Delhi-NCR, the government informed Parliament that there is no conclusive evidence directly linking higher AQI levels to lung diseases. However, officials acknowledged that air pollution can exacerbate respiratory illnesses and related health issues. The statement was made during the Winter Session of Parliament, in response to a question by BJP MP Laxmikant Vajpayee, who asked whether poor air quality is reducing lung capacity and causing serious conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis, as reported in various studies. He also inquired about measures being taken to protect the population from such diseases. Government ResponseThe Environment Ministry clarified that no definitive data exists to prove that deaths are solely due to air pollution. Health...
Exports Soar! Oman Recognizes India’s Halal Certification, Government Eyes 55 More Muslim Nations
Nation

Exports Soar! Oman Recognizes India’s Halal Certification, Government Eyes 55 More Muslim Nations

New Delhi: In a major boost for Indian exports, Oman has officially recognized India’s Halal meat certification, a step that could open doors to over 55 other Muslim-majority countries. Halal certification ensures that meat is prepared according to Islamic guidelines, making it safe and permissible for consumption. Government InitiativeCommerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the Indian government has been engaging with Gulf countries, which are among the largest buyers of Halal products, to ensure formal recognition of Indian Halal-certified products rather than relying on informal approvals. “This recognition by Oman will eliminate repetitive testing and certification, reduce costs, and simplify market access for Indian exporters,” Goyal said. “We are emphasizing tha...