Friday, December 19

Opinion

Haryana’s Toll Burden: Highest Collection, Shortest Distance — A Systemic Imbalance Exposed
Opinion

Haryana’s Toll Burden: Highest Collection, Shortest Distance — A Systemic Imbalance Exposed

When a smaller state outperforms a giant like Gujarat in toll collection, it raises more than just eyebrows— it raises structural questions.— By Dr. Satyawan Saurabh A recent reply in the Lok Sabha has confirmed what the people of Haryana have long been experiencing: the mounting weight of toll charges, irregular placement of plazas, and barriers appearing every few kilometres. The government data revealed is not just a statistic— it is a mirror reflecting policy distortions, administrative flaws, and misplaced priorities. According to the report, Haryana ranks number one in India in per-capita toll collection, at ₹917.1 per citizen— the highest in the country. This revelation is startling, especially when compared with Gujarat. Despite being nearly three times larger, more indus...
Questions Over SIR Refuse to End: Understanding the Political Angle Behind the Growing Confusion
Opinion

Questions Over SIR Refuse to End: Understanding the Political Angle Behind the Growing Confusion

The controversy surrounding the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) continues to intensify. A delegation of TMC MPs recently approached the Election Commission, raising serious concerns over the fairness and transparency of the ongoing process. With upcoming assembly elections in several states, the political temperature around SIR is steadily rising. The Expanding Controversy The second phase of SIR has become a major flashpoint. Opposition leaders, particularly from the Trinamool Congress, believe that the process lacks clarity and objectivity. Their apprehensions, if left unaddressed, could deepen mistrust at a time when electoral credibility is crucial. A Key Election Issue The ongoing revision covers 12 states and Union Territories, including Kerala, Puduc...
International Day of Persons with Disabilities — 03 December 2025
Opinion

International Day of Persons with Disabilities — 03 December 2025

The United Nations’ declared theme is not merely a formal message but a true reflection of the challenges and realities modern societies face. A nation’s progress can only be considered balanced, genuine, and complete when persons with disabilities participate actively in every sector of society with dignity, equal opportunities, and respect. Persons with Disabilities in India: Changing Perspectives, Expanding Opportunities The Prime Minister’s use of the term “Divyang” instead of “disabled” is not just a linguistic change—it reflects a positive shift in national thinking. According to the 2011 Census, India has 26 million persons with disabilities. However, after the inclusion of 21 types of disabilities in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the actual number is m...
India’s Children Falling into the Digital Abyss: Internet Addiction and Gaming Disorder Emerging as a ‘Silent Pandemic’
Opinion

India’s Children Falling into the Digital Abyss: Internet Addiction and Gaming Disorder Emerging as a ‘Silent Pandemic’

In today’s digital age, children are increasingly falling prey to mobile gaming addiction and excessive internet use, which experts are calling a new ‘silent pandemic’. This growing trend is affecting their physical, mental, and social well-being, making them vulnerable to a range of health and developmental issues. Key CausesExperts point to several factors contributing to this phenomenon: Easy access to mobile phones and the internet Increased online gaming habits Parents being preoccupied or busy Academic pressure and competition Using gaming, social media, or digital content as a coping mechanism for stress Adverse Effects of Social Media and GamingThe consequences of excessive digital engagement are alarming: Decline in academic performance Reduced focus ...
Ahead of Putin’s Visit, Russia Offers Major Partnership in Shipbuilding and Port Infrastructure
Opinion

Ahead of Putin’s Visit, Russia Offers Major Partnership in Shipbuilding and Port Infrastructure

New Delhi: Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India, Moscow has extended a significant proposal to deepen maritime cooperation with New Delhi. The offer includes collaboration in advanced shipbuilding, port infrastructure development, and broader maritime capabilities across the Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific region. The proposal was formally conveyed by Nikolai Patrushev, former Russian National Security Advisor and a close confidant of President Putin, during his meeting with India’s Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Focus on Expanding Maritime Partnership According to an Economic Times report, Monday’s discussions between Patrushev and Sonowal explored new opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the civil maritim...
Shahnawaz Hussain Slams Congress Over SIR, Highlights Vote Share Growth Post-Delhi Polls
Opinion

Shahnawaz Hussain Slams Congress Over SIR, Highlights Vote Share Growth Post-Delhi Polls

New Delhi, 18 November 2025: BJP national spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain has criticized Congress for raising unnecessary concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. Hussain remarked that instead of creating a ruckus, Congress should be pleased that its vote share has increased by 600% following the Delhi elections. Addressing the media, Hussain said, “Congress is unnecessarily making statements against the SIR process. They should be happy that their vote share has grown by 600% since the Delhi polls. In Delhi, Congress did not win a single seat. Yet in the Bihar Assembly elections, the party managed to secure victories in six constituencies. Earlier they blamed EVMs, now they are using SIR as an excuse.” Congress Leadership Holds Meeting on SIRHussain’...
Supreme Court Raises Concern Over Reports of a Missing Child Every Eight Minutes, Urges Streamlining of Adoption Process
Opinion

Supreme Court Raises Concern Over Reports of a Missing Child Every Eight Minutes, Urges Streamlining of Adoption Process

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over reports claiming that a child goes missing in India every eight minutes. While the court did not confirm the accuracy of the claim, it emphasized the gravity of the issue and the need for urgent action to address child safety. A bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan directed the central government to streamline the adoption process, noting that the current cumbersome procedures often lead individuals to pursue illegal means to obtain children. Justice Nagarathna stated, “I read in a newspaper that a child goes missing every eight minutes in the country. I do not know whether this is true or not, but the matter is extremely serious.” During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya...
Delhi Blast Investigation Live Updates: Threats to Schools and Courts, Jaish-e-Mohammed Email Sparks National Alarm
Opinion

Delhi Blast Investigation Live Updates: Threats to Schools and Courts, Jaish-e-Mohammed Email Sparks National Alarm

Delhi, India: The investigation into the Red Fort car blast on 10 November continues, with authorities uncovering new threats and making significant arrests. At least 12 people were killed in the blast near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort, while several others were seriously injured. The explosion came hours after a terrorist module was busted in Faridabad, leading to the arrest of seven suspects, including Dr. Muzammil and Shaheen, on charges of involvement in terrorist activities. Key Developments 1. NIA Makes Further Arrests The Delhi court remanded Aamir Rashid Ali, associate of Red Fort blast driver Umar Mohammad (aka Umar ur Nabi), to 10 days of NIA custody. Another major suspect, Jaseer Bilal Wani (aka Danish) from Kashmir, was arrested from Srinagar. NIA confirms Aamir arra...
PM Modi Reveals the ‘Winning Formula’ for the First Time
Opinion

PM Modi Reveals the ‘Winning Formula’ for the First Time

** New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering the 6th Ramnath Goenka Lecture on Monday, explained for the first time why the BJP continues to win elections consecutively across the country. Modi said that it is not “election mode” but a 24×7 emotional commitment to development and public sensitivity that drives the BJP’s victories. He added that the recent Bihar election results have sent a strong message to every state government—their development policies alone will determine their political future, irrespective of whether they are left-wing, right-wing, or centrist. Modi Targets Congress: “Urban Naxals Have Taken Over the Party” Taking a sharp swipe at the Congress, the Prime Minister said that extremist elements who support Naxal and Maoist violence are losing grou...
Bangladesh Court Sentences Former PM Sheikh Hasina to Death Over Student Protests; Former Home Minister Also Penalized
Opinion, Politics, world

Bangladesh Court Sentences Former PM Sheikh Hasina to Death Over Student Protests; Former Home Minister Also Penalized

Dhaka: In a historic and unprecedented verdict, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death, along with former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the anti-reservation student protests of July–August 2024. Former Police Chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was also found culpable, receiving varying sentences in related cases. Court Findings The ICT, presided over by Justice Ghulam Mortuza Mojumdar, concluded that Sheikh Hasina, Kamal, and Al-Mamun were responsible for orchestrating violent crackdowns against student demonstrators. According to the court, Hasina issued orders for lethal force, including the use of helicopters and drones, resulting in the deaths of approxim...