Nation

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...

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...

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...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has clarified that a husband asking his wife to maintain an account of household expenses does not amount to cruelty. The apex court’s verdict came while hearing a petition filed by a husband whose wife had lodged an FIR against him, alleging mental harassment and cruelty over financial control. Bench ObservationsA two-judge bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan emphasized that courts must exercise caution in marital disputes and consider the reality of domestic situations. Many such cases arise from everyday disagreements, which cannot automatically be labeled as cruelty. Case BackgroundThe wife alleged that the husband sent money to his parents, insisted she record daily household expenses in an Excel sheet, and made remarks ...

New Delhi: Amidst the choking pollution in Delhi-NCR, Sunita Narayan, Padma Shri awardee and Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), has emphasized that individual lifestyle changes are critical to tackling the city’s air crisis. Speaking to NBT’s Poonam Gaur, she highlighted that temporary measures and technological fixes alone cannot solve the problem. Learning from Other CountriesNarayan pointed to China’s example in combating smog, stressing that India can adopt similar strategies. “China used large-scale natural gas, shut down non-compliant industries, and replaced older vehicles with electric ones. India can do this too, but it requires year-round, planned action rather than waiting for winter or Diwali to act,” she said. Public Protests Signal Frustra...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday delivered a landmark observation on freedom of speech, stating that while the right to speak is fundamental, it carries responsibilities and “cannot be misused.” The apex court refused pre-arrest bail to a 24-year-old Chartered Accountancy student from Bengaluru who had made objectionable posts about the Prime Minister and his mother on a parody social media account named “Jawaharlal Nehru Satire.” The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, advised the student to approach the Gujarat High Court for relief instead. The Supreme Court emphasized that individuals who misuse the right to free speech should not be granted discretionary relief by courts. Background of the Case The controve...

Over the past two decades, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has witnessed the retirement of several fighter aircraft while struggling to induct new ones in sufficient numbers. Since the induction of the Sukhoi-30MKI, there has been no major addition to India’s frontline fighter fleet—until now. On September 25, 2025, the IAF placed an order for 97 additional Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark-1A, estimated at ₹62,370 crore. This marks the fourth order for the Tejas, reflecting India’s growing reliance on indigenously developed defense platforms. Once inducted, these aircraft are expected to form the backbone of India’s airpower, with a total of 220 Tejas jets joining the fleet—making it the second-largest combat aircraft formation after the Sukhoi-30MKI. Tejas: The Backbone of IAF A...

New Delhi: Delhi-NCR is experiencing a severe cold wave as dense fog disrupted daily life on Saturday. Low visibility affected road, rail, and air traffic, prompting authorities to issue alerts and advisories for commuters. Dense Fog and Cold WaveFrom early Saturday morning, dense fog blanketed the region, forcing residents to stay indoors. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings for thick to very dense fog and declared an Orange Alert. Visibility on roads and railways was significantly reduced, while air traffic faced delays. The forecast indicates that fog may persist on Sunday and Monday, leading the IMD to issue a Yellow Alert for continued caution. Impact on Air TravelDelhi Airport issued an advisory, warning passengers about low visibility affecting flight ope...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has described child trafficking and sexual exploitation as serious and deeply concerning crimes, and has issued crucial guidelines for lower courts to ensure sensitive handling of such cases. The apex court emphasized that minor inconsistencies in the testimony of minor victims should not be grounds for dismissal, and investigations must be conducted with utmost sensitivity. Guidelines for CourtsA bench led by Justice Manoj Mishra highlighted that child trafficking is not an isolated phenomenon but a deeply entrenched and organized crime, continuing despite strict laws. The Supreme Court directed lower courts to protect the rights and dignity of minor victims and ensure justice without delay. The guidelines were issued while upholding the convict...

New Delhi: India’s oldest mountain range, the Aravalli Hills, is once again at the heart of a national debate. The Supreme Court recently approved a new legal definition for the Aravallis, triggering questions and concerns across environmental circles. Here’s what you need to know. 1. What is the new legal definition of the Aravalli Hills?In November–December 2025, the Supreme Court accepted the central committee’s proposed definition: only hills rising at least 100 meters above ground will now be officially considered part of the Aravalli range. Previously, different states had varying regulations regarding the Aravallis, creating legal ambiguities. The new definition aims to standardize protection across five states where the range spans. 2. Why are environmentalists concerned?Acco...