K. Shivakumar. K. Addressing the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorative programme at the National Military Memorial near the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru, Mr.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. File Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday (July 26, 2026) paid tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War, saying their sacrifices were the foundation of the country’s freedom, security and national pride.Addressing the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorative programme at the National Military Memorial near the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru, Mr. Shivakumar said the day marked the victory of the Indian armed forces over enemy forces in the Kargil conflict and the triumph of the national flag in the Himalayas.“Twenty-seven years ago, our brave soldiers defeated the enemy and ensured that the Tricolour continued to fly high. Our heroes may have become martyrs, but their legacy is eternal. I pay my heartfelt tributes to all those who laid down their lives for the nation,” he said.13 from KarnatakaRecalling the conflict, the Chief Minister said 527 soldiers were martyred during the Kargil War, including 13 from Karnataka. “My heart goes out to the martyrs and their families. I salute their supreme sacrifice,” he said.Mr. Shivakumar said India’s armed forces had remained steadfast in protecting the country’s borders through every conflict, including the Indo-Pak wars, the Indo-China war, the Kargil conflict and during infiltration attempts.“Our soldiers stand guard day and night so that we can sleep peacefully in our homes,” he said.Karnataka’s role in defenceHighlighting Karnataka’s contribution to national security, the Chief Minister described the State as the backbone of India’s defence ecosystem.He said institutions such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) had played a vital role in strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.He also recalled the contribution of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, India’s first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.Appeal for unity, support for veterans’ familiesDescribing soldiers, youth, women, farmers and taxpayers as the “five fingers” of the nation, Mr. Shivakumar said they collectively formed the strength that protected and advanced the country.He said the country had earned its freedom through immense sacrifice and it should not be allowed to be threatened by forces either from outside or within.The Chief Minister also assured the families of serving and retired defence personnel of the State government’s support.“Karnataka is home to lakhs of soldiers’ families. Our government is committed to safeguarding your welfare. We welcome your suggestions and will consider any proposal that benefits the families of our defence personnel,” he said.The programme, organised to mark the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, was attended by serving and retired defence personnel, ex-servicemen, government officials and members of the public. Published - July 26, 2026 01:00 pm IST
A U.S. lawmaker urges Congress to review India’s eligibility for U.S. arms sales. File | S. lawmaker and national security experts have urged Congress to review arms sales to India over alleged transnational repression during a briefing at Capitol Hill.Congressman Jim McGovern, co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, also called on Congress to pass the bipartisan and bicameral Transnational Repression Policy Act.Mr. McGovern urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review India’s eligibility for U.S. arms sales under the Arms Export Control Act.The congressional briefing titled ‘India's Transnational Repression: Implications for U.S. National Security,’ held on July 14, was organised by Equitas Forum USA in partnership with Hindus for Human Rights, the Sikh Coalition, the Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF), the New York State Council of Churches and the Dalit Solidarity Forum, with support from the office of Congresswoman Summer Lee.Daniel Stanton, a former senior officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, warned that hostile states increasingly use organised criminal networks as instruments of state power.“They intimidate and coerce diaspora communities, threaten family members at home, recruit criminal proxies, and facilitate lethal violence against individuals living in democratic countries,” he said.“Transnational repression must be recognised early as a pattern, not as a series of isolated incidents,” Mr. Stanton said.Stephen Schneck, former Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, said that USCIRF’s 2026 Annual Report, for the seventh consecutive year, recommended designating India as a Country of Particular Concern.India had rejected the USCIRF’s report, asserting that it misrepresents facts and ‘peddles a motivated narrative’.Allison McManus, Managing Director of National Security and International Policy at the Centre for American Progress, said strategic partnerships should not shield governments from consequences.Katie LaRoque, Director for Policy and Advocacy and Mark Palmer Distinguished Fellow at Freedom House, called for an official definition of transnational repression codified into U.S. law.“Transnational repression is not merely an attack on individual communities, it is an attack on U.S. sovereignty, fundamental civil liberties, and the safety of all who call America home,” Harjot Singh, Federal Policy Manager at the Sikh Coalition, said.Lavleen Kaur Madahar, Policy Associate at SALDEF, said the objective of transnational repression is “to create enough fear that individuals begin limiting their own speech, advocacy, and participation in civic life.”“When a foreign government seeks to threaten, surveil, intimidate, or even kill individuals living in the US, that government threatens the U.S. in every conceivable way,” said Ria Chakrabarty, Senior Policy Director at Hindus for Human Rights, who moderated the briefing.“No foreign government—regardless of its economic importance, strategic relationship with Washington, or geopolitical influence—can intimidate, threaten, or target people living inside this country without consequences,” said Sarita Pandey, Director of Public Affairs and Advocacy at Equitas Forum USA. Published - July 18, 2026 04:51 pm IST
NSA Ajit Doval exchanges a handshake with Indra Mani Pandey (Secretary General of BIMSTEC) during the 5th meeting of the BIMSTEC national security chiefs, in New Delhi on Thursday (July 16, 2026). | The meeting held in New Delhi was hosted by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.Besides India, the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) comprises Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan.New Delhi has been taking a number of initiatives in BIMSTEC to strengthen regional cooperation and partnership, including in enhancing security, facilitating trade and investment, boosting connectivity and collaborating in food and energy security.Editorial | A regional revival: On the BIMSTEC summit The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the national security advisers and heads of delegations discussed practical and result-oriented solutions to combat terrorism and organised crime, and to ensure security in the cyber, maritime and energy domains.It said they also deliberated on boosting connectivity, facilitate efficient disaster management, and to tackle new and emerging threats."They adopted guidelines for the maritime component of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. These guidelines will help BIMSTEC member states to undertake relief operations in the region in an expeditious manner," the MEA said."They also endorsed a set of guiding principles on the conduct of maritime law enforcement agencies during interactions at sea," it added.The MEA said these principles are expected to outline reference points for increasing predictability and promoting safety during maritime engagements among member states."As BIMSTEC approaches its 30th anniversary next year, the National Security Advisers/Heads of Delegations reiterated their resolve to further enhancing collaboration and knowledge-sharing towards strengthening regional security, building resilience, and enhancing institutional capacities to address diverse security threats," it said.At the meeting, the BIMSTEC secretary general presented a comprehensive overview of the status of cooperation in the security sector and briefed the member states on the progress made across a wide range of sectors."BIMSTEC bridges South Asia and Southeast Asia, two of the most significant and vibrant regions of the Indian Ocean," the MEA said."Over the years, BIMSTEC has deepened cooperation in regional security, disaster management, transport and trade connectivity, technological issues, and people-to-people contacts," it said in a statement. Published - July 17, 2026 11:22 am IST
Members of the Kerala State Transport Workers Union paste stickers reading “Priyadarshini Free Travel for Women” on ordinary KSRTC buses. (File photo) | K. Najeeb After the roll-out of the Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women and transgender people on the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, the average daily ridership of women passengers on Ordinary buses increased from 6.48 lakh to 12.12 lakh, an increase of 87.0%. Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Transport Minister C.P. John said that women’s participation in KSRTC’s Ordinary services now accounts for about two-thirds of the capacity of its Ordinary buses.According to the latest review, the share of women passengers on KSRTC Ordinary buses increased from 50.9% to 66.6% after the roll-out of the scheme. The average daily number of passengers on KSRTC buses, including Ordinary and super-class services, increased from 19.03 lakh to 24.53 lakh, an increase of 28.9%.“This is not merely a shift in the existing number of passengers but the creation of new travel demand (induced demand) for public transport,” the Minister said. Despite the roll-out of the scheme on Ordinary buses, the number of male passengers using these services has remained almost constant. This indicates that the increase in women passengers has not come at the expense of other passengers, the Minister said. Furthermore, the additional passengers have been accommodated within the existing network. This has significantly reduced the fuel required per passenger and lowered carbon emissions, he added.Temporary staffMeanwhile, the Transport Minister dismissed reports claiming that the KSRTC had terminated 200 temporary employees. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] alleged that the KSRTC had dismissed 200 temporary employees recruited through the Employment Exchange in Kasaragod, Kozhikode, and Thrissur districts.The party also claimed that around 6,000 temporary employees had not been paid their salaries for the past one and a half months. According to the CPI(M), the KSRTC requires around ₹12 crore every month to pay the salaries of temporary employees. However, only about ₹3 crore has been sanctioned so far. The party further alleged that the dismissals had severely disrupted daily bus operations, including inter-district services.However, the Minister clarified that no temporary staff had been dismissed since the present government came to power. He, however, acknowledged that there had been a delay in disbursing the salaries of some employees and assured that the issue would be resolved soon. The Minister also said that the State government has approved the formation of a Transport Management Committee in each depot to ensure the comprehensive development of KSRTC depots. Published - July 16, 2026 08:51 pm IST
The kitchen is often romanticised as a space of love and bonding, essential for the family. But in Indian kitchens, more often than not, women do more than men. From decision-making to the physical tasks, the burden falls on them. In urban India, men are entering the kitchen, but is the system still biased? Do they get more luxuries? We speak to men and women across the country to find out.A once-a-month affair in my home was baking a vanilla cake. A slow wait for the oven to heat up, before the warm sweet fragrance fills the room. But the 20 minutes that the cake took to rise was followed by an hour of cleaning the kitchen and the kids. Then came the homework runs, tantrums, and, finally, shut-eye. I realised all of it was being done solely by the mother.According to the findings of the National Family Health Survey-5 2019-21, approximately 84% of married women decide what is cooked daily. It adds that 14% of both men and women support physical violence if the wife “does not cook properly”. The World Health Organisation noted in 2023 that over a fifth of all women in India have been subjected to intimate partner violence. The data on the why is negligible.Do men cook?We asked people about their view on cooking, kitchens, and labour.Men who now live alone, or not with their parents, cook more often and are more involved in the kitchen. "I have been helping my mom in the kitchen since my teens, so I pretty much know where everything is. I also cook for myself every evening, so it is just muscle memory at this point,” says Dildar Talukdar, a 20-year-old college student from Delhi. Mothers are still the backbones of home kitchens | Division of labour“Since I live with my partner, juggling between college and a job, we often cook alternately. There are times when she cooks more than I and vice versa,” says Harshit Sharma (name changed), a 24-year-old Puducherry student. Harshit out shopping for dinner ingredients | Mostly around weekends, it is him. Sometimes, I do it just because I do not want to eat from outside, as it can make my PCOS worse. My partner does not have such concerns. It was selective learning that he learnt to make dal tadka exactly like me, but never once made aloo parathas. Simply because “he can’t knead the dough and roll it. Why should only I be doing it?” Harshit and Swati’s gobhi masala | A report published by India’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in 2024 noted that the time spent by women doing unpaid labour has reduced. “Females spent 140 minutes in a day in caring for their household members compared to 74 minutes spent by male members of the household,” said the report.“Cooking has always been seen as part of her (his mother’s) core role. In fact she also takes a lot of pride in it,” says Sudeep. He adds that “It was my father’s responsibility to make morning tea. My nanaji (grandfather) used to do the same for my grandmother. But largely, in terms of expectation of cooking, the role is assigned to females.” Praise as a commodityThe final masala in most dishes is the praise that one gets. Dildar calls his mother the “backbone of the family.” He adds that “I try recipes I see on Instagram and YouTube, but those don’t always turn out well. Still, I do get praised for cooking, my mom even brags about it in front of relatives, saying I’m her right hand.”Is admiration doled out according to one’s gender? Sudeep doesn’t agree. It is not gender but expectations. “Sometimes even if I prepare something as basic as tea for guests, they will tell my mother that her s
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday urged the Union government to retain the existing entitlement of 35 kilograms of foodgrains per month for every household covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), irrespective of the number of family members, as has been the practice since the enactment of the National Food Security Act (NFSA).In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Vijay requested the Centre to reconsider the proposed amendment to the first proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the National Food Security Act, 2013.“If the proposed amendment is brought into force without modification, it would diminish the food security of nearly 70 lakh of Tamil Nadu’s most vulnerable citizens,” he said in the letter, a copy of which was circulated to the media.The Chief Minister pointed out while the existing provision guarantees 35 kilograms of foodgrains per household every month irrespective of family size, the proposed amendment seeks to provide 7 kilograms per person per month, subject to an overall ceiling of 35 kilograms per household.Although the Union government has explained the amendment is intended to remove intra-category inequities and align entitlements more closely with nutritional requirements, its practical effect would be a substantial reduction in the quantity of foodgrains reaching the poorest households in Tamil Nadu, where the average family size is only 3.54 members, he said.Tamil Nadu currently has 18,64,600 AAY ration cards, covering 69,26,983 beneficiaries. These households belong to the most vulnerable sections of society identified under the Government of India’s eligibility guidelines, including families headed by widows, persons with disabilities, elderly persons without a regular source of income, tribal families, landless agricultural labourers, daily wage earners and those suffering from life-threatening illnesses.“These are precisely the households that the National Food Security Act was designed to protect through an assured, unconditional entitlement. The Act was enacted by Parliament as a measure of last-resort protection for the poorest of the poor, and its entitlements were deliberately framed to be simple, unconditional and household-based so that no family, regardless of its size, is left without adequate foodgrains or exposed to hidden hunger and malnutrition,” Mr. Vijay said.He argued converting the entitlement into a per-capita benefit, while retaining a household-level ceiling, would effectively penalise States with smaller family sizes, particularly those in southern India that have successfully implemented the Union government’s family planning programme.Mr. Vijay noted Tamil Nadu has consistently maintained a robust and efficiently administered Public Distribution System and has extended coverage and entitlements beyond Central norms wherever necessary, reflecting its long-standing commitment to eliminating hunger and ensuring nutritional security.He also pointed out Tamil Nadu is predominantly a rice-consuming State and the rice supplied to AAY beneficiaries constitutes the staple food for all three meals of the day.“It cannot be substituted with any other commodity purchased from the open market. Any reduction in the entitlement would impose a significant financial burden on these families, pushing them towards poverty, malnutrition and hunger,” he said. Published - July 07, 2026 12:25 am IST
Security personnel stand guard in Ukhrul district of Manipur. File. | District officials said the incident occurred near Nungshangkhong, about 16 km east of Ukhrul town, at around 1:30 p.m. There were reports of intermittent exchange of fire till about 4:30 p.m. in the area.The ambushed personnel reportedly belonged to the 40 Assam Rifles detachment stationed at Sangshak in the district. They have been identified as WO Balwant Singh & Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh.Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General of the Assam Rifles, paid tribute to his fallen men and offered his deep condolences to their families.Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the killing and conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the two Assam Rifles personnel. “The government will not tolerate such brutal violence and will not remain a mute spectator to these atrocities,” he said.He said those responsible would be arrested and punished.Some reports said members of the Eastern Flank faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) carried out the attack. The NSCN is also known as the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, which has been part of a ceasefire agreement since July 1997.In a statement, the NSCN’s “information ministry” trashed the existence of such a faction and said it was “neither involved in nor had any knowledge” of the ambush. “The organisation remains firmly committed to the ceasefire agreement with the government of India and continues to uphold its responsibilities under the agreed ground rules,” the group said.The NSCN further said it would never resort to any action that could undermine, derail, or sabotage the ongoing “Indo-Naga” political negotiations. Published - July 06, 2026 09:14 pm IST
Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy speaking at the the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum in Manila. Telangana government’s flagship programmes for women empowerment and India’s achievement in improving the socio-economic development were highlighted at the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum in Manila on Friday.Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy explained the Telangana government’s programmes, including the Mahalakshmi Scheme, the expansion of women’s self-help groups and enhanced reservation for women in local bodies.He also cited India’s achievements through Anganwadi services, reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act as examples of policies that have strengthened women’s participation in governance and economic activities.Speaking during a session on “Gender-Just Governance in Asia-Pacific,” the parliamentarian highlighted India’s and Telangana’s initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, inclusive governance and economic justice.Calling on Asia-Pacific nations to adopt stronger gender-inclusive policies, the MP urged governments to recognise and invest in care work, strengthen women’s political leadership, and promote gender-responsive budgeting alongside measures that expand women’s economic opportunities.He said empowering women was not merely a social responsibility but a prerequisite for building stronger democracies and achieving sustainable economic growth. Mr Reddy appealed to parliamentarians across the Asia-Pacific region to work collectively towards creating a more inclusive, equitable and gender-just society. Published - July 03, 2026 07:57 pm IST
The Bill will bring transformative change to the lives of lakhs of women farmers in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said in the House of the State Assembly. File | It will next be tabled in the Maharashtra Legislative Council.This is the first of its kind legislation in the country, and it gives recognition to women who are engaged in agriculture and allied activities like fisheries, livestock rearing, poultry farming, and collection of forest produce.“This will bring transformative change to the lives of lakhs of women farmers in Maharashtra. Agriculture is not merely a means of livelihood, but a symbol of hard work, culture and tradition. Despite working shoulder-to-shoulder with the male farmers in every aspect of cultivation, women have never been officially recognised as farmers. The Bill seeks to correct this historic injustice,” Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said on the floor of the House on Thursday (July 2).During a discussion on the Bill, Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharana paid tributes to M.S. Swaminathan for his contribution to Indian agriculture. Chennai-based M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has played a key role during the drafting of this Bill. The organisation had arranged stakeholder consultations and had participated in advocating for the initial legislative concepts.The Opposition leaders too supported the Bill and voted in its favour. Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray said it will help women get their rights once the law recognises their contribution. He called for the strengthening of agriculture sector. NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil called for co-ownership of the family farms by women. Other leaders also asked the government if it will now make women owners of the farm land.Key provisionsThe Bill will identify women farmers by issuing them Women Farmers Certificates. It will enable them to get access to entitlements, benefits, subsidies, services and credit, irrespective of whether they own land.Once enacted, the law is expected to address the historic systemic non-recognition of women farmers and landless labourers who are involved in allied activities like fisheries, livestock rearing, poultry farming and collection of forest produceThe Bill provides for the creation of a database of women farmers and the creation of Maharashtra State Women Farmers Fund for them. It consists of a three-tier institutional framework comprising of a Women Farmers’ Empowerment Council, State Monitoring Committees and Women Farmers’ Empowerment Cell. The Women Farmers’ Empowerment Council will include as ex-officio members the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Ministers, Agriculture Minister, among others.Under this Bill, a woman farmer will be issued a ‘Woman Farmer Certificate’. It will be her official identity document, which will enable her to get access to government schemes, subsidies, institutional finance and market support. The certificates will be issued by Gram Sabhas or urban local bodies. An appeal mechanism has been put in place for the rejected applications.Women Farmer Support Officers will be appointed at the district and taluka levels from among existing officials. They will assist women farmers in obtaining certificates, accessing welfare schemes and adopting improved agricultural practices.The government has said that the purpose of the Bill is to do away with the historic injustice against women. “The agricultural policies, schemes, and extension systems are largely gender-neutral. However, the requirement of land ownership as a precondition for access to most agricultural schemes and underlying entitlements has rendered such schemes inaccessible to many women farmers, since only a
File photo of Gauhati High Court. | On June 30, the bench of Justice Kalyan Rai Surana and Justice Shamima Jahan upheld an order of a Foreigners’ Tribunal (FT) declaring Aminul Hoque a non-citizen, citing inconsistencies in the documents he produced to claim his Indian citizenship.The court held that the 15 documents he submitted did not help him “establish that he has been able to discharge his burden”, as required by Section 9 of the Foreigners Act of 1946. This Section states that the responsibility of proving citizenship lies on the person whose status as an Indian is in doubt.The Guwahati-based FT No. 4 of Kamrup (Metropolitan) district adjudged Mr. Hoque, a daily-wage labourer, as a foreigner in an order on February 28, 2019.He challenged the order in the high court, producing several documents. These included a copy of the 1951 National Register of Citizens (NRC) featuring his father and grandparents, voter identity cards, a permanent account number, a school certificate, and an original land purchase deed of 1973, to claim that he was an Indian.Appearing in court, Mr. Hoque’s father identified the petitioner as his son. However, the court held that mere filing of a written statement and oral testimony, without “admissible and relevant” documentary evidence, were insufficient in a proceeding under the Foreigners Act.Referring to a previous judgement, the court said that an NRC extract produced to prove domicile in India is inadmissible in evidence. It observed that the copy of the 1951 NRC produced by Mr. Hoque was only a computer-generated printout without a certificate, as required under Section 65B of the Evidence Act, 1872.The court further observed that the sale deed of the land purchased by the petitioner’s projected grandfather was discarded by the tribunal, as there was no explanation of whether the land existed and why it did not devolve on the legal heirs of the petitioner’s grandfather. It held that the petitioner failed to establish that the tribunal had committed any patent error in appreciating the pleadings and evidence on record.“…the court finds no material to hold that the opinion assailed in this writ petition is bad on facts or in law. The petitioner could not show that the said opinion was perverse on any count whatsoever. Therefore, this challenge fails, and consequently, this writ petition is dismissed,” the court’s order read.The quasi-judicial FTs have been deciding the fates of suspected foreigners based on the cut-off date – March 24, 1971 – for citizenship prescribed by the Assam Accord of 1985, which ended a six-year agitation against “illegal immigrants”, primarily from the newly-created Bangladesh.In 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Assam government began using provisions of a 1950 law, the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, to bypass the FTs and “push back” those deemed to be “foreigners” to Bangladesh. Published - July 02, 2026 10:59 pm IST
Discussion (0)