NEW DELHI: India’s air superiority during its “88-hour Operation Sindoor coerced Pakistan into a ceasefire” during the May 7-10, 2025 conflict, according to a detailed European military analysis.The report, titled ‘Operation Sindoor: The India-Pakistan Air War (7–10 May 2025)’, has been authored by Adrien Fontanellaz and was published last week by the Centre d’Histoire et de Prospective Militaires (CHPM), an independent Swiss military history and strategic studies institution based in Switzerland. Founded in 1969, CHPM is not affiliated with any govt and positions itself as a neutral forum for professional military research.Referring to last year’s Indo-Pak conflict, the report said, “This (May 2025) clash between the Pakistan and Indian air forces initially saw the former achieve a clear tactical victory by shooting down several enemy fighters, then largely fail in its conduct of strikes over Indian territory, as those were countered by an integrated air defence system whose effectiveness was one of the surprises of the conflict. Conversely, the Indian Air Force managed to significantly degrade the enemy’s air defence system, then concluded the conflict by carrying out a series of spectacular strikes against Pakistan’s principal Air Force stations. Thus, by achieving clear air superiority, India coerced Islamabad into requesting a ceasefire.”Though the Indian govt never admitted losing any fighter aircraft, including Rafale, in the conflict, the report said, “The loss of at least one Indian Rafale fighter jet on the night of 7 May 2025, can be seen as the tip of the iceberg as this event, above all, made a strong impression in the West and attracted significant media attention. However, this sequence saw a large-scale confrontation between two competent air forces, equipped with small fleets of state-of-the-art aircraft designs, such as the J10C and the Rafale, supported by substantial fleets of fourth-generation combat aircraft as well as sophisticated integrated air defence networks and force multipliers.”On the escalation of war, the report stated, “On the strategic plane, Operation Sindoor has led to conventional military clashes of considerable magnitude between two de facto nuclear-weapon states with differing doctrines regarding the use of nuclear weapons, which made the situation very tricky to handle, with a high risk of escalation and potentially catastrophic consequences.”“This episode provides valuable lessons on the tactical and operational plans, particularly because it illustrates the strong interpenetration between the military and communication lines of operation, as well as a paradigm that has been consistently confirmed over the years, namely the crucial role of long-range strikes,” the report further added.

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday addressed the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, highlighting the pillars of India’s democracy, the legacy of national icons, and the collective efforts of citizens in building a stronger nation. She spoke about the Constitution’s ideals, the cultural and patriotic significance of Vande Mataram, and the inspiration of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.The president further talked about the achievements of women, the contributions of farmers, tribal communities, workers, and youth, as well as India’s economic growth and reforms. Here are the key quotes from her address:

On Constitution

“The ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in our Constitution define our republic. The framers of the Constitution have provided a strong foundation for the spirit of nationalism and the unity of the country through constitutional provisions.”

On Vande Mataram

“The great nationalist poet Subramanya Bharati composed the song “Vande Mataram Yenbom”, in the Tamil language, meaning “Let us chant Vande Mataram”, and connected the masses on an even larger scale with the spirit of Vande Mataram. Translations of this song in other Indian languages also became popular. Sri Aurobindo translated this song into English. Vande Mataram, composed by the venerable Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, is our lyrical national prayer.“

On Netaji

“Two days ago, on 23rd January, the nation paid its respectful tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. Since 2021, Netaji’s Jayanti has been celebrated as ‘Parakram Diwas’ so that the people, especially the youth, can draw inspiration from his indomitable patriotism. Netaji’s slogan ‘Jai Hind’ is the declaration of our national pride…”

On women

“Our women are breaking traditional stereotypes and forging ahead. They are actively contributing to the overall development of the country. More than ten crore women associated with self-help groups are redefining the process of development. Women are making their mark in every field, from agriculture to space, from self-employment to the armed forces. In the field of sports, our daughters have set new benchmarks globally. Last year in November, the daughters of India scripted a golden chapter in sporting history by winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and subsequently the Blind Women’s T20 World Cup. Last year, the final match of the Chess World Cup was played between two Indian women. These examples are a testament to the dominance of India’s daughters in the world of sports. The people of the country are proud of them.”

Collective contribution

“The brave soldiers of our three armed forces are always vigilant to protect the motherland. Our dedicated policemen and Central Armed Police Forces personnel are always ready to ensure the internal security of our countrymen. Our farmers, the food providers, produce nutritious food for our countrymen. Our hardworking and talented women are setting new standards in many fields. Our dedicated doctors, nurses, and all health workers care for the health of our countrymen. Our dedicated sanitation workers play a key role in keeping the country clean. Our enlightened teachers shape future generations. Our world-class scientists and engineers give new directions to the country’s development. Our hardworking brothers and sisters rebuild the nation. Our promising youth and children, with their talent and contributions, strengthen our faith in the country’s bright future… Thus, all conscious and sensitive citizens are advancing the progress of our republic.”

Tribal Empowerment

“Under the ‘National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission’, more than 6 crore screenings have been conducted so far. Nearly one lakh forty thousand students are receiving education in Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and many students have performed exceptionally well in competitive examinations. Such campaigns in health and education are working to bring harmony between the traditions and modern development among the tribal communities. The ‘Dharti Aaba Janajatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ and the ‘PM-JANMAN Yojana’ have empowered all tribal communities, including PVTG communities.”

Farmers

“Our Annadata farmers are the backbone of our society and economy. Generations of hardworking farmers have made our country self-reliant in food grains. It is due to the hard work of our farmers that we are able to export agricultural products. Many farmers have presented highly impressive examples of success. Priority is being given to ensuring that our farmers receive fair prices for their produce, access to loans at lower interest rates, effective insurance coverage, good quality seeds, irrigation facilities, fertilizers for increased production, access to modern agricultural practices, and encouragement for organic farming. The ‘PM Kisan Samman Nidhi” is honouring the contribution of our farmers and strengthening their efforts.”

Economic Growth and Reform

“India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Despite global uncertainties, India is recording continuous economic growth. We are moving towards achieving our goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy in the near future. By investing in the creation of world-class infrastructure, we are rebuilding our economic strength at a much larger scale. In this journey of shaping our economic destiny, Atma-nirbharata and Swadeshi are our guiding principles. The most important decision for the economic integration of the country after Independence, the implementation of GST, has established the system of ‘One Nation, One Market. The recent decisions to make the GST system even more effective will further strengthen our economy. Four Labour Codes have been issued in the field of labour reforms. These will benefit our workers and will also accelerate the development of enterprises.”

National voters’ day

“Today, January 25th, is celebrated as National Voters’ Day in our country. Our adult citizens enthusiastically cast their votes to elect their representatives. Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar believed that exercising the right to vote ensures political education. Our voters, in line with Babasaheb’s vision, are demonstrating their political awareness… The increasing participation of women in voting is a powerful dimension of our republic. Women being active and empowered is extremely important for the country’s development. National efforts being made for their health, education, safety, and economic empowerment have increased women’s participation in many sectors.”

Digital India

“Beneficiaries are being directly connected to facilities through technology. ‘Ease of Living’ is being emphasised with the goal of improving everyday life. Efforts have been made to achieve national goals through public participation over the past decade. Important national campaigns have been transformed into mass movements. Local institutions in every village and city have been made instruments of ushering in progressive change. Building Viksit Bharat is the shared responsibility of all citizens. Society has immense power. Revolutionary changes occur when the efforts made by the government receive active support from society. For example, our people have adopted the digital payment system on a massive scale. Today, more than half of the world’s digital transactions take place in India. From buying goods at the smallest shop to paying for an auto-rickshaw ride, the use of digital payments has become an impressive example for the global community. I hope that all citizens will actively participate in achieving other national goals in a similar manner.”

Shakeel Ahmad (ANI image)

NEW DELHI: Former Congress leader and ex-Union minister Shakeel Ahmad on Sunday said that the outcome of 2022 Congress presidential election was effectively decided by the backing of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.Ahmad claimed that when Shashi Tharoor contested for the party president’s post, he wanted to vote for him, but it became clear that Mallikarjun Kharge would win once the Gandhi family openly supported his candidature.Speaking to PTI, Ahmad said the visible support of the Gandhi family made it clear who would eventually win the party’s top post. “When Shashi Tharoor contested for party president, I wanted to vote for him. But when I saw that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others were backing Mallikarjun Kharge, it was clear that whoever the family supports will win,” he said.Ahmad’s remarks relate to the Congress presidential election held in October 2022, in which Mallikarjun Kharge emerged as the winner and defeated Shashi Tharoor by a wide margin. Kharge secured 7,897 votes against Tharoor’s 1,072, with around 9,500 party delegates participating in the internal poll.Ahmad also criticised the internal power dynamics within the party, claiming that while Mallikarjun Kharge held the president’s post on paper, real authority rested with Rahul Gandhi. “Kharge ji is the president on paper, but practically, Rahul Gandhi is the president. Rahul Gandhi is not becoming the president from the front because Congress loses more, wins less, unfortunately. There was a time when we used to live in victory. So there are losses. So, to avoid infamy due to defeat, he stepped aside from the president’s role,” ex-party leader told PTI.The former Congress leader also renewed his sharp attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, describing him as an “insecure” political figure and accusing him of undermining internal democracy within the party.“Rahul Gandhi is an insecure political leader, I have not seen such insecurity in my life. He dislikes both kinds of leaders: those who have grassroots influence and those who are charismatic and attract people,” Ahmad said.The former Congress leader also commented on the influence of Rahul Gandhi’s sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in the party and her standing with the public. “I don’t have much contact with Priyanka Gandhi ji. There is no doubt that Priyanka Gandhi ji’s connection with the public is far ahead of Rahul Gandhi ji. She speaks very articulately. Wherever she gives a speech, she connects with people there. This is her quality,” Ahmad said.“Whenever we talked to Sonia ji, she took the name of Rahul. But it’s their family decision. As long as all three of them are together, there is no disagreement in Congress; whoever they put forward will remain,” he added. Ahmad, who resigned from the Congress in November last year, alleged that decision-making in the party was concentrated around Rahul Gandhi and that senior leaders were being sidelined. He has previously accused Rahul of being uncomfortable working with leaders who have independent influence or long political experience and of promoting younger leaders who align closely with him.The controversy has drawn a sharp response from the BJP, which seized on Ahmad’s remarks to target the Congress leadership. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said Ahmad’s statements had “exposed” Rahul Gandhi’s leadership style.“Shakeel Ahmed, who was also a minister, made many revelations. He explained how Rahul Gandhi is an insecure leader. How Rahul Gandhi wants a strong Congress but doesn’t want strong Congressmen, and how the Congress party, while proclaiming to the whole world that it is democratic and adheres to the constitution, neither follows the constitution nor practices democracy within the party,” Poonawalla said.He further claimed that Ahmad’s comments reflected a broader sentiment within the Congress. “One thing is clear: Rahul Gandhi plays the biggest role in destroying the Congress, and this is not just Shakeel Ahmed’s opinion but the sentiment echoed by every Congress leader,” the BJP spokesperson added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File photo/PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended greetings to citizens on National Voters’ Day and urged people to honour the spirit of democracy by consistently participating in the electoral process, calling it essential for strengthening the resolve towards a Viksit Bharat.National Voters’ Day is observed annually on January 25 to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI), established in 1950. The day aims to recognise voters, encourage youth participation, reinforce democratic values, and promote universal adult suffrage.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said National Voters’ Day is about “further deepening our faith in the democratic values of our nation”.“My compliments to all those associated with the Election Commission of India for their efforts to strengthen our democratic processes,” he said.“Being a voter is not just a constitutional privilege, but an important duty that gives every citizen a voice in shaping India’s future. Let us honour the spirit of our democracy by always taking part in democratic processes, thereby strengthening the foundations of a Viksit Bharat,” Modi added.“To be a voter is the greatest privilege and responsibility in a democracy,” the Prime Minister said, adding that voting is a “sacred constitutional right and a mark of participation in Bharat’s future.” He described voters as the “Bhagya Vidhata of our development journey” and said the indelible ink on a voter’s finger is a “badge of honour that ensures our democracy remains vibrant and purposeful.”Union home minister Amit Shah also conveyed his wishes on the occasion through a social media post.“This day reminds us that our constitution has given every voter equal power, and the right vote can show our nation the right direction. It is our moral responsibility to safeguard our voting system and ensure that no external factor can pollute it,” Shah said.“May on this day we recommit ourselves to the pledge to align the power of our votes to build a developed and powerful India,” he added.Union minister of health and family welfare JP Nadda extended greetings to citizens, saying, “This day reminds us of the strength of our democracy and the power of every single vote. Voting is not only a democratic right but also a fundamental duty of every citizen.”“National Voters’ Day encourages greater awareness about the importance of voting and celebrates universal adult franchise, which strengthens the foundation of an inclusive and participatory democratic system,” Nadda said in a post on X.Union defence minister Rajnath Singh also marked the occasion, stating, “On National Voters Day, we reflect on the strength of India’s democracy, rooted in free, fair and inclusive elections. I commend the Election Commission of India for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the electoral process.”“Let us inspire wider participation, especially among the youth, and uphold the power of the vote with responsibility and pride,” he added.Meanwhile, the theme for National Voters’ Day 2026 is ‘My India, My Vote’, with the tagline ‘Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy’.The Election Commission of India is the constitutional authority responsible for the supervision, direction and conduct of elections in the country. It has conducted 18 general elections and more than 400 State Legislative Assembly elections so far.The Commission also oversees elections to the Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Councils, the Union Territories of Puducherry and the National Capital Territory of Delhi, as well as elections to the offices of the President and Vice President of India.

NEW DELHI: Preeti Unhale, 51, completed 25 years with a donor heart on Jan 23, 2026, becoming India’s longest-living heart transplant survivor – a landmark considering that heart transplants were rare, donor awareness was limited and long-term survival remained uncertain when she underwent the procedure.Originally from MP, Unhale came to AIIMS in 2000 after exhausting treatment options at home and in Mumbai. She was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy – a condition in which the heart muscle becomes weak and enlarged, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively and leading to heart failure. She was told a heart transplant was her only chance. At AIIMS, she met cardiothoracic surgeon Dr P Venugopal and cardiologist Dr K K Talwar. “For the first time, I heard the words, ‘You will be fine’,” she recalled. She stayed in Delhi for treatment – and has since lived here.

Dr Talwar told TOI that Unhale had arrived in an extremely critical condition. “She had married barely two and a half years earlier and came to us with hope after being refused everywhere else,” he said. With little clinical guidance available at the time, doctors evaluated her extensively before a donor heart became available.

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“For end-stage heart failure, transplantation is the definitive answer. Survival is around 85% at five years. She has completed 25,” he said. The transplant, performed in Jan 2001 by using the heart of a brain-dead teenage donor, happened at a time when outcomes were uncertain. “There was no guidance then. Success rates were low, and there were hardly any survivors to talk to. People discouraged us, saying transplants don’t last long. But there was no other option,” Unhale said. “If you want life – and a good quality of life – you take that risk.” Her husband, an Indian Forest Service officer, sought a transfer to Delhi so that the family could stay close to AIIMS. “Family support was critical,” she said. Life after transplant meant lifelong discipline. Unhale takes daily immunosuppressants and has faced multiple rejection episodes, including a major one in 2006-07 when she had to be rushed to AIIMS late at night. Over the years, she developed kidney problems, steroid-related bone damage, vascular necrosis and facial paralysis – each managed with sustained medical care. “This survival isn’t mine alone,” she said. “It belongs to doctors, nurses, technicians and even sanitation staff. It takes a system to save one life,” she said. Preeti Unhale has counselled heart transplant patients across India, helping bridge the information gap she once faced. Her message is unequivocal: “If doctors advise a transplant, there is no other option. Donors are rare – if you get one, say yes immediately. Live fully, but with discipline. We have been given a second chance.”

Rajeev Shukla; Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader and former journalist Rajeev Shukla on Saturday recalled interviewing Narendra Modi during the prime minister’s days in the BJP organisation, noting that even then, he had brought a computer with him.Shukla said he first met Modi, who was then the BJP’s general secretary, at the residence of the late party leader Arun Jaitley and had interviewed the future Gujarat chief minister for the “Rubru” programme.“The programme was quite popular and Modi ji had come for it. It was possibly his first TV exposure. We used to meet at Jaitley ji’s residence…I saw during the interview that he had brought a small computer with him,” Shukla told ANI in an interview.He noted that Modi was a “big personality” even at that time.When asked if he had any idea that his guest would go on to become chief minister and later prime minister, the current BCCI vice president replied he did not.“I did not feel that way. In the interview, he (Narendra Modi) said he did not want to enter electoral politics and preferred organisational work. Modi ji was a man of the organisation, focused on expanding it and winning polls in different states,” Shukla stated.He added that Modi had to go to Gujarat, despite expressing his “reluctance” toward electoral politics during the interview, because of the “situation that was created.”“From there, his path opened, and he is sitting here today,” the Rajya Sabha MP remarked.Narendra Modi served as the BJP’s national secretary from 1995, overseeing the party’s activities in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.In September 2001, he received a call from then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a BJP co-founder, and replaced Keshubhai Patel as Gujarat chief minister in October. He held the post until May 2014, when he was elected prime minister, a position he continues to hold.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday distributed over 61,000 appointment letters to newly recruited youth at the 18th Rozgar Mela, held in New Delhi.Addressing the programme virtually, the Prime Minister said the appointment letters were an “invitation to nation building” and reminded the youth of their duty towards the Constitution.“The commencement of the new year has brought happiness in your lives. With that, when Basant Panchami was celebrated yesterday itself, in your life too a new ‘vasant’ has started. Your duty has been connected to the Constitution. At this time the Republic is being celebrated too. Yesterday, on January 23, we celebrated Parakram Diwas, on the birth anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose, and tomorrow, on January 25, is National Voters Day,” PM Modi said.The programme was attended by Union minister Jitendra Singh, with multiple Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, CRPF, and defence officials also present at the rozgar mela.“It was today when the Constitution recognised Jana Gana Man as the national anthem and Vande Mataram as the national song. Today, on this auspicious day, more than 61 thousand young people are getting appointment letters. In one way it is a letter of invitation for nation building. This is a ‘sankalp patra’ to accelerate India to new heights. You all, along with your colleagues, will make our country’s defence better and also strengthen our healthcare and education system, while others will strengthen energy security,” PM Modi said. “I want to congratulate all the young people here. Friends, joining the youth with skills and giving them opportunities for employment has been our government’s aim. In an effort to put government jobs in “mission mode”, the Rozgar Mela was started. In the past few years, Rozgar Mela has become an institution through which lakhs of youth have gotten appointment letters across various government departments. Utilising this mission itself, there are more than 40 places across different states where Rozgar Mela is being held. I welcome the youth present today,” he stressed. “Today, India is one of the youngest countries in the world. Our government is continuously working to ensure that more opportunities are made for India’s youth power. On that, India is making trade and mobility agreements with multiple countries,” PM Modi highlighted. India currently has multiple trade agreements across the world, including with European and North American countries. The India-US free trade agreement (FTA) is also under discussion, while an FTA was finalised with New Zealand in December 2025. Apart from these countries, the India-UK and India-EU FTAs are also under discussion with their respective partners. “These trade agreements bring in new opportunities for the youth of India. In the last few years, a lot of resources have been put into making world-class infrastructure. In this, a lot of jobs have increased in any sector connected to construction. India’s startup ecosystem is also progressing forward at a great speed,” the Prime Minister declared. Highlighting the growth of startups in India, PM Modi highlighted how more than 21 lakh youth are employed across the startup ecosystem, with Digital India propping up a new kind of economy.He said, “Today there are around 2 lakh registered startups, in which more than 21 lakh youth are working. Like that, Digital India has propped up a new economy. India is becoming a global hub in sectors like animation and digital media. India’s creator economy is also growing at a fast pace, which is giving the youth new opportunities.”

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Governor R N Ravi in the state assembly, accusing him of undermining constitutional conventions and insulting the office he holds by refusing to read the customary address at the start of the session.“By not reading speech prepared by this government elected by crores of people, governor is disgracing the position he holds,” Stalin said in the assembly. Referring to repeated confrontations, he added, “governors in the past were not like R N Ravi and I am constrained to criticise him.”Rejecting allegations surrounding patriotism and protocol, the chief minister said, “We are not inferior to anyone in patriotism, and no one needs to teach us,” stressing that respect for the national anthem was deeply ingrained in the State’s political culture.

In his address, Stalin said the Governor’s conduct caused him distress, “However, the Governor is acting against the government. He repeatedly cites the same reason and walks out of the Assembly. I am someone who has deep respect for the nation and the national anthem,” he said. He also pointed out that assembly tradition in Tamil Nadu involved singing the Tamil Thai Vazhthu at the beginning of proceedings and the national anthem at the end.Highlighting his government’s record, Stalin said, “Because of the achievements of the Dravidian model government, Tamil Nadu has held its head high. Tamil Nadu has developed more than other states. The reason for this is our schemes.” He added, “As far as this government is concerned, once an achievement is made, an even greater one follows. Creating achievement upon achievement is the hallmark of the Dravidian model government.”The chief minister also dismissed opposition claims on law and order. “Incidents of crime are less in state during DMK regime when compared to AIADMK rule,” he said, adding, “Facing crises is not new to me and I have overcome many challenges.”Taking jibe at opposition Stalin said, “I was worried when DMK formed government because previous AIADMK government had left the state in bad shape and union govt is not in good terms with us, but now I am happy seeing state’s growth,” The remarks come days after governor Ravi walked out of the assembly before delivering his inaugural address, alleging disrespect to the National Anthem and claiming his microphone was switched off. Speaker M Appavu had urged the governor to adhere to established legislative conventions.Raj Bhavan later defended the walkout, stating that the government-approved speech omitted references to issues such as atrocities against Dalits and sexual violence against Dalit women. Opposition AIADMK legislators also staged a walkout, citing concerns over law and order.Following which, Stalin said the DMK would consult like-minded opposition parties to pursue a constitutional amendment to abolish the practice of the Governor’s address at the start of the first Assembly session. In a post on X, he said, “First Tamil Nadu. Then Kerala. Now Karnataka. The pattern is clear and deliberate. Governors refusing to read the speech prepared by state governments and behaving like party agents, undermining duly elected state governments.”He added, “As I stated earlier, the only solution now is to end the practice of commencing the first annual Assembly session with the Governor’s address. DMK will consult like-minded opposition parties across India and pursue a constitutional amendment in the very next parliamentary session to abolish this obsolete and irrelevant practice.”

PM attacks Stalin

PM Modi on Friday launched NDA’s campaign for the upcoming polls in the state saying, “countdown has begun” for the end of the DMK govt in TN and the time has come for a “double-engine” NDA govt.“Tamil Nadu is ready for change. It wants freedom from DMK rule. Tamil Nadu wants a BJP-led NDA govt,” PM Modi said at a rally at Mathuranthakam, near Chennai.Touching upon the lamp-lighting issue in Thiruparankundram,PM accused DMK of being hostile to Tamil culture. “DMK and its allies did not spare even the court in a bid to appease their vote bank,” he said. Modi said the current dispensation was a “CMC (corruption, mafia, crime) govt”. Sharing the stage with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, TMC president G K Vasan and other NDA allies, PM Modi said they had come together with a common resolve. “All of them are united to free Tamil Nadu from DMK’s rule and transform it into a developed, secure and corruption-free state,” he said.