Uma hits out at RaGa over ‘PM surrender’ dig
Bhopal: Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Uma Bharti has criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his remark that PM Narendra Modi “surrendered” during Operation Sindoor after a phone call from US President Donald Trump. “Indian Army has never surrendered to Pakistan. Does Rahul Gandhi not know even that much English? He should understand the difference between surrender and ceasefire,” she said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Evening news wrap: National census to begin from 2027; Allahabad HC rebukes Rahul Gandhi, and more
A tragic turn of events took place during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory parade as a stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium. At least seven were killed over 25 injured in the stampede. The celebration quickly descended into chaos as crowd control efforts failed. The government announced that the next nationwide Census will begin on March 1, 2027, and, for the first time in decades, will include caste enumeration. Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Ladakh will begin the process earlier, from October 2026. The Centre has announced the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which will be held from July 21 to August 12. Key legislative matters, including discussions on the budget and pending bills, are expected to be taken up. Here are the top five stories of the evening: Stampede at RCB victory parade kills 7 At least seven people died and over 25 were injured in a stampede outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s IPL victory parade. The incident reportedly occurred due to overcrowding and poor crowd control. Live updates National census to begin from 2027 The next nationwide census will start on March 1, 2027, and will include caste data for the first time in over 70 years. Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Uttarakhand will begin the process early from October 2026. Read full story Nine Pakistani aircraft were taken down during Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack killed 26 civilians, dealt heavy blows to Pakistan’s military. Indian Air Force strikes destroyed key assets, including six fighter jets, two surveillance aircraft, and over ten drones. Read full story Rahul Gandhi rebuked by Allahabad HC The Allahabad high court criticised Rahul Gandhi, saying that freedom of speech does not extend to defaming the Indian Army. The comments were made during a case related to his remarks against the military. Read full story Parliament’s monsoon session dates announced The Monsoon Session of Parliament will run from July 21 to August 12, with major legislation, including budget discussions, expected on the agenda. The announcement was made earlier today. Read full story Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Chandigarh Congress welcomes Rahul Gandhi amid party resurgence
Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Pradesh Congress Committee on Wednesday extended a warm welcome to leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, upon his arrival at Chandigarh Airport. Chandigarh Congress president HS Lucky informed Rahul Gandhi that the party had made a historic comeback by reclaiming the city’s parliamentary seat after a gap of 10 years. Lucky also highlighted the Congress party’s strong performance in the municipal corporation elections, where it secured the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor, an achievement coming after nearly 12 years. During the interaction, Lucky briefed Rahul Gandhi on the current political landscape and pressing civic issues in Chandigarh. He extended an invitation for a detailed meeting with the Chandigarh Congress leadership in the coming days. The proposed meeting will focus on key city concerns and strategies to further strengthen the Congress organisation at the grassroots level in Chandigarh. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Cong youngsters see hope in Rahul’s ‘Srijan’
Bhopal: How effective would the “Sangthan Srijan” campaign be in rejuvenating Congress organisation in MP? While some leaders, particularly youngsters, seem excited at the prospect of “Race Ka Ghoda” finding prominence in the party, many veterans, who have seen it all, look at this with a pinch of salt. “The campaign will surely rejuvenate our organisation. Rahul Gandhi and the leadership want to find competent persons to take on BJP. AICC observers have come from outside the state to go among the party workers and people, find out about reputation of leaders contending for the post of district president, their ability to take people along, reach out to people and put up a fight with BJP,: said Yogendra Singh ‘Guddu’, a young Congress leader from Bhopal. “We wish ground-level leadership is handed over to horses, who have the strength to win the race,” Singh said. Another young Congress leader said the party has launched ‘Srijan’ campaign at places where Congress and BJP are the only two options but BJP is miles ahead in organisational strength and electoral effectiveness. The leadership understands Congress cannot take on the combined might of RSS-BJP, unless the organisation is strengthened and there’s transparency in selection of party office-bearers and poll candidates. Deputy leader of Congress in the assembly, Hemant Katare said: “The campaign will have a revolutionary effect. AICC has sent observers for each district. They are ex-ministers, who have won multiple elections, and run the organisation. Since they are outsiders, they will look at the contenders with fresh eyes and may find able people ignored so far may be because they were not at the forefront or because of factionalism. Once we have a strong organisation at the ground level, the problems we face in elections would be taken care of.” However, a senior PCC office-bearer said: “Are we trying to get rid of people, who gave their lives to the party by calling them ‘langda ghoda’? If you give an impression that a district president was changed because he was incompetent, the party would be further divided and there will be local factions fighting against each other. If the campaign is carried out as planned, even 2028 elections is lost,” he said. A PCC office-bearer, said: “It is similar to the one floated by Rahul Gandhi earlier- to have an elected NSUI and Youth Congress presidents. You can see the situation of NSUI and Youth Congress. Even journalists don’t remember their names nowadays. The Congress will also get to the same situation if they go ahead with the plan of a survey by outsiders to select district presidents.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul Gandhi sets zero tolerance for factionalism in Haryana Cong, outlines roadmap for setting up district units
Chandigarh: Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday delivered a message of zero tolerance for factionalism among Haryana leaders and issued strict guidelines to central observers to remain impartial and uninfluenced by local or state leaders during their assignments. Rahul unveiled a comprehensive plan to constitute district units of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), aimed at reviving the party’s grassroots presence ahead of the 2025 elections. According to party sources, observers will begin field visits from June 10, with final panels of three candidates for each district expected by June 30. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) will then announce district presidents. The selection process emphasises social engineering, with special focus on Scheduled Castes (SC), Backward Classes (BC), and women’s representation. Observers are instructed to prioritise young leadership between the ages of 35 and 55, alongside merit-based criteria. This marks the first concerted effort by AICC to end long-standing factionalism within the Haryana Congress and properly constitute district executives after an 11-year hiatus. During his three-hour visit to HPCC headquarters here, Rahul chaired three key meetings. The first involved a 17-member committee of senior Haryana leaders and AICC officials, including former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, HPCC president Udai Bhan, Lok Sabha MP Selja, former Union minister Birender Singh, Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, and other senior functionaries. Sources said that Rahul warned the leaders against allowing factional disputes to damage the party and patiently heard their concerns. Following this, he met with central and state observers, outlining strict dos and don’ts for finalising district executive panels. The AICC has appointed 22 observers, including MPs and former ministers, who will work alongside 51 HPCC-appointed observers to assess aspirants across districts. B K Hariparsad, AICC general secretary in-charge of Haryana affairs, told mediapersons, “Rahul has instructed observers not to favour senior leaders, sitting or former MLAs or MPs, nor to avail any facilities provided by them. Complaints against observers will be taken seriously, and replacements can be made if necessary. Effective and honest observers may receive more responsible assignments.” Hariparsad acknowledged that factionalism has stalled district unit formation for over a decade, contributing to narrow election losses. “We lost by a margin of just 0.5% due to weak grassroots organisation. The year 2025 will be dedicated to party strengthening. Observers have clear instructions to avoid favoritism. Only real performers will be at the forefront.” Rahul Gandhi was received at Chandigarh airport by Chandigarh Territorial Congress Committee president Harmohinder Singh Lucky and PPCC President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Rahul’s gesture for Birender In a gesture of respect, Rahul asked AICC general secretary K C Venugopal to invite veteran leader Birender Singh to the dais ahead of the observers’ meeting. Tanwar springs surprise A surprise attendee was former HPCC president Ashok Tanwar, who was invited last minute. Tanwar left Congress in 2019, joined various parties, including the BJP, before returning to Congress. ‘5-yr no-post rule for BJP entrants’ B K Hariparsad, AICC general secretary in-charge of Haryana affairs, clarified the party’s position on recent entrants from BJP or RSS backgrounds. “Anyone joining from BJP or RSS must serve as a volunteer for five years before eligibility for any Congress post. This does not apply to those who left Congress earlier and then returned,” he said. Seniors asked to give tips Before launching the roadmap, Rahul gave senior leaders a platform to voice their concerns and suggestions to strengthen the party at all levels in Haryana. MSID:: 121626445 413 | Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
AAP disengages from INDIA bloc, says alliance was only for 2024 LS polls
NEW DELHI: AAP on Tuesday disengaged itself from the INDIA bloc, saying the opposition grouping was formed only for the 2024 Lok sabha polls. It also alleged BJP and Congress had entered a “secret, corrupt deal”. The statement came as Congress and 15 other opposition parties wrote to PM Narendra Modi demanding a special session of Parliament on developments following the Pahalgam terror attack. AAP made the same demand separately. AAP national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda said on X , “The real alliance is between BJP and Congress behind the scenes. Rahul Gandhi says only that which benefits Modi politically. In return, Modi saves the Gandhi family from going to jail. Neither of them is interested in providing basic facilities like schools, hospitals, electricity and water to the countrymen.” “To clean Indian politics, we must end this behind-the-scenes collusion. Rahul Gandhi and Modi may appear as opponents on stage but the truth is that they’ve become guarantees of each other’s political survival. Congress’s weak politics empowers BJP, and BJP’s rule hides Congress’s corruption,” Dhanda alleged in a statement issued by the party later. Asserting that the INDIA bloc was formed specifically for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Dhanda said, “The alliance ensured that opposition parties secured 240 seats – this is a significant achievement.” He drove home the point that the alliance as far as AAP had lived its purpose and the party was not part of the bloc anymore. “AAP will contest every state election on its own. We will be contesting all seats in Bihar later this year, “ Dhanda told TOI. “In Parliament, however, our MPs will support the opposition’s position based on what is best for the country and our MPs will vote accordingly in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha,” Dhanda said. AAP and Congress have had a turbulent equation even as INDIA bloc partners. After much to and fro on seat sharing talks and much resistance to the alliance from the Congress’s Delhi unit, the two parties finally did fight as allies in Delhi and also in Gujarat and Haryana in the Lok Sabha polls but were pitted against each other in Punjab. Later last year, the two parties failed to reach a consensus on seat-sharing in the Haryana assembly polls and fought against each other. In the Delhi assembly elections earlier this year too both parties fought a bitter battle that had put a big question mark on how both AAP and Congress would carry off as allies in the INDIA bloc. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
INTERVIEW | ‘Basavaraju killing a success, but gun can’t kill ideology’
The killing of a top Maoist should not be seen as a death blow to the outfit, which has an extensive structure, says Ashok Prasad, former Special Secretary of Internal Security.The recent successes of security forces in their anti-LWE (Left-Wing Extremism) operations endorse the integrated policy of the government of the day, says Ashok Prasad, former Special Secretary of Internal Security and ex-Special Director of Intelligence Bureau. He tells Mukesh Ranjan that he exuded confidence that the state apparatus has now started dominating the military formations of the Maoists. Excerpts: How do you see one of the biggest anti-Naxal operations in recent times, in Chhattisgarh, where nearly 70 Maoists have been killed? It is a major achievement of the security forces. It is also a significant endorsement of the governments’ policy and integrated strategy. The multi-pronged strategy of successive Union governments has gained momentum and is beginning to dominate the military formations of the LWEs. The success is also due to the ‘All-India Response System’ in place. How significant an impact will the killing of Maoist leader Basavaraju have on the left-wing movement? The elimination of Basavaraju is a massive setback to Maoists and a devastating blow to the morale of the outfit’s ground-level cadre. His death will boost the morale of the security forces and inspire them to pursue the extremists more vigorously. This operation proves that nothing succeeds like success. However, the killing of a top Maoist should not be seen as a death blow to the outfit, which has an extensive structure. Do you agree that recent successes of the security forces signal the beginning of the end for Maoists? This is a complex question that does not permit a binary ‘Yes-No’ answer. Naxal movements in India are multifaceted and chronic sociopolitical phenomena that demand complex and persistent remedies. Violence is the most visible aspect, and the government’s strategy has made a significant dent in the movement, resulting in substantial containment of bloodshed below the tolerance threshold. The movement has suffered major setbacks in the past, too, but it has resurfaced. Will going aggressively against Maoist leaders and cadre eliminate Naxalism? The Centre has fixed a target to do it by March 2026. Aggressive actions can lead to higher attrition among the Maoist cadres and result in significantly lower levels of violence, as they would prefer escaping the wrath of the forces. However, aggression does nothing to undermine the political, ideological and social components of the Naxal movement and its public support, nor does it address the root causes, like perceived deprivation among people under the influence of Maoists, which gave birth to the movement in the first place. What more must the government do to choke their ideological, operational and financial bases? The government already has a constant, coordinated and focused strategy to deal with Maoist violence. Key progress has been made. Difficulties faced by security agencies and civil administration on the ground — especially those about access to terrains, communication and other resources — have been addressed. Other mitigation steps like surrender policy are major initiatives. But the main issue is the ideological and political appeal of Maoists among the masses, which you can’t kill with a gun. Do you think that alienation of the poor local population feeds and justifies the armed rebellion of Naxal leaders and cadres against the state? Poverty plays an important role in the spread of the Naxal movement, but the key lies in perceived inequality in resource availability and exploitation by those higher up in the food chain. These are exploited by vested interests in mobilising a support base, which is subsequently used to spread violence. While the moral and ethical justification for political violence is a subject of debate the world over, in the context of internal security, particularly in India, this is unequivocally illegal and undemocratic. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https://thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
India’s Net Foreign Direct Investment Plummets by 96.5% to Reach Record Low
Net FDI stood at $353 million in fiscal year 2025, down sharply from $10 billion the previous year. New Delhi: India’s net foreign direct investment (FDI) plummeted 96.5% to a record low of $353 million in fiscal year 2025, down sharply from $10 billion the previous year. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest monthly bulletin released on Wednesday (May 21), attributed the drop to large fund repatriations as investors exited through profitable initial public offerings (IPOs) and as Indian firms increased their investments overseas. A hot IPO market, featuring companies like Hyundai Motor and Swiggy, allowed long-term investors to realise significant gains. Simultaneously, Indian companies stepped up investments abroad to capitalise on shifts in global supply chains. The RBI stated that “Net FDI moderated…reflecting the rise in net outward FDI and repatriation FDI.” This decline in net FDI – the difference between gross FDI inflows and both outward investments by Indian companies and funds taken out by foreign entities – occurred despite a strong rise in gross FDI. Made with Flourish Investors withdrew $49 billion from India in FY25, an increase from $41 billion the year before. High-profile exits included those by Alpha Wave Global and Partners Group from major share sales like Swiggy and Vishal Mega Mart. A report by the Indian Venture Capital and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) and EY highlighted that private equity and venture capital exits totaled $26.7 billion, a 7% year-on-year increase. Open market exits were dominant, though IPOs backed by private equity gained momentum. For example, Hyundai’s promoters took home proceeds from its Rs 27,870 crore listing as it reduced its stake. A key Swiggy investor reportedly made over $2 billion post-IPO. Telecom firm Singtel’s sale of its Airtel stake and tobacco company BAT’s divestment from ITC in March 2024 also likely contributed to the FY25 repatriation figures. These large IPOs often coincided with India’s stock market indices hitting record highs, such as the surge in late September of last year. Despite the drop in net figures, some see these trends positively. The IVCA/EY report suggested this activity signals a “mature market,” where foreign investors can smoothly enter and exit, which “reflects positively on the Indian economy.” Furthermore, gross inward FDI showed robust growth, rising 13.7% to $81 billion in 2024-25, according to RBI data. The central bank noted this investment remains concentrated, with over 60% flowing into manufacturing, financial services, electricity and energy, and communication services. Net inflows of ‘stable’ FDI were 86% lower than the $2.67 billion in ‘volatile’ portfolio flows for the year. Courtesy : The Wire Staff, The Wire Note: This news is originally published on https://thewire.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul to inaugurate campaign in Bhopal today to rejuvenate Cong & counter BJP’s ‘propaganda’
Bhopal: The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will arrive here on Tuesday for a day’s visit to the state capital. During his stay in Bhopal, Rahul Gandhi will inaugurate the ‘Nav Srijan’ campaign of the Congress party in the state, which aims to rejuvenate the party organisation in Madhya Pradesh. According to senior party leader J P Dhanopia, Rahul Gandhi will arrive at Raja Bhoj airport at 10.20 am and proceed to the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) headquarters. There, he will participate in the meetings of the political affairs committee of the PCC, followed by a meeting of party MPs and MLAs, and later a meeting of observers appointed by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) for the ‘Nav Srijan’ campaign. Following a lunch break, he will go to Ravindra Bhawan, where he will formally inaugurate the campaign before leaving for Delhi late in the afternoon. Addressing a joint press conference on Rahul Gandhi’s Bhopal visit on Monday, Congress media wing President Mukesh Nayak, former PCC chief Arun Yadav, and former minister Sajjan Singh Verma said that the ‘Nav Srijan’ campaign was a historic initiative of the party leadership to rejuvenate the party organisation. Arun Yadav said that the campaign is a decisive step towards forming a deep connection with the masses. “The Congress party is working to strengthen the party at the grassroots under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, and the ‘Nav Srijan’ campaign is not only to strengthen the party organisation but also to make the Congress party a ‘public movement’ again. It’s to reawaken the soul of the Congress party,” he said. Sajjan Verma, while expressing gratitude towards Rahul Gandhi for his unwavering insistence on a caste census, said that the BJP and the Prime Minister initially castigated him for the demand, but ultimately they came around to accepting it. “The caste census is a victory for the deprived sections of society, who are still waiting for social, economic, and political justice,” he said. Mukesh Nayak said that this campaign will create ‘catalytic groups’ who, at the grassroots, will work to counter the ‘deceptive and misleading’ propaganda of the BJP. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul moves HC to challenge order for personal appearance before Chaibasa court
Ranchi: The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, moved the Jharkhand high court on Monday to challenge an order passed by the special MP/MLA court in Chaibasa which asked his personal appearance in a defamation case. Gandhi was ordered to appear in person before the court on June 26 in connection with the case filed by petitioner Pratap Kumar. Kumar said Gandhi’s statement against BJP leaders, particularly Union home minister Amit Shah, at a political rally in Chaibasa in 2018 was derogatory. Challenging the lower court’s order, Gandhi said he has already moved a petition seeking exemption from appearance before the Chaibasa court at this stage of the case. The petition is also pending before the high court for adjudication, Gandhi’s petition said. The lower court at Chaibasa was informed about the pending petition before the high court, stating that it not been decided on merits. Despite this fact, the lower court refused to grant reprieve to Gandhi and ordered him to appear in person. In his political speech during the last election campaign, Gandhi reportedly referred to Shah as a “murderer”. Gandhi’s statements were defamatory and made purposely to malign the image of Shah, Pratap Kumar said in his petition before the Chaibasa court. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.