Dweep Tulika

New Delhi | August 15, 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’s attire during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort drew attention on Saturday after the tricolour-themed pocket square on his jacket appeared in a colour sequence different from that of the Indian National Flag . The pocket square featured green, white and saffron sections, while the Indian National Flag is officially arranged with India saffron at the top, white in the middle and India green at the bottom , with the Ashoka Chakra in the centre. The unusual colour arrangement quickly became a subject of discussion on social media and drew political reactions. Congress leaders took a swipe at the Prime Minister, pointing out that the green-white-saffron combination resembles the colour sequence of the Irish flag rather than India's saffron-white-green Tricolour. The issue has also prompted debate over whether the pocket square should simply be viewed as a tricolour-inspired fashion accessory or whe...

New Delhi | 28 July 2026 The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has alleged that Delhi Police entered its headquarters, AKG Bhavan , in New Delhi in an attempt to arrest Students' Federation of India (SFI) Joint Secretary Aishe Ghosh , leading to a confrontation between party leaders and police personnel. According to CPI(M), the police team arrived in a private vehicle, with some personnel allegedly in plain clothes. The party said Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas questioned the officers' presence inside the party headquarters and asked them to produce the warrant, following which the police team left the premises without making an arrest. CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby described the incident as an unlawful attempt to arrest Ghosh and alleged that she had been under surveillance in recent days. The party also criticised the police action, describing it as an attack on democratic rights and linking it to the ongoing student protests. Delhi Police, however, said t...

DEHRADUN, July 24:  Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered an immediate halt to the felling of trees for the proposed Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh road widening project following nearly a week of sustained public protests. The controversy began on July 12 when authorities started cutting trees for the expansion of the 20-kilometre road connecting Dehradun and Rishikesh . The project requires the removal of around 4,369 trees, many located in a forest area that forms part of an important elephant corridor near Rajaji National Park .  The move sparked widespread opposition from environmentalists, students, local residents, and social organisations. Protesters staged Chipko-style demonstrations by hugging trees, organising peaceful sit-ins, and demanding that the government reconsider the project in view of its environmental impact. Around 400 trees were reportedly felled before the work was stopped. On July 18, Chief Minister Dhami directed officials to suspend...

NEW DELHI, July 24:  Activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike after the Central Government agreed to hold talks with representatives of the student movement , marking a significant development in the ongoing nationwide protests over alleged examination paper leaks .  Despite Wangchuk calling off his fast, protest organisers have announced that demonstrations will continue across Delhi and several other states until concrete reforms are implemented. Today's nationwide campaign is being held under the slogan "Every District. One Day. One Demand." According to organisers, the movement continues to seek action against alleged examination paper leaks, comprehensive education reforms, accountability for recent police action against demonstrators, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan .  Security arrangements have been significantly strengthened in the national capital. According to official announcements, 17 Delhi Metro stations...

NEW DELHI, July 24: Comedian and politician Shyam Rangeela (born Shyam Sunder on 25 August 1994 in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan ) briefly took the microphone during the ongoing Gen Z protest in New Delhi and delivered a satirical performance by mimicking Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's voice. In his act, Rangeela referenced several promises made before past elections, using humour and imitation to comment on political accountability . The performance quickly drew attention on social media, with supporters describing it as a memorable example of political satire , while others debated its message and timing. Political satire has long been a part of democratic societies, offering a way to question those in power through humour, parody and public expression. Like other forms of speech, it often attracts both appreciation and criticism. The performance became one of several moments from the ongoing demonstrations that circulated widely online, reflecting the diverse forms of expression...

Congress has sought detailed clarification from the Centre on the proposed International Container Transhipment Port at Great Nicobar, raising questions on ownership, private participation and transparency.

Thousands of CBSE Class 12 students recorded higher scores after the board re-evaluated answer sheets following concerns over its new digital evaluation process.

Several workers were killed and dozens hospitalised after an ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing facility in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district. Tiruvallur/New Delhi, June 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives following a tragic ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing facility in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district . The incident occurred at a seafood export unit near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district, where ammonia gas reportedly leaked from an industrial refrigeration system used for seafood preservation. According to reports, the leak affected a large number of workers present at the facility. Initial reports indicated two deaths, but later updates suggested that the death toll had risen to seven. More than 60 workers were reportedly hospitalised after suffering breathing difficulties and other symptoms associated with ammonia exposure . Many of the affected workers were migrant labourers employed at the processing unit. Eme...

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has said that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are no longer a remote region and are set to play an important role in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 . Addressing a gathering comprising professionals, business leaders, senior citizens, women, youth and BJP leaders during his visit to the islands, Rijiju emphasized the importance of direct interaction between policymakers and society. He noted that while digital communication has become widespread, face-to-face engagement remains essential for understanding local concerns and strengthening public participation. Speaking about the transformation of remote regions, Rijiju said areas such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Northeast and border regions were once viewed as distant from the country's mainstream development process. According to him, improved transportation, internet connectivity and digital infrastructure have significantly changed that perception over t...

Delhi, June 20: A recent investigation by The Reporters' Collective has claimed that the Adani Group won all eight long-term coal power tenders floated by BJP-ruled states between 2024 and early 2026. According to the report, the projects could generate an estimated revenue of approximately ₹13.27 lakh crore over their operational lifetime, with most power purchase agreements extending for nearly 25 years. The investigation examined power procurement contracts awarded during the period and raised questions regarding certain tender conditions and concessions reportedly provided in some states. However, the report stated that it did not find evidence of illegal conduct and noted that securing all eight tenders does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing. Responding to the findings, the Adani Group rejected the allegations and maintained that all contracts were obtained through transparent and competitive bidding processes conducted in accordance with applicable regulations and approved...

By Dweep Tulika Defence Desk The recent crash of an Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft near Jorhat in Assam has once again brought the spotlight onto one of the Air Force's oldest and most trusted workhorses. The accident claimed the lives of five Air Warriors while one crew member survived, prompting the IAF to order a Court of Inquiry into the incident. While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, the tragedy has reignited a broader national debate: How long should military aircraft remain in service, and is India investing enough in replacing ageing platforms? The Backbone of Tactical Airlift The Antonov AN-32 was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1984. Designed for operations in hot and high-altitude environments , the Soviet-origin aircraft became the backbone of India's tactical airlift capability. For more than four decades, the aircraft has transported troops, ammunition, relief supplies, and equipment across some of the most chall...

New Delhi, 01 June 2026: In the 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 31 May 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India's mango growers and highlighted the global recognition enjoyed by Indian mangoes . Calling mangoes an important part of India's culture and agricultural identity, the Prime Minister credited farmers for helping Indian varieties gain popularity both within the country and abroad. However, even as the praise was being delivered, the 2026 mango season was facing significant challenges. Japan Suspends Indian Mango Imports Earlier in March 2026, a Japanese quarantine inspection team visited Indian Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) facilities and reportedly identified deficiencies in pest-control and disinfection procedures. Japanese authorities later announced that mango consignments certified on or after 25 March 2026 would not be accepted until corrective measures were implemented. On 29 May 2026, Japan suspended imports of fresh Indian mangoes for the remainder of ...