Nation

The government’s budget once again reflects a worrying trend: real spending on social sectors has steadily declined, and instead of compensating for this, allocations have been reduced. Cuts in spending on education, healthcare, water supply, and housing effectively push people’s living standards downward, with long-term consequences. Data Reveals the Reality Behind the ClaimsThe government has allocated ₹1.4 lakh crore for healthcare—just 0.5% of GDP. Yet, the government itself has repeatedly acknowledged that spending should reach at least 2.5% of GDP, as recommended in the National Health Policy. India’s healthcare expenditure remains lower than neighboring countries and far below developed nations. Education fares no better, with only 0.6% of GDP allocated, despite the National Educ...

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent critique of the Union Budget 2026-27 has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP. Gandhi had claimed that the budget ignored India’s real economic challenges, including unemployment among youth, declining manufacturing, capital outflows, falling domestic savings, and agrarian distress, calling it a budget that “turned a blind eye to real crises.” In response, BJP national spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala alleged that even senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram does not support Gandhi’s remarks. Poonawala further accused Gandhi of being part of a brigade that maligns India and labeled him a “propaganda leader” with anti-national motives. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had presented the budget on Sunday, increasing the capital expenditure t...

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated uproar on Monday after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made remarks on the Doklam standoff during discussions on the President’s address. Gandhi cited an unpublished book by former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane, claiming that Chinese tanks had approached the Indian border during the Doklam standoff, even reaching the Kailash ridge. The remarks drew immediate objections from Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. Rajnath Singh stated that Gandhi’s reference to an unpublished book was inappropriate, saying, “How can an unpublished work be quoted in the House?” Rahul Gandhi defended his claim, saying his source was reliable and included quotes from General Naravane’s unp...

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated uproar on Monday over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the Doklam issue. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah sharply criticized Gandhi, accusing him of misleading the House. During discussions on the President’s address, Rahul Gandhi referenced an unpublished book by former Army Chief General Naravane to make points about the Doklam standoff and alleged Chinese incursions. Rajnath Singh strongly objected, stating that the book cited by Gandhi has not been published and should not be used as a source in the House. Rajnath Singh’s ResponseSpeaking in the Lok Sabha, Rajnath Singh said, “I urge the Leader of Opposition to present the book he is quoting from to the House, as it has not been published. Member...

New Delhi: The death of a NEET student in Bihar has escalated into a major political issue, with protests now reaching the national capital. What began as a localized demonstration has transformed into a high-profile protest outside Parliament, led by leaders and MPs of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). RJD MPs are demanding accountability from the Bihar government over the NEET student’s death and have also raised objections regarding the presentation of the 2026 Union Budget. Speaking outside Parliament, an RJD leader accused the combined government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of failing the public. “Even daughters in Bihar are not safe,” the leader asserted. The Bihar government has handed over the investigation to the CBI, but no significant upda...

New Delhi: Following fresh snowfall in the Himalayan region, the Uttarakhand government has issued a high-alert for five mountainous districts. The avalanche threat in these areas could have a wider impact on northern states, including the Delhi-NCR region. Rising Avalanche Risk in UttarakhandThe Indian Meteorological Department has warned of increased avalanche risk after recent snow accumulation in Uttarakhand’s upper regions. While heavy snowfall has occurred in higher altitudes, intermittent rainfall was recorded in lower areas, including the state capital Dehradun, on Sunday, further raising the risk of avalanches. Avalanches, which are fast-moving flows of snow, ice, and debris, can cause significant loss of life and property. They also affect the weather in plains, contributin...

New Delhi: Amid the presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27, which allocated ₹7.84 lakh crore for India’s defence sector—up from ₹6.81 lakh crore last year—a video of Retired Air Marshal Diptendu Chowdhury has gone viral, making startling claims about Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) employees. Allegations by Air Marshal ChowdhuryAir Marshal Diptendu Chowdhury, a highly decorated officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and recipient of PVSM, AVSM, VM, and VSM, alleged in the video that some HAL employees deliberately delayed production to secure year-end bonuses. He expressed concern that such practices compromised national security. Video Shared by Shaurya Chakra Awardee Major Digvijay Singh RawatThe video was shared by Major Digvijay Singh Rawat, a Shaurya Chakra awardee from Dhu...

New Delhi: Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has assumed charge as the new Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Indian Air Force’s Eastern Air Command, succeeding Air Marshal Surat Singh, who retired on January 31 after 39 years of service. Extensive Leadership ExperienceBefore taking over the top post, Air Marshal Walia served as Senior Air Staff Officer at the Eastern Air Command headquarters. His appointment brings decades of operational, flying, and command experience to the crucial Eastern Air Command. Career and TrainingA graduate of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Walia was commissioned in 1988 as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force. He has undergone advanced training both in India and abroad, including the Advanced Command and Staff Course in the UK ...

New Delhi: After fleeing Tibet in 1959 following China’s crackdown in Lhasa, the 14th Dalai Lama found refuge in India. In the wake of the 1962 India-China war, the Indian government covertly established a specialized force of Tibetan volunteers known as the “Tutu Army” or Establishment 22, officially called the Special Frontier Force (SFF). Its operations and methods remain highly classified. The CIA of the United States also assisted in setting up this secretive force. Origins and StructureThe SFF was created under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s government and was composed exclusively of Tibetan recruits. Its headquarters is located in Chakrata, Uttarakhand. Though not formally part of the Indian Army, senior army officers serve as its Inspector General. The force was initially com...

New Delhi: Amid ongoing discussions on a potential trade deal between India and the United States, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit the U.S. from February 2 to 4, 2026. During this two-day visit, he will participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial, convened by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Purpose of the VisitThe ministerial will focus on strengthening supply chains, promoting clean energy transitions, and fostering strategic cooperation in critical minerals. Key materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel—essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and defense systems—will be central to the discussions. Strategic TimingThis visit comes at a time of heightened trade tensions between India and the U.S., following recent tariff...