Speaking at the india@2047 summit, renowned historian Vikram Sampath challenged long-held historical narratives in India and called for a reevaluation of the nation's past. He highlighted the impact of colonialism on shaping India's historical consciousness, and the failure of successive regimes to correct this narrative. Sampath emphasized the importance of reclaiming India's civilizational ethos and fostering a culture of scholarly debate, driven by evidence rather than ideology. He also acknowledged the role of youth in driving independent research efforts that challenge established narratives.
In a closed-door consultation, the UN Security Council discussed the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and called for de-escalation between India and Pakistan. The meeting, called by Greece, did not result in a statement, but Pakistan claimed its objectives were "largely served". The UNSC President described it as a "productive and helpful" meeting, while Pakistan's Permanent Representative stated that their objectives of having a discussion on the situation and the need for dialogue were achieved.
The ongoing farmers' movement in India is facing further obstacles as senior leaders, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal, have been placed under house arrest a day before a scheduled protest. This move by Indian authorities has been met with criticism from farmer organizations, who were planning a peaceful protest outside a police station. The arrests are being seen as a preemptive measure by the authorities, who fear a large-scale gathering against the government's alleged use of repressive methods. In the midst of this, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge is set to address a rally as part of the party's 'Save the Constitution' campaign in Jharkhand.
The Enforcement Directorate has charged Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, which was based on a complaint filed by BJP MP Subramanian Swamy in 2012. The complaint alleges that the Gandhis, along with other Congress leaders, conspired to transfer assets worth hundreds of crores to a company called Young Indian. The Congress has called the charges a political vendetta by the government. This development has further escalated the ongoing political rivalry between the two parties.
In a press conference, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi accused the Congress and its allies of continuously targeting the Indian Army through their statements, comparing them to Pakistan's anti-India activities. He also criticized UP Congress chief Ajay Rai for displaying a toy plane with lemons and chillies to represent Rafale jets parked with "nimbu-mirchi" (for warding off evil eye). Trivedi called on the government to take action against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and questioned the INDIA bloc's statement of being united with the government but having leaders making anti-India statements.
Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the ongoing situation and response to the attack. This meeting comes after the Air Chief Marshal and Admiral of the Indian armed forces also met with the Prime Minister. Last week, PM Modi gave the armed forces "complete operational freedom" in dealing with terrorism and the United Nations Security Council is holding a closed consultation on the tensions between India and Pakistan.
In response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, UP Congress President Ajay Rai criticized the Modi-led government for failing to effectively use their defence resources against terrorism. Rai held up a toy plane labelled as 'Rafale' with lemons and chillies dangling from it to mock the government's defence deal with France. The government had recently signed a Rs 63,000 crore agreement for 26 Rafale-Marines fighter jets in order to bolster India's naval strike capabilities. However, Rai questioned the effectiveness of these jets if they remain parked in hangars with just chillies and lemons for display.
Congress leader Ajay Rai's controversial remark about the Pahalgam terror attack, mocking the Rafale aircraft and hanging "nimbu-mirchi" on a toy model, has drawn backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has accused Rai and the Congress party of displaying an "anti-national" mentality by belittling the Indian armed forces and their equipment. This latest incident has once again highlighted the ongoing political tensions between the two parties over issues such as national security and relations with Pakistan.
India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent address at the 1008 Sanskrit Sambhashan Shivirs has stirred a heated debate over the language's role in the country's cultural and educational agenda. Shah claimed that Sanskrit holds a special place in the country's history and its promotion would have a positive impact on other Indian languages. He further highlighted the government's efforts towards supporting Sanskrit's growth, including the establishment of a Central Sanskrit University and a mission for preserving and digitising ancient Sanskrit manuscripts. However, his comments have also sparked discussions about the political motivation behind the push for Sanskrit's revival.
During the closing ceremony of 1,008 Sanskrit Sambhashan Shivirs, Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for creating a favorable environment for the resurgence of Sanskrit in India. He also highlighted the government's efforts to support Sanskrit studies, including financial aid for the publishing and preservation of rare texts, and a nationwide campaign aimed at collecting scattered manuscripts. This initiative, known as the Gyan Bharatam Mission, has a budget of Rs 500 crore and is set to continue in future budgets.