Nation

In a move that has escalated tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the United States has announced a $10 billion arms package for Taiwan, including missiles, artillery, drones, and advanced military equipment. The announcement comes amid growing friction between Beijing and Washington over Taiwan’s status, with China claiming the island as its own territory. Strategic Significance for the Region and India The arms deal is not only aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities but also carries significant strategic implications for India. China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh as “South Tibet” have led to frequent incursions in Indian territory. With Taiwan’s military capabilities bolstered, China could face pressure on a two-front scenario, limiting its ability to engage aggressiv...

In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court on Friday granted major relief to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra by setting aside the Lokpal’s order that had permitted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a chargesheet against her in the much-discussed ‘cash for query’ case. The ruling has temporarily halted the criminal prosecution process against Moitra and sent the matter back to the Lokpal for fresh consideration. High Court Quashes Lokpal’s Sanction A division bench comprising Justice Anil Kshetarpal and Justice Harish Vaidhyanathan Shankar quashed the Lokpal’s order dated November 12, which had granted sanction to the CBI to file a chargesheet against the TMC leader. “The impugned order is set aside,” the bench said, directing the Lokpal to...

After the conclusion of Parliament’s Winter Session, a rare and refreshing scene unfolded in the corridors of Indian politics. Leaders from both the ruling alliance and the opposition came together in a cordial and relaxed atmosphere at a meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were seen sharing hearty laughter. Tea, Talks and Togetherness The informal meeting was held at the Speaker’s Chamber following the adjournment of the Winter Session sine die on Friday. Unlike the often tense and noisy proceedings of the House, the gathering was marked by warmth, smiles and light-hearted conversations over tea. Prime Minister Modi attended the meeting along with Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Si...

Goa Liberation Day, observed annually on December 19, commemorates one of the most decisive and resolute chapters in India’s post-Independence history. On this day in 1961, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Vijay’, bringing an end to more than 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule and firmly integrating Goa into the Indian Union. Despite India gaining independence in 1947, Goa, Daman and Diu remained under Portuguese control for over a decade. Repeated diplomatic and peaceful efforts to resolve the issue failed, leaving the Government of India with no option but to take decisive military action to reclaim its sovereign territory. Operation Vijay: A Swift and Decisive Victory ‘Operation Vijay’ was executed with remarkable precision and coordination by the Indian Army, Nav...

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Justice Revati P. Mohite Dere, currently a senior judge of the Bombay High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court. The recommendation was made during the Collegium meeting held on December 18, underscoring her long-standing judicial experience and impactful contribution to Indian jurisprudence. Who is Justice Revati P. Mohite Dere? Born on April 17, 1965, in Pune, Justice Mohite Dere earned her LLB degree from Symbiosis Law College, Pune. She began her legal career practicing at the Bombay High Court and later served as a Public Prosecutor for the Government of Maharashtra. She was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in 2013 and became a Permanent Judge in 2015. Notably, she has se...

New Delhi: The opposition erupted in protest after the Parliament passed the ‘Viksit Bharat–Ji Ram Ji’ bill, which replaces the MNREGA scheme. While ruling party leaders defended the move as a necessary reform, Union Minister and LJP-R MP Chirag Paswan sharply criticized the opposition, questioning why they were objecting to a name that invokes Lord Ram, a name revered by Mahatma Gandhi. Opposition Stages Protest The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha during the day and in the Rajya Sabha late at night. TMC MPs led the opposition, staging a 12-hour sit-in on the Parliament steps. Paswan questioned their protest, asking: “Why oppose in the name of Ram? It was Mahatma Gandhi’s most beloved name, and he uttered it in his last moments—‘He Ram’.” Chirag Paswan Targets TMC MPs Addressi...

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha has approved the Sustainable Harnessing of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, a landmark legislation aimed at strengthening India’s nuclear energy regulations. The bill legally codifies the security of nuclear power plants, marking a significant shift from past practices where safety measures largely depended on government directives and post-incident actions. Opening Doors for Private Sector ParticipationThe SHANTI Bill not only enhances security but also opens opportunities for private companies to participate in India’s nuclear energy sector. With an eye on meeting the country’s clean energy requirements by 2047, the government has emphasized that the bill establishes a robust, continuous regulatory framework rather than relying on one-tim...

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized the critical role of India’s strategic projects in securing the nation’s assets and enhancing its defence capabilities. Speaking at the Air Force Commanders’ Conference, he highlighted that the Sudarshan Chakra project is set to play a significant role in safeguarding national assets in the coming years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced this ambitious national defence shield initiative on 15 August earlier this year. Indigenous Jet Engine Development Becomes National MissionAddressing senior Air Force officers, Rajnath Singh said that the development of indigenous jet engines has now become a national mission. He stressed that the government is fully committed to achieving these strategic defence goals, reflecting India’...