National / News Track
NEW DELHI:Indias public broadcaster, Prasar Bharati, has launched its own OTT (Over-The-Top) platform, Waves. The app offers a diverse range of content, including live channels, classic shows, and archived programming from Doordarshan and Aakashvani, catering to a wide audience of all ages. Waves brings together nostalgic classics like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log, as well as a variety of modern programming. The platform promises to connect audiences with Indias rich cultural her
BANGALORE: On November 20, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Australian Space Agency (ASA) signed a significant Implementation Agreement (IA) to enhance their collaboration in space activities. This agreement focuses on supporting the recovery of crew members and crew modules for Indias Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send humans into space. The IA was signed by Shri DK Singh, Director of the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) at ISRO in Bengaluru, and Shri Jarrod Powell
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of adopting Buddhist doctrines to address global conflicts and challenges to the international order. Speaking at a regional security conclave in Laos on Thursday, he highlighted the need for peaceful coexistence and dialogue as solutions to escalating tensions worldwide. At the 10-nation ASEAN meeting in Vientiane, Laos, Singh stressed that the world is becoming increasingly divided into blocks, putting strain on established in
New Delhi: On Wednesday, India firmly rejected a recent report by a Canadian media outlet that suggested the Indian Prime Minister was aware of a plot to kill Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The External Affairs Ministry labeled the claims as part of a smear campaign. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to the report, which cited an unnamed Canadian official, calling the accusations ludicrous and urging that such statements be disregarded with the contempt they deserve. We typically do
Malayalam cinema lost a cherished talent as actor Meghanathan passed away on Thursday at the age of 60. The veteran actor, who had been undergoing treatment for a severe lung condition, died at a private hospital in Kozhikode. Meghanathan was the son of the legendary actor Balan K Nair and had been battling respiratory issues for a significant time. The funeral is set to take place on Thursday in Shoranur. Meghanathan's last film appearance was in 2022, marking the end of a career that began
The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme has revolutionized India's civil aviation sector, improving regional connectivity and making air travel accessible to millions across the country. On November 17, the domestic aviation sector marked a historic achievement, with 505,412 passengers flying on the same day for the first time, crossing the 5-lakh milestone in daily passenger numbers. This feat, with over 3,100 flights operating nationwide, highlights India's increasing role in the glo
The Department of Consumer Affairs is working on new rules to regulate radar equipment used to measure vehicle speeds, aiming to improve road safety. These new guidelines, set to be enforced under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, will ensure that radar devices are accurate, dependable, and meet international standards, contributing to safer roads. Radar equipment plays a crucial role in traffic law enforcement by helping authorities monitor speed limits, reduce accidents, and minimize
New Delhi: India and the United Kingdom are set to resume talks for their proposed free trade agreement (FTA) early next year, aiming to bridge differences and finalize the deal swiftly, an official statement confirmed on Wednesday. Following a meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Brazil, Starmer announced that trade negotiations will restart in 2024. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the summit in Rio de Janeiro o
Heavy Rains in Tamil Nadu Lead to School Closures in 5 Districts - Safety Guidelines Issued Heavy rains have hit Tamil Nadu as the northeast monsoon intensifies, leading to school closures in five districts. Authorities are on high alert as the state faces continuous downpours, disrupting daily activities. Schools in Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Tiruvarur districts have been closed today due to the ongoing heavy rainfall. Additionally, the Kanyakumari district, includin
Delhi's air pollution continues to pose serious health risks, with the city's air quality index (AQI) registering an alarming 423 on Wednesday morning, indicating severe pollution levels. Areas like Mundka (464), Wazirpur, and Alipur (462) were identified as the worst affected. Additionally, visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport was reduced to 800 meters, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted hazy conditions with shallow fog throughout the day. In respo
New Delhi: On Tuesday, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) sought a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu to discuss the hardships faced by residents of Lagacharla village in Telanganas Vikarabad district. These villagers claim they have faced police violence after opposing a forced land acquisition. The BRS representatives aim to shed light on the villagers' plight, alleging that the state government has enforced land acquisitions against their will. Reports also suggest incidents of police br
Andhra Pradesh has officially scrapped a rule that had been in place for nearly 30 years, which prevented individuals with more than two children from participating in urban local body elections. The decision was made with the passage of the AP Municipal Laws Amendment Bill, 2024, which was approved in the Assembly without any debate. This change overturns the 1994 legislation that was originally designed to manage population growth. The Municipal Minister presented the Bill four days earlier, a
India collaborated with SpaceX, the space exploration company founded by Elon Musk, to launch its latest communication satellite, GSAT-N2. This decision was driven by the limitations of India's current launch vehicles, which are not equipped to handle payloads heavier than 4,000 kilograms, as explained by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) officials. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the GSAT-N2 from a site in the United States. The satellite, weighing 4,700 ki
New Delhi: On Tuesday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai sent a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the possibility of conducting cloud seeding as a measure to break the thick smog layer over the city. Rai called for an immediate gathering involving Delhi government officials, IIT Kanpur, and key central government agencies such as the DGCA, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and Ministry of Defence, which are responsible for granting cle
BANGALORE: One of the most wanted Maoist leaders in South India, Vikram Gowda, was killed by Karnataka Police in an encounter in the Kabbinale forest region of Udupi district. The news was confirmed by Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Tuesday. Parameshwara said, Our police forces encountered notorious Maoist leader Vikram Gowda on Monday evening. After being spotted by the police, Gowda opened fire at them. The police returned fire and killed him. While Gowda was killed, three of his associates
A Grand New Temple in Mathura -The grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has already been completed, but the construction of majestic temples in Uttar Pradesh continues. One such temple, the Chandrodaya Mandir in Vrindavan, is rapidly rising in the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura. This temple is set to become one of the tallest in the world, attracting both devotees and tourists. With plans to rival iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, it promises to be a stunning addition to the region's spiri
On November 19, 1917, India was gifted with a leader who would go on to shape the nation's destiny in profound ways. Born as Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, she was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indias first Prime Minister. Today, we remember her on what would have been her 107th birthdaya day to reflect on the remarkable legacy of Indias first and only female Prime Minister. Indira Gandhi was much more than a political figure; she became a symbol of strength, determination, and leadership,
In the last three weeks since the launch of the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card at the end of October, approximately 4 lakh elderly women aged 70 and above have signed up for the scheme, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Monday. So far, over 1,400 women have received various medical treatments under this initiative, the ministry said. The Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme, an extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), was introduced by Prime Minister Naren
Delhi woke up on Sunday to a thick layer of smog, with air quality dropping to hazardous levels. Visibility was significantly reduced, leaving residents facing serious health threats due to the toxic atmosphere. By Sunday evening, the Air Quality Index (AQI) had shot up to 457, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to convene an urgent meeting. As a result, Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)the highest levelwill be implemented starting Monday. Worsening Pollu
The central government's initiative to simplify the process for pensioners has seen significant success, with over 77 lakh Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) issued across the country by the second week of its launch. The campaign has particularly benefited senior citizens, with 1,77,153 pensioners over the age of 90 and 17,212 pensioners aged 80 to 90 receiving their DLCs, as per official reports. The introduction of advanced authentication methods, including face recognition, has played a ke
The Andaman and Nicobar administration is working to enhance connectivity between Port Blair and nearby islands by introducing seaplane services. The new initiative aims to link popular destinations like Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island), and Long Island, helping boost tourism in the region. In collaboration with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the administration is focusing on developing seaplane routes to these islands.
National Naturopathy Day, observed annually on November 18 by the Ministry of AYUSH, highlights the importance of naturopathya leading form of alternative medicine worldwide. This day is dedicated to promoting the use of natural resources and lifestyle practices to enhance health and well-being. Naturopathy stands out for its focus on holistic healing and prevention, making it a popular choice for those seeking natural approaches to health. Spreading Awareness Through National Naturopathy Day Na
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a five-day tour of Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana, which will run from November 16 to 21. During this trip, he will also participate in the G20 Summit in Brazil, focusing on enhancing India's relationships with the three nations. The official statement noted that PM Modi will visit Nigeria first, followed by stops in Brazil and Guyana. Visit to Nigeria On November 16-17, PM Modi will be in Nigeria, visiting at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
India has appointed Seasoneddiplomat Anurag Srivastava as its new High Commissioner to Mauritius, a nation gaining strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region. New Appointment Amid Political Changes in Mauritius Anurag Srivastava's appointment follows the recent election in Mauritius, where the opposition coalition achieved a significant victory, winning all parliamentary seats in a decisive rejection of the former government. The shift in leadership has highlighted the evolving politi
The bodies of a woman and two children were discovered near the junction of the Jiri and Barak Rivers along the Manipur-Assam border on Friday. This area is about 16 kilometers from Borobekra, located in the Jiribam district, where six people had been reported missing earlier. While the identities of the three bodies are still unknown, officials believe they may be the missing individuals. The bodies were transported to Silchar Medical College Hospital (SMCH) in Assam on Friday night and are bei
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) plays a crucial role in providing social security and financial stability to millions of people across India, said Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. Speaking at an event in the national capital, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted EPFO's transformative journey and its significant role in managing large savings for members, while enhancing social security services across the country. The minister emphasized the need fo
In a groundbreaking achievement, six Indian-Americans have secured spots in the prestigious 2024 list of Fortunes 100 Most Powerful People in Business. This list, which highlights influential leaders across various industries, is led by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, and it honors those whose work and vision have shaped global industries. Among the prominent names are Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, Khosla Ventures fou
Central Government Revamps Policies to Boost Senior Living Sector in India -As senior living gains momentum in India, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is set to update key policies, including the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and the National Policy for Older Persons, 1999, to strengthen the countrys senior care economy, including the growing senior living sector. At an event hosted by the Association of Senior Living India (ASLI), Secretary Amit
TELENGANA: A flight from Hyderabad to Bangkok declared an emergency early on Saturday, November 16,after receiving a bomb threat, authorities confirmed. NOK Air Flight DD959, scheduled to depart from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad to Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, was immediately diverted, and all passengers were safely deboarded. Mukesh, a Public Relations Officer for GMR, said, The flight declared an emergency this morning. All passengers were evacuated and moved
UTTAR PRADESH: A tragic fire at a hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the lives of 10 newborns late last night, while 16 other children are currently fighting for their lives. The fire broke out around 10:45 PM in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College. District Magistrate Avinash Kumar confirmed the casualties and the ongoing rescue efforts. The cause of the fire is suspected to be a short circuit inside an oxygen concentrator, said Deputy Chief Min
New Delhi, November 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic fire at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister also offered Rs 50,000 each to those injured in the incident. In his message of condolence, PM Modi described the fire as heart-wrenching and extended his deepest sympathies to the families of the ten children who tragi
Pathanamthitta: The annual Mandala Pooja season at the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala began with a grand ceremony on Saturday. Arun Kumar Namboothiri, the newly appointed Melshanti (head priest), officially opened the sanctum sanctorum at 3 am, welcoming thousands of devotees who gathered to offer prayers. The temple echoed with 'Saranam' chants as pilgrims arrived in large numbers. By Saturday, 70,000 devotees had booked their darshan through the virtual queue system, with another 10
NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha has approved the consideration of a private member's Bill that proposes establishing an independent authority to regulate and license media services in India. This initiative, introduced as the Indian Media Services (Regulation and Licensing) Bill, 2024 by CPI(M) MP V. Sivadasan, aims to ensure free and independent media services across the country. The Bill outlines the creation of the Indian Board of Media Services, an autonomous regulatory authority, to oversee
Guwahati Assam witnessed a groundbreaking moment as a Canadian seaplane made its maiden landing on the Brahmaputra River at Pandu Port. This demonstration flight marks a significant step forward for the states aviation and tourism sectors, showcasing the potential of maritime aircraft operations in the region. The seaplane, operated by M/s de Havilland Canada in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, took off from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati be
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled development projects totaling Rs.6,640 crore in Bihars Jamui district on Friday, marking the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda, celebrated nationwide as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. In honor of Mundas legacy, Modi introduced a commemorative coin and postal stamp and virtually participated in the Grih Pravesh ceremony for 11,000 houses built under the PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) to provide secure housing for tribal families
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended heartfelt greetings on the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, and expressed respect for the legacy of tribal leader Birsa Munda. Observing the revered occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, Gandhi honored the teachings and life of Guru Nanak Dev, highlighting his message of unity, service, and goodwill. In a social media post, Gandhi shared, Tribute to Guru Nanak Dev ji on his birth anniversary. His
President Draupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla marked Janjatiya Gaurav Divas by honoring the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter, on Thursday. The two leaders celebrated by playing a traditional dhol, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of Indias tribal communities. Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebrates the contributions and achievements of Indias tribal communities, with a special focus on Bhagwan Birsa Munda's
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the inaugural Bodoland Mahotsav in Delhi on November 15, a two-day cultural event aimed at highlighting the language, literature, and rich cultural heritage of the Bodo community. The celebration will take place at the SAI Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, focusing on promoting unity, peace, and a stronger bond within the Bodo community. This event will also serve as a platform to connect Bodo communities across Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and other n
The Union government has declared the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), a Meghalaya-based insurgent group, as a banned organization for the next five years. This decision follows the group's involvement in violent incidents and activities harmful to India's sovereignty and integrity. According to the notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the central government believes that the HNLC has aimed to secede areas in Meghalaya, mainly inhabited by the Khasi and Jaintia
New Delhi: On Thursday, November 14, the Supreme Court rejected a petition that sought to ban WhatsApp, arguing that the messaging platform was not in compliance with the new Information Technology (IT) Rules. The petition, filed by Omanakuttan KG, a software engineer, was dismissed by a bench consisting of Justices MM Sundresh and Aravind Kumar. The petitioner had previously approached the Kerala High Court with the same request, asking the central government to block WhatsApp if it did not adh
New Delhi: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, a sitting Supreme Court judge, has been appointed as the new executive chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, made the appointment, which took effect on November 11, 2024, under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. This announcement was made through a notification by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, published in the Official Gazette. Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the cur
On November 15th every year, India celebrates Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honor the vital contributions of tribal communities, particularly their immense sacrifices during the nations fight for independence. The day holds special significance as it marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a tribal hero and freedom fighter whose leadership and bravery continue to inspire generations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jamui, Bihar, on 15th November to participate in the celebra
New Delhi: In a significant gesture of recognition, the Commonwealth of Dominica has announced that it will award Prime Minister Narendra Modi the prestigious Dominica Award of Honour. This award is being bestowed upon him for his outstanding contributions to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic and for his efforts in strengthening the ties between India and Dominica. The award will be presented by the President of Dominica during the upcoming India-CARICOM Summit. It is a high honor, given to
In a major crackdown on narcotics and criminals, the Delhi Police launched Operation Kavach 6.0, conducting simultaneous operations across 15 districts of the city. The operation covered 874 locations, resulting in the arrest of 140 narco offenders in connection with 139 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases. A significant amount of drugs were seized during the operations. The Delhi Police recovered approximately 870.1 grams of heroin, 193.8 kg of ganja, 16.1 grams of cocaine,
An IndiGo flight traveling from Nagpur to Kolkata made an emergency landing at Raipur airport on Thursday morning, November 14, 2024, after a bomb threat was reported. The flight, carrying 187 passengers and six crew members, was diverted to Raipur following the alert, police said. The threat was received by airport authorities, prompting immediate action. Raipurs Senior Superintendent of Police, Santosh Singh, confirmed the aircraft had been redirected to Chhattisgarhs capital after taking off
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has raided 24 locations across Maharashtra and Gujarat in connection with a suspected case of vote jihad. The investigation is centered around the illegal opening of multiple bank accounts using fake documents and fraudulent Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. According to ED sources, the raids are targeting financial fraud activities where accounts were allegedly created with false information. These accounts are believed to have been used to manipulate the elec
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered the return of a Bharat Mata (Mother India) statue to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Kottaipatti village, Virudhunagar district. The statue, which was removed on August 7, 2023, by local authorities, was deemed unlawfully seized. This ruling, delivered on November 13, came in response to the BJPs complaint regarding the removal. On August 7, a team led by Aruppukottai Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Sivakumar and Tehsildar Baskar
Tamil Nadu, including its capital Chennai, has been witnessing continuous heavy rainfall in recent days, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rain for Thursday and Friday. The Regional Meteorological Centre predicts that while Chennai will experience moderate rain through Thursday, some areas may face heavy downpours. Will Schools in Chennai Be Closed? Despite the ongoing rains and weather warnings, schools in Chennai are set to remain open on Thursday, November 14. Th
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru and the founder of Sikhism. Born in 1469 in what is now Pakistan, he spread messages of equality, unity, and devotion to God. His teachings, which transcend religious boundaries, continue to inspire millions, making this day a widely celebrated event. This Friday, November 15, 2024, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated, leading to closures of banks, schools, and major stock markets in Indi
WAYANAD: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Wayanad on Tuesday to promote tourism in the region, which has been hit by a recent landslide. As part of his visit, Gandhi tried Keralas longest zipline while accompanying his sister Priyanka Gandhi on her campaign trail. This bypoll was necessitated after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat, following his win from the Rae Bareli constituency. Wearing a I Love Wayanad t-shirt, Gandhi enjoyed the thrilling experience of the zipline just a day before the po