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• Cong Mulls Appointing 2 Vice-Prez to Assist Sonia Gandhi as Leaders Seek 'Active, Visible' Leadership
  in National

  

  For the past few days, a handful of Congress leaders have been preparing for the Congress Working Committee meeting.

  It’s to be a departure from recent past and instead of Zoom, it will now be using WebEx for video conferencing the meet to tide over the fear of hacking. The last time Sonia Gandhi met Rajya Sabha MPs, the incident left a bad experience. So this time, the Congress is taking no chances and the ID for the meeting will be given to the participants just before it begins.

  Ironically, the fear of leak or hacking is not from China, Pakistan or even the BJP. It’s from within the party as the Congress faces a crisis of leadership and voices that were silent or reticent till now have started becoming vocal. At such a time, the last thing the top Congress leadership would want is for their internal strife to be made public.

  However, the change in the means of conducting the meeting cannot put a lid on the crisis that the CWC could address. The biggest problem remains that of leadership. Most leaders in private and, some publicly, have complained that Congress has lost its steam; that it cannot fight the Modi juggernaut and the listlessness means soon Congress could be eased out of the national narrative. Apart from many leaving the party, those who stayed behind and are with the Congress often wonder what’s happening.

  Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Rajiv Satav are a few who have raised their voice against this.

  The problem before Sonia Gandhi remains the reluctance of Rahul Gandhi to take charge. When recently, a year-old interview of Priyanka Vadra to a book surfaced in which she said she agreed with her brother on a non-Gandhi Congress president, there were alarm bells in the party. The Congress officially made a statement to say the old interview was being used to push an agenda and party workers and leaders accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader.

  At the CWC, it’s quite possible more voices may come up asking for Rahul Gandhi to take charge as it’s clear that Sonia Gandhi wants to hand over the reins. But what if he remains adamant? There is a proposal in place which could be implemented.

  There could be appointment of more than two vice-presidents to assist Sonia Gandhi. This is to address the concern that Congress needs a full-time president. But such an appointment could also ensure that Gandhis remain in control and the party continues to be headed by one of them, in this case Sonia Gandhi. Names which are doing the rounds are of Ghulam Nabi Azad, P Chidambaram and Mallikarjun Kharge, but it’s quite possible that young leaders could be propped up.

  This apart, many new faces could be brought in for key posts and most of them are perceived to be close to Rahul Gandhi. Sushmita Dev and Manickam Tagore are some names doing the rounds.

  It would also be interesting to see whether Sachin Pilot is brought to the centre. While Pilot has made it clear that he sees Rajasthan as his ‘karam bhumi’ and CM Ashok Gehlot doesn’t want to leave the state yet, the Congress leadership could bring in Pilot to buy time till the committee submits its report.

  The caveat for all this is, of course, that the Congress needs to have the urge to solve this turmoil. For now, the restlessness becomes tough to ignore. Some like Jitin Prasada have formed a Brahmin Samaj and this is to capitalise on the 12% Brahmin vote bank which his party doesn’t seem to be concentrating on. Clearly, he wants to ensure that his politics stays alive.

  Few others who don’t want to leave the Congress are looking at ways to stay relevant. But the list of disillusioned leaders is long and growing, and many of these have at one point been influential or important in the scheme of things such as Milind Deora, Veerappa Moily, Anand Sharma, Ashwini Kumar, Salman Khurshid.

  Some chose to leave the party, like Jyotiraditya Scindia, some fought back and continue to do so like Sachin Pilot. But as new leaders are being propped up and Rahul Gandhi has his favourites, many feel left out and yet, want to stay in the party. The CWC brings some hope to them that things could change. But will the Congress and CWC once again shy away from taking a decision?

   

  'Centre chose who they felt appropriate…

  17-05-2025

  

  Shashi Tharoor addressed his inclusion in an all-party delegation despite not being nominated by the Congress, stating the government chose who they deemed fit. He affirmed his commitment to the...

  Read more

  India's Operation Sindoor diplomacy: Why…

  17-05-2025

  

  Shashi Tharoor's inclusion in the Operation Sindoor outreach program has sparked controversy, with the Congress party distancing itself from his pro-government stance on the India-Pakistan issue. Despite Congress suggesting other...

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  Jyoti Malhotra, a travel vlogger from Haryana, has been arrested. She is accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Malhotra, known as “Travel with Jo,” allegedly contacted Pakistani...

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  'For national security': Himanta Sarma u…

  17-05-2025

  

  Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged Rahul Gandhi to exclude a Congress MP from Assam, allegedly Gaurav Gogoi, from a delegation meant to expose Pakistan's terrorism. Sarma alleges Gogoi...

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  Justice Bela Trivedi retires from SC: Ka…

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  Indian and US Air Forces team up to fix …

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  A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III experienced a technical issue at Jaipur airbase, which was promptly resolved through the joint efforts of Indian and US Air Force maintenance teams...

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  Ravi Shankar-led delegation expected to …

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  'Bharat has done it': Vice president Dha…

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  ‘Why does Rahul Gandhi hate those who sp…

  17-05-2025

  

  Following the announcement of an all-party delegation to address Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, BJP criticized Congress for omitting Shashi Tharoor from their initial list. BJP leaders accused Rahul Gandhi of disliking party...

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  Operation Sindoor: Shashi Tharoor chosen…

  17-05-2025

  

  Amidst political dynamics, Congress nominated four leaders for an all-party delegation, excluding Shashi Tharoor, despite his selection to lead the Operation Sindoor briefing. Jairam Ramesh shared the Congress's nominees, while...

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  'When national interest is involved, I'l…

  17-05-2025

  

  Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said that he is "honoured" by the invitation of the government to lead an all-party delegation, adding that when national interest is involved, he...

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  NIA arrests two ISIS sleeper cell fugiti…

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  Operation Sindoor briefing: Ravi Shankar…

  16-05-2025

  

  Following Operation Sindoor, India is dispatching all-party parliamentary delegations to key global capitals to present a united front against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Led by senior MPs, these delegations will raise awareness...

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• Who Will be Next Congress President? Reports of 'Sonia Gandhi Resigning False', Says Randeep Surjewala
  in National

  

  New Delhi, August 23: Congress' national spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala dismissed the reports which claimed on Sunday that Sonia Gandhi would step down from her position of party president.

  The seniormost Gandhi family member was appointed at the helm n August last year, after her son Rahul Gandhi had stepped down following the humiliating defeat in 2019 general elections.

  "Reports of Sonia Gandhi resigning from the post of Congress interim president are false," said Surjewala, whose statement is considered as the official word of the party. Congress President Row: Veterans Back Sonia Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot Says Letter of Dissent 'Unbelievable'.
  

  Surjewala's clarification came amid reports claiming that Gandhi has replied to a letter of dissent sent to her by around 23 seniormost party leaders. The dissenters have sought a complete overhaul of the party structure to re-energise the cadres and end the spree of poll defeats. Gandhi, in her reply, reportedly asked them to "get together and elect a new president".

  Update by ANI 

  Who Will be Next Congress President?

  While a section of party old guard including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot have led their weight behind Sonia Gandhi, a number of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chiefs have demanded the return of Rahul Gandhi to the helm.

  Sonia, 73, was given a one-year interim role as party chief last year after no one came forth to claim the presidency following her son's exit. The Congress Working Committee (CWC), which is scheduled to convene tomorrow for a top-level meeting, will take a final call on the next leader, reports said.

   

   

  'Centre chose who they felt appropriate…

  17-05-2025

  

  Shashi Tharoor addressed his inclusion in an all-party delegation despite not being nominated by the Congress, stating the government chose who they deemed fit. He affirmed his commitment to the...

  Read more

  India's Operation Sindoor diplomacy: Why…

  17-05-2025

  

  Shashi Tharoor's inclusion in the Operation Sindoor outreach program has sparked controversy, with the Congress party distancing itself from his pro-government stance on the India-Pakistan issue. Despite Congress suggesting other...

  Read more

  Who is Jyoti Malhotra, Travel YouTuber a…

  17-05-2025

  

  Jyoti Malhotra, a travel vlogger from Haryana, has been arrested. She is accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Malhotra, known as “Travel with Jo,” allegedly contacted Pakistani...

  Read more

  'For national security': Himanta Sarma u…

  17-05-2025

  

  Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged Rahul Gandhi to exclude a Congress MP from Assam, allegedly Gaurav Gogoi, from a delegation meant to expose Pakistan's terrorism. Sarma alleges Gogoi...

  Read more

  'Confront Pakistan but ... ': AIMIM chie…

  17-05-2025

  

  Asaduddin Owaisi urges the Indian government to seize the opportunity presented by spontaneous anti-Pakistan protests in Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack. He advises PM Modi and Amit Shah to embrace...

  Read more

  'Insecurity jealousy or intolerance': Po…

  17-05-2025

  

  Read more

  'Dishonest': Congress on BJP declaring n…

  17-05-2025

  

  A dispute has erupted between the Congress party and the Centre over a delegation to address global leaders on Pakistan-based terrorism. Congress accuses the government of dishonesty for altering the...

  Read more

  Who is Panchen Lama– Tibetans urge China…

  17-05-2025

  

  On the 30th anniversary of his disappearance, Tibetans and human rights groups are demanding the release of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama. Chinese authorities abducted him in May...

  Read more

  VP Dhankhar backs 'economic nationalism…

  17-05-2025

  

  Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has called for a stronger emphasis on "economic nationalism," questioning whether India should bolster nations that are hostile to its interests. His statement follows boycotts of...

  Read more

  Justice Bela Trivedi retires from SC: Ka…

  17-05-2025

  

  Justice Bela M Trivedi, the eleventh woman on the Supreme Court, retired after three-and-a-half years, prompting courtroom tributes and criticism of the SCBA for denying her a formal farewell. CJI...

  Read more

  'Pakistan should be listed as a terroris…

  17-05-2025

  

  Kapil Sibal advocates for designating Pakistan as a terrorist state at the UN, emphasizing that it is a factory of terrorism. He highlighted the reduction in terrorist attacks in Jammu...

  Read more

  Indian and US Air Forces team up to fix …

  17-05-2025

  

  A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III experienced a technical issue at Jaipur airbase, which was promptly resolved through the joint efforts of Indian and US Air Force maintenance teams...

  Read more

  Shirui Lily festival: A five-day celebra…

  17-05-2025

  

  Manipur's Tourism Department is set to host the 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival from May 20th to 24th, marking the 75th anniversary of its state flower. The festival, held across...

  Read more

  Ravi Shankar-led delegation expected to …

  17-05-2025

  

  Following Operation Sindoor, the Centre has formed seven all-party delegations, led by figures like Shashi Tharoor and Ravi Shankar Prasad, to convey India's firm stance against terrorism to key partner...

  Read more

  'Bharat has done it': Vice president Dha…

  17-05-2025

  

  Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar lauded Operation Sindoor as India's most profound cross-border strike against terrorism, drawing parallels to the US operation that eliminated Osama bin Laden. He emphasized the precision...

  Read more

  ‘Why does Rahul Gandhi hate those who sp…

  17-05-2025

  

  Following the announcement of an all-party delegation to address Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, BJP criticized Congress for omitting Shashi Tharoor from their initial list. BJP leaders accused Rahul Gandhi of disliking party...

  Read more

  Operation Sindoor: Shashi Tharoor chosen…

  17-05-2025

  

  Amidst political dynamics, Congress nominated four leaders for an all-party delegation, excluding Shashi Tharoor, despite his selection to lead the Operation Sindoor briefing. Jairam Ramesh shared the Congress's nominees, while...

  Read more

  'When national interest is involved, I'l…

  17-05-2025

  

  Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said that he is "honoured" by the invitation of the government to lead an all-party delegation, adding that when national interest is involved, he...

  Read more

  NIA arrests two ISIS sleeper cell fugiti…

  16-05-2025

  

  NIA apprehended two ISIS fugitives, Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and Talha Khan, at Mumbai airport upon their return from Jakarta. They were wanted in connection with a 2023 Pune IED case...

  Read more

  Operation Sindoor briefing: Ravi Shankar…

  16-05-2025

  

  Following Operation Sindoor, India is dispatching all-party parliamentary delegations to key global capitals to present a united front against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Led by senior MPs, these delegations will raise awareness...

  Read more
• No Pilots For Rafale Jets – Why Is The Indian Air Force Facing An Acute Shortage Of Trained Pilots?
  in International

  

  As India is in the process of overhauling its airforce with the latest Rafale jets and additional MiG-29 and SU-30 MKIs, an RTI (Request To Information) filed by India Today

   reveals that in that last 10 years, 798 Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots have resigned and 289 of these pilots were given No-objection Certificates (NOC) to fly private airlines.

  New Delhi has been upgrading the military equipment and even purchasing modern combat aircraft to strengthen the IAF. The newly acquired Rafale jets are ready to be inducted in a high profile ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French defense minister Florence Parly at the air force station in Ambala where the first five aircraft have been stationed. 

  However, in 2016 and 2017, IAF saw the worst years when 100 and 114 pilots respectively quit the IAF. In 2015, only 37 pilots had quit before superannuation. With an average of 80 pilots quitting the IAF every year, it could be facing an acute shortage of pilots.On February 1, 2018, the government informed the Rajya Sabha that the IAF had 3,855 pilots against a sanctioned strength of 4,231. There was a shortage of 376 pilots which reflects poorly on the preparedness of the IAF. 

  Of the pilots that quit, more than one-third of them received the NOC to fly private airlines. As per reports, a middle rung pilot earns up to Rs 2 lakh ($2700) in salary per month and can get four times the amount flying with a private airline.Most pilots quit after 20 years of service which makes them eligible for a pension.

  “The IAF way of life is very good and apart from the salary, there are several intangible benefits. But my workload is far less as a private airlines pilot and there’s nothing to complain about the remuneration. As captain, I am responsible for everything after the aircraft door closes and once it opens, my job is over,” said an IAF officer who recently quit service and took up a job in a private airline and didn’t wish to be named.

  HT reported in February this year, that IAF is working on measures to prevent its pilots from leaving the service and joining private airlines that offer better salaries and perquisites. Even though the report didn’t mention any specific measure, it said that they will be made shortly, and could involve cooling-off periods and changes in pension plans.

  

  The RTI also asked about if such changes are being introduced. “Has the Indian Air Force evolved or is working on any policy to stop their pilots from quitting and joining private airlines. If yes, what is that?” In response to the query in the RTI, IAF said that there exists no such plans or policies. 

  Experts have said that it is important for the IAF to retain its pilots. “A pilot gets into operational flying after training for almost 250 to 300 hours in different aircraft. That costs a lot of money. You cannot afford to let trained people go. Other global air forces are also struggling with the same issues,” said Air Marshal KK Nohwar (retd), director-general, Centre for Air Power Studies.

   

   

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• Turkey Signs Another Contract With Russia For S-400 Missile Defense Systems
  in International

  

  Turkey has again signed a contract with Russia to acquire additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Moscow, the Russian news agency TASS reported.

  This would be a second deal between Moscow and Ankara for the S-400 missile systems. Turkey has already received two batteries of the S-400s worth $2.5 billion, a deal which was inked in April 2017.

  Speaking to reporters, the Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport chief Alexander Mikheyev said “The contract has been signed”, and stated that the parties shall now discuss the financial terms of the contract.

  He further said that the timeframe of implementing the contract would depend “on our partners’ readiness to finally resolve the procedural issues with the financing of this project”.

  Turkey, being the first NATO member country to have received the S-400 air defense system, has damaged its reputation among NATO members and severely strained ties with Washington.

  Due to the deal, Washington kicked-out Turkey out from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program – which means it won’t be getting any American 5th generation fighters and could instead look at Russian Su-35 jets.Instead of trying to resolve matters with the United States, Erdogan has pushed forward for a second deal for the S-400.

  Past talks between Turkey and the U.S. on the acquisition of the Patriot air defense system had fallen over a large group of issues, from the accessibility of S-400s to Ankara’s disappointment with Washington’s terms and conditions.Turkey has said it will possibly consent to an offer if it incorporates terms for indigenous production and transfer of technology.

  Ankara has more than once emphasized that it was the U.S.’ refusal to sell it Patriots that drove it to search out different vendors, adding that Russia offered a superior deal, including the transfer of technology.  Turkey even proposed setting up a commission to explain any specialized issues, yet the U.S. has so far not reacted to this proposition.According to TASS, the S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.

   

• Assam: KMSS To Launch Politcal Party, Akhil Gogoi To Be Chief Minister Candidate
  in Election News

  

  Guwahati: Peasant body Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) on Saturday announced that it will launch a political party to fight the Assam assembly election in 2021 and its jailed leader Akhil Gogoi will be its chief ministerial candidate.

  Addressing a press conference here, the KMSS leadership said the proposed party’s name will be announced by Gogoi once he is released from jail.

  “We have prepared ourselves to form a new political party. It will be a regional party. People from all tribes, castes, communities, religions and languages will be a part of this party,” KMSS president Bhasco De Saikia said.

  The new outfit will be a non-compromising political force and it will not be named after KMSS’s earlier venture Gana Mukti Sangram-Asom.

  “Because of our non-compromising position, Akhil Gogoi is still inside the jail. By October, we hope he will be released. He will announce the name of the party after coming out of jail. The name of the party has been finalised already,” Saikia said. 

  Gogoi is lodged in Guwahati central jail and is being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his alleged role in protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) late in 2019. The special NIA court earlier this month rejected his bail plea.

  Asked if Gogoi, who is the adviser of KMSS, will fight the polls, he replied in the affirmative.

  “Yes Akhil Gogoi will fight the polls in 2021. He will be our CM candidate,” Saikia said. “We are at present fighting for Akhil Gogoi’s release. Responding to our appeals, the people of Assam have come forward and contributed large amounts to carry forward the legal battle,” Saikia said.

  Elaborating on the proposed party, he said all intellectual preparation for the new party is ready as is its constitution.

  “The work agenda will be known as Asombasir Jatiya Karmahuchi and it will be the basis of the future modern Assamese society. We will send the constitution and the agenda to all district committees and our sister organisations. Then we will make these public and seek the peoples’ opinion on them,” he said.

  The KMSS leader said the proposed political party will fight against all forms of communal forces and appealed to regional forces to come forward and join hands to defeat the ruling BJP and its allies.

  “Our goal is to create a politically federal, economically self reliant, socially and culturally inclusive, and mentally scientific Assam. The KMSS will remain as an independent organisation like today and the political party will be separate,” Saikia said.

  Asked if KMSS has spoken to opposition parties in the state and All Assam Students’ Union, which too is foraying into politics, Saikia said “We have not talked to Congress or AASU yet. We all have to unite. The need of the hour is to join hands.”

  About the number of constituencies that the new front will contest, Saikia said it is being worked out and will be announced later.

  The KMSS leaders, the AASU and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP) have been separately making public statements about forming new regional political parties since the protests against the CAA in December 2019.

  On August 19 student and youth bodies AASU and AJYCP set up an 18-member committee of prominent personalities to suggest the two organisation’s future course of action, a step towards their much-talked about political entry ahead of state Assembly polls.

  Senior journalist and Rajya Sabha member Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, who was supported by opposition parties Congress and AIUDF, too recently floated a new regional entity ‘Anchalik Gana Morcha’ to fight the assembly election slated for March-April in 2021.

  Former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi had announced that Congress is working on to form a ‘Grand Alliance’ of non-BJP parties, including the AIUDF, Left and AGM, to oust the ruling party in the assembly elections and kept doors open for any new parties.

  The election to the 126-member Assam assembly in 2016 had given a fractured mandate and no party got the absolute majority in the current House. The ruling BJP is in the government with support from the AGP and BPF along with one Independent MLA.