Nation

New Delhi: India has long sought a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), but its efforts continue to face hurdles, with China once again refraining from explicitly endorsing India’s bid. The latest development followed a meeting in Delhi between India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, where both sides expressed satisfaction over progress in border peace and cooperation. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that China acknowledged and respected India’s aspirations for a UNSC seat. However, China’s official statement made no reference to India’s membership, signaling a cautious stance. China’s Stance China, a permanent member of the UNSC, has historically blocked India’s bid for permanent members...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court hearing on the detention of Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) on Wednesday took an unexpected turn when the issue of Mahatma Gandhi arose in court. The Central Government, through Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, raised strong objections, urging that Wangchuk should not be portrayed or compared to Gandhi. Background of the Case Sonam Wangchuk is currently in preventive detention at Jodhpur Central Jail following allegations of inciting violence in Ladakh. His detention was challenged in court by his wife, Geetanjali Je Angmo, seeking his release. During the hearing, the bench comprising Justices Arvind Kumar and P.B. Varale observed that the government may be over-interpreting Wangchuk’s statements. Solicitor General M...

New Delhi: The political confrontation in Parliament during the ongoing Budget Session intensified further on Wednesday as the Union Government announced it would initiate a privilege motion against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of misleading the House and making baseless allegations against the government. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the Centre is preparing to file a privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi and that the Congress leader has been asked to submit his response by 5 PM. Rijiju Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Misleading Parliament Addressing a press conference, Rijiju said both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha function under well-defined rules and procedures, and members are required to follow parliamentary protocol, ...

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Wednesday raised a significant democratic reform proposal in Parliament, demanding the introduction of the “Right to Recall” system in India. The proposal aims to empower voters with the right to remove elected representatives such as MPs and MLAs if they fail to deliver on their promises or neglect their constituencies. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Chadha said that democracy should not end at the ballot box and argued that voters must have the power to withdraw their mandate if an elected representative does not perform satisfactorily. What is the ‘Right to Recall’? The Right to Recall is a democratic mechanism that allows voters to remove an elected representative before the completion of their term through a forma...

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...