Nation

The 2026 Budget Session of Parliament begins today, Wednesday, with the Union Budget scheduled to be presented on February 1. The session will start with a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, where President Droupadi Murmu will deliver her address. Opposition Demands Discussion on Key IssuesDuring a pre-session all-party meeting on Tuesday, the opposition sought discussion on the ‘Viksit Bharat-Gi Ram Ji Act’ and a special intensive revision of the electoral rolls (SIR). The government, however, declined these requests. Several opposition leaders, including Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh and CPI(M) MP John Brittas, raised concerns over the absence of a government agenda for the session. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju assured that the agenda would be sha...

At the India-European Union (EU) summit, both sides held extensive discussions on strategic agendas, multilateralism, and global institutional reforms. They expressed concern over ongoing global issues such as the Ukraine conflict, the situation in Gaza, and developments in Iran, while strongly condemning terrorism in all its forms. The summit culminated in a 2030 strategic partnership roadmap encompassing sustainability, security, connectivity, and green energy cooperation. Focus on Multilateralism and UN ReformIndia and the EU underscored the importance of a multilateral system centered on the United Nations. Both sides advocated for comprehensive reforms of the UN Security Council, calling for a body that is transparent, effective, inclusive, and accountable in the current geopolitic...

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday raised serious concerns over the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) treatment of retired judges serving on high-level committees overseeing state bar council elections. A bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Suryakant, along with Justices R. Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi, asked why retired high court judges serving as election observers were not being provided adequate honorarium and travel allowances. Advocate Giri Highlights IssuesSenior advocate V. Giri, appearing before the bench, submitted that committee members, who had previously served as high court judges or chief justices, should receive compensation commensurate with their experience. Giri stated that when this was suggested to the BCI, the response was that it was “too high” and not feasib...

Amid widespread debate over the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, the central government has issued its first response. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured the public that the new law will not be misused and that the rights of all individuals will be safeguarded. Pradhan Addresses Public ConcernsSpeaking on Tuesday, Pradhan sought to dispel concerns regarding discrimination under the new UGC rules. He emphasized that no individual will face harassment or unfair treatment, and no one will have the right to misuse the law. The minister clarified that the UGC, central government, and state governments share the responsibility of ensuring compliance within constitutional boundaries. Supreme Court OversightPradhan further stated that the implementation of the...

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Kaja Kallas, High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission, at the Ministry of Defence in South Block on Tuesday to discuss strengthening security and defence cooperation between India and the European Union (EU). The meeting included the heads of India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force, highlighting its strategic significance. Shared Values as the Basis of PartnershipSpeaking after the meeting, Rajnath Singh emphasized that India and the EU share core values such as democracy, pluralism, and rule of law, which form the foundation of their increasingly robust partnership. He said India aims to translate these shared values into practical cooperation for global stability, sustainable development, and inclusive prosperity. ...

The long-awaited India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), in discussion for 18 years, has finally been concluded, with both sides hailing it as historic. During the announcement, European Council President Antonio Luis Santos Costa surprised many by revealing his personal connection to India—he is a third-generation descendant of a Goan family. Costa’s Indian HeritageSpeaking about the deal, Costa said, “I am the President of the European Council, but I am also an overseas Indian citizen. You can imagine what this means to me personally. I take great pride in my roots in Goa, from where my father’s family originated, giving me a special connection between Europe and India.” Goa, once a Portuguese colony, is where Costa’s grandfather was born and spent much of his life. Costa’...

The Congress party has accused the central government of insulting opposition leaders by seating Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in the back rows during the Republic Day parade. The allegations claim the seating arrangement violated protocol and reflected government bias, but the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has clarified that no such breach occurred. MoD Clarifies Seating Was Priority-BasedAccording to ministry sources, the seating arrangement on Kartavya Path was based on protocol and priority, and no rules were violated. Special arrangements, including a personal assistant and nearby parking, were provided for Kharge, taking into account his health and mobility needs. Kharge Alleges Disrespect to OppositionKharge, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said that both he and Rah...

India and Canada are witnessing rapid improvements in bilateral relations, a development that carries significant implications for India’s internal security. Reports indicate that National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is likely to visit Canada next month, followed by a visit to India by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the first week of March. Strengthening India-Canada TiesSince Mark Carney assumed office in Canada, the bilateral relationship has markedly improved, particularly in economic, security, and intelligence cooperation. While discussions on trade and broader diplomatic ties continue, security collaboration is emerging as a key focus area for both countries. According to media reports, NSA Ajit Doval’s visit in February will be linked to enhancing intelligence an...