General
Pilots of VIP charters can now refuse to fly in unsafe conditions
Noting that VVIPs “use air travel frequently for electioneering and other purposes in (small) aircraft” and choppers, DGCA said, “Analysis of earlier accidents/incidents associated with aircraft operations to/from airstrips/temporary helipads and during election flying has often revealed violation of instructions and safety was jeopardised. It is essential that adequate measures are taken by all concerned to ensure the highest standards of safety for operation of such flights.”
'Alive & protesting’: MP in Janata regime turns 100
Sitting in his Bharatpur home, the veteran, “Lohia’s oldest disciple” as he likes to call himself, speaks with the authority of one who has not just witnessed history, but shaped it. Until a recent fall briefly hospitalised him, he was holding three meetings a week. What keeps him going is unfinished work.
Supreme Court rebukes courts for naming rape survivors
A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N K Singh expressed concern that despite statutory safeguards and repeated directions from SC, such lapses persist. The court made the observation while convicting a rape accused, noting that the name of the minor survivor was mentioned in lower court orders. The court rejected the argument of the woman’s family.
Jewar in the crown: PM to open NCR’s 2nd international airport today
The PM is scheduled to arrive at the airport at 11.30am on Saturday, go on a walkthrough of the terminal building, and formally inaugurate the airport around noon before addressing a public gathering. The event is expected to draw large crowds from Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr and other parts of western UP. Three pandals have been set up to accommodate more than one lakh people.
Indian seafarers face GPS jams, mine alerts in Hormuz
Ships in the region are reporting repeated radio broadcasts over maritime channels warning vessels against transit. “Attention all ships… This is the Sepah Navy… navigation through Strait of Hormuz is forbidden… no ship is allowed to pass until further notice,” the radio messages repeatedly blare. Crews attributed these announcements to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.
Commercial LPG allocation to states increased by 20%
In a letter to chief secretaries of states and UTs, petroleum secretary Neeraj Mittal said only those industrial units that have registered with oil marketing companies, declaring the end use of gas cylinders, and have also signed up for the piped gas network will be eligible for the additional quota of LPG. He added that if LPG is used by certain industrial units for special purposes that cannot be substituted by natural gas, such requirements would stand waived.
Lockdown reports‘harmful, baseless’, says govt, allays fear
Home minister Shah accused opposition parties of spreading panic over the West Asia crisis, including the claim that a lockdown may be imposed. “I want to assure everyone. Do not fear, nothing will happen. We have adequate reserves of petroleum products,” he said. While many countries had taken emergency measures, India was working to tide over the crisis without compromising the daily lives of people, he said, adding that it had ensured regular gas supply to homemakers.
NCERT reset, AI push: Pradhan spells out education roadmap
On the recent controversy involving UGC regulations aimed at maintaining standards, quality and equity in Indian higher education, Pradhan refrained from detailed comment, noting the matter is sub judice. “The govt’s responsibility is to ensure that no one faces injustice or discrimination. We will abide by whatever directions court issues,” he said. Outlining the ministry’s broader priorities, Pradhan said the education system currently serves around 30 crore students, placing significant responsibility on policymakers.
Defence, security at core of India-US ties: Sergio Gor
In an interview with the US embassy publication, Span magazine, the ambassador also spoke about the significance of Quad as he predicted further strengthening of defence ties. “India is a Major Defence Partner, and defence cooperation is one of the brightest spots in our bilateral relationship. We also strengthen US-India military interoperability through participation in military exercises such as Malabar, Tiger Triumph, and Cope India,” said Gor.
Army puts to test its new ‘Shaurya’ drone squadron for tank units
The Indian Army is bolstering its armoured regiments with dedicated drone units, 'Shaurya Squadrons', to enhance surveillance, precision strikes, and electronic warfare. Recently tested in a realistic battle scenario, these units aim to significantly boost battlefield awareness and response times for tank formations. This move reflects lessons learned from global drone-centric conflicts.
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