Category: NATIONAL

New Delhi/Kolkata, Dec 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday alleged that there was total mismanagement and an attempt to cover up lapses following a recent incident, launching a sharp attack on the state administration. A BJP leader said that the handling of the situation exposed serious failures at multiple levels, claiming that authorities were unprepared and slow to respond. He alleged that instead of fixing accountability, efforts were made to deflect blame and suppress facts related to the incident.

The BJP demanded a thorough and impartial investigation, calling for strict action against officials responsible for negligence. The party said public safety cannot be compromised and accused the state government of prioritising political image over accountability. The state government, however, has rejected the allegations, stating that necessary steps were taken promptly and that an internal review is underway to assess the situation and prevent recurrence.

New Delhi, Dec 17: A BJP leader on Tuesday said that the G-RAM-G Bill is aimed at the rationalisation of an existing government scheme and does not introduce any new or arbitrary provisions, rejecting opposition criticism. Speaking to reporters, the BJP leader said the Bill seeks to streamline implementation, remove duplication and improve efficiency, ensuring that the intended benefits reach people more effectively. He asserted that the proposed legislation is administrative in nature and focused on better governance.

Responding to demands from opposition parties to refer the Bill to a parliamentary panel, the BJP leader said adequate consultations have already been held and that the objectives of the legislation are transparent. He accused the opposition of spreading confusion and politicising a reform-oriented move, adding that the government remains committed to simplifying systems and improving delivery mechanisms. The BJP reiterated that the G-RAM-G Bill is in line with the government’s broader agenda of governance reforms and accountability.

New Delhi, Dec 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday said that while the opposition has been making allegations and raising slogans, the law has continued to function independently and firmly. Responding to protests by Congress leaders over the National Herald case, a BJP spokesperson said the accusations levelled by the opposition were “floating in the air,” but investigative agencies and courts were proceeding strictly as per legal provisions. The BJP rejected claims of political vendetta, asserting that no individual or family is above the law.

The party further stated that repeated attempts by the Congress to portray legal action as political persecution were aimed at misleading the public and evading accountability. The BJP maintained that due process is being followed and that judicial scrutiny, not political pressure, will determine the outcome of the case. It added that democracy is strengthened when institutions function without interference, and urged the opposition to cooperate with the law instead of staging protests.

New Delhi, Dec 17: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh is set to introduce the Nuclear Energy Bill, 2025 in Parliament during the ongoing Winter Session. The proposed legislation aims to update and strengthen India’s nuclear energy framework, focusing on safety, regulation and the expansion of nuclear power as part of the country’s long-term clean energy strategy. The Bill is expected to outline provisions related to governance, operational oversight and the role of nuclear energy in meeting India’s growing power demands while reducing carbon emissions.

The introduction of the Bill has sparked political debate, with opposition parties seeking detailed scrutiny through a parliamentary panel, citing concerns over safety, transparency and public interest. The government, however, has maintained that the legislation is crucial for enhancing energy security and promoting sustainable development. The Nuclear Energy Bill, 2025, is seen as a key step in India’s efforts to modernise its nuclear sector and align it with global standards while ensuring strict regulatory safeguards.

Mumbai/New Delhi, Dec 17: Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday refused to apologise for his remarks on Operation Sindoor, asserting that his comments were being misinterpreted and taken out of context. Responding to criticism from the BJP, Chavan said his statement was made within the framework of constitutional values and democratic accountability, and not with the intent alleged by his political opponents. He maintained that raising questions or expressing opinions does not amount to disrespecting national security or the armed forces.

Chavan further accused the ruling party of attempting to create controversy by selectively projecting his remarks for political gain. He said the Congress has consistently respected the armed forces and national interest, and reiterated that debates and discussions are an essential part of a healthy democracy. The BJP, meanwhile, has continued to target Chavan over the remarks, demanding an apology and accusing the Congress of undermining sensitive national issues for political purposes.

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.