Mountains older than memory: How new ‘definition’ of Aravalli risks eroding ‘Viksit Bharat’

India’s ancient Aravalli Range faces a new definition crisis after a Supreme Court ruling. The court accepted a 100-meter elevation threshold for identifying the hills, sparking concerns among environmentalists. Critics argue this narrow view ignores the range’s vital ecological functions, potentially opening it to unchecked mining and real estate development, threatening water security and climate … Read more

‘No embargo’: Pak refutes visit restrictions on Imran’s sons; promises visa approval

Pakistan’s government has denied any restrictions on former PM Imran Khan’s sons visiting him in jail, assuring visas will be granted. This follows concerns raised by his sons, who fear they may never see their father again due to alleged isolation and harsh prison conditions. Officials refuted claims of solitary confinement and solitary confinement.

Maharashtra horror: Nurse gang-raped after knocking on wrong hotel room; 3 accused arrested

A 30-year-old nurse was allegedly gang-raped by three men in a hotel room in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after she mistakenly knocked on their door. The accused, including two recovery agents and an MBA student, were arrested and remanded in police custody. The victim had gone to meet a friend for financial assistance when the incident occurred.

US’ BlueBird satellite launch on December 24: Isro

India’s space agency ISRO is set to launch a US commercial satellite, ‘BlueBird Block-2’, on December 24th using its LVM-3 rocket. This mission highlights India’s growing prowess in space, capable of launching large satellites for global leaders. The advanced satellite aims to provide high-speed cellular broadband to smartphones worldwide.

SIR in Gujarat: Nearly 74 lakh names deleted from rolls; EC opens window for objections

Gujarat has removed nearly 74 lakh names from its electoral rolls, reducing the total voter count from 5.08 crore to 4.34 crore. This extensive clean-up, part of the Special Intensive Revision exercise, targeted deceased, absent, and duplicate voters. The updated draft rolls are now public, with a deadline of January 18 for objections and claims.

Sam Altman says Google did not take OpenAI seriously; calls company huge threat

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admits Google posed a significant threat in 2023, capable of “smashing” his company. He believes Google’s powerful business model and AI integration strategies are formidable challenges. Altman also recently identified Apple as a key rival, emphasizing the importance of AI-powered devices over software alone, even as OpenAI prioritizes ChatGPT improvements.

SIR showdown: Over 97 lakh voters deleted in poll-bound TN; 14.2 lakh in Chennai alone

Tamil Nadu’s draft electoral roll after the SIR has 5.43 crore voters. The SIR exercise removed over 97 lakh names. The exercise, opposed by chief minister MK Stalin, aimed to ensure accuracy but drew criticism for potentially deleting legitimate voters. Similar revisions are under way in West Bengal, which lakhs of voters were deleted.