Never trust Pakistan, says former Army chief General NC Vij
54:22
As a political war erupts between the Opposition and the Modi government over Operation Sindoor, we raise these questions on the show: Is Operation Sindoor now Operation Vote bank? Is Modi government playing image-building politics over Operation Sindoor?
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Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Humbly accept it as prasad': PM Modi honoured as 'Dharma Chakravarti' on Jain saint Vidyanand's centenary
PM Modi honoured as 'Dharma Chakravarti' on Jain saint Vidyanand's centenary NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday honoured with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti' on centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual leader Vidyanand at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The title, symbolising a righteous ruler and upholder of dharma, was conferred on PM Modi. Speaking on receiving the award, PM Modi said, "On this occasion, you honoured me with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti'. I do not consider myself suitable for this. But it is our culture that whatever we receive from saints, we accept it as 'prasad'. So, I humbly accept this 'prasad' and dedicate it to Maa Bharati'." The centenary celebrations mark the beginning of a year-long national tribute to the revered saint and scholar, organised jointly by the Union ministry of culture and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, 'Today, we are all witnessing a significant occasion in India's spiritual tradition. This centenary celebration of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj, filled with the devotion of his countless followers, has created an extraordinary atmosphere that is truly inspiring for all of us.' According to ANI, the event was also attended by Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Pragyasagar Muniraj, alongside other dignitaries, parliamentarians, and Jain acharyas. "This day is also special because on 28th June 1987, Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received the title of 'Acharya'. It wasn't just an honour but it was also a 'pavitra dhaara' connecting the Jain culture to ideas, restraint and compassion. When we are celebrating his 100th birth anniversary today, it reminds us of that historic moment", PM Modi said. PM Modi also visited a specially curated exhibition titled 'Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj', which showcased murals, paintings, and rare archival material chronicling the saint's contributions. PM Modi hailed the renowned Jain saint as 'Yug Purush' and 'Yug Drashta'. He said, 'I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience his spiritual aura in person. He gave me his guidance from time to time. I always had his blessings. Today, from this stage of his centenary celebrations, I can feel his love and closeness." Born in 1925 in Shedbal, Belagavi (Karnataka), Vidyanand became one of the most respected Jain monks of modern India. According to news agency PTI, he memorised over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses and authored more than 50 influential works, including Jain Darshan, Anekantvad, and Mokshmarg Darshan. He lived a life of extreme austerity, walked barefoot across the country, and promoted spiritual egalitarianism and inter-sect harmony. His historical contributions include designing the official Jain Flag and Emblem during the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir in 1975. The five-colour flag and the Ahimsa hand symbol are now universally accepted across Jain traditions. He was also pivotal in identifying Basokund in Bihar as Bhagwan Mahavir's birthplace — a finding recognised by the Indian government in 1956. The centenary year will be observed until April 22, 2026, through nationwide cultural, literary, educational, and spiritual programmes. As per the Culture Ministry, it will include temple outreach, interfaith dialogues, youth engagement, and Jain heritage awareness initiatives. A commemorative stamp and coin were released, alongside a biographical volume detailing saint's life.
India.com
32 minutes ago
- India.com
US has more than 750 military bases in 80 countries, but not a single in India due to....
US has more than 750 military bases in 80 countries, but not a single in India due to.... The US has more than 750 military bases in 80 countries around the world not have a single military base in India. Despite having more than 100 bases in Germany, 120 in Japan and 73 in South Korea, the Pentagon has not built a single base in India. Do you know why? What is the reason behind this decision? From Nehru to Modi, all Indian governments have said the same thing: there will be no foreign troops on Indian soil. No matter what agreements or pressures are put in place. According to a report by India Today, India's policy is built with memories of the colonial era and the future in mind. India understands that US military bases are often used not for defense, but for political gain. Why doesn't US have a military base in India? There are many reasons why US does not have a military base in India. The first reason is India's history. India was once a slave of the British. That is why India does not want any other country to rule over it. The second reason is India's strategy. India can protect itself. It has one of the largest armies in the world. It also has nuclear weapons. India does not want to be at enmity with US' enemies India has seen US intervention. In 1953, the CIA engineered a coup in Iran. There were regime changes in Guatemala, Chile and Iraq too. India knows that military bases are often used for political maneuvers. They are not just for defence. Recently, Iran launched a missile attack on Qatar's Al Udeid base. Qatar had nothing to do with the US-Iran conflict. But it was attacked because there was an American base there. India does not want to be pitted against America's enemies. India can protect itself. It has a large army, nuclear weapons, navy and the power to wage cyber war. Therefore, India does not need the protection of any other country. India maintains relations with other countries according to its own will. It does not come under anyone's pressure. India has some military bases in Tajikistan, Mauritius and Bhutan. But these bases are there with the consent of those countries. India does not rule over them. India wants to work together with other countries. It does not want to make anyone its slave. India conducts military exercises with America. US cannot keep its troops in India India has also signed agreements like LEMOA with the US. But it is clear in these agreements that the US cannot keep its troops in India. Indian officials always say that logistical access does not mean base access. That is, India can let the US use its military bases, but the US cannot build its bases there. This policy of India keeps it diplomatically independent. It can maintain relations with Russia, the US, China and other countries simultaneously. It does not need to support any one country.
Hindustan Times
39 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Parag Jain, 1989 batch IPS officer, appointed R&AW secretary
Jun 28, 2025 01:08 PM IST The Narendra Modi government on Saturday appointed Parag Jain, a 1989 batch IPS officer of Punjab cadre, as the next Secretary (Research and Analysis Wing) for a term of two years. He succeeds Ravi Sinha who completes his rather lackadaisical tenure on June 30. Parag Jain, a 1989 batch Punjab cadre IPS officer, takes over from Ravi Sinha on Monday. Parag Jain was currently heading the Aviation Research Centre, which played a vital role during Operation Sindoor, by collecting intelligence about Pakistani armed forces. Jain has served as SSP Chandigarh in the past and has served in Canada and in Sri Lanka as Indian representative. Parag Jain has been posted in Jammu and Kashmir and has played an important role in counter-terrorism strategy of the Centre in the strife torn UT. He takes over from Sinha on Monday.
