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Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India on December 4 and 5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, marking an important diplomatic moment in the midst of a turbulent global environment. His arrival comes at a time when the Russia-Ukraine war continues without pause and when shifting geopolitical alliances are reshaping global power equations.

For India, this visit provides a moment to reassess and reaffirm one of its longest-standing relationships. For Russia, it signals continuity, partnership, and an opportunity to engage a trusted ally in a rapidly evolving world.

A High-Level Diplomatic Engagement

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that President Putin will lead the Russian delegation for the upcoming summit, an event that has traditionally served as the cornerstone of bilateral engagement. The Indian leadership, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to hold wide-ranging discussions covering defence cooperation, energy trade, regional security, and large-scale economic projects.

President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in honour of the Russian leader, further underscoring the ceremonial and diplomatic importance attached to the visit. This marks President Putin’s first trip to India since December 2021, making it a long-awaited engagement between the two sides.

A Strategic Partnership Under Global Pressure

India and Russia have maintained what both nations describe as a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” built over decades of defence collaboration, space cooperation, energy initiatives, and multilateral coordination. However, the global landscape surrounding this partnership has dramatically changed since Russia launched what it calls a “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine in February 2022.

Western sanctions against Moscow forced Russia to reconfigure several of its commercial channels, which unexpectedly led to a sharp rise in India-Russia energy cooperation. Today, Russian oil is a significant part of India’s import basket, reshaping trade dynamics between the two countries.

But this energy engagement has also caused friction with Washington. India faced punitive U.S. sanctions earlier this year, prompting renewed debate over how India balances ties between major global powers. Despite external pressure, India’s position has remained consistent: a call for diplomacy, de-escalation, and dialogue. Prime Minister Modi’s remark that “this is not the time for war” continues to reflect India’s broader foreign policy stance.

A Visit Framed by a New Peace Proposal

The timing of Putin’s trip is equally important. It comes only days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 28-point peace plan aimed at ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The proposed framework suggests significant concessions from Ukraine, including territorial compromises and restrictions on its military capability. Although controversial, the proposal sets the stage for renewed debate on how and when the conflict may eventually be resolved.

Putin’s visit to New Delhi, therefore, is not occurring in isolation. It sits at the intersection of global diplomatic efforts, shifting alliances, and intense strategic calculations.

What the Visit Could Achieve

Beyond symbolic gestures, the summit may serve several critical purposes:

Reaffirming Strategic Trust

India and Russia continue to see each other as reliable partners in defence, space, and nuclear collaboration. A face-to-face dialogue can rebuild momentum after years of global disruption.

Strengthening Energy and Economic Cooperation

Russian hydrocarbons have become central to India’s energy security. Expanding this partnership, while navigating sanctions, will be a key agenda point.

Addressing Regional Security Challenges

From Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific, the leaders will exchange views on major security issues that directly influence both nations’ long-term interests.

Charting the Future of Bilateral Engagement

With India’s rising global stature and Russia’s evolving geopolitical strategy, the summit offers an opportunity to outline a refreshed roadmap for cooperation.

OpenAI has unveiled a major redesign of ChatGPT one that finally brings voice, text, images, and real-time visual tools into a single, fluid conversational space. Instead of switching between different modes, users can now speak, type, listen, and view updates in one place. This shift marks a significant step toward making conversations with AI feel more intuitive, human, and continuous.

The update is rolling out gradually across platforms, but its impact is clear: ChatGPT is becoming a more seamless companion for tasks that mix information, navigation, creativity, and real-time assistance.

A Unified Interface for Every Interaction

The new design removes the old boundaries between voice and text. Users can simply start talking or typing no toggles, no mode switches, no interruptions.

Speak Naturally, Respond Naturally

ChatGPT can now respond in audio while also displaying text or visual elements, making each reply richer and more informative. Whether you ask for directions, brainstorm ideas, or analyze an image, the response arrives in multiple formats simultaneously.

Voice That Works Across Tasks

The unified setup makes it easier for people who rely heavily on hands-free communication. You can navigate complex topics, move between voice and reading, or let ChatGPT narrate responses while you follow along on-screen.

Real-Time Maps Come to ChatGPT Voice

One of the most noticeable new features is the inclusion of live maps directly within the chat. Previously, the voice mode couldn’t display visual navigation. Now, asking for directions or exploring places brings up a dynamic map view beside the voice response.

This blend of spoken guidance and visual context makes ChatGPT more useful for travel, planning, and quick local information.

Built-In Transcripts: A Conversation You Can Revisit

The updated interface includes a scrolling transcript inside the chat window. Every voice interaction is automatically transcribed and added to the conversation timeline.

A Clearer, Smarter Way to Track Conversations

• You can revisit earlier points without asking ChatGPT to repeat.
• Long discussions become easier to follow.
• Switching between listening and reading becomes effortless.

This transcript-based approach gives users a natural way to stay oriented during deep or detailed exchanges.

Customizable for Voice-Only Users

For those who preferred the older, audio-focused layout, OpenAI has kept a settings option to restore that experience. However, the integrated interface will now be the default reflecting OpenAI’s focus on multimodal, continuous interactions.

A Single Window for a Multi-Format Future

With this release, ChatGPT steps closer to the idea of an all-purpose AI assistant. Voice, text, images, maps, and transcripts now coexist within one uninterrupted flow. It’s a shift designed not just for convenience, but for a more natural relationship between human communication and AI-generated information.

As the update rolls out across web and mobile, users can expect a smoother, more cohesive way to engage with ChatGPT one where conversations no longer need boundaries.

Every year on 26 November, India pauses to acknowledge the document that defines who we are as a nation the Constitution of India. Constitution Day 2025 is more than a commemoration of the past; it is a reminder of the values that continue to guide India through rapid change, global challenges, and evolving identities.

First celebrated officially in 2015, this day recognizes the historic moment in 1949 when the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution. But its significance has grown far beyond remembering an adoption date it has become a moment to reflect on citizenship, responsibility, and the soul of Indian democracy.

The Indian Constitution was crafted with extraordinary foresight. It was not simply a legal document; it was a promise of what India could become.

The architects of the Constitution aimed to build a nation where every person’s dignity was protected regardless of background, language, caste, or belief.

Few nations match India’s cultural and linguistic variety. The Constitution created space for this diversity to thrive without compromising unity.

What makes the Constitution remarkable is its capacity to evolve. Amendments, judicial interpretation, and public debates keep it dynamic and responsive to new realities.

2025 is a year of transformation from digital expansion and economic shifts to social challenges and global interdependence. Constitution Day is not just symbolic; it is essential.

As citizens become more connected and more vocal, understanding fundamental duties is just as important as knowing fundamental rights.

A healthy democracy relies on strong institutions, public participation, and accountability values rooted firmly in the Constitution.

In an era shaped by information overload, misinformation, and rapid political change, Constitution Day becomes a moment to return to core democratic principles.

The Preamble remains one of the most powerful expressions of India’s national identity.
Its message justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity continues to influence policies, inspire movements, and remind every citizen of the larger democratic purpose.

In 2025, its relevance feels sharper than ever.

Schools, colleges, communities, and government bodies mark the day with readings of the Preamble, debates, awareness campaigns, and reflections on constitutional rights. More importantly, many institutions look beyond ceremonies encouraging discussions on contemporary issues such as digital privacy, freedoms, diversity, and citizen responsibilities.

These conversations keep the Constitution alive and meaningful.

As India moves deeper into the digital age, faces new global realities, and continues to grow economically, the Constitution remains the compass guiding the nation forward.

Its strength lies in its flexibility, its moral clarity, and its ability to reflect the aspirations of every generation including those that will shape India in the decades ahead.

Delhi greeted Monday under a heavy blanket of toxic smog, with the city’s overall Air Quality Index touching 397 at 6am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
Low wind speeds and dropping temperatures have trapped pollutants close to the ground, pushing large parts of the capital into the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories.

Half of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations recorded AQI levels above 400, while the remaining hovered between 300 and 400. Pollution levels have stayed alarming for nearly three straight weeks, with winter conditions and post-Diwali farm fires worsening the already fragile air quality.

Areas like Vivek Vihar and Rohini saw the most worrying readings, crossing 450 — a level known to exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular stress.

An 18-Day Crisis Continues

From November 6 onward, Delhi has barely seen a day of breathable air. The city logged three consecutive ‘severe’ days between November 11 and 13, and the 24-hour average AQI has consistently stayed within dangerous limits.

Doctors across the capital report a sharp surge in patients complaining of persistent cough, burning eyes, headaches, and aggravated asthma. Pulmonologists warn that extended exposure to this level of pollution can leave lasting effects even in healthy adults.

In response, authorities rolled out restrictions under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan, urging residents to limit outdoor movement and reduce non-essential activities.

Public Anger Spills Onto the Streets

As the air thickened, public frustration found its way to India Gate on Sunday evening. Citizens, concerned over the prolonged health crisis, assembled to demand stronger action from the government.

But what began as a peaceful gathering escalated unexpectedly when police attempted to disperse the crowd citing obstruction to emergency vehicles. According to officials, some demonstrators allegedly used chilli spray during the scuffle.

The group leading the demonstration claimed that when “the air itself becomes poisonous,” citizens are compelled to raise their voices for basic survival. Police, however, emphasised that the protest had blocked medical teams trying to pass through the area.

Police Personnel Injured Amid Chaotic Scenes

Deputy Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahla described the incident as unprecedented, stating that it was the first time officers had been targeted with pepper spray during an air pollution protest. Several personnel faced irritation and burning in the eyes and face, and were taken to RML Hospital for treatment.

Authorities have confirmed that legal action will be initiated against those responsible for the assault.

A City Struggling for Breath and Accountability

Delhi’s pollution crisis is far from new, yet each winter seems to bring a sharper reminder of how fragile the city’s air has become. This episode — a rare mix of health emergency, public protest, and police confrontation — reflects a deeper frustration building among citizens who feel their basic right to clean air is slipping away.

As pollution levels show no signs of easing, the city stands at a crossroads between environmental exhaustion and a rising demand for accountability.