Open to discuss important issues like Op Sindoor in Parliament, says Kiren Rijiju
While the Baghpat district administration showered flower petals on Kanwariyas, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has defended the Shiv devotees. He claimed they have been branded as hooligans and terrorists and are victims of a "media trial". Adityanath stated this is a "nefarious attempt to defame the Kaveriyas" and insults Indian tradition. He said, "Unhe upadhavi aur atankwadi tak bolne ka dusahas hota hai" (They are dared to be called hooligans and even terrorists). The Chief Minister added that this represents a mentality that aims to insult India's heritage and is an attempt to isolate the community from Sanatan and Hindu identity.
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Hans India
19 minutes ago
- Hans India
Don't play around with BCCI
In what can be called as a 'better late than never' initiative, the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 that was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, appears, at least on paper, like a panacea for many of the ills besetting the sports fraternity in the country. Although, this raises a glimmer of hope for all and sundry, the fact of the matter is that this ambitious attempt wherein the buck stops with the government, has to reckon with challenges one too many if the proposed norms are to become relevant and meaningful. Barring those into cricket and perhaps golf and the many who have relocated to foreign bases to make a name and pocket millions like some chess players, Indian athletes have forever remained an accursed lot, poor cousins of the stinking rich cricketers, if one goes by the measly support from the government. The landmark Bill may help regulate the administrative set-up and prioritise athletes' interests, but it lags way behind when it comes to meeting the needs, especially as regards infrastructure and financial support, overseas exposure and hiring foreign coaches that can collectively be a morale-booster for every budding athlete. The truth is that there has been an abysmal promotion of sports for decades together. One must also note that the administration has never been transparent, the entire system has been ridden with internal power struggles and an overwhelming political involvement that has rendered more harm than good. The toner of the Bill appears like it will address all issues and bring about a hitherto absent accountability and a legal framework to rejuvenate the entire administrative apparatus like mandating inclusion of athletes in every decision-making committee; National Sports Federation (NSF) to put in place an independent Ethics and Grievance Redressal Board; establishing an independent National Sports Board, a National Sports Tribunal and a National Sports Election Panel. So far, so good! Alas the pitfall is that the government appears to be obsessed with the Olympics and focussing on the disciplines that figure in the global extravaganza. One should not forget that many such earlier attempts have ended up as non-starters, futile exercises or have boomeranged on the authorities. Ace paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal, who has welcomed the Bill, was bang on. 'I think this athlete-centric bill has been much-awaited, not just by the players but also by all stakeholders involved in Indian sport. There are a lot of pending cases that are affecting the growth of a sports person and, thereby, the growth of Indian sports.' The biggest problem that the government faces is in bringing the prized money-spinner, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under its ambit. It would be a herculean task to beard the world's richest cricketing body or force its authorities to follow any foolhardy diktat. Hoping to bring cricket under its control just because the sport is to debut as an Olympic event at Los Angeles in 2028 is nothing but Utopian daydreaming. Football has been an Olympic sport for ages but basketball, for all its much-hyped inclusion in Olympics, does not really attract the participation of the contemporary crème da la crème. Making cricket an Olympic sport is one thing and bringing the BCCI under the government ambit is quite another for the simple reason that the Board does not take any government funding. Moreover, trying to boss over the BCCI may result in a backlash by the players and millions of fans, nay voters.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Now, India says in UNSC Gaza ceasefire must be put in place
NEW DELHI: A ceasefire must be put in place in Gaza and all hostages released, said India participating in an open debate in the UNSC on the Middle East situation, including the Palestinian question. Indian ambassador P Harish reiterated that the pathway to enduring peace is rooted in a two-State solution - one that establishes a sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine within recognised and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace. "The way ahead is clear, and India has been consistent in this regard. The ongoing human suffering must not be allowed to continue. Humanitarian assistance needs to be facilitated in a safe, sustained and timely manner. There is no substitute to peace. A ceasefire must be put in place. All hostages must be released," said Harish, adding that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable paths to achieving these objectives and that there are no other fixes or solutions. India had earlier this year abstained from voting on a UNGA resolution for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, even though it had underlined the significance of truce in its remarks. "India shares historic and strong ties with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. We have always stood by them and our commitment towards the Palestinian cause is unwavering," said Harish.
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Trump Cozying Up To Pakistan – Will It Push India Closer To China?
New Delhi: A meeting in Washington last month between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir sparked concern in New Delhi. Just days earlier, a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, had killed 26 innocent civilians. India blamed Pakistan after a group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba claimed responsibility. Foreign policy watchers are now weighing a critical question: could this renewed U.S.-Pakistan engagement unsettle India's fragile equation with China? For years, Beijing has served as the strategic common threat binding India and the United States. Both nations view China as a geopolitical rival and have steadily expanded cooperation to counter its influence. But Trump's warm overtures toward China-backed Pakistan are forcing India to rethink its calculus. Diplomatic experts say India is unlikely to pivot dramatically toward China based solely on the Trump-Munir meeting. Moves to de-escalate tensions with Beijing had already been set in motion months earlier. Still, the symbolism of the meeting and its implications for India's long-term strategy are difficult to ignore. Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington D.C., said the meeting must be viewed in light of recent India-Pakistan military flare-ups during Operation Sindoor. 'It is not that India is suddenly leaning toward China because of Trump's outreach to Pakistan. But the context matters, especially given that Pakistan used Chinese weapons against India for the first time during that conflict,' he explained. He added that uncertainty around U.S.-India ties under Trump remains a major concern in New Delhi. 'There is no clear indication of how Trump plans to deal with China. At times, he talks tough, at others, he calls for cooperation. India is wary of assuming that the United States will always align with its strategic interests on China.' That ambiguity, Kugelman said, is one reason India has begun hedging its bets by stabilising ties with Beijing. A Subtle Thaw Between India and China Since October 2024, signs of a diplomatic thaw have emerged. Border troops from both sides have started withdrawing from several flashpoints along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC). Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping during the SCO foreign ministers' summit, marking his first visit to Beijing in six years. Direct commercial flights between India and China are set to resume. The long-suspended Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has reopened for Indian pilgrims. In a move with economic implications, the government think tank NITI Aayog has proposed allowing up to 24% Chinese equity in Indian companies without special clearance. Foreign policy commentator Indrani Bagchi believes India is proceeding cautiously. 'The government is trying to introduce a degree of stability into its relationship with China. We may see some Chinese investment flowing in, but it's unlikely to go much beyond that,' she said. She also warned against overreacting to Trump's overtures to Pakistan. 'This is not the first time Washington has leaned toward Islamabad. Whenever it does, the trust factor in U.S.-India ties takes a hit. If the United States resumes military aid to Pakistan, it will definitely raise red flags in New Delhi,' she added. At the same time, she noted, India has been attempting to diversify its defense partnerships, gradually reducing dependence on Russia and increasing procurement from the United States. 'If America is using Pakistan as a bridge to reach China, India will be forced to reassess,' she added. What Is Beijing's Game? Some former diplomats argue that if India extends a hand, China will likely respond with caution but openness. Achal Malhotra, a former ambassador, said New Delhi's foreign policy is guided by realism, not alignment. 'Our relations with China stand on their own merit. We are prudent but sovereign in our choices. The United States knows this. Trump's meeting with Munir likely reflects Pakistan's geographic utility in Afghanistan and Central Asia. Unless that directly threatens India, it is not an alarming development,' he said. Strategic analyst Zakir Hussain suggested it is U.S. inconsistency that might be nudging India toward China. 'The way Washington handles its ties with India is part of the reason New Delhi may explore a less confrontational path with Beijing. Economically, some of India's moves may lower tensions. But let us be clear that China will never abandon Pakistan for India,' he said.
