National

NEW DELHI : India on Tuesday reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh remains an “inalienable and integral” part of India and nothing can alter this “indisputable reality”. “Arunachal is an inalienable and integral part of India and this is a fact which is self-evident. At the same time, let me also underline that nothing can change this indisputable reality,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said while responding to a question on China’s reaction to India’s decision of formally identifying 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh by their Indian names, which was termed as “null and void” by Beijing. Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday, Jaiswal reiterated that India considers the border issues with China one of the most serious aspects of the bilateral relationship. He stressed that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border remains essential and any developments around it will have a bearing on the wider ties between New Delhi and Beijing. Jaiswal said that both sides had reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during the 36th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) held on August 6. He said that India emphasised the importance of preserving peace and tranquillity in the border areas for the broader development of bilateral relations. “Relating to the border areas between India and China, we have always emphasised in discussions with the Chinese side that we consider these issues as most serious and that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in these areas is of the utmost importance. We have also stated that the state of border affairs will reflect on the state of our larger bilateral ties. This was also reiterated at the recently-held 36th WMCC meeting on India-China border affairs, which was held on August 6th, and you are already aware of the statement that we put out,” Jaiswal stated. “At this meeting, the two sides engaged in frank discussions and reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control. The Indian side again underlined that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations. It was agreed to continue to use existing mechanisms, diplomatic and military channels, including the WMCC, local commander-level meetings, and other agreed mechanisms to resolve outstanding issues and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation along the line of actual control,” he added. (Source: IANS)  

NEW DELHI : The BJP launched a fresh attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday, asking why is he not supporting the implementation of 33-per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies if he “truly favours” it. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh alleged “double standards” on the part of the Congress on the issue of women’s quota, and also slammed its allies, accusing them of obstructing its implementation. “The central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, enacted the law to provide 33-per cent reservation to women in Parliament and state assemblies. Now, when steps are being taken to operationalise and implement it swiftly, the Congress is looking for excuses,” Chugh told PTI Videos. “If Rahul Gandhi is truly in favour of women’s reservation, why is he not supporting its implementation?” the Rajya Sabha MP asked. “Women need rights and representation, not mere slogans. The Congress must now abandon its double standards and stop obstructing the path of women’s empowerment. It should stand in support of the prime minister’s efforts regarding the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,” he added. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress sparred on Saturday over the women’s quota and delimitation bills after Gandhi said no country can be successful if its women do not express themselves, prompting Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to call it a “visible change of heart” and express the hope that the opposition party will support the proposed legislation. Responding to Rijiju’s comments on X, Gandhi hit back, saying, “Mr Rijiju, who would know better than you, as the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, that the Women’s Reservation Bill 2023 has already been passed unanimously, with the full support of the Congress.” “The question is why has it still not been implemented even after three years, and why do you now want to unnecessarily link it to delimitation?” Gandhi asked in a post on X. “Implement the 2023 law. Without any conditions,” he added. Reacting to Gandhi’s retort, Rijju said the Congress leader knows “very well” that the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, has provisions for reserving seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. “The exercise for publishing the census figures after the year 2026 is currently underway. However, this may take substantial time due to the caste-based census to be finally published. In view of this, it may result in considerable delay in the implementation of women reservation, at least not before the 2034 General Elections,” the senior BJP leader said. Therefore, to implement the women’s reservation in the next general election in 2029, the delimitation exercise needs to be undertaken at the earliest, based on the latest available census figures, as published, he added. Rijiju said the implementation methodology has been proposed under the Delimitation Bill, 2026, introduced in the Lok Sabha along with amendments to the Constitution. However, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was introduced for this purpose, has been defeated, the minister said. On Thursday, Rijiju had a telephonic conversation with Gandhi to seek support for the passage of the women’s reservation and delimitation bills, but the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha insisted on convening an all-party meeting on the proposed laws, sources aware of the matter had said. This was the second time in a couple of days that the parliamentary affairs minister spoke with Gandhi on the phone. The minister has also met the Congress leader twice in 10 days for smooth functioning of the House. (Source: PTI)      

NEW DELHI : In a collaborative initiative with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the central government has located twenty-seven specific geographical sites and features across Arunachal Pradesh, which have been officially standardised on official Survey of India maps to enhance public awareness and accurate recognition. According to a press release on Friday, the Government of India, in consultation with the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh, “identified a total of twenty-seven (27) places/features located in Arunachal Pradesh, by standard place and feature names on the official maps of the Survey of India (SoI).” “Identifying them formally on the Survey of India map of Arunachal Pradesh is aimed at facilitating their accurate recognition and better awareness among the public at large,” the statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs noted. Together, twenty-seven places and features on official Survey of India maps were updated to improve public awareness and recognition, the release stated. According to the release, these categorised locations comprise twenty-one land areas such as Longju, Maja, Bisa, Bara Kundun, Chhota Kundun, Dhan Bari, Pritnagar, Buddhamandir, Jairampur, Teritnagar, Ramnagar, Jaswant Garh, Sagar, Padma, Jyotinagar, Baisakhi, Chhota Ropuk, Bara Ropuk, Shivaji Nagar, Sunpura, and Kamlang Nagar. Additionally, the official list features four distinct passes, including Dzo La, Riza La, Pukur La, and Thag La, one lake known as Sambho Sarovar, and one monument, which is the Sher-e-Thapa Memorial, the release said. These cartographic updates coincide with recent remarks addressing regional security amid social media reports of an incursion in Arunachal Pradesh along the LAC. On Friday, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu denied the reports of a Chinese incursion in the state.CM Pema Khandu told reporters that he would speak to the locals and the Indian Army on the allegations of an incursion by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). “We don’t think there was an incursion as the Indian Army personnel are deployed and maintaining the territory. I have also urged the local tribes; I will hear them and also talk to the army,” he said. Last month, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung had refuted claims of Chinese encroachment in the State as “just rumours”, urging the media to verify before releasing such statements in the public domain. “Regarding the Chinese encroachment claims being shown on social media, I would request media friends to verify whether such statements are true or not. The reality is that there is no Chinese encroachment in Arunachal Pradesh. Our soldiers are standing 24/7 on the borders to protect Mother India. I can say with confidence that China does not dare to cross even one inch of Indian territory,” he said. “These claims are just rumours and should not be believed. The Indian government has deployed our brave soldiers, and the entire nation stands with them. We are ready to make any sacrifice for the protection of our land,” he added. In June, the Indian Army also rebutted reports in a section of the media alleging encroachment by the Chinese PLA and setting up camps in Arunachal Pradesh and termed them “incorrect and without basis”. “We have seen some media reports alleging recent encroachment by Chinese PLA and setting up of camps in Arunachal Pradesh. These reports are incorrect and without any basis,” the Indian Army said.      

NEW DELHI/KOHIMA : Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday urged Congress workers to extend every possible support for relief and restoration efforts in the flood-and landslide-affected states of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, while expressing deep grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the natural calamities. The Congress leader expressed profound sorrow over the deaths and extensive damage caused by landslides and flash floods that have ravaged the two Northeastern states over the past several days. Taking to his official X handle, Rahul Gandhi said: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and widespread devastation caused by landslides and flash floods across Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.” “My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and wishes for a swift recovery to the injured. I urge Congress workers to support the relief and restoration efforts in every possible way. I stand in solidarity with every affected family in this difficult hour,” Gandhi said. Lok Sabha member from Odisha Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, who is the Congress in-charge for Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, also expressed deep anguish over the deaths and destruction caused by floods and landslides in Nagaland. In a post on his X handle, Ulaka said: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and widespread devastation caused by the floods and landslides in Nagaland. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for everyone’s safety and swift recovery.” The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and large-scale destruction caused by the floods and landslides across the state. In a post on its official X handle, the party said that many people had lost their lives due to incessant rain, floods and landslides in Nagaland. The NPCC said that thousands of families have been displaced, while homes, roads, bridges, farmlands and livelihoods have suffered extensive damage due to the recent floods and landslides. “The tragedy that claimed the lives of young students and many others is a painful reminder that disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure cannot be ignored,” the party said. The NPCC said it stands in solidarity with every affected family and called upon the government to ensure immediate relief, fair compensation, speedy restoration of roads and essential services, and the formulation of a long-term disaster mitigation plan to protect vulnerable communities. “The people of Nagaland cannot be left to rebuild alone,” the party added. Meanwhile, Congress Lok Sabha member from Nagaland S. Supongmeren Jamir, along with four other Members of Parliament from Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged him to extend all possible Central assistance to the flood-affected people of the two states. The delegation, led by Union Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, met the Prime Minister at Parliament House in New Delhi and apprised him of the flood situation and the extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall in both states. The delegation also included Tapir Gao (Lok Sabha, Arunachal Pradesh), Tai Tagak (Rajya Sabha, Arunachal Pradesh) and S. Phangnon Konyak (Rajya Sabha, Nagaland). During the meeting, the Members of Parliament discussed the ongoing flood situation, relief measures and the urgent need for Central assistance to restore damaged infrastructure and rehabilitate the affected population. Prime Minister Modi assured the five parliamentarians from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland that the Central government would extend all necessary support and continue to work in close coordination with the respective state governments to effectively address the challenges arising from the ongoing heavy rainfall, floods and landslides. (Source: IANS)    

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met the newly elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi and urged them to uphold the highest standards of parliamentary conduct while working towards the vision of a developed India. Congratulating the new members, the Prime Minister shared his vision of public service and said the role of a Member of Parliament should be defined not merely by the number of questions asked or speeches delivered, but by the quality of contributions made to Parliament and the nation. He encouraged the members to remain humble, learn continuously from senior parliamentarians and retain the curiosity and discipline of a student throughout their parliamentary journey. Calling for the highest standards of parliamentary decorum, the Prime Minister urged the members to strengthen democratic institutions and participate in debates with wisdom, dignity and a spirit of constructive engagement. Highlighting the vision of Viksit Bharat, Modi called upon every member to become an active partner in India’s transformation by placing the nation’s interest above all else. He said the country needs leaders who work with integrity, humility and a collective spirit to accelerate development across all states and improve the lives of citizens irrespective of political affiliation, reiterating that “Nation First” should remain the guiding principle of every public representative. Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh Tai Tagak was among those who attended the interaction. During the meeting, Tagak expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his continued guidance, encouragement and support for the development of Arunachal Pradesh. Reflecting on his journey from a remote village to the Upper House of Parliament, he said it symbolised the opportunities created through dedicated leadership and inclusive development. He also acknowledged the Prime Minister’s commitment to the state’s development through investments in road and border infrastructure, connectivity, communication, livelihood generation, education and public institutions. Tagak reaffirmed his commitment to work with dedication for the progress of Arunachal Pradesh and towards the larger vision of a strong, developed and self-reliant India.    

NEW DELHI : There is no proposal for any special session from August 16 to 18 on the women’s reservation and delimitation bills, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Wednesday night. The government is making a fresh attempt for the passage of a Constitution Amendment Bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and redraw the Lok Sabha constituencies to increase their number to 816 in the ongoing Monsoon session by reaching out to principal opposition party Congress and NDA allies, nearly four months after a similar effort failed due to lack of numbers. There has been speculation in some political quarters about the possible reintroduction of the Delimitation Bill and the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill in a special session of Parliament after Independence Day. When asked about it, Rijiju denied any proposal for a special session. “There is no proposal to have any special session from August 16 to 18 on women’s reservation and delimitation bills,” the minister told PTI. As part of the outreach, Rijiju met Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday and discussed with him the reintroduction of the Bill, but did not get any commitment from the Congress leader, sources aware of the government efforts said. The government plans to meet other opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and the DMK leadership to gauge their view on the possible reintroduction of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill. A government functionary earlier said if the government wants to reintroduce the delimitation bill, it will be done in the ongoing session and ruled out convening a brief special session soon after the Independence Day weekend. It makes no sense as yet to consider any special session, as being talked about in some quarters, as there is still one more week left for this session to end, a government floor manager said. (Source: PTI)    

NEW DELHI : The CBI on Monday told the Supreme Court that there was “non-cooperation” from the Arunachal Pradesh government in providing records during its preliminary enquiry into the allegations of preferential allotment of contracts for public works in the state to firms allegedly owned or related to the kin of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Taking note of the CBI’s status report, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the chief secretary and principal secretary (Home) of the Arunachal Pradesh government seeking their responses on it. The bench said both these officers would remain present before it on August 24 to explain why there was non-cooperation and non-compliance of the directions passed by the apex court. “A perusal of the same (CBI’s status report) reflects that there is non-cooperation at the end of the state government in providing the necessary records…,” the bench said. On April 6, the top court had directed the CBI to register within two weeks a preliminary enquiry into allegations of preferential allotment of contracts for public works in Arunachal Pradesh to firms allegedly owned or related to the family members of Chief Minister Khandu. Observing that the State and its instrumentalities cannot confer benefits according to the “whims of any political or administrative functionary”, the apex court had said it was a fit case where an “independent investigation” was necessary. In its verdict, it had said the preliminary enquiry and consequential investigation, if any, shall cover the award and execution of public works contracts and work orders in Arunachal Pradesh from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2025, including the works and compilations placed on record in the proceedings before it. The verdict was delivered on a plea filed by NGOs Save Mon Region Federation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena seeking a CBI or SIT probe into the matter. (Source: PTI)