The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have entered into a major agreement to collaborate on astronaut training, mission implementation, and research experiments. This partnership marks a significant step forward in international cooperation for human space exploration. Agreement Signed to Enhance Space Research and Training The agreement, signed by ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath and ESA Director General Dr. Josef Aschbacher, sets a robust framework for

On 2 nd December 2024, the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified as the 8 th Tiger reserve of Madhya Pradesh. It is the 57 th tiger reserve of India. NTCA has also granted in-principal approval for declaring the Madhav National Park as a tiger reserve. In this article, take a look at the tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh. What is a tiger reserve? Taking progressive efforts towards tiger conservation, tiger reserves have been established all over India. These reserves are safe habita

SpiceJet has announced plans to bring three of its grounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft back into service by April 2025. The airline has entered into an agreement with StandardAero, a US-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, to restore its fleet of grounded Boeing 737 MAX planes. This collaboration is a key step toward expanding the airline's operations and fleet capacity. As part of the deal, StandardAero will provide the necessary services to restore the aircraft, including s

The Red Fort attack of 2000 remains a significant and tragic chapter in India's history. On December 22, 2000, six terrorists, belonging to the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, stormed the iconic Red Fort in Delhi and began firing indiscriminately. This attack left three people dead, including two army soldiers, and marked a violent chapter in India's ongoing battle against terrorism. Now, 24 years later, the terrorist responsible, Mohammad Arif alias Ashfaq, faces the death penalty after

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day visit to Kuwait today, marking a significant milestone in the strengthening of India-Kuwait relations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that this visit aims to foster a dynamic partnership between the two nations, focusing on key areas such as defence and trade. Invited by Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Modi's visit holds historical significance as it comes 43 years after the last visit by an Indian Pr

India has made remarkable progress in the global tourism arena, securing the 39th spot among 119 countries in the World Economic Forums (WEF) Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024. This improvement reflects the nation's sustained efforts in boosting tourism through infrastructure development and government-backed initiatives. Indias Journey in the Index In 2021, India held the 54th position in the TTDI. However, after a revision in the WEFs ranking methodology, Indias adjusted 202

On December 19, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Christmas celebrations at the residence of Union Minister George Kurian. The event was a warm gathering that allowed Modi to connect with members of the Christian community, emphasizing the government's ongoing engagement with diverse religious groups in India. The Christmas celebration included traditional activities such as carol singing and prayers, reflecting the religious significance of the occasion. It was a time to honor the

Violence in Manipur has escalated dramatically as militants returning from Myanmars civil war bring sophisticated weapons and combat experience into the region. Indian security forces have reported an influx of fighters from across the border, aggravating the already bitter ethnic conflict between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community and the largely Christian Kuki tribes. Since May 2023, clashes have claimed over 260 lives and displaced more than 60,000 people, marking one of the most severe

The Rann Mahotsav has begun from November 11, 2024 and will continue till March 15 th 2025. The great Rann of Kutch is deep into the western frontiers of the Indian subcontinent vividly spread across 7505 sq. km. Situated at the center of the vast Thar desert, Kutch is surrounded by Sindh province of Pakistan on one side. It is the largest salt marsh in the world. The Rann Mahotsavs concept was the vision of Narendra Modi, then Chief minister of Gujarat that began to be organized as a part of Vi

BANGALORE: In a big push toward sustainable public transportation, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is set to expand its fleet with 148 additional full-length electric buses under a lease agreement with TML Smart City Mobility Solutions, the subsidiary of Tata Motors. This move aims to enhance connectivity and affordability on Bangalores busy metro routes. The agreement includes the supply, operation, and maintenance of 12-metre low-floor Tata Starbus electric buses over a

Manu Bhaker etched her name in history by securing two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, marking a turning point for Indian shooting. With three bronze medals overall, including Sarabjot Singh's triumph in the 10m mixed team event and Swapnil Kusale's in the 50m rifle 3-positions, India ended a decade-long medal drought in the sport. Manu's stellar performance highlighted her extraordinary talent, as she claimed a bronze in the 10m air pistol and followed it with another in the 10

Goa marks its 63rd Liberation Day on Thursday, commemorating the end of Portuguese rule in 1961 after 451 years of colonial occupation. This significant day in the state's history celebrates Goa's integration into the Indian Union. Honoring the Freedom Fighters and Armed Forces President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to the freedom fighters and armed forces who played crucial roles in Goas liberation. In a post on X, she expressed her admiration for the brave individuals who made selfless

The revolutionaries Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan and Thakur Roshan Singh were hanged by the Britishers on 19 th December, 1927. 99 years of the famous Kakori conspiracy and 97 years of the martyrdom of the freedom fighters. Bismil hanged at the Gorakhpur jail, Khan at the Faizabad jail and Roshan Singh at the Naini jail of Allahabad. The hot headed young men were well prepared with their plans and their deaths toowith a grin that sparked patriotism. Today we recall this date, the Kakori i

AMARAVATI : In a big ruling, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has upheld the right of a lesbian couple to live together, affirming their autonomy in choosing their partners. The Court issued this decision while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Kavitha (name changed), one of the women, who claimed that her partner Lalitha (name changed) was being detained by her father against her will in Narsipatnam. The bench, consisting of Justices R Raghunandan Rao and K Maheswara Rao, directed Lalitha&

Mumbai, Ferry Tragedy: In a tragic maritime accident near Mumbai, a ferry carrying 110 passengers, including children and crew, capsized after colliding with a Naval speedboat. The incident claimed 13 lives, including 10 civilians and three Navy personnel, and left four others in critical condition. What Happened? The ferry, named Neelkamal, was en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island when the mishap occurred near Uran, Karanja, around 3:55 PM. The Naval speedboat, undergoing engi

India's space agency, ISRO, has officially started assembling the Human-Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3) for the first uncrewed flight of its Gaganyaan mission. This milestone was announced on Wednesday and is a significant step towards Indias first human spaceflight. The assembly is taking place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Interestingly, this event coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3-X/CARE), which launched o

The third test in Brisbane was an on and off game. With rains interrupting the game ever since the morning it began, finally the game has ended in a draw. The five match series has levelled to 1 -1 after todays result. -India was way behind Australia but has now managed for a draw, avoiding the defeat. Let us look at the key highlights of the test match -The score of Australia in the first innings was 445/10 and India was 260/10. -India could avoid a follow on with the lower order putting up a

New Delhi: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced a final deadline extension for employers to upload pending pension applications related to higher wages. This extension will give employers until January 31, 2025, to complete the process of validating and submitting these applications. The Ministry of Labour & Employment stated that the decision to extend the deadline comes after numerous requests from employers and their associations for additional time to finalize

India is making significant strides in digital health, with over 71.16 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) established as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), Prataprao Jadha, the Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, told in the Rajya Sabha on December 17. As of December 10, this major initiative is transforming the healthcare landscape by enabling the digitalization of health records for millions of citizens. The ABDM aims to create a seamless digital hea

The concluding Lok Sabha session yesterday didnt turn out fine. Seems like Amit Shahs remarks didnt go well with the opposition. They are protesting outside the house with the slogans Jai Bhim. Ever since, the matter is boiling hot and has spurred debate. The opposition claims that he insulted Dr. B.R Ambedkar as well as the Constitution. Well, the Winter session will continue further, lets see how far the debate goes outside the house. Avoiding it, we shall focus on todays Minority Rights day,

The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest vessel, INS Nirdeshak, in a grand ceremony on Wednesday at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, presides over the event, marking a significant milestone for India's naval capabilities. INS Nirdeshak, the second ship under the Survey Vessel (Large) Project, was built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. The ships construction highlights Indias commitment to self-reliance, as more

The Uttar Pradesh government is ramping up preparations for the grand Maha Kumbh Mela, scheduled to begin on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj. Among the many initiatives, mounted police units featuring both foreign and Indian breed horses will be deployed to manage crowds and ensure the safety of millions of devotees. Foreign and Indian Breed Horses to Enhance Crowd Control Measures To enhance security and streamline crowd management, the state government is introducing American Balm Blood and Eng

Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram districts on Wednesday, December 18. This warning signals potential flooding and disruptions in the region. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai stated that these districts might continue to experience heavy rainfall on Thursday as well. A statement from the IMD noted, Heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places ov

New Delhi: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has once again captured the spotlight with her bold and symbolic political gestures. After facing criticism for carrying a Palestine bag in Parliament, she introduced another controversial itema bag with the slogan Save Hindus in Bangladesh. These acts have sparked widespread debate, with reactions ranging from admiration to sharp criticism. The controversy began when Priyanka carried a bag adorned with the watermelon symbol, widely recognized as a mark

December 17, 1982: The landmark judgement of Supreme court that guarantees our elderly a decent, dignified and no dependent life on any other being in the society. It established the equality before law as fundamental and the fact that a Pension is not a gratuity. With the judgement, we celebrate National Pensioners day every year. Let us have a look back in time knowing about the Pension system of India and how it has evolved over the years. The Pension system of India: A History Pension during

Jaipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 'Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh' Programme, in Jaipur today, December 17, marking the first anniversary of the BJP-Government in Rajasthan. He also laid the foundation stone for 24 major projects estimated at over Rs 46,300 crore. These projects span across the sectors like Energy, Road, Railway, and Water, aimed at boosting infrastructure and development in the state. Addressing the 'Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh' program, which marked th

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit Rajasthan today, December 17, to participate in the Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh programme, which celebrates the completion of one year of the state government. During his visit to Jaipur, the Prime Minister will launch and inaugurate several key projects, with a total value exceeding Rs 46,300 crore. As per the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), the event will feature the inauguration of nine major projects worth over Rs 11,000 crore, including seven cen

NEW DELHI: Delhi Airport has issued an advisory to passengers amid worsening air quality and low visibility caused by dense fog and pollution. The airport urged travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, even though flight operations remain normal for now. The air quality in Delhi deteriorated further on Tuesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a hazardous level of 421. Areas like Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, and Alipur recorded AQI

NEW DELHI: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, on his official three-day visit to India from December 15 to 17, was warmly welcomed with full state honors at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, on December 16. The ceremonial reception began with a grand horseback parade, as President Dissanayake was escorted to the venue. Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the visiting leader at the forecourt. The occasion was mar

The state of Bangladesh currently in a turmoil, was born 52 years ago after the India Pakistan war. The history dates back to the year 1971, with the war beginning on December 3 and ending on December 16. An approximate 93000 prisoners of war (79,676 to 81000 uniformed personnel of Pakistani Armed forces) were taken by the Indian Army. This is the largest surrender of forces since the World War II, marking Indias historic victory marking Indias dominance in South east Asia. Four Paramvir Chakra

On December 16, 2024, India observed Vijay Diwas, a day dedicated to remembering the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who fought in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to the soldiers who secured a historic victory, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. Remembering a Historic Victory Vijay Diwas, celebrated annually on December 16, marks the day when Pakistani forces formally surrendered to the combined might of India a

Tamil Nadu continues to face relentless rainfall, leading to severe waterlogging in several areas, particularly in Thoothukudi and its surrounding regions. Streets in localities like Postal Telegram Colony, Rajiv Nagar, Rajagopal Nagar, Bharati Nagar, Amuda Nagar, KVK Nagar, and Asoke Nagar were submerged due to the heavy downpour. Heavy Rainfall Forecast Until December 18 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Chennai has predicted more rainfall across various parts of Tamil Nadu until De

The National Energy conservation day is celebrated every year on December 14 since 1991. It was established by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power. The day celebrates the importance of energy in our everyday lives and its conservation for the future by adopting sustainable practices, simultaneously fighting environmental degradation. What is energy conservation? Energy conservation is simply avoiding the unnecessary, wasteful use of energy resources, i.e. reducing the energy

The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has reached a remarkable milestone in 2024 end, with over 7.15 crore subscribers joining the scheme as of December 2, 2024, a recent announcement by the Ministry of Finance reads. Celebrating this achievement at the end of 2024, the Ministry stated that the scheme provides secure retirement with guaranteed pension benefits, ensuring peace of mind for its beneficiaries post-retirement. A Lifeline for Post-Retirement Security The APY was launched with the goal of prov

Kolkata: A delegation from Bangladesh is expected to participate in this year's Vijay Diwas celebrations in Kolkata on December 16, according to Indian defense sources. The group is likely to include 'Mukti Jodhas' or freedom fighters, who played a significant role in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. Although details regarding the size of the delegation are yet to be disclosed, the tradition of Bangladesh's participation in this event underscores the deep ties between the tw

Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh A large-scale operation against encroachment and electricity theft in the Shahi Jama Masjid area of Sambhal district has led to the reopening of a Shiva temple that had remained locked for 46 years. The discovery of the temple, which also houses idols of Lord Hanuman, has sparked significant interest in the region. The temple was found inside a locked house in Mahmood Khan Sarai. This property originally belonged to a Hindu family during the 1976 riots but was sold therea

In a move aimed at supporting farmers amid rising agricultural costs, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced an increase in the collateral-free agricultural loan limit from Rs. 1.6 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh. Effective from January 1, 2025, this decision is expected to provide much-needed financial relief to millions of farmers across the country, according to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture. The hike comes in response to ongoing inflationary pressures that are severely affecting the

Indore, Madhya Pradesh In a tragic incident, Mahendra Singh Solanki, an Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officer serving as the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in Indore, was found dead at his government bungalow near Navratan Bagh on Friday late afternoon. Authorities have reported it as an apparent suicide, though no note was discovered at the scene. Additional Commissioner of Police Amit Singh confirmed the death and stated that two mobile phones and several departmental documents were retrieved

Several schools in Delhi, including Delhi Public School (DPS) RK Puram, faced another bomb scare on Saturday, December 14, following a string of similar incidents in the past week. The bomb threats were sent via email, prompting immediate action from the Delhi Police, bomb detection teams, and fire department officials. After thorough investigations, however, no suspicious things were found. Details of the Threat The emails, sent at 6:12 am from the address childrenofallah@outlook.com under the

In a major crackdown on organized online crimes, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has blocked more than 100 websites involved in job scams and illegal investment schemes. These fraudulent platforms had laundered funds out of India using methods such as card networks, cryptocurrencies, and overseas financial systems. The governments proactive measures have also led to the rescue of 1,600 Indians trapped in exploitative jobs abroad. Cybercrime Coordination at the Helm The Indian Cybercrime Coord

National Energy Conservation Day, celebrated annually on December 14, serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role energy efficiency plays in fostering sustainable development. In India, this day reflects a shared commitment to conserving energy and adopting eco-friendly practices, paving the way for a greener future. A History of Dedication to Energy Efficiency Introduced in 1991, National Energy Conservation Day is spearheaded by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry o

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several transformative development projects in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday, laying the groundwork for the grand Mahakumbh 2025. The initiatives focus on improving infrastructure, promoting spiritual tourism, and enhancing public amenities to accommodate millions of devotees. Boosting Connectivity and Infrastructure PM Modi launched multiple rail and road infrastructure projects, including 10 new Road Over Bridges (ROBs), flyovers, permanent ghats,

KERALA - KOCHI - The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) Vigilance Commission has strongly opposed the proposed amendment to the Kerala Forest Act, calling it anti-people and unacceptable. This new amendment, which follows a draft notification by the Forest Department, seeks to modify the Forest Act that was originally enacted in 1961 and has seen several changes since then. According to the Commission, the latest amendment introduces serious concerns, especially at a time when there is

Indias ambitious USD 6 billion plan to build submarines for the Indian Navy has hit a major roadblock due to complaints from contractors about the sea trials. The project, designed to modernize the Navy amid China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean, now faces a year-long delay, with further setbacks expected. This delay is a significant challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modis defense policy, which focuses on boosting local manufacturing through partnerships with foreign companies. Th

On the 23rd anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu paid heartfelt tributes to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation's democracy. On this solemn occasion, President Droupadi Murmu shared a tribute on X, honoring the brave martyrs who gave their lives protecting the Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001. She expressed deep gratitude for their courage and sacrifice, emphasizing that their legacy continues to ins

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a yellow alert for Bengaluru, cautioning residents about significant rainfall expected over the next few days. On Thursday, the city experienced moderate showers under consistently cloudy skies. The rains are attributed to a low-pressure system near the Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu coast, which is forecasted to bring heavy downpours to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry until December 14. Bangalore's Weather Outlook The IMD predicts moderate t

Karthigai Deepam, also referred to as Karthika Deepam, is one of Tamil Nadu's oldest and most cherished festivals. The celebration, steeped in tradition and spirituality, emphasizes lighting lamps (diyas) in the evening, symbolizing the victory of knowledge over ignorance. This year, the vibrant festival will be celebrated on December 13, 2024, with grand festivities at the renowned Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple. Key Timings for Karthigai Deepam 2024 The auspicious Karthigai Naksha

Bomb Threat Alert: On Friday, an email written in Russian warned of a bomb attack on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), prompting an immediate probe by Mumbai police. The alarming email, which warned of blowing up the central bank, was sent to the RBI's official website. Investigation Initiated Following the threat, the Mumbai Police registered a case at the Mata Ramabai Marg (MRA Marg) police station against an unidentified individual. The Zone 1 Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) acknowledg

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is all set to operate a Bharat Gaurav tourist train named Maha Kumbh Special from Tirunelveli to Varanasi in January 2025. This exclusive train tour is designed to provide a convenient and comfortable travel experience for pilgrims visiting Varanasi, Prayagraj (Kumbh Mela), and Ayodhya. Key Details of the Train Tour The Maha Kumbh Special will depart from Tirunelveli on January 16, 2025, and return on January 24, 2025, covering prominen

The One Nation, One Election Bill has been approved by the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and is expected to be presented in Parliament during the current Winter Session. This significant step aims to streamline the electoral process by holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan strongly advocated for the initiative, arguing that frequent elections are hindering the c