Nation

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...

New Delhi: The Indian government is placing special focus on increasing the speed of trains across the country, with the Union Budget allocating ₹2.78 lakh crore for railways. The budget also announced the construction of seven new high-speed rail corridors and a new freight corridor, raising expectations for faster and more efficient travel. High-Speed Rail in AsiaHigh-speed rail has seen rapid growth across Asia in recent years. While Japan pioneered the bullet train (‘Shinkansen’) in 1964, China now leads the world with the most advanced high-speed rail network. China operates over 45,000 km of high-speed tracks, with trains running at 350 km/h and Maglev trains reaching up to 600 km/h, all equipped with advanced safety technologies. Japan’s bullet train began operations between T...

In recent years, India has relied on the United States to navigate challenges posed by China. Beijing aims to restrict India’s emergence as a regional power in South Asia, often leveraging its ally Pakistan to achieve this objective. Budget Signals DisappointmentSince the economic reforms of 1991, budget speeches in India have raised expectations that tax rates would stabilize, expenditure estimates would become predictable, and budgets would grow “boring.” This year, for the first time, that expectation seems to have come true—but for all the wrong reasons. Investors found the 2026 budget not dull but rather disappointing. The immediate trigger was the increase in Securities Transaction Tax (STT), but broader concerns stem from what Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described as crac...

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other senior BJP leaders, extended birthday greetings to Union Cabinet Minister Annpurna Devi on Monday. The Prime Minister appreciated her efforts in promoting women’s and child welfare initiatives and wished her a long and healthy life. PM Modi’s WishesOn the social media platform X, PM Modi wrote: “Heartiest birthday greetings to Union Cabinet Minister Annpurna Devi. Her dedication to promoting women and child welfare is commendable. I pray for her long life and good health.” Other Leaders Convey GreetingsUttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also wished the minister, saying: “Heartfelt birthday wishes to Union Minister Annpurna Devi. I pray to Baba Baidyanath for her long, healthy, and successful life.” Union Minister Nit...

New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan arrived in Armenia on Sunday, leading a high-level delegation for a four-day visit aimed at strengthening defence and security cooperation between India and Armenia. The visit comes immediately after India dispatched the first batch of indigenously developed guided Pinaka rockets to the country, marking a significant milestone in bilateral military ties. Strategic Importance of the VisitIndia and Armenia have historically maintained strong strategic relations. Recently, Pakistan has attempted to establish diplomatic ties with Armenia, making CDS Chauhan’s visit particularly significant. The timing of the visit, immediately following the Pinaka rocket supply, sends a clear message of India’s deepening defence partnership with Armenia, ...

In Budget 2026-27, the government has significantly boosted the defense sector, with a capital outlay of ₹2.19 lakh crore, of which ₹1.39 lakh crore is earmarked exclusively for procurement from domestic defense companies. This move reflects a dual focus: equipping the armed forces with advanced weaponry while promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Key Budget Highlights The total defense allocation stands at ₹7.85 lakh crore, a 15.19% increase from the previous fiscal year. Defense spending will constitute 14.67% of the central government’s total expenditure, roughly 2% of India’s GDP. The capital expenditure of ₹2.19 lakh crore marks a 21.8% increase over FY 2025-26, emphasizing the government’s commitment to modernizing the armed forces. Focus on Indigenous Produ...

On Sunday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented Budget 2026 in Parliament, carefully balancing political considerations with economic priorities. The budget has been likened to a coconut: its hard exterior conceals nuanced policies that aim to strengthen the economy while addressing regional and political dynamics. With elections scheduled this year in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, the budget includes targeted measures that combine economic rationale with regional benefits. States like Andhra Pradesh, where BJP’s ally TDP governs, and Gujarat, the political stronghold of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, also emerge as significant beneficiaries. Targeted Economic Measures A promotion scheme was announced to support coconut farmers in Kerala, Tamil N...