Natioanal

New Delhi: The central government on Wednesday released comprehensive guidelines detailing the official protocol for singing India’s national song, Vande Mataram, at public and state events. The guidelines specify how and when the song should be presented during official ceremonies, and the expected conduct of audiences during its rendition. The new directives, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aim to establish the national song’s formal status and role across India’s public and official functions. They emphasize its observance during state ceremonies and institutional gatherings. According to the guidelines, the full official version of Vande Mataram, consisting of six stanzas and lasting approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds, should be performed or played at major state occa...

New Delhi: China has surprised many by acknowledging and respecting India’s aspiration for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)—a position it had previously opposed. Analysts see this as a significant shift in China’s approach toward India, especially in the context of evolving geopolitics. China’s New Stance on UNSC MembershipDuring the BRICS Sherpa meeting held in Delhi from 8 to 10 February, Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu met with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on 10 February. In the strategic dialogue, Ma Zhaoxu reportedly stated that China understands and respects India’s aspirations for a permanent seat in the UNSC. This marks a notable shift from China’s earlier position, when it had blocked India’s bid even to become a non-...

New Delhi: A lighthearted moment in the Rajya Sabha brought smiles to members on Tuesday when Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan addressed presiding officer Bhuvaneshwar Kalita. She said, “Whenever I come to speak, you are always on the chair. Now, I cannot tell whether I should call it fortune or fate.” Her witty remark drew laughter across the House, with both government and opposition MPs chuckling together. A Rare Cheerful Atmosphere in ParliamentUnlike the often tense proceedings in the Lok Sabha, which have recently seen heated exchanges over issues such as Rahul Gandhi referencing former Army Chief Gen. M.M. Naravane’s unpublished book, the Rajya Sabha displayed a notably cheerful atmosphere. A video of the session went viral, showing MPs laughing and engaging in light-hearted inte...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Union government to file its response in petitions seeking guidelines to exclude the ‘creamy layer’ among Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) from the benefits of reservation in education and employment. Hearing on Samata Andolan Committee PetitionA bench comprising Chief Justice Sunil Suryakant, Justice Joymaly Bagchi, and Justice N.V. Anjari is hearing petitions filed by O.P. Shukla and the Samata Andolan Committee. The petitions urge the Court to direct the Centre to implement its historic 1 August 2024 ruling on reservation. The Court has asked the government to submit its response and indicated that the petitions would be considered after receiving the reply. What is the ‘Creamy Layer’ Principle?The ‘creamy layer’ con...

The Supreme Court has, in effect, rejected the gender handbook published in 2023 under the initiative of former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud. The handbook, aimed at sensitizing judges and lawyers to gender-based stereotypes and abusive language, has been criticized by the current CJI Sunil Suryakant for being overly technical and “Harvard-oriented,” making it impractical for rape survivors and the general public. CJI: Handbook Too Technical for VictimsA bench comprising CJI Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice N.V. Anjari noted that the handbook provides forensic interpretations of sexual harassment issues, which are difficult for victims, their families, or laypersons to understand. While it suggested alternative language to replace commonly used stereotypes, the ...

It has been barely a week since India and the United States signed their latest trade agreement, yet several significant changes have emerged in the deal—most recently concerning pulses. The fact sheet accompanying the trade deal has also been updated, reflecting India’s intent to purchase over $500 billion worth of energy, information and communication technology, coal, and other products from the US. Here’s a look at the five major developments over the past ten days. 1. Tariff Relief for IndiaThe most notable change involves tariffs. The US has removed additional “penalty tariffs” on Indian goods. Effective from 7 February, the new rules cut the effective tariff on Indian exports to 18%, giving Indian exporters a competitive edge over rivals such as Vietnam and Mexico. 2. Reducing...

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is preparing for a major shift in India’s defence procurement policy. While India continues to pursue self-reliance in defence, the new approach aims to create capabilities that make the world dependent on India in the coming decade. From ‘Made in India’ to Full Indigenous OwnershipSelf-reliance has long been a cornerstone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India. Now, the government is redefining what self-reliance means. Under the new plan, the focus of defence acquisitions will shift from merely “Made in India” products to full indigenous ownership of weapons, tanks, fighter jets, drones, and missiles. Draft DAP 2026: What’s NewOn Tuesday, the Defence Ministry released the draft Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026 and invite...

The Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean has become a focal point of strategic attention, with the United States, Mauritius, and now India closely monitoring developments. The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a US military base, while sovereignty over the archipelago has been formally transferred to Mauritius, much to America’s displeasure. US-Mauritius Security TalksThe US plans to send a delegation to Mauritius on 24–25 February to discuss a proposed US-Mauritius security partnership and enhance cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean. The US remains concerned about sovereignty arrangements around Diego Garcia under the UK-Mauritius agreement. India, too, is keeping a close watch on the unfolding situation. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Mauritian Prime Ministe...

The Agneepath scheme is set for its first real test later this year as the first batch of Agniveers completes their four-year tenure. The plan, introduced to modernize recruitment in the armed forces, allows only 25% of Agniveers to be retained permanently, while the remaining 75% exit the services. The question now is: how many of them will find employment after completing their term? BackgroundThe issue came into sharper focus after opposition leader Rahul Gandhi cited former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s unpublished book in Parliament, raising questions about the scheme. Political debates aside, the practical evaluation of the Agneepath scheme begins when the first batch of Agniveers finishes their service. The Navy will be the first to have its Agniveers complete the...