The acquisition of French-made Rafale fighter jets by India in 2016, hailed as a strategic masterstroke, is now under a cloud of doubt due to a critical omission: the absence of the Meteor missile. This long-range air-to-air missile, a key component of the Rafale’s combat suite, was not included in the initial deal for the 36 aircraft. The Meteor’s unparalleled range of nearly 200 kilometers provides a decisive edge in air superiority, a capability that was central to the aircraft’s intended role against adversaries like Pakistan’s F-16s armed with AMRAAM missiles. After years of operation without this vital weapon, India…
Author: The Chhattisgarh
Pakistan’s network of madrassas presents a complex challenge, offering education to the poor but also acting as conduits for radical ideology, deepening inequality, and sadly, witnessing abuse, according to a new report. The report underscores the significant gap between secular schooling and religious seminaries, a divide that mirrors the country’s broader societal rifts. While madrassa education is an internal affair, the international community is keen to ensure Pakistan addresses its educational sector responsibilities and combats extremism. For years, madrassas have faced accusations of promoting ideologies that clash with national interests and international peace principles. The infamous 2005 Red Mosque siege…
An unexpected turn of events saw Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s flight make an emergency landing at Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri on October 30th. The minister was on her way to Bhutan for a crucial official visit when severe weather conditions, characterized by heavy rainfall and low atmospheric pressure, necessitated the diversion. Sitharaman is reported to be safe, and arrangements have been made for her to spend the night in Siliguri. Local authorities are providing security and logistical support. The continuation of her journey to Thimphu is contingent on weather stabilization by Friday morning. The primary objectives of Sitharaman’s visit include…
In a significant departure from previous policies, the Trump administration has set a new annual limit of 7,500 refugee admissions, with a reported emphasis on white South Africans. This sharp reduction and shift in focus are raising alarms about the nation’s commitment to global humanitarian responsibilities and its image as a haven for the displaced. The newly announced ceiling for fiscal year 2026 represents a dramatic decrease from the 125,000 cap previously established. The administration has offered no specific reasons for this drastic cut, merely citing “humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest” in its Federal Register notice.…
A ‘Kolhan Bandh’, initiated by the BJP in West Singhbhum, brought normal life to a halt on Wednesday in protest of a police lathicharge against tribal demonstrators. The shutdown was observed across key areas including Chaibasa, Chakradharpur, Jagannathpur, and Sonua, with roads eerily quiet and businesses shuttered. BJP workers actively participated in demonstrations, chanting slogans against the state government and local police authorities. The protest’s roots lie in a violent incident on Monday night near the residence of Transport Minister Deepak Birua. A confrontation occurred when protesters demanding ‘no entry’ on NH-220 and the Chaibasa bypass road clashed with police.…
In a significant outreach, a Gurdwara delegation formally requested the Chief Minister’s attendance at the forthcoming Prakash Parv event. This annual celebration honors the birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, and holds immense religious and cultural importance for Sikhs worldwide. The delegation conveyed the community’s deep reverence for the occasion and extended a personal plea for the Chief Minister to join them. Their aim is to share the joy and spirit of Prakash Parv with esteemed leaders, fostering a sense of unity and shared heritage. The Chief Minister was briefed on the elaborate arrangements being made…
Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh witnessed a substantial surrender of 51 Naxalite members on Wednesday, marking a crucial success for anti-insurgency operations. Notably, 20 of the surrendered cadres were identified as carrying a cumulative bounty totaling Rs 66 lakh, underscoring the significance of this event. The group also comprised nine women who have chosen to leave the armed struggle. These surrenders are a direct result of the ‘Poona Margem – Punarwas se Punarjeevan’ initiative, a rehabilitation scheme designed by the Bastar Range Police to foster social integration among former Naxalites. Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav attributed the move to…
Karnataka has announced its Rajyotsava Award recipients for 2025, bestowing the honor upon 70 accomplished individuals across numerous sectors. Film personality Prakash Raj is a prominent name on this year’s list. A notable aspect of this year’s selection is the departure from the traditional application process. Selections were made through a rigorous evaluation based on district-level criteria, social impact, and expert committee recommendations. This year’s ceremony makes history by recognizing two individuals from the Samagar Haralayya community for the first time. The awards ceremony will not honor any organizations, but will celebrate 12 women achievers, some of whom proactively applied.…
In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, India has triumphed over Australia to reach the ODI World Cup final. The team successfully chased a colossal 339, setting a new record for the highest successful pursuit in women’s ODI history. Jemimah Rodrigues was the star, scoring an exceptional unbeaten 127, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a vital 89 runs. Their pivotal 167-run partnership was instrumental in turning the tide against a strong Australian team. Earlier, Australia posted a formidable 338/3, with Phoebe Litchfield leading the charge with a century (119) and Ellyse Perry adding 77. Despite the challenging target, India’s…
As the 2025 Bihar elections approach, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is making an uncharacteristically extensive campaign effort in Nalanda, his traditional stronghold. The normally routine visits have escalated into comprehensive roadshows and rallies spanning all seven assembly constituencies within the district. At 74, Kumar appears determined to reinforce his political standing in a region that has long been synonymous with his electoral success. The underlying cause for this concentrated campaign effort is a discernible trend of declining electoral performance. Election Commission data indicates a significant reduction in the winning margins for the JD (U) in Nalanda over the last four…