India Archive

It's an ironic day when courts begin to talk about closing temples, which are traditionally seen as places of peace and devotion. Last Friday, the Madras High Court made an eyebrow-raising statement. They claimed that our religious sanctuaries, our temples, are morphing into venues for ego-driven groups to flex their muscles, with no regard for the sanctity and the tranquility these places are meant to offer. Quite a paradox, isn't it?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recently issued a guideline to all schools associated with it, proposing the incorporation of Indian languages as optional mediums of instruction. The aim of this initiative is to encourage and promote multilingual education across the educational landscape in the country.

In a significant judgement that unfolded on a not-so-ordinary Friday, the Delhi High Court has ordered a weighty sum of ₹2 crore to be paid as damages by Tehelka, the controversial online news platform, along with its renowned journalists, Tarun Tejpal, Aniruddha Bahal, and Mathew Samuel. The individuals on the receiving end of this court order also includes the retired Major General MS Ahluwalia, whose reputation was tarnished in a 2001 sting operation. Major General Ahluwalia, after enduring 22 long years of baseless accusations, finally tasted justice [Maj Gen MS Ahluwalia v M/s Tehelka.com & Ors].

In an exceptional stride towards enhancing vehicular safety, the Indian Army announced the receipt of a patent for a unique artificial intelligence (AI)-based accident prevention system. The primary creator of this groundbreaking technology is Kuldeep Yadav, who is part of the esteemed Indian Army. This invention's patent is a substantial addition to the defense sector's innovative contributions, illustrating the Indian Army's dedication to employing advanced technology for safety measures.

The year 2023 is set to mark a new chapter in the chronicles of Indian cricket with the launch of the Uttar Pradesh Premier League (UPL). This highly-anticipated sporting event has been spearheaded by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), and it promises to revolutionize the state's cricket scene by injecting an enormous wave of excitement. This means that all cricket enthusiasts from Uttar Pradesh should brace themselves for an electrifying shift in the landscape of their favorite sport.

In an unexpected twist on the cricket field that's bound to bowl you over, Ayesha Naseem, an 18-year-old cricketing sensation from Pakistan, has hung up her cricketing gear and announced her retirement. Her reason? A stronger devotion to her Islamic faith. That's right, folks! She's leaving behind the clamour of the cricket stadiums to embrace the tranquillity of her faith.

Today, Justice Gaurang Kanth made his solemn pledge as a new member of the Calcutta High Court. The Chief Justice, TS Sivagnaman, supervised the oath-taking ceremony, offering the traditional and ceremonious phrases of the office oath, thereby confirming Justice Kanth's shift from the Delhi High Court to his new position. The Central Government, obeying the advice of the Supreme Court Collegium, had announced this transition previously.

The signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between India and Argentina on Thursday, a landmark in their military ties, signals Argentina's keen interest in purchasing Indian helicopters for their armed forces. This decision is perceived as a massive leap forward for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Indian state-owned aerospace and defense company responsible for the manufacturing of these helicopters.

In an ongoing landmark case involving the Gyanvapi Mosque and the Kashi Vishwanath temple, a significant development took place on Friday as a Varanasi court green-lit a scientific survey to be conducted within the mosque's premises. This decision offers a unique insight into India's diverse religious history, sparking both intrigue and excitement as it promises to reveal deeper truths about these ancient sites.

In the Indian state of Manipur, a chilling incident that involved the public humiliation and assault of two women has led to the first arrest. This news was confirmed by N Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, who mentioned that they're also considering the maximum possible punishment for the culprit, which could include capital punishment.