Nation

New Delhi: Weather patterns in 2026 continue to surprise, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh warning of heavy rainfall in several parts of the country, even as winter is expected to gradually recede. According to the IMD, rainfall activity over the coming days is likely to bring down temperatures again, intensifying cold conditions till February 14. The department has also warned that dense fog will continue to affect many districts in North India, creating difficult driving conditions during morning hours. Heavy Rainfall Alert in Six States The IMD has issued an alert for heavy rainfall in six states during the week. These include: Jammu & Kashmir Ladakh Arunachal Pradesh Lakshadweep Tamil Nadu Puducherry Additionally, the I...

New Delhi: Despite fluctuations and political debates surrounding the India–United States trade agreement, defence cooperation between the two nations has remained steady. Reinforcing their strong military partnership, special forces of the Indian Army and the US Army are set to conduct a joint exercise titled ‘Vajra Prahar’ later this month in Himachal Pradesh. The joint exercise will be held at Bakloh, a key special forces training hub in the state, from February 23 to March 16. Objective: Strengthening Interoperability and Joint Mission Planning The exercise is regarded as one of the most significant engagements between the elite forces of both countries. Its primary aim is to enhance interoperability in joint operations, exchange tactical expertise, and develop a better unders...

New Delhi: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly reacted in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Central government had “sold the country to the United States” through the proposed India–US trade agreement. Responding sharply to Gandhi’s remarks, Rijiju said, “No one has ever been born who can buy India.” His statement came amid heated exchanges in the House during the ongoing discussion on the Union Budget. Rijiju Demands Proof of Allegations As the debate intensified, Rijiju warned Gandhi against making serious allegations without evidence. He insisted that the Congress leader must substantiate every claim made in Parliament. “You have made allegations, and you will have to prove them. What you have said will have ...

New Delhi: A notice submitted by 119 Opposition Members of Parliament, led by the Congress, seeking to move a motion for the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, has reportedly been found riddled with serious procedural and factual errors, raising sharp questions about the Opposition’s preparation and the seriousness of the move. According to reports, the notice contained multiple inaccuracies, including repeated references to events dated February 2025, despite the motion being submitted during the 2026 Budget Session. The presence of such glaring mistakes has triggered speculation over whether the MPs signed the notice without thoroughly reviewing its contents. Notice May Be Rejected Under Parliamentary Rules As per an ANI report, the notice reportedly mentions February 2025 e...

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a fierce attack on the Central government over the proposed India–United States trade agreement, triggering a heated confrontation between the ruling party and the Opposition during the Budget Session. Participating in the debate on the Union Budget, the Congress leader alleged that the trade deal was not negotiated on equal terms and claimed that the government had compromised India’s national interests. “This agreement has not been made on the basis of equality. The government should be ashamed that it has sold Bharat Mata,” Gandhi said in the Lok Sabha, sparking uproar in the House. Farmers’ Interests ‘Crushed’, Claims Gandhi Gandhi alleged that the trade understanding signed alongside the Bu...

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday drew attention during the Union Budget discussion by beginning his speech with a reference to martial arts, triggering political reactions and debate inside Parliament. Gandhi stated that the world is witnessing a major shift where traditional systems are being openly challenged. He warned that humanity is entering a “dangerous era,” as global conditions are rapidly evolving and the international world order is undergoing significant transformation. Praises Economic Survey, Highlights Global Instability Referring to the Economic Survey, Gandhi said he found two “solid and meaningful” observations that stood out. First, he noted that the world is facing rising geopolitical tensions, with the dominance of t...

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...