Chinese President Xi Jinping is in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit, his first to India in nearly seven years, comes amidst efforts to normalise India-China relations following the 2020 Eastern Ladakh standoff and is expected to have significant implications for bilateral ties and BRICS cooperation.
Indian wedding bookings to Sri Lanka are projected to grow 20-25 per cent annually over the next few years.
Manoj Bajpayee has expanded his real estate portfolio with the acquisition of 4.45 acres of agricultural land in Pune's scenic Mulshi taluka.
In recent years, China and Russia have pushed for de-dollarisation within BRICS, which India has resisted. One reason is that India does not want to hurt its relationship with the United States, and another is the fear of China controlling trade because the renminbi is considered the strongest currency in the bloc today.
A new study by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed an integrated land-use regression (iLUR) model to map environmental noise across Delhi. This innovative approach combines geographical and real-time traffic data, including vehicle counts, speeds, and honking, to provide a more accurate and cost-effective understanding of noise distribution in the city's complex urban landscape. The model aims to help authorities plan targeted measures for noise control.
Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the BRICS summit, urging the bloc to play a significant role in achieving peace and tranquillity in West Asia and the Gulf region. He highlighted BRICS' growth over two decades, its efforts in tackling global challenges, and its steadfastness in safeguarding the interests of the Global South. Xi called for opposing the Cold War mentality, strengthening multilateralism, and promoting cooperation in emerging domains like AI, as China prepares to chair the next summit.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a complete ban on construction activities from December 10 to January 20 to combat severe winter air pollution. The government will use its AI-powered Dust Portal 2.0 and AI-enabled cameras to monitor construction sites over 500 square metres in real-time, issuing alerts and fines for violations. Citizens are encouraged to report non-compliance.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to implement drone-based surveillance to monitor and prevent stubble burning. This initiative aims to counter late-evening burning incidents that evade satellite detection, leveraging drone technology for real-time monitoring, accurate detection, and evidence collection to ensure effective enforcement against agricultural residue burning.
Haryana is institutionalising drone technology as a key governance tool, deploying AI-powered surveillance and high-resolution geospatial mapping. This initiative aims to detect illegal constructions, monitor mining activities, map civic infrastructure, and track pollution across the state. The Chief Secretary reviewed progress on various projects, including an AI-powered Change Detection Application and digital mapping of municipal assets, highlighting the state's commitment to evidence-based governance and improved public service delivery.
Former Indian fielding coach T Dilip shared his most cherished memory with the team, highlighting the profound silence in the dressing room after their T20 World Cup 2024 victory.
The Environment Ministry has designated the Natural History Museum (NHM) in Mizoram as India's 21st designated repository, significantly enhancing the country's biodiversity conservation and scientific infrastructure, particularly within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.
Renowned conservation biologist Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, founder of Assam's biodiversity organisation Aaranyak, has been elected as a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London (FLS), one of the highest international recognitions in natural history and biological sciences.
9 fascinating facts about the dinosaur that shattered auction records.
Ranbir Kapoor has made a significant investment, purchasing 25.7 acres of land in Pune's scenic Mulshi taluka for over Rs 16.42 crore (Rs 164.2 million), underscoring a growing trend among celebrities to favour land banking for long-term real estate appreciation and development potential.
Researchers have identified two new species of microscopic snails, Georissa meghalayaensis and Acmella bensoni, in the limestone caves of Meghalaya, India. This discovery highlights the rich, yet underexplored, biodiversity of the region's subterranean ecosystems, while also raising concerns about threats from increasing tourism and mining activities.
A new study indicates that India's monsoon season could experience a significant increase in uncompensable heat stress under a 2 degrees Celsius global warming scenario, extending the duration of extreme heat conditions.
A rare yellow puffball mushroom, provisionally identified as Bovista colorata, has been documented in Arunachal Pradesh's Longding district by the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra. This discovery highlights the state's rich biodiversity and the ecological importance of such fungi.
Following a fatal stabbing on a Mumbai local train, the Maharashtra government has announced plans to expand CCTV coverage, strengthen police patrolling, and implement other safety measures across the suburban railway network. The state also highlighted the quick arrest of the accused using facial recognition technology and ongoing efforts for passenger and women's safety.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district demolished 33 illegal structures used for drug-related activities, as part of the 'Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan'.
Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) has successfully deployed advanced drone technology for inspecting high voltage transmission corridors, leading to an 85 per cent reduction in power outages. This initiative has improved operational efficiency, workforce safety, and enabled precise fault detection and predictive maintenance across over 11,000 transmission towers and 3,370 km of lines.
'Can you believe there are over 26,500 deaths linked to heatwave-driven ozone in 2024?'
India is navigating a complex diplomatic landscape, attempting to balance its 'forever honeymoon' with the Israel-UAE-Bahrain axis against its historical ties with Iran, as evidenced by recent high-level visits and evolving geopolitical realignments in the Middle East, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
Delhi Traffic Police issued 2,846 challans for traffic violations during a special two-hour drive to improve road safety in the capital city.
A man was arrested at the India-Nepal border in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, with over 2.30 kg of high-grade hydroponic weed worth approximately Rs 1 crore. The arrest by SSB personnel led to the accused being handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau for further investigation into a cross-border drug network.
The incidents resulted in 1,468 human deaths and 337 injuries, making it one of the country's gravest wildlife-related crises.
Cross-border drones successfully dropped arms and ammunition as deep into Kashmir as the Baramulla district without detection, according to a National Investigation Agency (NIA) chargesheet filed in the last year's audacious Pahalgam terror attack case.
In the remote tribal village of Pahadpur, preparations are in full swing as it looks to script history.
Countless public surfaces, from cash machines to lift buttons, are touched by hundreds of people every day, often without a second thought.
The Maharashtra excise department has arrested over 210 people and registered 313 cases in a five-day crackdown on illicit liquor manufacturing and sales in Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. This intensified action follows the Pune hooch tragedy, which claimed at least 15 lives, leading to the seizure of property worth Rs 1.58 crore and the suspension of 22 police and excise personnel.
The Maharashtra excise department has arrested over 210 people and registered 313 cases in a five-day crackdown on illicit liquor manufacturing and sales in Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. This intensified action follows the Pune hooch tragedy, which claimed at least 15 lives, leading to the seizure of property worth Rs 1.58 crore and the suspension of 22 police and excise personnel.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans celebrated their team's IPL victory peacefully in Bengaluru, with police ensuring celebrations remained under control.
The incident took place during a routine jungle safari inside the UNESCO World Heritage site in Assam.
Revenue intelligence and customs officers are set to intensify surveillance and increase vigilance on international borders to combat potential gold smuggling following a significant increase in customs duty on gold.
Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat issued a stern warning to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti for 'pumping narcotics' into India, vowing to dismantle his network.
Authorities in Hoshiarpur demolished an illegal structure built on panchayat land by a family allegedly involved in drug trafficking, as part of the state government's campaign against drugs.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has alleged a rise in targeted attacks on Hindus in Delhi, demanding a high-level review and the formation of a special task force to counter radical networks.
The 100-day 'drug-free J-K campaign' has achieved significant success across the Union Territory, leading to numerous arrests, seizures of narcotics, and demolition of properties linked to drug peddlers.
In response to rising crime, including the recent murder of a retired brigadier, Uttarakhand has launched 'Operation Prahar' to enhance police presence, accountability, and curb illegal activities in Dehradun.
The brand-new OPPO F33 Pro 5G is is offered in a range of unique stylish finishes including Misty Forest, Starry Blue, Passion Red, Forest Green and Pearl White.
The Indian government is integrating artificial intelligence into the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) 2.0 to enhance crime tracking, criminal profiling, and predictive policing across the country.
