Natioanal

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came into sharper focus after opposition leader Rahul Gandhi cited former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s unpublished book in Parliament, raising questions about the scheme.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...

In a significant move, the Ministry of Home Affairs has made it mandatory to play or sing the full six-verse version of Vande Mataram, lasting 3 minutes and 10 seconds, before the national anthem at all government offices and special occasions. The ministry has clarified that whenever both the national anthem and Vande Mataram are performed, the latter must always precede the former. Official GuidelinesAccording to the Home Ministry’s directive, Vande Mataram must be performed at the hoisting of the national flag, during presidential events, and at other official occasions. The order specifies that during the performance, audiences are required to stand at attention. The directive, issued on 28 January through a 10-page notification, outlines that the six-verse version of Vande Matar...

The ongoing Budget Session of Parliament has been marked by daily disruptions. On Tuesday, opposition MPs moved a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. In response, Speaker Birla decided not to attend the House until the motion is addressed. Today, the opposition may target the government on issues including the India-US trade deal and former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s book. Disruptive Conduct in the Lok SabhaUnion Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju alleged that at least 20-25 Congress MPs entered the Speaker’s chamber and verbally abused him. "The Speaker is a very patient individual, otherwise strict action would have been taken. Senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and KC Venugopal, were present inside and encouraged the...

Since the Modi government came to power, political tensions have escalated, particularly from 2016-17 onwards. Instances of throwing papers towards the Speaker’s podium in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, standing on tables to mimic leaders, and other behaviors contrary to parliamentary traditions have been witnessed. Rahul Gandhi vs PM Modi The level of confrontation at the highest political echelons is worrying. It is unusual for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remain silent during the Lok Sabha’s discussion on the President’s Address, but this has occurred recently. Ruling Party’s AllegationsLok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stated that he had requested the Prime Minister not to attend the House, citing concerns over potential unexpected incidents. However, the opposition contested this...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a petition seeking directions to the Centre and State governments to ensure mandatory registration of all institutions imparting either religious or secular education to children below the age of 14. The Court observed that the matter primarily falls within the domain of the executive and advised the petitioner to approach the authorities concerned. The petition was filed under Article 32 of the Constitution by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, demanding that the government take appropriate steps to register every institution providing education—whether religious or non-religious—to children aged up to 14 years. Bench Grants Liberty to Approach Executive Authorities A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice S....

New Delhi: As global attention remains fixed on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, a fresh diplomatic initiative by the United States has brought Gaza back to the center of international negotiations. US President Donald Trump has proposed the formation of a “Gaza Board of Peace”, with its first formal meeting scheduled to take place on February 19 in Washington. However, India has so far stayed away from the initiative, and indications suggest that New Delhi is unlikely to participate in the first meeting. Even though the matter was discussed recently during the India–Arab League Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Delhi, India has not publicly revealed its stand, choosing instead to observe the regional response carefully. First Meeting of the Gaza Peace Board in Washington Accord...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday strongly objected to a remark made by the Centre while defending the continued detention of Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, after the government claimed that he was receiving better medical treatment in Rajasthan than he could have received in Ladakh. During the hearing, the Centre informed the court that there had been no progress in reviewing Wangchuk’s detention, stating that his health condition was “absolutely fine” and that he was being provided the best possible treatment at AIIMS Jodhpur. However, the court did not agree with the tone of the submission, with one of the judges firmly stating, “No, no… you cannot say that.” Court Questions Centre on Delay in Detention Review A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and ...

New Delhi: Expressing serious concern over the rapid rise in cybercrime across the country, the Supreme Court of India on Monday described the alleged siphoning of nearly ₹54,000 crore through digital fraud as nothing less than robbery and dacoity. The apex court observed that the amount looted through cyber fraud is larger than the annual budgets of several smaller Indian states, highlighting the alarming scale of financial crimes being committed through digital platforms. Supreme Court Directs Centre to Prepare SOP A bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice N.V. Anjaria asked the Central Government to consult key stakeholders including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banks, and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to prepare a Standard...