India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a powerful Syrian rebel faction, has launched offensive in Aleppo by taking military bases and villages from Assad's forces. This marks a significant escalation of the civil war in Syria, with HTS posing a major threat to Assad's regime. Syria's long-running civil war has taken a dramatic turn in recent days, as rebel forces led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have staged a stunning offensive, recapturing the strategic city of Aleppo. This unexpected resurgence by the opposition forces marks a critical moment in the ongoing conflict, signaling one of the most significant threats to the Assad regime in years. Below is a detailed look at what has happened, the history of Syria's civil war, and the role of HTS in this latest development. The latest Aleppo offensive started on a Wednesday, November 27, as rebel groups were able to quickly take the key positions in north-western Aleppo province, such as a military base and 15 villages that were controlled by government forces. Led by HTS, the rebels were able to cut off the main highway connecting Damascus to Aleppo, a crucial supply line for the Assad regime. In response, the Syrian government, supported by its ally Russia, carried out airstrikes that aimed at reclaiming lost ground. By the end of the week, HTS had made incredible strides, advancing from the outskirts of Aleppo into the city center. As of Sunday, it appears that rebel forces control Aleppo entirely, prompting Syria's military to send in reinforcements to Hama province. Heavy fighting is ongoing as rebels are trying to advance southward toward Hama, while Syrian and Russian airstrikes continue targeting opposition-held areas. The Syrian civil war, which started in 2011, has largely been at a stalemate since the Russia-Turkey-brokered ceasefire agreement in 2020. Since then, the Assad regime has regained much of the country with the support of heavy military aid from Russia and Iran. The remaining opposition forces were confined to parts of northern Syria, mainly Idlib, where Turkey has acted as a protective buffer for the rebels. HTS's sudden resurgence does, however, point to various factors that may have tipped the balance. The group is no longer seen as having been disorganized and factionalized; rather it has significantly transformed over recent years. Experts believe the forces of HTS have become professionally better with a new military college and stronger local governance in place in the areas they command. Furthermore, the larger geopolitical environment has changed in ways that may have presented a one-time opportunity for the rebels. Hezbollah, a critical proxy force for Assad, has been severely weakened by Israeli operations in Lebanon, and Russian forces are increasingly distracted by their involvement in Ukraine. This has left the Assad regime vulnerable and unable to quickly reinforce its positions in Syria. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, is the most powerful rebel faction in Syria today. Originally formed as Jabhat al-Nusra, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, HTS broke ties with the global terrorist network in 2016 and rebranded itself as an independent group. Despite being labeled a terrorist organization by the United States, HTS controls the Idlib region in northwest Syria, where it governs over 4 million people. HTS has around 30,000 fighters and, although still a jihadist group, does not appear to have global ambitions. It has enforced harsh rule over the areas it controls with reports of human rights abuses, including executions of people accused of affiliation with rival groups or perceived blasphemy. But within Syria, the group holds significant political power as it has become an integral part of the war. A number of international players have shaped the landscape of Syria's civil war. The Assad regime has enjoyed crucial support from Russia and Iran, but Russia's role in the Ukraine conflict may have distracted attention and diverted resources, potentially opening the door for rebel forces to gain ground. Israel's recent strikes against Iranian positions in Syria have further complicated the situation, so it is clear that this conflict is far from resolved. Although HTS had achieved victory quickly in Aleppo, the regime of Assad will not back down easily. The Syrian army, together with Russian and Iranian allies, is likely to recover and carry out a counterattack. Ibrahim al-Assil, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, believes that the strategy which has worked in the past for Assad will be the same: retreat, consolidate, and attack. The next days and weeks will be particularly challenging for the rebels, who are likely to be pressed hard by Syrian forces consolidating in Hama. As Russian airstrikes gain power, HTS's grip on Aleppo could prove to be short-lived unless the group manages to keep gaining momentum and resist the regime's retaliation.
"We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been announced. We have always called for de-escalation, restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We hope these developments will lead to peace and stability in the wider region," said a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs. Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah reached a ceasefire after months of deadly clashes that stemmed from the Israel-Gaza conflict but escalated in September this year, after leaders of the Lebanese militant group were killed. ...Read More >
The newly elected President of the United States Donald Trump is extending his hands to unapologetically stand firm with United States most reliable ally, Israel. Donald Trump on 2nd December has issued a stark warning, declaring that there would be "hell to pay" in the Middle East if hostages held in the Gaza strip are not freed before his January 20, 2025, inauguration. During October 2023 terrorist attacks led by Hamas upon Israel, the terrorist group captured over 250 innocent individuals, with Israeli reports confirming dual Israeli-American nationals among the hostages. Currently, aroun ...Read More >
Mark Carney declined to answer if he believed Indian PM had a role in murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar Canada's prime minister Mark Carney has defended his decision to invite India's prime minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, despite Canada's federal police's conclusion that the murder of a prominent Sikh activist in British Columbia was orchestrated by the "highest levels" of the Indian government. Carney declined to answer reporters' questions over whether ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
In a revealing Knesset speech on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel was behind a series of devastating attacks on Hezbollah in September, revealing that the operation was brought forward after concerns that a secret Israeli intelligence method was about to be uncovered. Netanyahu disclosed that the attack, initially planned for October, was accelerated to prevent the planned operation from being exposed. Also read: Caught on camera: Moment Israel strike on Beirut killed Hezbollah media chief Mohammed Afif (WATCH) The attacks, which included a massive page ...Read More >
xternal Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, on Monday, met with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine and discussed the conflict with Russia at the sidelines of the MED Mediterranean Dialogues Conference in Rome, Italy. Apart from Ukraine, EAM Jaishankar met with his counterparts from France, Lebanon, and Croatia as well. On his meeting with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the EAM reiterated India's support for "dialogue and diplomacy" to end the long-running conflict. "Good to meet FM of Ukraine @andrii_sybihain Rome today. Useful exchange on advancing our bilateral cooperation. ...Read More >
United Nations, November 27 (IANS): The United Nations welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, a senior UN official said in a statement. The agreement marks the starting point of a critical process, anchored in the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006), to restore the safety and security that civilians on both sides of the Blue Line deserve, said Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN special coordinator for Lebanon, on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported. The UN statement came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the nation's ...Read More >
Fiuggi, November 27 (IANS): Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) countries called on Israel to comply with its obligations under international law at a meeting. The ministers said in a statement that they support a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, Xinhua news agency reported. The ministers expressed their concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. They called on the Israeli government to ease obstacles on humanitarian aid to civilians in areas rocked by conflicts. They said that "Israel mu ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: Amid a rising controversy over US President Donald Trump's claim of having negotiated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday claimed that the Narendra Modi government succumbed to pressure from Trump and backed down from the opportunity to crush terrorism and defeat Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack.Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had turned down the US President's offer to mediate and stop the war with Pakistan in 1971. It is unfortunate, Revanth said, that the present US President cla ...Read More >
Lebanese health ministry confirms 3,841 dead in Israel-Hezbollah conflict Lebanese armed group Hezbollah confirmed its media relations chief Mohammad Afif was killed by an Israeli strike on a building in central Beirut on Sunday. Israel has rarely hit senior Hezbollah personnel who do not have clear military roles, and its air strikes have mostly targeted Beirut's southern suburbs where the group has its heaviest presence. Israel's military, which earlier declined to comment, issued a statement late on Sunday reporting it had "eliminated" Afif. The Lebanese health ministry said the strike h ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Congress leader Jignesh Mevani on Saturday questioned the government over the ceasefire in Operation Sindoor, alleging foreign pressure and demanding clarity on its terms. Mevani accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of backing down under US influence and asked why the remaining terrorists haven't been caught. 'It's been a month since the government launched Operation Sindoor and claimed to have caught a terrorist. The Prime Minister boasts of a 56-inch chest, says India is a Vishwa Guru, and speaks of vermilion running through our veins. Then why haven't the ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): BJP leader Amit Malviya on Saturday hit out at Kolkata Mayor and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Firhad Hakim for making what he called a 'vile and disgraceful attack' on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Operation Sindoor. He accused Hakim of calling the PM a 'coward' and dismissing his role in the operation. In a post on X, Malviya shared a video in which Hakim could be seen allegedly stating, 'There is nothing big about the Prime Minister here... But, for fear of a bigger country, he has locked up the Armed Forces as cowards.' Malviya further accused West ...Read More >
The United States recently updated its travel advisory for India. The Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged the update. The US advises its citizens to exercise caution due to crime and terrorism. Certain areas are marked as high-risk. The advisory level for India remains unchanged. It has been at level 2 for several years.Travel advisories are periodically issued by countries based on their "assessment of various factors", and "we have noted" that the US has updated the travel advisory for In ...Read More >
Srinagar, May 21: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Wednesday hit out at External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's statement that India had informed Pakistan beforehand about the missile strikes on terror infrastructure in the neighbouring country. "Our external affairs minister says that we informed Pakistan that we are going to strike at terror training centres. Are wars fought like this? Do you give advance notice?" Karra said, while addressing a 'Jai Hind' yatra in Anantnag district. The JKPCC chief also questioned the BJP-led central gov ...Read More >
China is indeed the upper riparian for several major rivers that flow into India, notably the Indus, Sutlej, and Brahmaputra. However, it's impossible for Beijing to "turn off the tap". Most of the water in these river systems doesn't originate from the Tibetan Plateau (which China controls) but comes from precipitation and tributaries within Indian territory. India is not wholly dependent on Chinese-origin flows, especially in the case of the Brahmaputra and Sutlej, where downstream contribution ...Read More >
After the banned CPI (Maoist)'s general secretary Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju was killed in an encounter with security forces on May 22, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that Naxalism will be eliminated from the country by March 31, 2026. In the Congress-ruled Telangana, however, B Mahesh Kumar Goud, the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president, says that the government should not use iron fist to wipe out Maoists but deal with them through "legal and constitutional means". He has urged the Centre to hold "peace talks" with the Maoists and declare a "ceasefire" w ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a major Indian Air Force (IAF) exercise scheduled to take place near the southern sector of the India-Pakistan International Border in Rajasthan from Saturday, June 7, to Sunday, June 8. The exercise is part of the IAF's regular operational preparedness and will be conducted in airspace near the border. According to the NOTAM, the aerial drill will commence at 3:30 p.m. on June 7 and conclude at 9:30 p.m. the following day. During this period, airspace over the designated region will be restricted to ensure t ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): The invitation to Prime Minister Narendra attend the G7 summit in Canada was due and 'had to come' with India being a big geopolitical power, Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev said on Saturday. 'Invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 Summit was due, it had to come. India is too big a power now, geopolitically, economically, and with our common sense in this world which is in the middle of a conflict. India had to be a participant at the table there,' Sachdev told ANI here. Talking about the 'gossip' about Canada not inviting India to the ...Read More >
New Delhi: Alleging "blatant misuse" of agencies to defame its leaders, AAP on Thursday questioned why the first information report filed against former Delhi ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Satyendar Jain was being kept under wraps and "selective" press notes were being leaked to the media.Bharadwaj, who is Delhi AAP convener, alleged that only two former ministers were named in the case without any reasonable cause while all the officers of the health and public works departments, who were actually responsible for executing the hospital projects, were spared. "Is the FIR so baseless that BJP ...Read More >
Key U.S. data this week includes the job openings due later in the day, the ADP employment report on Wednesday and the payrolls report on Friday. "The next big thing is going to be the payrolls on Friday night because it'll tell us whether the Fed is essentially going to green-light the interest rate cut in a couple of weeks," said Kyle Rodda, financial market analyst at Capital.com. Fed Governor Christopher Waller on Monday said with inflation still forecast to fall to 2%, he is inclined "at present" to support another rate cut later this month. The comments boosted expectations of a rate ...Read More >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): The invitation to Prime Minister Narendra attend the G7 summit in Canada was due and 'had to come' with India being a big geopolitical power, Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev said on Saturday. 'Invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 Summit was due, it had to come. India is too big a power now, geopolitically, economically, and with our common sense in this world which is in the middle of a conflict. India had to be a participant at the table there,' Sachdev told ANI here. Talking about the 'gossip' about Canada not inviting India to the ...Read More >
New Delhi: In a joint operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) have eliminated As'ad Abu Sharaiya, a senior leader of the Mujahideen terrorist organization in Gaza, and another terrorist, Mahmoud Muhammad Hamid Kuhail. According to the IDF, Abu Sharaiya was directly involved in the October 7, 2023, massacre, infiltrating Kibbutz Nir Oz, and was responsible for the abduction and murder of several Israeli citizens, including Shiri, Ariel, Kfir Bibas, and Nattapong Pinta. He also played a role in recruiting operatives for terror attacks against Israel and I ...Read More >
New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted that his country is supporting an armed group in Gaza that opposes Hamas. Hamas is a banned terrorist group that controls Gaza, which is involved in many terrorist attacks on Israel. A former Israeli minister has revealed that his country is also arming this anti-Hamas group. Israeli and Palestinian media have reported that the group Israel is working with is part of a local Bedouin tribe led by Yasser Abu Shabab. This group has also been accused of looting international aid in the Gaza Strip. Hamas has also carried out many attacks ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 26: India on Thursday delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan's remarks at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), accusing Islamabad of exploiting the forum to push a "nefarious agenda" while ignoring its own documented violations of child rights and continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. Speaking during the UNSC's annual open debate on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador R. Harish, outlined New Delhi's efforts to safeguard children in vulnerable situations and promote their holistic development. He emphasised ...Read More >
A summary of world news briefs includes Hezbollah's media chief killed by Israeli airstrike, U.S. policy shift allowing Ukraine to use American weapons against Russia, Xi Jinping's final talks with Joe Biden, and other geopolitical developments including climate finance consensus at the G20 in Brazil. In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Lebanese Hezbollah's media relations head, Mohammad Afif, was killed in an Israeli strike in central Beirut. The attack targets a senior Hezbollah figure, signaling a rare focus on individuals without explicit military roles. The U.S. administra ...Read More >
After the banned CPI (Maoist)'s general secretary Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju was killed in an encounter between Maoists and security forces on May 22, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that Naxalism will be eliminated from the country by March 31, 2026. In the Congress-ruled Telangana, however, B Mahesh Kumar Goud, the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president, says that the government should not use iron fist to wipe out Maoists but deal with them through "legal and constitutional means". He has urged the Centre to hold "peace talks" with the Maoists and declare ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted that India has demonstrated a successful strategy to defeat terrorism, laying out five key positions on how the global community can uproot such activities, and assured retaliation against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism while showing zero tolerance against this menace. In an article titled 'We've shown how to defeat terror,' published in an English Daily, Singh reflects on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent response through Operation Sindoor, emphasising the nation's ...Read More >
Turkey has hailed the recent ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon, expressing hope that the truce will endure. The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday, urging the international community to pressure Israel into honoring the ceasefire agreement wholly. The ministry emphasized the necessity of Israel providing reparations for the damage inflicted in Lebanon. Turkey also voiced its readiness to play a supportive role in the peace process within Lebanon, underscoring its commitment to regional stability. The ministry further called for the ...Read More >
(Image for representation purpose; Credit: Getty Images) The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday carried out their first airstrike since the ceasefire went into effect, targeting a Hezbollah rocket facility in southern Lebanon. The IDF stated that its fighter jets struck the facility after identifying activity that violated the terms of the ceasefire. The facility, which had been used to store medium-range rockets, was targeted as part of efforts to neutralize the threat posed by Hezbollah. The military emphasized that it remains actively deployed in southern Lebanon and is committed to ...Read More >