India

On the occasion of National Technology Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a stirring tribute to the scientists and leaders of the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests and said that “no power in the world” can make self-reliant India compromise on its sovereignty. Speaking at a meeting of defence personnel and scientists, the Prime Minister recalled the immense international pressure and economic sanctions that India had to face following the tests and how the country’s refusal to bow down had redefined its stature in the world. He emphasised that the intrepid spirit that was displayed in the deserts of Rajasthan nearly three decades ago paved the way for the “Viksit Bharat” of today, a nation that bargained from a position of strength and strategic autonomy. The Prime Minister underscored...

New Delhi and Baku are actively working to recalibrate their bilateral relationship as both nations look to move past recent diplomatic friction caused by Azerbaijan's deepening military and strategic partnership with Pakistan. The relationship had hit a significant low point following Baku’s overt support for Islamabad’s stance on the Kashmir issue and its increasing reliance on Pakistani defense hardware, which New Delhi viewed as a challenge to its regional interests. However, recognizing the immense economic potential of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), where Azerbaijan serves as a critical transit hub, both capitals are now engaging in high-level backchannel talks to decouple their economic cooperation from third-party geopolitical entanglements. India's grow...

In a significant move toward sustainable industrial operations, more than 50 industrial units within the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) zones have formally applied for Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections. This surge in applications marks a decisive transition from traditional, more polluting fuels like furnace oil and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) to cleaner, more cost-effective natural gas. The shift is being driven by a combination of stringent environmental regulations and the long-term economic benefits associated with PNG. Industry leaders note that while the initial infrastructure setup requires coordination, the consistent supply and reduced carbon footprint make PNG an attractive alternative for manufacturing and processing units. The local gas distribution com...

In a significant legal victory for the Union Minister, a Delhi court has officially dismissed a defamation complaint filed against Nirmala Sitharaman by Lipika Mitra, the wife of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti. The case, which had been pending in the judicial system for a considerable period, centered around certain remarks made by the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader during a televised press conference several years ago. Mitra had alleged that Sitharaman’s comments regarding her domestic dispute with her husband were derogatory, false, and intended to malign her reputation in the public eye. However, after a thorough examination of the evidence and legal arguments presented by both sides, the court concluded that the allegations did not meet the necessary legal thr...

In his first address to Parliament regarding the ongoing West Asia crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the conflict as a source of "unprecedented challenges" for India, spanning economic, national security, and humanitarian dimensions. Speaking in the Lok Sabha on March 23, 2026, the Prime Minister noted that the war, which has persisted for over three weeks following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has severely impacted global supply chains and energy markets. He highlighted India’s deep vulnerability due to its extensive trade ties with the region and its heavy reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for crude oil, gas, and fertilizer imports. Labeling the situation "worrisome," PM Modi emphasized that any disruption to international waterways is "unacceptable" and underscored the...

The aviation landscape of Northern India has reached a historic milestone as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officially granted the aerodrome license to Noida International Airport (NIA), clearing the final regulatory hurdle for its commercial launch. This prestigious certification confirms that the newly constructed facility at Jewar meets all stringent global safety, security, and operational standards required to manage commercial aircraft. With this license in hand, the airport is no longer just a massive construction project but a fully authorized international gateway, positioned to significantly de-congest the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The DGCA’s approval follows a series of successful calibration flights and rigorous inspections of the runway, ...

A high-profile security scare occurred in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district on Thursday afternoon when stones were hurled at a Delhi-bound Vande Bharat Express carrying Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. The incident took place around 3:20 PM near Kauda village as the premium train was traveling from Lucknow to Meerut. According to railway officials, the impact cracked a windowpane in coach C4, just one compartment away from where the RSS chief was seated in coach E1. While the sudden sound of shattering glass sparked brief panic among the passengers, authorities confirmed that Mohan Bhagwat remained completely unharmed and was later shifted to another coach as a precautionary measure. Local police and railway security agencies, including the RPF and GRP, launched an ...

During the June 2025 quarter, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), the country’s largest state-owned insurer, played a key role in supporting Indian equity markets amid volatility. LIC made net equity purchases worth over Rs 25,000 crore, increasing stakes in 94 companies while reducing holdings in 72. By June-end, LIC’s portfolio included 345 listed stocks valued at Rs 16.84 lakh crore, up 10% from Rs 15.26 lakh crore in March. Significant additions included Reliance Industries (2.56 crore shares worth Rs 3,840 crore), Info Edge India, and Tata Consultancy Services, with purchases valued at Rs 3,285 crore and Rs 2,890 crore, respectively. Other notable buys were Coforge, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever, HCL Technologies, Tata Motors, and Larsen & Toubro. On the sell side, LIC...