Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar 'deshdrohis' (traitors) for allegedly 'destroying' India's voting system and 'stealing elections'.
When it pretends to be deaf, a situation can snowball into something it cannot contain. The government cannot dismiss public anger merely because protests are inconvenient or politically embarrassing, asserts Ramesh Menon.
The Chintan Shivir is expected to discuss the progress of government schemes, policy implementation, time management, inter-ministerial coordination, and public service delivery, among others.
The Congress party has called for the scrapping of the Agnipath scheme, claiming it has weakened national security and led to a shortage of soldiers. This demand follows the government's recent decision to extend Agniveers' tenure by two years and offer permanent recruitment to some. The Congress also seeks retrospective benefits for regularised Agniveers and criticises the scheme's impact on soldiers' welfare, citing reported suicides and discrimination.
From a milk abhishek and aarti in Patna and Vadnagar to blood donation camps in Delhi, sand art tributes in Puri and Agartala, and havan pujas in Jammu, BJP leaders and others nationwide honoured the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday with prayers, service drives and tributes.
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has alleged "great damage" to India's fabric, democracy, and institutions over the last 12 years, expressing optimism for a return to proper governance. In an interview, she also discussed the resilience of the Congress party against challenges and provided insights into her upcoming memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', which covers her personal life and political journey.
The IDBI Bank stake sale could generate over Rs 26,500 crore, helping the government surpass its annual divestment target, notes A K Bhattacharya.
Gold prices increased by nearly 3 per cent following the US midterm election results, with analysts divided on whether this marks a sustained rally or a temporary relief bounce. While some experts foresee gold reaching $4,200 in the near term, others caution against fresh buying, expecting a potential correction.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Indian shooter Esha Singh and Kurash athlete Pincky Balhara for their impressive medal-winning performances at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has called for the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation, citing alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the poll process. Kharge outlined five key demands for electoral transparency and pledged that the Congress party would protest both on the streets and in Parliament.
Social media erupted with memes and witty one-liners featuring Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following Donald Trump's Republican Party's significant losses in the US mid-term polls. These memes humorously suggested Kumar's intervention could have prevented Trump's defeat, drawing parallels to an ongoing "vote chori" controversy in India. The widespread losses for Trump's party were attributed to public anger over his policies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Captain Smit Machchaar for his exceptional bravery in foiling an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash an Israel-bound flydubai flight. Modi spoke to Machchaar and his family, expressing pride in his heroic actions that saved hundreds of lives. The incident involved a sharp descent and diversion of the flight, with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu also acknowledging Machchaar's courage.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lauded Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a 'hero of the entire world' for his bravery in foiling an alleged co-pilot's attempt to crash a flydubai flight, and has extended an invitation to Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame on Israeli Independence Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a Bhajan clubbing event in New Delhi, a modern trend where young people gather to sing and dance to Hindu devotional songs. The event marked the 110th birth anniversary of Deendayal Upadhyay and saw Modi engaging with Gen Z attendees.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a strong counterattack against the INDIA bloc's 'vote chori' allegations, challenging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to a special Parliament session debate on EVMs and infiltrators. Shah dismissed the INDIA bloc's rally as a "save infiltrator" event, questioning Congress's wins if EVMs are faulty and asserting the BJP's commitment to removing all infiltrators from electoral rolls.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday was marked by a flurry of greetings from global leaders, including Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, all underscoring strengthening bilateral ties and India's increasing stature on the world stage.
A controversy has erupted in Mumbai over the playing of Bhojpuri songs at railway stations ahead of Chhath Puja. The move has drawn criticism from Marathi-speaking sections and political activists, who question the use of railway announcement systems for cultural events and demand similar recognition for Maharashtra's festivals. Central Railway defended the move, stating such songs are played during additional time for specific themes.
An independent inquiry committee formed by the Indian Olympic Association to investigate harassment allegations by former women's hockey captain Asuntha Lakra against Hockey India secretary Bholanath Singh has not yet met. The delay, two months after its formation, is reportedly due to Hockey India's failure to release necessary funds for the proceedings, despite directives from its president. Lakra has expressed deep disappointment and appealed to top officials for immediate action.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of the north corridor of the bullet train project by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting its 'Make in India' aspect and potential to transform lives. The corridor will connect major cities from Delhi to Guwahati, significantly reducing travel times. Vaishnaw also launched new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express and MEMU services in Varanasi, while criticising previous governments' railway budgets for Uttar Pradesh.
While remaining cautious of the unpredictability of a bruised Trump administration, New Delhi, and other world capitals, could go slow on the investment pledges made to stave off tariffs.
The Bharatiya Janata Party launched a nationwide protest against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's "indecent and offensive" remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where Kharge retorted "Modi ka baap bhi jayega" during a speech.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is implementing a major overhaul of its examination system, including creating a permanent pool of independent observers and inviting applications for empanelled examination centres. This initiative follows security breaches and allegations of irregularities, particularly the NEET-UG paper leak earlier this year, aiming to enhance fairness and security in national-level entrance exams.
'If he settles on something, there are fifty considerations behind it -- the pros and cons, all of it.'
Sandeep Mistry, a key associate of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, has been arrested by the CBI after his deportation from the UAE. Mistry is implicated in the Rs 6,498.20 crore Punjab National Bank scam, where he allegedly facilitated forged documents, coerced dummy directors, and siphoned funds. He has been remanded to judicial custody.
'It is very significant that she mentioned that the issue of her foreign origin was not restricted to the BJP or Sangh Parivar, but was also very much alive in her own party.'
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has demanded an apology from political opponents, specifically referencing those who "fired on Ram devotees" and "subjected saints to lathicharge," before they visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. His remarks came after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced his visit. Adityanath criticised past neglect of Ayodhya and highlighted the city's transformation under his government, attributing it to the strength of Lord Ram's consciousness and the sacrifices of kar sevaks. He also subtly targeted the Congress for questioning Lord Ram's existence in court.
Former India captain Virat Kohli extended warm birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday, joining numerous celebrities in honouring the Indian PM.
'The last time a book brought so many readers to the stores was in 2007, for Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.'
Xi brought in asymmetrical power play by stating that India should have 'strategic cognition' and 'strategic judgement made on the basis of the stage of development the two countries are at'. This is a very nuanced way of asserting China's coercive diplomatic posture and reflects Beijing's penchant to unleash border instability at will, restrict rare earth metal exports, exert pressure on India at global and regional orders, asserts China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke called for a 'Lehra do Tiranga' march in Central Park, Connaught Place, on Friday, despite the NDMC announcing the park's closure and Delhi Police citing prohibitory orders against mass gatherings. The march is part of an ongoing protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. Police have urged people to stay away, while Dipke questioned the authorities' stance on waving the national flag and alleged surveillance. The agitation follows the arrest of CJP leaders and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday was celebrated with extensive programmes in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency. Events included special prayers by 76 young priests, a milk 'abhishek' of the Ganga, and a significant 'Seva Sankalp' motorcycle journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar, Modi's birthplace, involving 500 participants. Several prominent political figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, participated in the celebrations, offering prayers for Modi's health and India's progress.
Speculation about a merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has intensified following a viral video of Praful Patel meeting NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar in hospital. This comes as ruling NCP president Sunil Tatkare revealed that a merger would have occurred in February this year if Ajit Pawar were alive. The meeting and Tatkare's comments have reignited discussions about the future of the NCP.
Pakistan is currently deliberating its participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Civilisational Dialogue Forum, scheduled to be held in India later this month. The invitation from India is significant given the historically strained bilateral relations, particularly after recent military confrontations and India's consistent concerns about cross-border terrorism.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that Rahul Gandhi has turned creating ruckus in Parliament and resorting to boycotts into a Congress culture.
The climate finance battle once again exposes the deep divide between rich and developing nations.
On Saturday, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders participated in a tree plantation on the lawns of Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mirabai Chanu for winning Asian Games silver, praising her determination as the medal completed her major championship collection and lifted India's tally to 11.
Comedian Pulkit Mani's stand-up shows in Noida, Lucknow, and Kanpur have been cancelled following "repeated threats from goon activists." This comes after he performed a mimicry of Prime Minister Modi alongside Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at an event in Indore, sparking significant controversy and criticism from the BJP. Mani has since reported receiving hate messages online.
US President Donald Trump hosted a Diwali celebration at the Oval Office, attended by prominent Indian-American members of his administration, entrepreneurs, and top CEOs. The event featured the lighting of a diya and highlighted the growing cultural ties and contributions of the Indian-American community.
Students at Scottish Church College in Kolkata allege they were threatened with academic repercussions for refusing to participate in a play titled 'Namo Seva -- Untold Stories', a charge denied by the principal who states participation is voluntary and follows state directives.
