Nation

Muscat, Oman: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian community and students in Muscat, Oman, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between India and Oman and emphasizing India’s bold, decisive approach in the 21st century. 21st Century India: Bold and Decisive PM Modi said, “21st century India takes bold and swift decisions, sets ambitious goals, and delivers results within defined timelines.” He praised the recent UNESCO recognition of Diwali as an intangible cultural heritage, calling it a global acknowledgment of India’s spirit of hope, harmony, and humanity. Celebrating India’s Diversity and Heritage Addressing the Indian community, Modi remarked, “Every tradition brings with it new ideas. Our diversity is the strong foundation of our culture. Wherever Indians go, th...

New Delhi: During the Rajya Sabha discussion on the Nuclear Energy Transformation Bill 2025 (SHANTI Bill 2025), Congress MP Jairam Ramesh sharply questioned the government regarding its stance on nuclear energy, highlighting the opposition BJP’s objections to the 2008 Indo-US nuclear deal. BJP’s 2008 Opposition Highlighted Ramesh pointed out that BJP had strongly opposed the nuclear agreement with the US, claiming that nuclear energy had “no future.” He remarked, “It was the same deal that opened multiple strategic and technological pathways between India and the United States. The current SHANTI Bill 2025 is a direct outcome of the foundations laid by that agreement.” Congress’s Role in Advancing Nuclear and Space Programs Ramesh also emphasized Congress’s contributions during...

New Delhi: In a landmark ruling, the Delhi High Court has clarified that couples seeking divorce by mutual consent may not be required to fulfill the one-year separation condition under certain circumstances. Mutual Consent Can Override Legal Separation Requirement A full bench comprising Justice Naveen Chawla, Nup J Bhambhani, and Renu Bhatnagar observed that courts have the discretion to waive the mandatory separation period if both spouses agree to end their marriage amicably. The court emphasized that the cooling-off period of six months, prescribed under law, is not intended to obstruct couples from exercising their choice to dissolve the marriage. The bench stated, “Marriage is indeed a sacred institution, but when both husband and wife mutually decide to end the relationshi...

New Delhi: Despite strong opposition protests, the Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Bill, 2025, replacing the MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sharply criticized opposition parties during the proceedings. Opposition Protests and Disruptions The debate over the bill on Wednesday extended late into the night, with opposition members demanding that the legislation be referred to the Departmental Parliamentary Standing Committee for further scrutiny. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal renewed this demand on Thursday before the minister responded, but the Speaker rejected the request. During the discussions, some opposition members reportedly tore copies of the bill and threw papers in the...

New Delhi: The second joint military exercise between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), named Desert Cyclone-2, commenced today in Abu Dhabi. Scheduled to run from December 18 to 30, the exercise involves 45 Indian soldiers, primarily from the Mechanized Infantry Regiment, alongside 53 soldiers from the UAE’s Mechanized Infantry Battalion. Training for Urban Warfare and Heliborne Operations Over the two-week exercise, troops from both countries will conduct operations in constructed urban environments, practicing heliborne operations including helicopter insertion into simulated terrorist zones, as well as rescue and relief drills. Strengthening Defence Cooperation According to the Ministry of Defence, the primary objective of Desert Cyclone-2 is to enhance coordination...

New Delhi: The Congress party has landed itself in hot water over 51 cartons of documents related to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, which have not yet been returned. The central government has now directly questioned Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on why these papers, handed to the family in accordance with legal procedures, have not been returned to the Prime Minister Museum and Library (PMML). Shekhawat Demands Answers Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat criticized Congress and tweeted, “The 51 boxes of documents related to Jawaharlal Nehru were taken back by the Gandhi family from PMML (then NMML) in 2008. These documents were legally handed over to the family, and their records and catalogues exist at PMML. The key question is why these document...

New Delhi: BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has voiced strong criticism against opposition parties over disruptions in Parliament concerning the renaming of government schemes. The controversy centers on MGNREGA, now rebranded as “G RAM G” (G Vikas Bharat – Guarantee for Rural Employment and Livelihood Mission). Ranaut Targets Opposition Speaking on the issue, Kangana Ranaut said, “Parliament is being obstructed, which creates inconvenience for everyone. Several schemes have had their names changed in the past, including by the Congress party itself. Governments often update and improve schemes to introduce novelty and efficiency.” About the New Scheme Name MGNREGA has been officially renamed “G RAM G”, standing for “G Vikas Bharat – Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural)...

Amid rising global pressure and the firm stance of U.S. President Donald Trump, India has officially taken over the chairmanship of BRICS from Brazil. The symbolic transfer underscores the commitment to sustainable development and mutual cooperation, signaling a new phase for the group with India at the helm. A Symbolic HandoverThe transition from Brazil to India was not merely ceremonial. Following the symbolic “steel hammer” from Russia in 2024, Brazil presented India with a gavel made from recycled Amazon rainforest wood, symbolizing sustainability and trust in India’s upcoming leadership. BRICS Sherpa Mauricio Lirio emphasized that this gesture reflects confidence in India’s approach and commitment to collaborative growth. India will formally assume BRICS chairmanship from 1 January...

Rising tensions between India and Bangladesh are raising serious concerns in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to lodge a formal protest over recent incidents targeting Indian missions in Dhaka. Here’s an analysis of the situation and its possible implications. Protests in Dhaka EscalateAs Bangladesh approaches its February 2026 elections, India-Bangladesh relations are witnessing increased strain. Once known for close ties, particularly under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the relationship has deteriorated in recent times. Demonstrations in Dhaka, including marches towards the Indian High Commission, have raised security concerns. During the protests, two Indian visa centers were temporarily closed for safety reasons. Who...