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At IndiaVerve, we go beyond the noise to bring you meaningful stories of change, resilience and progress—from India to the world stage. Our mission is to bring readers credible, wide-ranging coverage across politics, business, sports, culture, society and more.
At IndiaVerve, we go beyond the noise to bring you meaningful stories of change, resilience and progress—from India to the world stage. Our mission is to bring readers credible, wide-ranging coverage across politics, business, sports, culture, society and more.
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Day: December 29, 2025

Supreme Court puts Aravalli hills ruling on hold, calls for fresh expert review

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday placed in abeyance its earlier directions revising the definition of the Aravalli Hills, saying the court’s observations and an expert committee report were being misconstrued and required further clarification before any implementation.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih said the matter involved sensitive ecological and legal questions and therefore needed deeper examination. The court issued notice in the suo motu case and listed it for further hearing on January 21.

As per media reports, the appex court also indicated that it may constitute a high-powered expert committee to look into key issues, including the implications of defining hills based on height, the ecological continuity of the Aravalli range and the regulatory framework for mining and land use in the region.

The order effectively pauses its November 20 ruling which had narrowed the definition of the Aravalli Hills to landforms rising at least 100 metres above the surrounding area. Environmental groups and sections of the Opposition had warned that such a classification could strip protection from large stretches of the ancient mountain system, potentially opening them up to mining and real estate activity.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed the court’s decision, saying the government would fully assist the proposed expert committee. He also underlined that the ban on new mining leases, as well as renewals of existing leases in the Aravalli region, would continue to remain in force.

Reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the stay order was a welcome step and stressed that any policy concerning the Aravalli range must be framed with a long-term environmental perspective. He urged the Union Environment Minister to prioritise ecological protection and warned that expanding mining activities across the Aravallis — including in ecologically sensitive areas such as Sariska — would pose serious risks for future generations.

The Aravalli issue has seen intense public debate in Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Gujarat, with activists arguing that the fragile mountain system plays a crucial role in groundwater recharge and in slowing the spread of the Thar Desert. The Supreme Court’s decision to reopen the matter suggests a broader review of how ecological systems are classified and conserved in India.

Defence Acquisition Council clears Rs79,000cr defence proposals

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New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has cleared a series of major procurement proposals for the armed forces, granting Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for acquisitions valued at around Rs79,000 crore. The approvals were accorded during the council’s meeting held on Monday.

For the Indian Army, the DAC cleared proposals to induct loitering munitions for artillery units, low-level lightweight radars, long-range guided rocket ammunition for the Pinaka multiple launch rocket system, and the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II. These systems are aimed at strengthening precision strike capabilities, improving detection and tracking of low-flying unmanned aerial systems, extending the reach and accuracy of the Pinaka platform, and enhancing protection of critical assets in both tactical battle areas and hinterland locations, according to an official statement.

In the naval segment, approval was granted for the procurement of bollard pull tugs, high-frequency software-defined radio manpacks, and the leasing of high-altitude long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems. The induction of tugs will support safe berthing and manoeuvring of naval vessels and submarines in confined harbour spaces, while the new communication systems are expected to improve secure long-range connectivity during operations. The leased HALE RPAS platforms will significantly boost intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance coverage, strengthening maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region.

The Indian Air Force also received approvals for key capability upgrades, including automatic take-off and landing recording systems, Astra Mk-II beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, full mission simulators for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, and SPICE-1000 long-range precision guidance kits. These inductions are expected to enhance flight safety through advanced recording systems, improve air combat reach with extended-range missiles, strengthen pilot training through high-fidelity simulators, and sharpen precision strike capabilities from standoff distances.

Collectively, the latest AoN approvals reflect a continued focus on modernisation, force protection, and indigenous capability enhancement across the three services.

Dense fog paralyses Delhi as AQI turns ‘severe’, flight services affected

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New Delhi: Delhi and the National Capital Region were gripped by dense fog and worsening pollution conditions on Monday, as visibility dropped sharply at several locations with the city’s air quality slipping back into the “severe” category and affecting the flight operations serverely.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 402 at 8 am. While the citywide average crossed the 400-mark, a number of monitoring stations reported even higher levels of pollution. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 455, placing it deep in the “severe” category, while Bawana registered 411. Other areas such as Wazirpur (443), Rohini (442), Punjabi Bagh (426) and Patparganj (431) also reported hazardous conditions. A few pockets remained marginally better, though still in the “very poor” range.

The dense fog compounded the impact of pollution, settling across large parts of the capital in the early hours and reducing visibility to near zero in several stretches. Thick layers of fog were reported from Anand Vihar, Dhaula Kuan, Akshardham, Dwarka and along Kartavya Path, with motorists forced to keep headlights and hazard lamps switched on through the morning. The conditions were similar in the neighbouring areas such as Noida, Ghaziabad and parts of Haryana, leading to discomfort among commuters and residents.

Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were severely affected. With fluctuating visibility disrupting runway and ground movements, nearly 200 flights were delayed and six were cancelled, affecting thousands of passengers. Data from flight-tracking platforms showed at least 144 delayed departures and 51 delayed arrivals through the day. Airlines issued repeated advisories urging passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport and be prepared for operational disruptions.

IndiGo stated that visibility variations were affecting scheduling and warned that operations at both Delhi and Hindon airports could remain slower than usual. The airline said services would gradually stabilise once conditions improved.

Air India had also alerted travellers on Sunday evening about likely delays due to fog, advising passengers to allow additional travel time.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast dense to very dense fog conditions over parts of north India during night and early morning hours over the next few days. The weather agency expects fog to persist across Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and western Uttar Pradesh until December 31, while eastern Uttar Pradesh may continue to be affected until January 1 before a gradual improvement. For Delhi, the IMD has issued an orange alert for December 29, with the maximum temperature likely to be around 22°C and the minimum near 7°C.

The combination of fog and stagnant winter air has again intensified concerns about winter pollution in the capital. AQI levels above 400 are considered dangerous for all population groups, with health experts generally advising residents to limit prolonged outdoor exposure in such conditions.

Authorities have urged residents and travellers to keep track of weather and air quality updates, while airlines and airport operators continue to monitor operational conditions closely.

Battle of the Sexes: Kyrgios beats Sabalenka in Dubai

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Dubai: Nick Kyrgios defeated women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a much-hyped “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match on Sunday, an event that sparked debate across the tennis world due to its altered format and rules. Played in Dubai, the contest ended with Kyrgios winning 6-3, 6-3, though it bore little resemblance to the historic 1973 showdown between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

Unlike the landmark match five decades ago – which carried enormous significance for women’s tennis and the fight for equal recognition and prize money – Sunday’s encounter was largely symbolic and experimental. In 1973, King, at the height of her career, defeated the then 55-year-old Riggs in straight sets, a victory that became a defining moment for the women’s professional game.

To balance physical differences in the Dubai exhibition, organisers introduced modified rules. Both players were limited to a single serve, and Sabalenka’s half of the court was reduced by nine percent in an effort to curb Kyrgios’ power and speed, according to media reports.

Despite slipping to world number 671 after playing only six ATP matches over the past three seasons, the 30-year-old Australian showed flashes of his former level. That proved enough to overcome Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, in a match that prioritised spectacle over tradition.

Cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi honoured with Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

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New Delhi: Fourteen-year-old cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi was conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by President of India Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held in the national capital, recognising his exceptional achievements in domestic and Under-19 cricket.

The awards were presented to children who have demonstrated outstanding excellence across categories such as Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art and Culture, and Science and Technology. Vaibhav Suryavanshi was honoured under the sports category, reflecting his rapid rise and record-breaking performances in one of the most competitive sporting arenas in the country.

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is the highest civilian honour for children aged between five and 18 years, celebrating young individuals who show extraordinary talent and dedication at an early age. Suryavanshi’s recognition places him among an elite group of young achievers who have made a national impact through their work and performance.

The young cricketer has recently drawn widespread attention for his remarkable innings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate group match in Ranchi, where he scored a blistering 190 runs off just 84 deliveries for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh. His innings, marked by an array of boundaries and towering sixes, has further cemented his reputation as one of India’s most promising cricketing talents.

With this national honour, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s journey stands as a testament to the growing depth of young talent in Indian cricket and signals a bright future for the sport at both domestic and international levels.

Pakistan acknowledges damage to Nur Khan Air Base in India’s Operation Sindoor

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Pakistan has acknowledged that India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor in May caused damage to key military infrastructure, marking a rare public admission months after the operation was carried out. The disclosure follows India’s retaliatory action after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed in an assault attributed to Pakistan-backed militants.

At a year-end briefing, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Indian drones struck the Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi’s Chaklala area. He stated that the military installation sustained damage and that personnel stationed at the base were injured during the attack.

According to Dar, India carried out a large-scale drone operation over a short span, with around 80 drones entering Pakistani airspace within 36 hours. Pakistani forces reportedly intercepted most of them, but at least one drone reached a sensitive military site, resulting in damage and casualties.

“They (India) sent drones towards Pakistan. In 36 hours, at least 80 drones were sent. We were able to intercept 79 drones out of 80, and only one drone damaged a military installation and personnel were also injured,” Dar said during the presser streamed on official X handle of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dar also said that Pakistan did not request mediation with India during the conflict, but claimed that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed a desire to speak with New Delhi.

Satellite imagery captured in May reportedly showed visible damage at multiple Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan in Rawalpindi, Mushaf Air Base in Sargodha, Bholari and Shahbaz Air Base in Jacobabad. Pakistan had also conceded on May 10 that Indian missiles and drones targeted three of its air bases, including Nur Khan, Muridke and Rafiqui.

The acknowledgment underscores the scale and impact of Operation Sindoor, highlighting a significant escalation in India’s use of precision strike capabilities and marking a notable moment in regional military transparency.

In another event, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said that he was advised to “hide in a bunker” when India launched Operation Sindoor in May this year, but refused to leave his post. Speaking at an event in Larkana to mark the 18th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Mr Zardari recalled that his military secretary had warned him that “the war has started and he should go into a bunker.

“My MS (Military Secretary) came to me and said Sir, the war has started. I had actually told him four days earlier that a war was going to happen. He said, Sir, let’s go to a bunker … I said, If martyrdom is to come, it will come here. Leaders don’t die in bunkers. They die on the battlefield. They don’t die sitting in bunkers,” he told the gathering.

Zardari said Pakistan “desires peace but remains fully prepared to defend itself,” insisting that the country had taken what he described as a decisive stance during the four-day conflict.

India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, carrying out strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. The operation led to four days of heavy cross-border clashes before both sides agreed to halt further military action on May 10.

PM Modi highlights legacy of Odisha freedom fighter Parvati Giri in Mann Ki Baat

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the life and contributions of Odisha’s noted freedom fighter Parvati Giri in the 129th edition of Mann Ki Baat, underscoring the role of lesser-known heroes in India’s independence movement.

As the country prepares to mark its 77th Republic Day, the Prime Minister reflected on the long and collective struggle for freedom and the enduring contributions of those who shaped the nation. He underlined that the independence movement drew strength from every region of India, though many contributors remained outside the spotlight of national recognition.

Parvati Giri was highlighted as one such figure whose role deserves wider acknowledgement. Born in Odisha, she joined the Quit India Movement at the young age of 16, displaying remarkable courage during a critical phase of the freedom struggle. Following Independence, she devoted her life to social service, with a particular focus on tribal welfare and the care of vulnerable children, establishing several orphanages during her lifetime.

The Prime Minister noted that Giri’s birth centenary will be observed in January 2026, presenting an opportunity for the nation to rediscover her inspiring journey. Her life, marked by sacrifice, service and commitment to social upliftment, was described as a guiding example for future generations.

Emphasising the importance of preserving the memory of such unsung heroes, the Prime Minister urged citizens to carry forward their legacy and ensure that their stories continue to inspire young Indians. He also referred to ongoing government efforts to document and highlight the contributions of freedom fighters through dedicated digital platforms, aimed at strengthening public awareness of India’s rich and diverse freedom movement history.

Trump expresses optimism on Ukraine war talks

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Florida: US President Donald Trump on Monday said he believes the war between Russia and Ukraine could move towards a settlement soon, while emphasising that he has deliberately avoided fixing any formal deadline for a peace agreement.

Speaking to reporters after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump said discussions had progressed significantly. He warned that the absence of an agreement at this stage would risk prolonging the conflict and adding to the human cost.

Trump indicated that negotiations had reached a decisive phase, noting that either the talks would yield results soon or the fighting could continue for an extended period with severe consequences. He stressed that delays would only result in more casualties.

When asked about timelines, the US president said he was not driven by dates or deadlines, adding that his sole focus was bringing the conflict to an end rather than adhering to a fixed schedule.

Trump also stated that he was convinced that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy were genuinely inclined towards peace, noting that the scale of loss on both sides had created a shared urgency to reach an agreement.

He also said he had held an extended conversation with Putin before meeting Zelenskyy, describing the exchange as substantive and constructive, according to a tweet by the White House.

Zelenskyy, addressing reporters later, said the talks with the US president covered all key elements of a potential settlement. He expressed satisfaction with the pace of progress made by the Ukrainian and American teams in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian leader stated that there was substantial alignment on most points of a proposed peace framework, including security arrangements and military-related aspects, while economic and development plans were nearing finalization.

Erigaisi, Humpy secure bronze at World Rapid Championship

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Doha: India’s presence was firmly felt on Sunday at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship 2025, with Arjun Erigaisi and Koneru Humpy delivering podium finishes in their respective categories.

Erigaisi emerged as the top-placed Indian in the Open section, putting together a steady campaign across 13 rounds to end with 9.5 points. His results kept him in close touch with the leaders throughout the tournament, and he ultimately secured the bronze medal after tie-breaks separated a tightly packed group near the top.

In the women’s competition, Koneru Humpy once again showcased her consistency on the global stage. The experienced grandmaster remained in the title race until the final rounds and concluded the event level on points with the leaders, before finishing third overall following tie-break assessments.

India’s broader contingent also recorded competitive finishes, underlining the country’s growing depth in rapid chess and its ability to challenge established powers across formats.

The Open title was claimed by Magnus Carlsen, who pulled ahead of the field to add yet another world rapid crown to his résumé, reinforcing his long-standing authority in faster time controls.

With the rapid event concluded, attention now turns to the World Blitz Chess Championship, where Indian players will aim to convert strong performances into further podium finishes.