Nation

New Delhi / Moscow: The recent 23rd annual India-Russia summit sent strong geopolitical signals that have caught the attention of the United States, China, and Europe. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in sensitive sectors such as defense and nuclear energy, driven not by fear of any third country but by mutual national interests. Strategic Autonomy at the Forefront The summit emphasized that India will shape its bilateral relations based on its own interests, not under pressure from any other nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a wide range of areas including nuclear energy, defense, and strategic technologies, highlighting the enduring friendship between the two nations. China Factor and Defense Coopera...

In Delhi, residents will experience slightly warmer temperatures, making the cold feel less severe. The capital has seen below-normal temperatures for most of December, but on Monday, the maximum temperature rose above the seasonal average, providing respite from the winter chill during daytime. This change is attributed to a Western Disturbance passing through the region. However, temperatures are expected to drop again starting Wednesday, though no severe cold wave is forecast for next week. Tuesday will see partly cloudy skies, with surface winds reaching 15–25 km/h, conditions favorable for dense fog formation. Maximum temperatures may reach 24°C, while minimums could drop to 9°C. From December 10–14, partly cloudy skies are expected, with highs between 23–25°C and lows of 7–10°C. ...

New Delhi: The Indian government is reportedly considering strict action against Indigo Airlines following widespread flight disruptions. Officials are examining the possibility of cancelling up to 5% of Indigo’s daily flights, which would impact roughly 110 flights per day. This move aims to address passenger inconvenience and ensure smoother operations across the sector. Flight Cancellations to Benefit Other Airlines According to sources, the government plans to reallocate the slots of cancelled Indigo flights to other airlines with available capacity. If required, the initial 5% cut could increase further in the coming days. Indigo has responded to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), issuing an apology and citing five main reasons for the flight delays and cancell...

New Delhi: As the nation celebrates 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, the Parliament’s winter session highlighted its historic and cultural significance. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the anthem has long been a clarion call for India’s independence movement. Today, it also serves as a defining symbol for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a connection almost as old as the organization itself. The Significance of ‘Vande Mataram’ for RSSAccording to News18, Sunil Ambekar, the All India Propaganda Chief of RSS, described Vande Mataram as the mantra of India’s freedom struggle. “It instilled the spirit of serving the motherland. Revolutionaries adopted it as a sacred chant, often sacrificing their lives while singing it. For RSS, Vande Mataram embodies the soul o...

New Delhi: Following India’s diplomatic engagement with Armenia, Pakistan is reportedly negotiating with the Armenian government to establish its embassy in Yerevan. According to The Economic Times, Pakistani and Armenian diplomats are planning to open the embassy next year. If successful, this move could raise strategic concerns for India, as Armenia has historically supported India on the Kashmir issue and may now draw closer to Pakistan and Turkey. A New Diplomatic ChapterThe Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a joint statement was signed to establish diplomatic relations. Both governments agreed to exchange representatives and strengthen diplomatic engagement. While the presence of a Pakistani embassy in Yerevan does not automatically indicate a pro-Pakistan policy ...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a petition challenging his 2023 Assembly election victory from the Varuna constituency. A bench led by Justice Vikram Nath has sought Siddaramaiah’s response to the petition. At the start of the hearing on Monday, the court appeared reluctant to entertain the matter. However, it was informed that the case of S. Subrahmanyam Balaji vs. Tamil Nadu Government—addressing whether pre-election promises amount to corrupt practices—is pending before a three-judge bench. Notice Issued Amid Similar CasesEarlier today, a bench led by Justice M.M. Sundresh issued notice in a similar matter. Following this, Justice Vikram Nath’s bench issued notice to the respondent in the present petition. Durin...

New Delhi: On the eighth day of the Winter Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, Vande Mataram. He described the discussion on the song as a moment of pride for the nation and highlighted its role as a source of inspiration during India’s struggle for independence. Prime Minister Modi said, “We have chosen this moment for a collective discussion to remember the mantra that energized the freedom movement, showing the path of sacrifice and perseverance. It is a matter of pride for all of us to witness and honor this legacy today.” Referring to the historical context, PM Modi recalled the British strategy of ‘divide and rule,’ noting that Bengal was made a testing ground due to its i...