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.
Chandigarh, Sep 26 (PTI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the MiG-21 is not only an aircraft or a machine but a national pride, and a testimony to the deep ties between India and Russia. Noting that the over 60-year-old journey of the MiG-21 is unmatched, he said the mighty machine picked up the burden of the country's security on its wings for decades, and shaped "our confidence and strengthened our strategy". The defence minister was addressed a gathering at the decommissioning ceremony of the Russian-origin MiG-21 at the Chandigarh Air Force Station here. The iconic Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets, which have been the backbone of Indian Air Force's (IAF) combat fleet, flew for the last time in Indian skies here on Friday, bringing the curtain down on a 62-year-long journey. The MiG-21 fighter jets have been part of the IAF's combat fleet since the 1960s. Remembering the valour of the armed forces, Singh said the MiG-21 has a big contribution in their journey of bravery. "We gathered here for the final operational sortie of MiG-21. Being amongst you, I have emotions of pride and gratitude," Singh said. "When we are today giving a send-off to MiG 21 from its operational journey, I feel that we are giving a send-off to a chapter which will be written in golden letters in military aviation history," he said. "MiG-21 is not only an aircraft or a machine but it is also a proof of deep ties between India and Russia," he stated. The history of military aviation is incredible, he said, adding MiG-21 aircraft added many proud moments in the military aviation journey. "In the history of the world's military aviation, there has not been any fighter jet which was made in such a big number," he stated. Over 11,500 MiG 21 aircraft were made worldwide, and of them, 850 fighter jets remained part of the IAF, he said and added, "This number is the testimony of this aircraft's popularity, credibility and multi-dimensional capability". "MiG-21 has been a witness to many brave works. Its contribution has not been limited to one incident or a war," he said as he recalled its role in the 1971 war with Pakistan, 1999 Kargil conflict as well as 2019 Balakot air strikes. Recalling the many occasions when MiG-21 proved its decisive capacity, he said, "From 1971 war to Kargil war, or from Balakot air strikes to Operation Sindoor, there was no such occasion when MiG-21 did not provide tremendous power to our armed forces". "Who can forget the 1971 war? During a war against Pakistan, the day MiG-21 attacked the Dhaka Governor House in adverse conditions, that day the outline of the outcome of the battle was decided," he said. "Be it any historic mission, MiG-21 always kept the honour of the national flag high. This farewell is of our collective memories and national pride, and of this journey of courage, sacrifice and excellence," he said. Singh said he was seeing the MiG-21 journey from a different perspective as well. "This perspective is also giving a glimpse of traditions of ancient India. Our ancient culture teaches that the presence of God is not only in living but also in non-living things," the minister said. "We consider this land our mother and ourselves its children. You must have seen that when a new house is built, we perform 'puja' before entering it. If we have a new car, we perform 'puja' for it. "In a few days on Dussehra, we perform 'Shastra puja'. This tradition is not only faith and belief, it is an emotion of our gratitude towards each tool, each system and each instrument which protect and empower us," he said. "Our civilisation and our culture teach us that respect should not only be given to a human being but also to everything which made some contribution in our lives," Singh said. "When we give respect to every small and big thing then MiG-21 is our national pride and it has been a shield of our defence and a symbol of our strength and then how can we leave its respect," he stated. When we gathered here to give farewell to MiG-21, it should not be seen as a formal military ceremony but as an expansion of cultural tradition, he said. The way we give respect to a soldier on his retirement, the same way, we are today giving respect to this mighty machine which picked up the burden of our security on its wings for decades, he said. Everybody knows about its valour, he said, adding the aircraft is deeply embedded in its country's emotions and memories Hailing the role of the aircraft, he said the 60-year-old journey of MiG-21 is unmatched. "For us this is not a fighter jet but like a family member and with which our attachment is quite deep," he said. He said the MiG-21 shaped our confidence, strengthened our strategy and helped us in establishing at the global stage. This fighter jet faced each challenge in its journey and proved its capability every time, he asserted. The minister made it clear that the MiG-21 that were being used till now were 40-year old while those inducted in the 1960s and 1970s were out of service for a long time. "When there is talk of MiG-21, it is often said that IAF was flying 60-year-old aircraft. I want to clarify an important fact that the MiG-21, which came to the armed forces in the 1960s and 1970s, have already been out of service a long time ago," he said. MiG 21 aircraft, which we were flying till now, were maximum 40-year-old. The 40-year lifetime for the standards of such aircraft is completely normal, he asserted. In several countries, such fighter jets are kept active till such time, he said, stressing that MiG-21 had been kept updated technically. PTI SUN CHS VSD DV DV
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 7 (ANI): Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan arrived at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on Friday and said that the 'Sanatana' culture embodies the oneness of being and that all the differences dissolve in it. Speaking to the media here, Arif Khan highlighted the Indian culture of seeing divinity in humanity, asserting that "manav" (humans) are a reflection of "Madhav" (God). Khan also noted that India's heritage, values, and ideals continue to be celebrated at the Mahakumbh, fostering unity among people beyond personal familiarity. "We should always not ...Read More >
Kanpur (UP), May 28 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth about Rs 20,900 crore here on Friday to boost the region's infrastructure and connectivity, an official statement issued here said. He will launch Chunniganj Metro Station to Kanpur Central Metro Station section of the Kanpur Metro Rail Project worth more than Rs 2,120 crore. It will include 14 planned stations with five new underground stations integrating key city landmarks and commercial hubs into the metro network. Besides, he will also inaugurate road-w ...Read More >
Jaipur, Feb 3 (PTI) Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena will not attend the ongoing Budget Session of the state Assembly due to ill health, Speaker Vasudev Devnani said on Monday. Meena had sought permission to remain absent from the House due to health reasons. His request was approved on Monday, Devnani informed the House at the beginning of the Zero Hour. "I have to inform the House that Assembly member Kirodi Lal has sought permission to remain absent from the meetings of the House due to ill health till the end of the session," he said. Amid the uproar by members, the Speak ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 10 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday met Minister Delegate to the Minister of Defence and Chief of Staff of the National Army of Algeria General Said Changeriha in Bengaluru at Aero India 2025. Singh called their meeting a "great interaction." Also Read | US: Judge Finds Trump Administration Hasn't Fully Followed Order To Unfreeze Federal Spending, Orders White House To Release All Money. In a post on X, he said, "Great interaction with the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Defence and Chief of Staff of the National Army of Algeria Ge ...Read More >
Itanagar, Dec 5 (PTI) The Arunachal Pradesh government has inked a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the Indian Army for the maintenance and upkeep of the Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of Valour in Tawang district. The memorandum was signed by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kangki Darang and Brigadier VS Rajput of the 190 Mountain Brigade on Wednesday in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. With this agreement, the museum will be effectively managed solely by the Indian Army, an official statement said here on Thursday. On the occasion, Khandu paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai P ...Read More >
New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal with women from purvanchal stages a protest against AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.Source : PTI Delhi Police on Monday detained Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal as she protested outside Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal's residence over the government's failure to clean the Yamuna River. Maliwal, accompanied by a group of women from Purvanchal, carried water collected from the Yamuna to Kejriwal's residence, accusing him of neglecting the river's worsening condition. Speaking to news agency ANI, she re ...Read More >
New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of making "false allegations" about the statement of the Army chief on the situation at the India-China border. "The words attributed to the Army Chief by Shri Rahul Gandhi were never spoken by him at any time. It is a matter of deep regret that Shri Rahul Gandhi should indulge in irresponsible politics on matters of national interest," Singh said on X. In his speech on Monday in Lok Sabha during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, the leader of opposition clai ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], December 3 (ANI): Producer Ektaa R Kapoor on Tuesday met with Odisha Chief Minister Charan Majhi in Bhubaneshwar. Visuals from the meeting surfaced online in which CM Mohan Charan Majhi and Ektaa could be seen exchanging warm pleasantries. Also Read | 'The Sabarmati Report': Union Home Minister Amit Shah Praises Vikrant Massey Starrer for Revealing the Truth Behind Godhra (View Post). Ektaa also visited Lingaraja Temple and offered prayers there. Notably, on Monday, Ektaa along with the team of 'The Sabarmati Report' attended a special screening of the film wi ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 5 (PTI) BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn-in as the new chief minister of Maharashtra on Thursday evening at a grand ceremony here to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other dignitaries. Fadnavis, who would be occupying the CM's post for the third time, along with two deputy chief ministers will take the oath of office, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters, adding that other members of the cabinet will take oath later. Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde are expected to take oath as ...Read More >
Jammu, Jan 14 (VOICE) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP government at the Centre treats Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir equally.Addressing the ninth Armed Forces Veterans' Day programme at Tanda Artillery Brigade in Akhnoor, the Defence Minister praised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his effort to reduce the distance between the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi and asserted that the BJP government treats Delhi and Kashmir equally. "Kashmir was treated differently (by previous governments) in the past. As a result, our brothers and s ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], January 31 (ANI): Parents of Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla were elated after their son was selected as the pilot for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Axiom-4 mission, scheduled this year. The parents credited Shubhanshu's hard work and dedication for his success and also acknowledged the contribution his wife behind his success. Expressing her immense happiness in an interaction with ANI, Shukla's mother Asha Shukla said she can't express her emotions in words. "We cannot express our feelings in words," she said. "Our joy is unlimited; we cannot p ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday arrived in Odisha and unveiled a statue of Santali writer and educator Pandit Raghunath Murmu here. She also visited the Adim Owar Jarpa Jaher, a sacred place for Santals, in Bhubaneswar and offered prayers. The President was accorded a warm welcome at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), where she landed on a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to commence her five-day visit to Odisha. She was received at the airport by Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other dignitaries. People standi ...Read More >
Srinagar, Dec 4 (PTI) Security forces continued their search for militants in the Dachigam forest here on Wednesday, a day after a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was killed in an encounter in the area, officials said. According to officials, the security forces halted their search on Tuesday night but maintained a tight cordon in the area. The search for militants in the vast mountainous and forest area of Dachigam resumed in the morning, they said. Also Read | ISRO PROBA-3 Mission Launch Delayed: Indian Space Agency Reschedules Launch of PSLV-C59 After Detecting 'Anomaly'. "The search operation ...Read More >
New Delhi: India's opposition MPs on Wednesday, December 11, greeted their BJP counterparts in Parliament premises with the tricolour in one hand and a red rose in the other, urging the ruling party to ensure that the Parliament functions properly. This is the latest in a series of demonstrations led by Congress over the issue regarding industry mogul Gautam Adani getting indicted by the US. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also offered the tricolour in the form of a card to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh when the latter was entering the main Parliament building. Congress ...Read More >
Ranchi, Dec 12 (PTI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday asserted that a strong foundation for development of the state was laid during the previous term of the JMM-led government in the state and time is ripe to speed up the progress. He said the speech delivered by Governor Santosh Gangwar in the assembly on Wednesday was the government's 'white paper' that clearly showed its vision and direction. "We have laid a strong foundation for the state's overall development during the previous term after 2019. Now, it is time to construct a building on the foundation. Very soon opport ...Read More >
Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) [India], January 13 (ANI): India's indigenous Anti-Tank Missile, Nag Mk 2, the third-generation Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile successfully completed its field evaluation trials at the Pokhran Field Range in Rajasthan in the presence of senior officers of the Indian Army. There were three field trials conducted, with the missile systems destroying all the targets precisely- maximum and minimum range, thus validating its firing range. Also Read | 'People of India Reaffirmed Their Trust in PM Narendra Modi': Ashwini Vaishnaw Slams Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Over H ...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 >
India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved a ₹21,772 crore package to strengthen maritime security. This includes 151 new boats for the Navy and six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) for the Coast Guard. These assets are designed for rapid response, surveillance, and rescue missions. With advanced technology and indigenous manufacturing under the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, the acquisitions aim to address emerging maritime threats in the Indo-Pacific and reinforce India's role in regional security.The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh ...Read More >
Aryan Meena, who lived in the Dausa district of Rajasthan state, was trapped in the narrow well for three days after falling into it while playing on Monday afternoon. The boy, wearing pants and a t-shirt, had to endure plummeting winter temperatures inside the well as well as hunger and thirst. Children and even adult people dying from falling into open borewells is not uncommon in rural India where they are dug to pump water for irrigation and drinking and left abandoned after they run dry. ...Read More >
Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday that he held discussions on cabinet expansion with union home minister Amit Shah, party national president J P Nadda, and the party national general secretary B L Santhosh on Wednesday night. Fadnavis was on a two-day visit to Delhi days after being sworn in as chief minister. He met President Draupudi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh and union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari. He also presented five different ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 12 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in the National Capital and presented him with an idol of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. "It was an absolute pleasure to meet and interact with Hon Union and Cooperation Minister Amitbhai Shah at his residence in New Delhi. Also presented him a 'murti' of SwatantryaVeer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar," the Chief Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter). Also Read | RRB JE Exam 2024 Admit Card Out at rrbapply.gov.in: Hall Ticket for 7,951 Junior Engineer Posts ...Read More >
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi is visiting Indonesia from December 15-18 to bolster bilateral defense relations. He will meet with Indonesian defense officials to discuss maritime security, joint training, and enhanced operational collaboration. The visit coincides with the ongoing 43rd India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol, highlighting the growing maritime partnership between the two nations.The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi is set to embark on a four-day o ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) India's offensive and defensive responses need to be further strengthened in view of turmoil in the rules-based global order, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday. In an address at an event, he also said that the Indian Navy is working towards increasing its presence in the Indian Ocean region. Also Read | Indian Army's 'Sambhav' Smart Phone Used During China Border Talks for Secure Communication. The Indian Ocean is witnessing increasing Chinese presence triggering concern among India's national security planners. India's economic prosperity is linked to m ...Read More >
"If you behave in this manner, I will not allow you to raise points on issues in future. I had always believed in giving you the space and you must reciprocate," the Speaker said to the BJP members.The BJP legislators then walked out of the House. Chief Whip of BJP Shankar Ghosh told PTI: "We wanted to bring an adjournment motion. Everyone must be aware of how attacks at puja pandals took place in Metiabruz, Falakata during Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja and at Beldanga during Kartik Puja. The situation is alarming. West Bengal is not Bangladesh." ...Read More >
Hyderabad: President-elect Donald Trump's warning that BRICS countries will face 100 per cent tariffs if they choose to move away from the US dollar is unclear to what extent he will carry out his threat, as it remains to be seen if the US law permits such an action, former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao said on Monday. He also said even for BRICS, there are internal differences about bringing out an alternative to the US Dollar. The nine-member group that includes India, Russia, China, and Brazil, moving out of the US currency and having a common one remains a non-starter because of both polit ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 4 (PTI) Reserve Bank's high level panel on Wednesday started deliberations on the bi-monthly monetary policy amid expectations of status quo on interest rate as the retail inflation is above the upper tolerance level of the central bank. The decision taken at the RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das headed six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) [...] Mumbai, Dec 4 (PTI) Reserve Bank's high level panel on Wednesday started deliberations on the bi-monthly monetary policy amid expectations of status quo on interest rate as the retail inflation is above the upper tolerance level of the ce ...Read More >
Mumbai, Feb 7 (PTI) Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Friday said India can certainly achieve over 7 per cent growth rate and the nation should aspire for that. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its bi-monthly monetary policy has projected 6.7 per cent growth for financial year 2025-26, up from 6.4 per cent estimated for the current fiscal. "I would like to stick my neck out and say that, certainly India can achieve a 7 per cent and plus growth rate. We should certainly aspire for that," he said when asked whether there was a possibility of the Indian economy growing at a faster pace ...Read More >
Gangtok, Jun 5 (PTI) Altogether 63 stranded people, mostly tourists, were on Thursday evacuated by helicopters from Chaten in north Sikkim, which was hit by a landslide earlier this week, officials said. Sixty-four other tourists are still waiting at Chaten to be rescued by the army and local administration. The operation to rescue them was called off due to inclement weather and challenging terrains during the day, officials said. Chaten is located near Lachen, a small town in Mangan district, which is used by travellers to reach Gurudangmar Lake which is a popular tourist destination. Off ...Read More >
"I am very happy to come here. I along with my team will visit the Ram Temple for the darshan of Ram Ji. The Ram Temple symbolises the cultural and religious relations of India and Nepal," Sigdel said. Sigdel visit to Ayodhya is part of the final leg of his four-day India tour which commenced on December 11 and is set to conclude today. On December 13, Sigdel held multiple engagements to solidify the defence cooperation between New Delhi and Kathmandu, the Ministry of Defence stated. Sigdel's ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Feb 7 (PTI) Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Friday rejected Karnataka Micro Finance (Prevention of Coercive Actions) Ordinance 2025 that the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government had proposed to regulate microfinance. According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the governor cited several reasons for his rejection. Gehlot felt that the punishment of 10 years and fine of Rs 5 lakh proposed by the Karnataka government is excessive, said the CMO. He was also of the opinion that the existing laws could have been used by the police department to control the situation, added the CMO. ...Read More >