DELHI (national capital territory)

New Delhi: This Republic Day, Rajpath will come alive with the vibrant colors and rich heritage of India. From terracotta and brass crafts to Gar dance and horse dances, from Sea Samadhi to Water Metro, and from Operation Sindoor to the “Vande Mataram” tableau, artists from across the country will showcase their unique cultural traditions. Ahead of the grand parade, full dress rehearsals are underway at the National Rangshala Camp in Delhi Cantonment, where artists and craftsmen are putting final touches to their tableaus. Rajalakshmi, an MA student from Tamil Nadu participating in her state’s tableau, said, “Our group arrived in Delhi on January 11. We are getting a chance to learn about the culture of different states and have made friends with many fellow artists. We practice morn...

New Delhi: The weather in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has taken a turn, bringing respite from unseasonal warmth but a rise in winter chill. Early Friday, light showers accompanied by gusty winds were reported across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and surrounding areas. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), dense cloud cover is expected throughout the day, reducing the likelihood of sunlight and keeping daytime temperatures low. Current Temperature and ForecastIMD’s local weather report predicts a maximum temperature of around 19°C and a minimum of 12°C in Delhi on 23 January. On 24 January, the maximum temperature is expected to drop to 17°C with a minimum of 7°C, while 25 January may see light to moderate fog in the morning, with temperatures ranging between...

New Delhi: The issue of waterlogging in Sharma Colony, Kirari, has triggered a blame game between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Both parties have launched allegations against each other regarding the deteriorating living conditions in the area. BJP Points Finger at AAPDelhi government minister Pravesh Sahib Singh accused AAP leaders of exploiting unauthorized colonies for personal gain during their 11 years in power. He claimed that in colonies like Sharma Colony and 114 other areas in Outer Delhi, AAP legislators bought land at low prices, secured minimal government funding to lay partial sewer lines, and falsely marketed it as infrastructure development to inflate land value. Singh highlighted that Sharma Colony, being a low-lying area, has faced w...

New Delhi: A shocking incident has come to light in Samaypur Badli, where a 17-year-old boy was stabbed to death on Wednesday night. The victim was sitting with his friends near a bonfire when a group of armed youths suddenly attacked them. According to DCP Hareswar V. Swami of Outer North District, the incident occurred around 7:30 PM at the Chhath Ghat Park near Rana Park. A group of six to seven youths approached the victim and his friends without any provocation and launched a violent attack. Three of the attackers wielded knives, escalating the confrontation. Details of the AttackThe accused stabbed the boy forcefully in the left side of his chest between the ribs, causing severe injuries and heavy bleeding. Witnessing the attack, the assailants fled the scene. The victim’s frie...

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has ruled that not every personal relationship must culminate in marriage, and the breakup of a consensual relationship between adults cannot be treated as a criminal act. Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma made this observation in a judgment delivered on 12 January, emphasizing that such matters should be handled with sensitivity, restraint, and respect for individual freedom. Key Observations of the CourtThe court noted that a responsible adult entering a voluntary romantic relationship must be aware of the uncertainties involved. “It is neither necessary nor guaranteed that every romantic relationship will result in marriage,” the court stated. Many relationships may end for personal, practical, or circumstantial reasons, including incompatibility or a change ...

New Delhi: The Delhi Police have registered an FIR against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, who runs the pro-Khalistan group “Sikhs for Justice,” for allegedly attempting to create unrest in the capital ahead of Republic Day (26 January). Pannu had released a video on social media claiming that his sleeper cells had put up pro-Khalistan posters in the Rohini and Dabri areas of Delhi. However, the Special Cell of Delhi Police reported that no such posters were found, and the claim was entirely false. Following this, a formal complaint has been lodged against him. Previous Threats and Terrorist DesignationThe Indian government had declared Gurpatwant Singh Pannu a terrorist under the amended Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on 1 July 2020. Earlier, the Punjab Pol...

New Delhi: Commuters in Delhi-NCR are advised to plan their metro journeys carefully as certain gates at six metro stations will remain closed on account of Republic Day celebrations. From 3 AM on 23 January until the conclusion of the events on 26 January, some gates at Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Delhi Gate, and ITO stations will be non-operational, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced. Security Alert Ahead of Republic DaySecurity agencies have issued heightened warnings ahead of the Republic Day events. Threats now extend beyond conventional methods, with adversaries potentially using fake IDs, uniforms, and official labels to gain access to restricted areas. Items such as tiffin boxes, torches, toys, and perfume bottles could be used to...

New Delhi: Residents of Delhi-NCR woke up to early morning rainfall on Thursday, signaling a sharp drop in temperatures and the onset of a cold spell in the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rainfall alert for today, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 km/h. Light rain showers are expected in one or two spells from morning to afternoon across the city and surrounding areas, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram. Record Warmth Followed by Sudden CoolingJust a day earlier, Delhi experienced unseasonal warmth, with mercury touching 27.1°C—around seven degrees above normal—marking the hottest January day in the past seven years. The unusual heat was attributed to persistent warm easterly winds and clear skies, which a...

New Delhi: The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) announced on Thursday that it will challenge the acquittal of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case before the Delhi High Court. Kumar was acquitted by the Rouse Avenue District Court in a case related to instigating violence in the Janakpuri area during the riots. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. Allegations of Leading the MobDSGMC President Harmeet Singh Kalka and General Secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon stated in a release that three Sikhs were killed on 1–2 November 1984, with five witnesses testifying that Sajjan Kumar led the mob responsible for the killings. Despite this, the court acquitted him. The committee said it will study ...

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has ruled that high blood pressure cannot be considered a sufficient reason to deny disability pension to a retired Indian Air Force (IAF) officer by merely categorizing it as a lifestyle-related health issue. A bench comprising Justice V. Kameshwar Rao and Justice Manmeet P.S. Arora emphasized that each individual’s lifestyle is different and it is the responsibility of the medical board to conduct a proper examination and provide a reasoned conclusion. Denial of Disability Pension Not JustifiedThe bench dismissed the Centre’s petition challenging an Armed Forces Tribunal order, which had held that the IAF officer was entitled to a disability pension for early-onset high blood pressure. In its judgment on 19 January, the court stated, “It is important to...