Category: NATIONAL

Bengaluru/New Delhi, Dec 17: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said that the image of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been tarnished, as the Congress party held protests against what it termed as the misuse of central agencies. Addressing party workers and supporters during the protest, Shivakumar alleged that the ED was being used as a political tool to target opposition leaders, particularly those who challenge the ruling dispensation at the Centre.

He said repeated actions by the agency against opposition leaders have raised serious questions about its independence and credibility. Shivakumar asserted that democratic values were under threat when investigative agencies are allegedly used for political purposes, and called for protecting constitutional institutions from political interference. The Congress leader added that the party would continue its protests and democratic resistance until, according to him, accountability and fairness are restored in the functioning of central agencies.

Tel Aviv, Dec 17: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Wednesday hailed the conferment of **Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the “Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia,” on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a significant acknowledgment of India’s contributions to the Global South and shared development goals. Jaishankar described the accolade as a testament to PM Modi’s commitment to deepening cooperation with developing countries, particularly those in Africa, and reaffirmed the importance of India’s engagement in regional development, capacity building and digital transformation initiatives. The External Affairs Minister highlighted that the recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of India’s leadership towards addressing the common aspirations of emerging economies.

Jaishankar’s comments came during his ongoing visit to Israel, where he is engaged in high‐level talks to strengthen bilateral ties in defence, technology and economic cooperation. He said the honour awarded to PM Modi underlines India’s growing role as a partner of choice for many nations in the Global South, supporting development collaborations from sustainable agriculture to health and education. The External Affairs Minister’s remarks also reiterated India’s broader diplomatic strategy of fostering mutual respect, economic partnerships and strategic alliances with developing countries, reinforcing India’s position on the global stage as a voice for equitable growth and inclusive cooperation.

New Delhi, Dec 16: On the occasion of Vijay Diwas 2025, commemorating India’s decisive victory in the 1971 Indo‑Pakistan war, the Indian Army showcased an impressive array of indigenous defence technologies and innovation, underlining a modern, tech‑forward approach to national security. The event, attended by President Droupadi Murmu and senior military leaders, featured advanced capabilities in artificial intelligence, satellite imagery analysis, drone systems and portable communication technologies, reflecting how the armed forces are integrating cutting‑edge tools into battlefield awareness and strategic planning. These developments demonstrate the shift from conventional defence frameworks to a more networked, digital and autonomous landscape that strengthens India’s defence posture well into the future.

The showcase also included systems capable of real‑time geospatial intelligence and autonomous analysis, rugged AI‑enabled platforms for remote operations, and indigenous drone forensics tools that enhance counter‑drone preparedness across challenging terrains. Additionally, innovations such as rapid deployable bridges, all‑terrain mobility vehicles and silent electric tactical units highlighted how modern technology is enhancing not only combat effectiveness but also support roles in disaster relief and civilian operations. The emphasis on homegrown solutions, developed through collaboration between military research units, startups and academic institutions, reinforces India’s strategic goal of self‑reliance in defence technology — a key pillar of national security in an era where warfare increasingly depends on digital superiority and technological agility.

Chennai, Dec 17: Chennai Metro Rail is gearing up to roll out a high-frequency service on a key new section of the network between Poonamallee and Porur, part of the Phase-II expansion that is nearing completion and expected to start operations from January 2026. Under the plan, metro trains will operate at an interval of every six minutes during peak hours, bringing faster and more convenient connectivity to commuters on this busy corridor.

This enhanced frequency will be supported by 13 three-coach metro trains that are ready for service and an expanded roster of drivers and staff being inducted for the new stretch. The move to six-minute headways reflects growing demand as the city’s public transport usage increases, aiming to reduce crowding and improve commuter experience on one of Chennai’s emerging rapid transit links.

New Delhi, Dec 17: Authorities in Delhi-NCR have enforced Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after air quality deteriorated to the ‘Severe Plus’ category. With the Air Quality Index crossing extremely hazardous levels, the highest set of restrictions has been imposed to curb pollution sources and reduce public exposure, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.

GRAP-IV is an emergency response mechanism triggered during extreme pollution episodes. The measures focus on restricting high-emission activities, regulating traffic and limiting outdoor exposure until air quality shows sustained improvement.

Thane (Maharashtra), Dec 17: Just days before the Ambernath Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for December 20, tension escalated in Thane district as unidentified assailants opened fire outside the office of BJP candidate Pawan Walekar. The incident, which occurred in the Ambernath area, triggered panic among local residents and political workers, compounding an already charged atmosphere in the run-up to the civic polls. A security guard at the office was injured in the attack and has been taken to hospital, while authorities are probing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators.

Local police have increased security in the area and launched an investigation, with officers questioning witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage to ascertain the motive and those responsible for the firing. The attack has raised concerns over poll-related violence and the safety of candidates and election staff, prompting senior officials to urge calm as political parties intensify campaigning in various parts of the Thane district ahead of the local body elections.

London/Dec 17: Scientists in the United Kingdom have developed a groundbreaking blood test that could transform how lung cancer is diagnosed and monitored. The new method, based on Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) microspectroscopy, can identify a single lung cancer cell circulating in a patient’s bloodstream by analysing its unique chemical fingerprint. This represents a major advance over traditional techniques, which can be slow, expensive and often require invasive tissue biopsies.

The research team, including experts from the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Keele University and Loughborough University, says the test’s ability to detect even one cancer cell in a routine blood sample could allow doctors to monitor disease progression in real time, personalise treatments and catch cancer earlier than ever before. By using standard laboratory equipment and advanced computer analysis, the technique might soon be integrated into clinical practice, helping reduce diagnostic delays and improving survival outcomes for lung cancer patients worldwide.

New Delhi, Dec 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Indian soldiers on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, remembering the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces that led to India’s victory in the 1971 war. He said the nation remains eternally grateful to the brave soldiers who safeguarded India’s sovereignty and honour.

In a separate message, the Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow over a tragic road accident on the Yamuna Expressway and announced ex-gratia assistance for the families of those who lost their lives, as well as financial support for the injured. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Amman/New Delhi, Dec 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed the need to significantly expand economic engagement between India and Jordan. During high-level talks with Jordanian leadership, Modi proposed doubling bilateral trade within the next five years, highlighting India’s readiness to partner in infrastructure and reconstruction projects.

The discussions also focused on strengthening cooperation in renewable energy, digital innovation, water conservation and skill development. PM Modi said deeper economic collaboration would benefit both countries and contribute to long-term regional stability and prosperity.

New Delhi/Addis Ababa, Dec 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing multi-nation foreign tour has resulted in key diplomatic breakthroughs, significantly strengthening India’s global engagement. During his visit to Ethiopia, India and Ethiopia elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, opening new avenues of cooperation in infrastructure development, trade, defence collaboration and people-to-people exchanges.

In recognition of his leadership and contribution to strengthening India-Africa relations, the Ethiopian government conferred its highest national honour on PM Modi. The Prime Minister described the gesture as a tribute to the growing friendship between the two nations and reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Africa’s development priorities.