Category: NATION

New Delhi:  Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his visit abroad, the Congress on Tuesday said the “frequent flier PM” is off on a five-nation “jaunt” and alleged that he is running away from four issues, including the Manipur situation and US President Donald Trump’s claims about bringing about a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also alleged that the prime minister is running away from the “revelations by defence officials that India suffered reverses in the first two days of Operation Sindoor because of the PM’s decisions”.

Prime Minister Modi will embark on a five-nation tour beginning July 2 to participate in the BRICS Summit in Brazil and expand India’s ties with several key nations of the Global South.

“When the going gets tough, the self-styled toughs get going. The Super Premium Frequent Flier PM is off on a 5-nation, 8-day jaunt,” Ramesh said in a post on X.

He is running away from at least four issues that are agitating the nation, Ramesh said.

Ramesh alleged that the PM is running away from Manipur, “which he has not visited ever since the double engine in the state got derailed and ever since normal life in the state has got totally destroyed”.

The Congress leader claimed that PM Modi is also running away from revelations by defence officials that India suffered reverses in the first two days of Operation Sindoor “because of the PM’s decisions”.

His remarks were an apparent reference to the reported comments of India’s defence attache to Indonesia. However, the Indian embassy in Indonesia, in a post on X on Sunday, had said that the defence attache’s remarks have been “quoted out of context and the media reports are a misrepresentation of the intention and thrust of the presentation made by the speaker”.

Ramesh also claimed that the PM is running away from the continued claims by President Trump that he effected a ceasefire between India and Pakistan using the trade deal as a carrot and stick.

He further alleged that the PM is running away from “the continued failure to bring the Pahalgam terrorists to justice even after 70 days”.

“The failure is all the more glaring given they may have been earlier involved in terror attacks in Poonch (Dec 2023) and Gagangir & Gulmarg (Oct 2024),” Ramesh said.

The Congress has been taking swipes at the PM ahead of his foreign visits often asking why he is not visiting violence-hit Manipur.

Besides Brazil, Modi will visit Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia during the eight-day trip, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

In the first leg of the visit, Modi will undertake a visit to Ghana from July 2 to 3.

From Ghana, Modi will travel to Trinidad and Tobago on a two-day visit from July 3 to 4.

In the third leg of his visit, Modi will visit Argentina from July 4 to 5.

In the fourth leg of his visit, Modi will travel to Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The prime minister will visit Brazil from July 5 to 8 to attend the 17th BRICS Summit followed by a state visit.

In the final leg of his visit, Modi will travel to Namibia.

 

New Delhi: The BRICS leaders’ declaration to be unveiled at the grouping’s annual summit in Rio de Janeiro is set to forcefully denounce the Pahalgam terror attack and call for a firm approach to unitedly confront terrorism in line with India’s expectation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the summit in the Brazilian city on July 6 and 7.  India will be the grouping’s chair for the next year.

The prime minister is travelling to Brazil as part of his five-nation tour from July 2 to 9. The other countries that the prime minister is visiting are Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina and Namibia.

Dammu Ravi, secretary (economic relations) in the external affairs ministry, told a media briefing that Modi’s participation in the summit will be an expression of India’s solidarity with the bloc and it will be a great opportunity for him to connect with the leaders of the Global South.

Ravi suggested that the BRICS leaders’ declaration will have reference to the challenge of terrorism that will be much to the satisfaction of India.

“There is no contradiction in the way the members have come out with their understanding, sympathy and solidarity with India on Pahalgam I think this has been very well captured in the (leaders) declaration and all the members are very sensitive to this matter,” he said.

“There is also a broader understanding on how to deal with this menace of terrorism and no one should be spared in dealing with it. I think that is very well captured.”

“When you get the declaration, you will see the language is much to our satisfaction,” Ravi added.

BRICS brings together 11 major emerging economies of the world, representing around 49.5 per cent of the global population, around 40 per cent of the global GDP and around 26 per cent of the global trade.

The BRICS declaration is also expected to feature a reference to the Iran-Israel conflict.

The senior diplomat said four concrete “deliverables” are expected from the BRICS summit that include global governance and artificial intelligence, a framework declaration on climate finance and a partnership for the elimination of socially determined diseases.

Asked about Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin deciding to skip the summit, Ravi only said it will be a key forum for India to continue to push for the interests of the Global South.

Ravi indicated that the BRICS summit could also deliberate on the issue of carrying out trade settlements in national currencies.

“Countries in the Global South are also looking at alternatives. It is not a de-dollarisation issue. Countries are also doing trade settlements in national currencies. This has been going on for quite sometime,” he said.

Ravi said BRICS is bringing some understanding of how important it is to have alternative mechanisms to do trade and projects in national currencies.

“It is a process and we are confident that it will get traction in days to come,” he said.

BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, with Indonesia joining in 2025.

New Delhi: Amid protests by opposition parties, the Election Commission on Monday said the special intensive revision is needed as the electoral roll keeps changing due to a variety of reasons and the Constitution mandates it to ensure that only eligible citizens are part of the voters’ list and those not, do not get to vote.

Several opposition parties have said that the intensive revision carries the risk of willful exclusion of voters using the state machinery.

In a statement, the poll panel said the revision of electoral rolls is must as it is a dynamic list which keeps changing due to deaths, shifting of people due to migration and addition of new voters who have turned 18.

“Further, Article 326 of the Constitution specifies the eligibility to become an elector. Only Indian citizens, above 18 years and ordinary residents in that constituency, are eligible to be registered as an elector,” it said.

The Election Commission said it has uploaded the 2003 electoral roll of Bihar comprising details of 4.96 crore electors, on its website.

It can be used by those in the 2003 list as a documentary evidence while submitting their enumeration form.

It also said that the ease of availability of 2003 electoral rolls of Bihar — published after the last intensive review — would hugely facilitate the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state as now nearly 60 per cent of the total electorate would not have to submit any documents.

They have to just verify their details from the 2003 electoral rolls and submit the filled-up enumeration form.

Both the electors as well the booth level officers (BLOs) would be able to readily access these details.

It noted that anyone whose name is not in the 2003 Bihar electoral roll can still use the extract of 2003 electoral roll rather than providing any other documents for his/her mother or father.

In such cases, no other document would be required for his/her mother or father. Only the relevant extract/details of the 2003 ER would be sufficient.

Such electors would have to submit the documents only for themselves along with the filled-up enumeration form.

EC asserted that before every election, revision of electoral roll is mandatory according to the Representation of People Act 1950 and Rule 25 of the Registration of Elector Rules 1960. EC has been conducting annual revisions, intensive as well as summary revision for 75 years now.

Jaipur: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday expressed concern over the current political scenario in the country, saying today’s political atmosphere is not favourable for Indian democracy and social health.

He also dismissed former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s claim that he was under pressure, saying he neither functions under any pressure nor exerts pressure (on anyone).

Speaking at ‘Sneh Milan Samaroh’ organised by the Rajasthan Pragatisheel Manch at the Constitution Club here, Dhankhar said the intensity and tone of political exchanges today were detrimental to the democratic and social fabric of the nation.

He said the environment and temperature of politics today are neither suitable for democracy nor are they in tune with ancient civilisational values.

“Political rivals are not enemies. Enemies may exist across borders but there should be none within the country,” the vice president said.

He called for greater decorum in legislative conduct, cautioning that public disenchantment with the conduct of lawmakers inside legislatures could erode faith in democratic institutions.

“It is worrying to see what is happening in the temples of democracy. If the sanctity of these institutions is compromised, people will seek alternatives,” he said, adding that former legislators could play a key role in improving the quality of public discourse.

Dhankhar noted that constitutional authorities are often criticised, particularly when the state and central governments belong to different political dispensations. Also, he said, the governor in such a state becomes an easy punching bag.

“Now even the vice president and the president are being brought into this space. In my view, this is not fair,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of a healthy opposition, the vice president said the opposition is a vital part of democracy and not an adversary.

He advocated for open expression and dialogue.

“Expression is the soul of democracy. But when expression becomes repressive, intolerant or dismissive of opposing views, it loses its meaning. Constructive debate is essential. Listening to others gives strength to one’s own views,” he said.

Reacting to Gehlot’s statement, Dhankhar said he (the vice president) does not work under pressure and does not pressure anyone.

Gehlot had recently alleged in Jodhpur that the opposition leaders were not allowed to speak in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. He alleged that all this was happening under pressure from the vice president and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, saying they (VP and Speaker) too were under pressure.

“I can say this with certainty that I am under no pressure. I neither exert pressure on anyone nor do I come under any pressure. Speaking on the soil of Rajasthan, I say this because the remark has come from a close and long-time friend of mine,” he said, while indirectly referring to Gehlot.

“I have personally observed that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla cannot be brought under pressure. I work with him closely,” he said.

Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade said the president, vice president and governors are constitutional authorities and they are bound by the responsibility of upholding the Constitution. There is no other kind of pressure on them, he said.

He said the Constitution is supreme and collective efforts are needed to strengthen the democratic institutions in the country.

“The Constitution is supreme and cannot be altered. For democracy to remain strong, public representatives must continuously work in the interest of the people,” the governor said.

Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully also attended the programme.

Shillong:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Meghalaya’s traditional Eri silk and its unique handicrafts during the 123rd episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, highlighting the nation’s rich tapestry of indigenous arts and crafts.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma thanked Modi for highlighting Meghalaya’s pride, a week after he gifted the PM the silk fabric woven by women of the northeastern state.

In his address, Modi highlighted the recent recognition of Meghalaya’s Eri silk with the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, calling it “a proud moment not just for the state, but for the entire country.”

“Eri Silk is not just a fabric; it is a heritage of Meghalaya, lovingly preserved and enriched over generations, especially by the Khasi community,” Modi said, highlighting that the silk is in itself ‘Ahimsa silk’ where silkworms are not harmed in its production.

Sangma noted that global demand for such eco-conscious and ethically produced products is rising, calling Eri silk a “perfect product” for the international market.

Stating that the worldwide demand for such goods are increasing, Modi also emphasised on its sustainability.

“This silk keeps you warm in winters and cool in summers, making it ideal for all climates and markets,” he added.

Acknowledging the role played by women in Meghalaya in its production, Modi lauded the Eri Silk revolution through Self Help Groups (SHGs), preserving traditional knowledge while creating sustainable livelihoods.

The PM also urged all citizens to support indigenous products, reiterating his call for ‘Vocal for Local’ and strengthening the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’.

“If customers buy only products made in India and traders sell only products made in India, the self-reliance movement of India will gain unstoppable momentum,” he said.

“A great encouragement to our heritage textile weavers. Thank you Hon’ble PM!” the Chief Minister posted on X.

Puri:  At least three persons, including two women, were killed and around 50 others injured in a stampede near Shree Gundicha Temple in Odisha’s Puri on Sunday morning during a ceremony related to the ongoing Rath Yatra festivities, officials said.

The incident took place around 4.20 am when thousands of devotees had gathered near the chariots parked in front of the temple, they said. The injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital, and the condition of six people is stated to be critical.

The Gundicha Temple, located around 3km from the 12th century shrine, is the aunt’s house of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Subhadra and Balabhadra.

During Rath Yatra, the deities visit their aunt’s home, stay there for seven days, and then return to their main abode — the Jagannath Temple.

According to police, chaos ensued after two trucks carrying materials for rituals reportedly entered the crowded spot near the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities. The deities were seated on the chariots when the stampede took place.

“Thousands of devotees had assembled outside the temple since the early hours to catch a glimpse of the deities when the ‘Pahuda’ (cloth) covering the front portion of the chariots was to be removed, as part of the rituals, the officials said.

The deceased were identified as Basanti Sahu (36) from Bolagarh, and Premakant Mohanty (80) and Pravati Das (42) from Balipatna.

Their bodies have been handed over to family members, and the cremation will take place at ‘Swargadwar’ in Puri.

In a punitive measure following the stampede, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi ordered the transfer of District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain and SP Vineet Agrawal.

Majhi also announced the suspension of two police officers – DCP Bishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi – an official release said.

He ordered an administrative inquiry into the matter to be carried out under the supervision of the development commissioner.

In another order, senior bureaucrat Saswata Mishra was appointed principal secretary to the CM in addition to his current responsibilities.

The 1996-batch IAS officer is presently posted as principal secretary in finance department with additional charge of chairman, IDCO.

The Odisha government will provide financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, the release added.

Another notification issued by the General Administration Department stated that senior bureaucrat Aravind Agarwal has been appointed as in-charge of the overall supervision of Rath Yatra.

Earlier in a post on X, Majhi sought forgiveness from devotees of Lord Jagannath for the stampede, and tendered an apology on behalf of his government for the incident.

“Due to intense eagerness among devotees to have a glimpse of Mahaprabhu… an unfortunate incident occurred because of the resulting jostling and chaos. I and my government seek forgiveness from all Jagannath devotees. We express our condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives… pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to grant them the strength to bear this profound sorrow,” Majhi said.

He also said that security lapses behind the incident would be probed and those found guilty will face stringent action.

State Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said the situation is now normal at the Shree Gundicha Temple, where devotees are offering prayers to the deities.

Puri’s titular king, Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb, expressed shock over the incident, and appealed to the state government to carry out a comprehensive inquiry into the matter.

The titular king, who is also the chairman of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC), also urged the Odisha government to take proper and immediate steps to prevent the recurrence of any such incident.

Health department sources said among those critically injured, one has been shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, while five others are in ICU.

A host of political leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik condoled the deaths, with many criticising the state government over arrangements for the Rath Yatra.

Kharge said he was deeply pained by the stampede, and asserted that the “negligence and mismanagement” which led to the tragedy are inexcusable.

In a post on X, Gandhi described the Puri temple stampede as “extremely tragic”, and urged the Odisha government to expedite relief efforts.

Union minister and BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan told PTI Videos in West Bengal’s Panihati that those supervising the management of the Rath Yatra should have made better arrangements.

BJD chief and Leader of Opposition in Odisha assembly, Naveen Patnaik, claimed that the stampede exposed the state government’s glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful Rath Yatra for devotees.

“While I refrain from accusing the government of criminal negligence, their blatant callousness has undeniably contributed to this tragedy. I urge the government to implement urgent corrective measures to ensure the smooth conduct of Adapa Bije, Bahuda, Suna Besha, and other key #RathYatra rituals,” Patnaik, a five-term chief minister, added.

The chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra had on Saturday reached Shree Gundicha Temple, a day after the Rath Yatra began in Puri.

The return car journey, known as ‘Bahuda Yatra’, will held this year on July 5.

Hyderabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday ruled out any talks with Maoists and said the cadre of the proscribed outfit should give up arms, surrender before police, and join the mainstream.

Addressing a rally after inaugurating the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad in Telangana, Shah also said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is still raising questions on Operation Sindoor, should see the weak appearance of Pakistan to understand the effectiveness of the Operation.

“Congress asks (the Centre) to hold discussions with these people (Maoists). Our government’s policy is ‘no talks’ with those who hold arms. Give up weapons, surrender, and join the mainstream,” Shah said.

He further said that about 10,000 people in the Northeast gave up weapons and joined the mainstream.

They even contested elections held for positions ranging from the Taluk level to state assemblies. Similarly, more than 2,000 Maoists have surrendered in the past one and a half years.

“Give up weapons and surrender. If you don’t surrender, we have decided that before 31 March 2026, Naxalism will be finished in this country,” the Home Minister said.

He said 40,000 people lost their lives since about four decades in Naxal violence in Adivasi regions. Many Adivasis lost their limbs or even their lives, he said.

Those who talk in favour of Naxalism, what would they reply to the family members of Adivasis and security personnel who lost their lives in Maoist violence, he asked.

He said he fears that Congress should not give shelter in Telangana to Naxals who are on the run across the country.

However, there is no need to worry as the Modi government is in power at the Centre, he said.

He told Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy that he should not allow the state to become the den of Naxalites.

“He (Reddy) may do anything. But, I say again. We will finish Naxalism from the entire country by March 31, 2026,” he said.

Shah asserted that the Centre gave a firm reply to the three major terror attacks in the country during the last 11 years.

He said surgical strikes were carried out after the Uri terror incident, while air strikes were conducted after the Pulwama terror attack.

Now, after the Pahalgam terror incident, a reply was given by “breaking into the house” of Pakistan, he said.

After the Pahalgam attack, PM Modi had said that a lesson would be taught, and Pakistan was then issuing a nuclear bomb threat. Congress was thinking that nothing would happen, he said.

However, the brave soldiers of the country’s armed forces destroyed the headquarters of terror outfits (in Pakistan), he said.

“Even today, Rahul Gandhi keeps asking some or other questions. Rahul Baba, what kind of proof are you asking for? See Pakistan’s (bad) situation, then you will understand,” he mocked.

After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, the security of the country was strengthened, he said, alleging that it was neglected during the previous Congress rule.

Attacking the ruling Congress and BRS in Telangana, he alleged that the Congress government has not taken any action as per law against the corruption allegations against the previous BRS regime vis-a-vis the Kaleshwaram project, Dharani land portal, and others.

Telangana, which was once the “ATM of BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao” has now become the ATM of “Congress in Delhi”, he alleged.

The same corruption and the same talk in defence of Naxals is going on, he charged.

Shah, who called for making the BJP assume power in the state, said only a double-engine government of PM Modi can ensure the welfare and progress of Dalits, backward classes, farmers, adivasis, women, and youth in the state.

The Union Home Minister highlighted the pro-farmer measures of the NDA government, such as the transfer of Rs 6,000 into farmers’ bank accounts under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.

Earlier, speaking at an event where the headquarters of the turmeric board was inaugurated, Shah said the Centre has set a target of achieving USD one billion in turmeric exports by 2030.

He said the board would focus on packing, branding, marketing, and export of the commodity.

The turmeric board would work towards ensuring remunerative prices for farmers, export of their produce, besides research and development, he said.

Shah further said, during the 2023 assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to establish a Turmeric board in Telangana, and it was fulfilled.

Union Coal and Mines Minister and Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP MP from Nizamabad D Arvind, Telangana ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao and D Anasuya Seethakka attended the inauguration of the office of the turmeric board.

Earlier, Kishan Reddy and other leaders received Amit Shah when he arrived at Hyderabad’s Begumpet airport.

The establishment of the Turmeric Board has been a major demand of the turmeric farmers in Nizamabad, and it was also a key election issue.

BJP Lok Sabha member Arvind, who had promised to set up the turmeric board, had defeated BRS MLC and then Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao’s daughter K Kavitha in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He was re-elected in 2024.

Mumbai:  With the opposition against the “imposition” of Hindi gaining momentum in Maharashtra, a government-appointed advisory committee has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to roll back the decision to introduce the language in primary classes.

The Language Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to the government on matters related to the Marathi language, passed a resolution on Friday demanding that no third language, including Hindi, be taught before Class 5.

The resolution was passed during a meeting held in Pune, attended by 20 out of 27 committee members. Kiran Kulkarni, secretary of the Marathi language department, was also present during the meeting.

A language row has erupted in Maharashtra after the state government recently issued an amended order stating that Hindi will “generally” be taught as a third language to students from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools.

According to the order, if 20 students per grade in a school wish to study any other Indian language, they can opt out of Hindi. If such a demand arises, either a teacher will be appointed, or the language will be taught online.

Speaking to reporters, the committee’s chairman, Laxmikant Deshmukh, said that it was the first time a government-backed body has taken such a stand against a government decision.

“We are not against Hindi or any other language, but imposing it in early schooling is neither educationally sound nor culturally appropriate. Language learning in the early years must focus on the mother tongue for strong foundational skills,” he said.

Deshmukh said the committee had previously flagged concerns after the government’s decision to make Hindi a part of the primary school curriculum, but its objections were brushed aside.

“The government attempted to bypass this by presenting misleading interpretations. We want the government resolution on this matter to be cancelled outright,” he said.

Committee members, including renowned language expert Prakash Parab and senior Marathi writer Shripad Bhalchandra Joshi, raised the issue during the meeting and received unanimous support.

Joshi, a scholar and educationist, warned of consequences.

“English was introduced as a compulsory subject for primary classes in Marathi-medium schools in 1999. It is worth noting that Marathi was made compulsory in English-medium schools seven years later, and as a result, children could not learn either language properly. Now, by adding Hindi or any other third language early on, children’s linguistic abilities will only weaken,” he said.

He claimed the move was a systematic attempt to dilute Maharashtra’s intellectual strength.

The main functions of the committee are to advise the government on the development and preservation of the Marathi language, and this includes preparing new dictionaries, selecting standardised words, setting guidelines for the use of the language and determining policies, among other things.

The committee’s resolution also states that the idea of introducing a third language should only be considered after Class 5, and even then, it should remain optional.

“As an advisory committee, we strongly recommend that the government avoid introducing a third language in primary schools,” Deshmukh said.

Doing so could negatively affect students’ psychological development and undermine the cultural identity of the state, he said, adding that the committee has also decided to participate in the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS morcha on July 5.

New Delhi:  During Operation Sindoor “tremendous” damage was done to the adversary and those 88 hours of the conflict tell a lot about it as “no self-respecting nation or armed forces will capitulate in such a short time”, a top Indian military officer said on Saturday.

During an interaction at an event held here, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, said that modernisation of the Indian armed forces is “on track”, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently clearing the “execution model” to design and produce India’s ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet — the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA).

To a question on reports that China will supply fifth-generation J-35 stealth jets to Pakistan, he said, “We are aware of the news, and we are following it closely”.

Dixit was speaking at a session ‘The Age of Modern Warfare’ hosted at the CNN News 18 Town Hall: The Defence Edition.

The tri-services officers also emphasised that the Indian military will have to build “defences and offences” against the kind of capabilities being developed by the Pakistani military.

Asked about the factors related to integration and jointness of the Indian military that led to success in Operation Sindoor, Air Marshal Dixit said, integration, jointness and coordination efforts were started way back after the 1999 Kargil conflict.

Thereafter, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) was set up, whose main job was to create jointness and integration, he added.

“This operation, which was undertaken, was a culmination of such long (period) of efforts, and gives us satisfaction that whatever we have been doing, we have been doing correctly,” the CISC said.

“The selection of targets, intelligence planning, joint planning, coordination, everything happened quite nicely,” he said on Operation Sindoor which was launched early on May 7 in retaliation against the Pahalgam attack, with precision strikes at several terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir.

The Pakistan military then targeted Indian military installations and civilian areas, and India conducted counter-offensives against it subsequently, also under Operation Sindoor, and damaged several key air bases of Pakistan including Noor Khan and Rahim Yar Khan.

The nearly four-day military conflict came to a halt on May 10 evening after the two sides reached an understanding.

Asked what was the extent of damage caused on the Pakistan side during the conflict, the CISC said, “Tremendous amount of damage was caused”.

“Those 88 hours (of conflict)… that itself says a lot about the damage that has been caused, otherwise, no self-respecting nation or armed forces will capitulate in such a short time,” he said, without naming Pakistan.

Air Marshal Dixit said that the damage done during the conflict to the other side has been “clearly visible”, as seen on TV channel reports, and cited that the Indian military saw some of these images via satellite imagery, its own recce platforms and open source material which were later verified.

On a question about whether Kirana Hills in Pakistan was hit by Indian forces during the conflict, the officer said, “I don’t think so.”

He praised the indigenous platforms and air defence system deployed during the operation and emphasised that “we have not borrowed this model from anyone”, but rather it’s home-grown organically, and it was “highly effective”.

Asked whether the use of drones now will become the first response in the escalation ladder as seen during the four-day conflict, the CISC said, drones are a “new tool” but they will not replace the old ones, and will be used as per the requirements.

To a query on the armed forces’ view about the idea of the “new normal” being defined by the Indian government after Operation Sindoor, Air Marshal Dixit said, “Our threshold has been redefined.”

“Capabilities will be brought to bear whenever and at the place of our choosing,” he added.

The CISC also underlined that the level of deterrence has been set at a “very high level”.

About the LCA Mk-2 platform and concerns over delayed timelines, he said, LCA Mk-2 is a “wonderful platform”, while adding that delay is part and parcel of the process.

On lessons drawn from Operation Sindoor for the Indian military, the CISC said, non-linearity, simultaneity of response and long-range vectors were key lessons.

Also, the “idea of contiguous threat was known to us beforehand”, and plans were made catering for it, he added.

On the future course, the CISC said, joint training and integration in an environment “where the fog of war is there” along with future warfare courses will equip the Indian military for the road ahead.

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Saturday said the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar has begun and reminded of a constitutional provision that says only Indian citizens can vote.

In a statement, the EC said, “The Constitution of India is supreme. All citizens, political parties and the Election Commission of India follow the Constitution.”

The statement comes as opposition parties questioned the intent behind the intensive revision.

The poll authority reminded that Article 326 specifies eligibility to become an elector — only Indian citizens, above 18 years and ordinary resident in that constituency are eligible to be on voters list.

Several opposition parties have said that the exercise carries the risk of willful exclusion of voters using the state machinery.

The poll authority is carrying out an intensive review of electoral rolls this year in six states beginning with Bihar to weed out foreign illegal migrants by checking their place of birth.

Bihar is going to polls this year while assembly polls in these five other states — Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal — are scheduled in 2026.

The move, which would be later expanded to other states, assumes significance in the wake of a crackdown in various states on illegal foreign migrants, including from Bangladesh and Myanmar.

The EC said the special revision has already started successfully in Bihar for verifying the eligibility of each elector with “full participation” of all political parties.

The poll panel already has nearly 78,000 booth level officers (BLOs) and is appointing over 20,000 more for new polling stations, it said.

More than one lakh volunteers will be assisting genuine electors, particularly the old, sick, persons with disabilities, poor and other vulnerable groups during the special intensive revision.

All recognised national and state political parties have already appointed 1,54,977 booth level agents (BLAs). They can still appoint more, it pointed out.

BLAs are party workers who coordinate with BLOs during boreotation or revision of voters list.

EC said printing as well as door-to-door distribution of new enumeration forms  for all the existing 7,89,69,844 electors of Bihar has already started in each of the 243 Assembly Constituencies of the state.

Out of the existing 7,89,69,844 electors, 4.96 crore electors, whose names are already in the last intensive revision of Electoral Roll on January 1, 2003, have to “simply verify so, fill the Enumeration Form and submit it”.