Nation

Following the recent IndiGo crisis, India’s airline industry has entered a high-stakes battle to attract and retain pilots, with IndiGo and Air India offering increasingly lucrative packages to secure top talent. Pilot Recruitment War IntensifiesThe new safety regulations issued for airlines have created a scramble for experienced pilots. To comply with DGCA mandates, IndiGo has pledged to hire additional pilots, aiming to onboard 100 captains in January alone. Meanwhile, Air India has already advertised for multiple positions to expand its team. However, both airlines are facing a wave of resignations, with pilots switching between the two companies or leaving for international carriers. As a result, most recruitment currently focuses on maintaining existing staffing levels rather than...

The Supreme Court of India has withdrawn its 20 November ruling on the new definition of the Aravalli Hills and proposed the formation of a high-level expert committee to reassess the matter. The earlier decision had accepted a definition provided by a central government committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in October 2025, aimed at protecting one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges. Need for Re-evaluationThe Court emphasized the need to examine whether the new definition creates structural inconsistencies and inadvertently expands “non-Aravalli” areas, potentially enabling unregulated mining and environmental degradation. High-Level Committee ProposedChief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud suggested forming a committee to identify areas that could be excl...

In a remarkable feat of maritime heritage and modern engineering, the Indian Navy’s historic vessel, INSV Kaundinya, has embarked on its maiden voyage from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman, on 20 December 2025—without any engine. The journey retraces ancient Indian maritime trade routes that historically connected India to West Asia, reflecting a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and naval expertise. Constructed Using 5th Century TechniquesThe ship is built using traditional methods dating back to the 5th century CE, with no engine, metal, or modern propulsion systems. The hull and planks are stitched together using coconut fiber ropes and sealed with natural resins, cotton, and oils—a technique that provides flexibility, allowing the ship to absorb the energy of ocean waves. O...

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Delhi High Court’s order suspending the life imprisonment sentence of BJP leader-turned-accused in the 2017 Unnao rape case, Kuldip Singh Sengar. The apex court clarified that Sengar will not be released from jail. Key Questions Raised by Justice J.K. MaheshwariDuring proceedings, Justice J.K. Maheshwari questioned why the High Court’s suspension order did not clearly address whether Sengar was guilty under Section 376(2)(i) of the IPC. The matter will now proceed in the Supreme Court, where a significant determination will be made regarding the definition of ‘public servant’ under the POCSO Act and the criteria for granting suspension of sentences in such cases. Victim’s Right to File Separate PetitionThe Supreme Court also emphasized that the ...

Security agencies have raised alarms over a potential major terrorist attack in India, as approximately 150 Pakistan-based militants are reportedly hiding in the dense forests of Jammu and Kashmir, waiting for orders. Analysts believe this shift in tactics indicates a move away from small-scale incidents toward orchestrating a large-scale assault, potentially targeting Hindu communities again. Changing Terror TacticsIndia faced two major terrorist attacks in 2025. In April, in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, Pakistani militants targeted Hindu tourists, killing 26 people. In November, a Kashmiri doctor carried out a car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, claiming at least 15 lives and injuring many others. Security officials now fear that Pakistan may be planning even larger attacks using militant...

A major investigation is underway into whether the cars we travel in may contain chemicals that could increase the risk of cancer. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed a study on the health impacts of flame retardant chemicals commonly used in vehicles, raising concerns over potential long-term exposure. ICMR to Conduct StudyThe research has been entrusted to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The case was registered suo motu by the NGT on 8 May 2024. Earlier, the NGT had given ICMR an 18-month timeline to conduct a detailed study on the effects of flame retardant chemicals on drivers’ health. The study aims to determine definitively whether such hazardous chemicals are present inside vehicles and what risks they pose. Study Already UnderwayICMR filed an affidav...

A shocking incident in Kerala’s Palakkad district has once again highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers in India. On December 17, 31-year-old Ram Narayan Baghel, a migrant worker from Chhattisgarh, was brutally beaten to death by a mob while seeking employment. The victim, who did not speak the local language, was mistakenly accused of theft, and despite his desperate pleas of innocence, he was mercilessly attacked in front of bystanders. Baghel’s cousin, Shashikant Baghel, stated that a misunderstanding due to the language barrier led to the attack. Instead of handing him over to the police, the locals resorted to violence. Seven individuals have since been arrested in connection with the case. This tragic incident sheds light on the harsh realities migrant workers...

In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, has stayed the bail granted to former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. The court also issued strong warnings against attempts to intimidate the judicial system. The case came to the Supreme Court after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenged the Delhi High Court’s order that had temporarily suspended Sengar’s life imprisonment sentence. CJI Surya Kant’s bench, comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and George Masih, stayed the High Court’s order and directed Sengar to remain in jail. The next hearing is scheduled four weeks from now. CJI Surya Kant’s Stern WarningDuring the proceedings, the Chief Justice expressed concern over public allegations made against Delhi Hig...

A shocking incident unfolded at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, Delhi, where a passenger was allegedly assaulted by a plane pilot. The accused, Captain Virendra Sejwal, has now been arrested by airport police. According to reports, the assault occurred in front of the passenger’s 7-year-old daughter. The victim, Ankit Diwan, filed a written complaint with the airport police, stating that the Air India Express off-duty pilot physically attacked him, resulting in a fractured nose. The case has been registered under Sections 115, 126, and 351 of the BNS at the Airport Police Station. Although Captain Sejwal was arrested, he was released on bail due to the nature of the offenses being bailable. Airline RespondsFollowing the incident, Air India Express took immediate action ...