Author: Virgin News

The Indian National Congress (INC) has taken a bold step to safeguard India’s secular fabric, filing an intervention in the Supreme Court to defend the Places of Worship Act, 1991. Through its general secretary, K.C. Venugopal, the party emphasized the Act’s pivotal role in upholding religious harmony and preserving the nation’s constitutional ethos. The INC contends that the legislation, which prohibits alterations to the character of religious places as they stood on August 15, 1947, was a cornerstone of its vision for secularism. Passed during the 10th Lok Sabha, the Act was a key part of the INC’s election manifesto…

In a monumental stride for India’s space program, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a groundbreaking feat with the successful execution of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission. This remarkable accomplishment propels India into an exclusive group of nations—alongside the USA, Russia, and China—that have mastered spacecraft docking technology. The SpaDeX mission reached its pinnacle in the early hours of January 16, 2025, when two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), launched aboard PSLV C60 on December 30, 2024, seamlessly docked in orbit. This intricate procedure was conducted under the vigilant guidance of ISRO scientists at the Mission Operations…

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed India’s support for the recently announced ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas. The MEA voiced hope that this development would facilitate sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza. “We welcome the announcement of the agreement for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. We hope this will lead to a safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. We have consistently called for the release of all hostages, ceasefire, and a return to a path of dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement…

The indigenously-developed Nag Mk 2, a third-generation Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile, has successfully completed its field evaluation trials at the Pokhran Field Range. The trials, conducted in the presence of senior Indian Army officers, showcased the missile’s precision by destroying all designated targets across maximum and minimum range parameters, thereby validating its operational effectiveness. Additionally, the Nag Missile Carrier version-2 was also successfully evaluated, marking a significant milestone in the readiness of the complete weapon system for induction into the Indian Army. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh commended DRDO, the Indian Army, and industry partners for this groundbreaking achievement, emphasizing…

The vibrant festival of Lohri was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across North India today, bringing communities together in a colorful display of tradition, joy, and unity. Known as the festival of harvest, Lohri holds a special place in the hearts of Punjabis and is observed with equal zeal by other communities in the region. Lohri marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days, symbolizing warmth, light, and the promise of a fruitful harvest. Traditionally, it is celebrated to honor farmers and their hard work, particularly as they prepare to harvest the rabi crops.…

In a historic moment for infrastructure and regional development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir on January 13, 2025. The project is hailed as a transformative step towards enhancing connectivity and bolstering tourism in the region, marking a milestone in India’s progress. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd in the picturesque Sonamarg valley, the Prime Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the laborers who worked tirelessly, often in perilous conditions, to bring this project to fruition. Acknowledging their sacrifices, he remarked, “Despite numerous challenges, our resolve remained unwavering.” He also offered condolences for the loss of seven…

Millions gather at the Sangam as 45-day spiritual event kicks off with enhanced security and AI-driven crowd management The much-awaited 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela, celebrated as the world’s largest congregation of humanity, began on a grand note in Prayagraj with the auspicious ‘Shahi Snan’ on Paush Purnima. Devotees from across the country flocked to the sacred Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati converge, for a holy dip to mark the event’s commencement. Extensive preparations have been implemented to manage the influx of devotees, with enhanced security and AI-enabled surveillance systems. Authorities have fortified key temples, Mahakumbh Nagar,…

India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, will represent the country at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2025. This marks Trump’s swearing-in as the 47th President of the United States. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Mr. Jaishankar has been invited by the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee to attend the ceremony in Washington, D.C. Apart from attending the event, Mr. Jaishankar will hold discussions with key representatives of the incoming administration. He is also scheduled to meet other dignitaries visiting the U.S. for the occasion, according to the MEA. The visit…

In a significant step towards a technological breakthrough, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Sunday that the SpaDeX satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), are now positioned just 15 meters apart. The achievement marks progress in ISRO’s ambitious spacecraft docking project, overcoming challenges encountered last week. “At 15 meters, we see each other clearer and clearer. We are just 50 feet away from an exciting handshake,” ISRO posted on X, sharing photos and videos of the satellites’ current position. The mission had faced a temporary setback last week when an unexpected drift between the satellites delayed the docking…

In a significant move just days before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office, President Joe Biden’s administration announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 600,000 Venezuelans and more than 230,000 Salvadorans already residing in the United States. This 18-month extension will allow these individuals to continue living and working legally in the U.S., providing a temporary reprieve amidst Trump’s stated plans for strict immigration policies. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also renewed TPS for over 103,000 Ukrainians and 1,900 Sudanese, underscoring the administration’s focus on humanitarian considerations. These extensions offer hope and stability for families fearing deportation,…