RSS English World News -- News, Analysis and Reflections

  Equal Status to the National Song: Parliament Passes Bill Criminalising Insults to Vande Mataram In a significant legislative move during the 2026 Monsoon Session of Parliament, both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 . The new legislation amends the landmark Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 , extending statutory legal protection to the National Song, Vande Mataram , on par with the National Anthem ( Jana Gana Mana ), the National Flag, and the Constitution of India. Key Provisions of the 2026 Amendment Under the existing 1971 framework, intentional disrespect towards the National Anthem, Flag, or Constitution carried penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both . The 2026 Amendment officially incorporates Vande Mataram into this legal protection: Criminalisation of Disruption: Intentionally preventing the singing of Vande Mataram or causing a willful disturbance to any...

Escallation in the Middle East: U.S. Military Conducts Major Wave of Airstrikes Against Iran The conflict in the Middle East has taken another dangerous turn. Following a brief lull in direct action and fragile diplomatic maneuvering, the U.S. military has launched a massive wave of precision strikes inside Iran. The operation marks one of the most significant military engagements in the ongoing crisis, shattering hopes of an immediate ceasefire and sending shockwaves through global energy markets. What Happened: Inside the Latest Strikes Late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it had executed a heavy, multi-hour strike package against dozens of targets belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Key military infrastructure across southern Iran—including command and control nodes, coastal surveillance facilities, and drone/missile sites—was targeted. Target Areas:  Local sources and Iranian state media reported he...

  Battle for the Strait: Oman Proposes Deal, Iran Responds with Strict Counter-Offer Diplomatic efforts to reopen and secure the Strait of Hormuz —the narrow waterway responsible for nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) traffic—have hit a critical juncture. Oman, acting as a key regional mediator, presented a Gulf-backed plan to restore commercial shipping across the strait. However, Tehran officially rejected the terms and responded with a strict counter-proposal of its own, warning that the vital maritime corridor will remain restricted unless its national security demands are met. Here is a breakdown of what was proposed, why the talks stalled, and what it means for global energy markets. The Two Proposals at a Glance The impasse centers on who controls the shipping lanes and whether vessels should pay to pass through. Feature Oman’s Gulf-Backed Proposal Iran’s Counter-Proposal Control Split 50–50 Joint Oversight . Even split between Iranian and Om...