NEW DELHI: India’s plan to acquire another five squadrons of the S-400 Triumf air defence systems as well as a large number of its surface-to-air missiles for already inducted systems, which performed exceedingly well during Operation Sindoor, are likely to figure in discussions during the Modi-Putin summit here on Dec 5.However, India is yet to take a call on acquiring two-three squadrons of the Russian fifth-generation Sukhoi-57 fighter, which Moscow is aggressively hawking vis-a-vis the American F-35 Lightning-II jets, top sources told TOI on Tuesday.

“There is a case for IAF to induct two-three squadrons of fifth-generation fighters as a stopgap measure till the indigenous stealth AMCA (advanced medium combat aircraft) becomes ready for induction by 2035 or so. But no decision has been made on the Sukhoi-57, F-35 or any other choice,” a source said.Meanwhile, the PM-led cabinet committee on security (CCS) is set to approve the Rs 63,000 crore upgrade of the first lot of 84 Sukhoi-30MKI fighters – IAF has 259 such Russian-origin jets – with advanced radars, avionics, longer-range weapons and multi-sensor fusion to ensure they are capable of air combat for another 30 years. “While the upgrade will be carried out indigenously, Russia will have some role in it,” another source said.India has been trying to strike a balance between its long-standing arms supplier Russia and the increasingly transactional US under the Trump administration that wants to punish countries for buying Russian oil and arms.Several defence deals are in the pipeline with the US, which has already bagged Indian contracts worth $26 billion over the last 15 years. After the over $1 billion (Rs 8,900 crore) deal with US major General Electric for another 113 GE-F404 engines to power Tejas Mark-1A fighters was inked earlier this month, CCS on Wednesday cleared a Rs 7,000 crore “follow-on support package” for the 24 American MH-60R Seahawk helicopters being inducted by Navy for Rs 15,157 crore.On the Russian front, Moscow has assured New Delhi it will deliver by Nov 2026 the remaining two of the original five S-400 squadrons, ordered for $5.4 billion (Rs 40,000 crore) in 2018, after a long delay due to the Ukraine war.IAF is keeping its fingers crossed. Defence ministry has also approved the Rs 10,000 crore procurement of a large number of S-400 missiles – with interception ranges of 120, 200, 250 and 380km – to replenish stocks used during the hostilities with Pakistan as well as build reserves, as was earlier reported by TOI.“While IAF has asked for five more S-400 squadrons, defence ministry has already approved a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for the systems. Russia will set up an MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility in India for them,” the source said.Describing S-400 as a “gamechanger” during Op Sindoor, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh recently said it had shot down “at least five high-tech Pakistani fighters in the F-16 and JF-17-class” in the “longest kill ever achieved” at a distance of 314km.

NEW DELHI: Amid reports of leadership reshuffle, Karnataka minister Satish Jarkiholi on Wednesday said chief minister Siddaramaiah has asked the Congress high command to take an early call on the question of leadership change in the state.Jarkiholi, who handles the public works portfolio, told reporters that he plans to seek an appointment with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to discuss the matter. He said the issue of succession must be settled by the party’s national leadership and revealed that Siddaramaiah too prefers a swift decision.According to Jarkiholi, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar has openly expressed his desire to take over as chief minister since the beginning of the government’s term, though the party chose Siddaramaiah for the top job. He said the final call rests with the high command but added that the chief minister’s remarks make the situation more urgent.“When CM says it, then seniors in the party should take note of it,” he stated. However, he maintained that no internal discussions have taken place among MLAs on a possible leadership shift. “There is no discussion about leadership change in the party. Once it comes up then we will discuss but there is no discussion about it in the party right now,” Jarkiholi said.He also confirmed that he plans to meet Kharge soon to share his views. On speculation around Shivakumar’s active outreach, he remarked that the deputy chief minister has met several people both formally and informally, and added that he too had met him.Responding to home minister G Parameshwara’s claim that he should also be considered for chief ministership, Jarkiholi said Parameshwara had served as Pradesh Congress Committee chief for five years. “I had said in Belagavi that there is nothing wrong in making such claims. So he too is senior but who will decide finally? It happens in Delhi. All that we can do is just make a claim”.Jarkiholi also indicated that Siddaramaiah’s role would remain important even after any future transition. “We (Congress) will require CM Siddaramaiah’s leadership, his service and guidance even after his retirement from the active politics”.The leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar has intensified in recent months, with party sources claiming Shivakumar has been pushing to be named the next chief minister. According to insiders, he also held a one hour meeting with Jarkiholi at a private hotel.(With inputs form PTI)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, on the occasion of the Constitution Day, urged citizens to uphold their constitutional duties, saying these form the bedrock of a strong democracy.In a letter to citizens on Constitution Day, PM Modi underlined the responsibility of strengthening democracy by exercising the right to vote, and suggested that schools and colleges mark the day by honouring first-time voters who have turned 18.He recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that rights naturally arise from the performance of duties, noting that adhering to one’s duties forms the basis of social and economic progress.“It is the power of our Constitution that enabled a person like me, coming from a humble and economically disadvantaged family, to serve as the Head of the Government continuously for over 24 years,” wrote PM Modi. He said that the choices made today will shape future generations, urging citizens to keep their duties at the forefront as the country pursues the goal of a Viksit Bharat.“Our Constitution gives utmost importance to human dignity, equality and liberty. While it empowers us with rights, it also reminds us of our duties as citizens, which we should always try to fulfil. These duties are the foundation of a strong democracy,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.He also paid homage to the architects of the Constitution, writing, “Their vision and foresight continue to motivate us in our pursuit of building a Viksit Bharat.”Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that the day marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, noting that both leaders had played pivotal roles in shaping India. He credited Patel’s leadership for India’s political integration and said it was his example that inspired the move to revoke Articles 370 and 35A, bringing the Constitution fully into force in Jammu & Kashmir. PM Modi hailed Birsa Munda’s legacy, which he said continues to guide the country’s commitment to justice and empowerment for tribal communities.“It marks the 150th birth anniversary of two extraordinary personalities, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Both of them made monumental contributions to our nation. Sardar Patel’s visionary leadership ensured the political unification of India. It was his inspiration and courage of conviction that guided our steps to act against Article 370 and 35(A). The Constitution of India is now fully in force in Jammu & Kashmir, ensuring all constitutional rights for the people, especially the women and marginalised communities. The life of Bhagwan Birsa Munda continues to inspire India’s resolve to ensure justice, dignity and empowerment for our tribal communities,” PM Modi said. PM further wrote: “Our Constitution has given us the right to vote. As citizens, it is our duty to never miss the opportunity to vote in national, state and local elections where we are registered. In order to inspire others, we can think of organising special ceremonies every 26th November in schools and colleges to celebrate those youngsters who are turning 18. This way our first-time voters will feel that in addition to being students, they are also active participants in the process of nation-building.“Concluding his letter PM wrote: “Let us, on this Constitution Day, reaffirm our pledge to fulfil our duties as citizens of this great nation. In doing so, we can all contribute meaningfully to the building of a Viksit Bharat that is developed and empowered.”

NEW DELHI: Chief Justice Surya Kant has said the growing backlog of cases – 5.4 crore in trial courts, high courts and Supreme Court put together – is a manifestation of deeper structural bottlenecks in the system.The CJI declined to elaborate on his efforts to ensure adequate representation of women and regional representation among SC judges as well as the issue of selective implementation of collegium recommendations for appointments and transfers by the government. “I am working on these issues,” he said.After taking oath as CJI on Monday, Justice Kant told TOI, “A scientific and comprehensive approach is essential to address the challenge of pendency across all tiers of the judiciary.” As of Tuesday, 4.8 crore cases were pending in trial courts, 63.8 lakh in high courts, and more than 90,000 in SC.Batting for a healthy three-tier judiciary that expeditiously addresses citizen’s grievances, the CJI said, “Our judicial system operates as an integrated whole, with each tier serving a crucial purpose. The effectiveness of our democracy depends on the robust functioning of all three levels of the judiciary.”Attributing pendency mainly to acute infrastructural deficiencies, the CJI said, “A coordinated effort by government and the judiciary is needed. What is urgently required to be done are – timely identification of land and resources for courts, equipping them with essential facilities and expeditious completion of judicial infrastructural projects,” he said, adding that the emphasis on mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms is expected to lessen the burden on courts in the future.Asked about the growing sense of disappointment among HC judges because of the ‘big brother’ approach of SC on the judicial side, the CJI said, “The relationship between HCs and SC is one of constitutional complementarity, not competition. Both institutions serve distinct yet harmonious roles within our federal democracy.”He said the HC’s power under Article 225 (jurisdiction of HCs) is in many aspects broader than SC’s power under Article 32 (right to constitutional remedies). And, in many instances, SC has asked litigants to first approach HCs for ventilating their grievances, the CJI said. “The real strength of HCs lies in their proximity to the people. They engage directly with regional realities and local challenges,” he said.“A vast majority of constitutional matters – right to protection, administrative oversight, executive accountability – continues to be addressed by HCs. This is where I believe the Constitution truly lives in daily practice,” the CJI said, adding that SC’s visibility in certain matters of national importance does not alter this constitutional architecture.

NEW DELHI: With reporting irregularities in implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme, seven states have imposed penalties to the tune of around Rs 129 crore, including the maximum Rs 120 crore by Gujarat, against contractors and others, and registered cases against them and certain officials following a directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spare no one when it comes to irregularities in the flagship initiative.Modi is learnt to have also instructed the Jal Shakti ministry and the states concerned to initiate action against all such cases of irregularities and directed the strict monitoring of the scheme, with zero tolerance for any financial, procedural and quality-related violations.The govt has recovered around Rs 13 crore in these states so far, with more than Rs 6.6 crore being recovered from Gujarat. The six other states from where penalty recovery has been made are Rajasthan (Rs 5.3 crore), Maharashtra (Rs 2 crore), Tripura (Rs 1.2 crore), Karnataka (Rs 1 crore), Assam (Rs 5 lakh) and Tamil Nadu (Rs 3 lakh).According to the ministry, 20 states/UTs — Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and West Bengal — have reported cases of irregularities and taken action in 607 cases against 621 departmental officials, 969 contractors and 153 Third Party Inspection Agencies (TPIAs).Nine FIRs have been registered against 20 officials, 10 contractors, and 1 TPIA. One former Congress minister in Rajasthan (Mahesh Joshi), 10 officials and eight contractors have been arrested so far.Launched in Aug 2019 to provide functional tap water connections to all (approx.) 19.3 crore rural households in the country, JJM has so far covered more than 15.7 crore households (81% of all). Though the govt planned to cover all households by 2024, JJM’s deadline has now been extended to 2028.

NEW DELHI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Tuesday honoured 19 of its personnel for having displayed “exemplary courage and composure” in the face of heavy shelling and firing from Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, to keep critical national assets along the Indo-Pakistan border as well as residents of the surrounding townships, from harm.CISF director general Praveer Ranjan conferred the coveted ‘DG’s Disc’ on the 19 CISF personnel in recognition of “their pivotal role in safeguarding the Uri hydro-electric power projects (UHEB I and II) in Jammu & Kashmir during a critical phase of cross-border hostilities in May 2025”. The Uri hydropower installation, located barely 8-10 kms from the line of control (LoC), is protected by CISF, putting its personnel at the forefront of sudden escalation of hostilities with the neighbour.

Operation Sindoor was launched by the armed forces during the intervening night of May 6-7 this year, to demolish terrorist bases in Pakistan in the wake of killing of 26 civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam. The Pakistan Army hit back with indiscriminate shelling on Indian military facilities and civilian settlements along the border, endangering vital infrastructure including the Uri hydro-power projects.“Despite heavy enemy fire and severe risk to their own lives, CISF teams led by Commandant Ravi Yadav and supported by deputy commandant Manohar Singh and assistant commandant Subash Kumar, swiftly initiated protective measures to shield the installations and the surrounding townships. They carried out real-time analysis of incoming shell trajectories, identified safe zones and organised the relocation of residents to bunker shelters,” CISF said in a statement.CISF personnel undertook door-to-door evacuation of around 250 civilians — including women, children, NHPC staff and their families — in the shelling-hit areas. Even as rounds landed dangerously close to the premises, the personnel continued to reinforce bunkers, maintain communication lines through POLNET and satellite systems, and provided emergency assistance.CISF troops also neutralised hostile drones targeting the installations and secured armoury stockpiles by swiftly redistributing weapons to prevent potential destruction. “Throughout the crisis, the integrity of critical national assets remained intact,” said a CISF spokesperson.CISF DG on Tuesday said the force personnel had “upheld the highest traditions of the force, displaying rare courage under fire and unwavering commitment to national security”.

‘Congratulations India for restoring important civilizational symbol’: Israeli Ambassador on Ayodhya Dhwajarohan ceremony

NEW DELHI: Reuven Azar, Israeli Ambassador to India, extended greetings on the Dhwajarohan ceremony in Ayodhya of the Ram Mandir and called it an important civilizational symbol.He also shared pictures from his visit to the temple during its construction.In a post on X on Tuesday, he said, “Congratulations India for the Ram Mandir Temple flag hoisting in Ayodhya today and for restoring such an important civilizational symbol. Here are some pictures of my visit while in construction last year.”Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday ceremonially hoisted the saffron flag atop the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple’s 191-foot-high shikhar in Ayodhya, symbolising the completion of the temple’s construction.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present at the ceremony.The ‘Dharma Dhwaj’ carries three sacred symbols, Om, the Sun and the Kovidara tree, each representing profound spiritual values rooted in the Sanatan tradition.The right-angled triangular flag, measuring 10 feet in height and 20 feet in length.The Kovidar tree is a hybrid of the Mandar and Parijat trees, created by Rishi Kashyap, showcasing ancient plant hybridisation. The Sun represents Lord Ram’s Suryavansh lineage, and Om is the eternal spiritual sound.The flag hoisting has coincided with the Abhijit Muhurat of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita’s Vivah Panchami.Earlier today, PM Modi performed a pooja at Ram Lalla Garbha Grah. He was accompanied by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel, and offered prayers at Mata Annapurna Mandir.He also offered prayers at the Saptmandir at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple premises, ahead of the flag-hoisting ceremony at the temple.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India and the world are “Ram-may”, as he described the installation of the Dharma Dhwaja atop the Ram Temple as a moment that heals “wounds of centuries” and marks the fulfilment of a civilisational resolve kept alive for 500 years.Elaborating on the symbolism of the flag, PM Modi noted that it reflects the rebirth of an ancient civilisation and embodies the ideals of Ram Rajya.Calling the hoisting of Dharma Dhwaja atop the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya “historic,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India must simultaneously draw strength from its heritage and free itself from “the slave mentality” to achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.Soon after hoisting the saffron flag atop the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, PM Modi invoked the values associated with Lord Ram to underline the vision of building a “confident” and “future-ready India”.While addressing the gathering at the ‘Dhwajarohan’ ceremony in Ayodhya, PM Modi said, “Ram is not a person, He is a value. If we want to make India developed by 2047, we have to awaken Ram within ourselves. What day can be better than today for this resolution?”He emphasised that “Lord Ram connects through emotion”, reaffirming that devotion and cooperation form the core of Indian society.Reflecting on India’s development journey of the past decade, the Prime Minister said, “In the last 11 years, every section of society, women, Dalits, backward classes, extremely backward classes, tribals, the deprived, farmers, workers, and youth, has been placed at the centre of development.”He said that by 2047, when the nation marks 100 years of Independence, the “goal of building a Viksit Bharat must be fully realised”. He urged citizens to act with vision, keeping future decades and centuries in mind.