Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again taken a stand different from his party. Tharoor has supported the Modi government's silence in the ongoing conflict between America, Israel and Iran. This time, Tharoor said that this silence is not cowardice but responsible diplomacy. Tharoor clarified that India's silence on the Iran issue is not support for war but awareness of national interest.

While the Congress party is constantly raising questions about this silence of the government. Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had said that the government's silence on the targeted assassination of Khamenei is not neutrality but 'irresponsibility'. This raises questions about the credibility of India's foreign policy. Sonia Gandhi called this a big blow to India's foreign policy. Similarly, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha said that India's stance on condemning unilateral military action should be 'morally clear'. Gandhi appealed to the government to be more proactive on the issue.

But Shashi Tharoor has deviated from the party line on the issue. He said that in such a complex international situation, India should prioritize its national interests. India has energy ties with Iran while it has strong security and technology ties with Israel. In such a situation, supporting any one party can harm national interests. According to Tharoor, this silence is actually a symbol of a balanced foreign policy. He asserted that this is not cowardice but strategic diplomacy.

This issue is bringing a new equation in global politics. Iran's actions against America and Israel have cast a cloud of concern over the Middle East. India has always maintained neutrality in such conflicts. Tharoor has termed this policy of the Modi government as 'prudence'. Tharoor said that reality is more important than emotions in foreign policy. If India condemns any party, its economic and strategic interests will be affected. This silence is necessary considering the oil import from Iran and defense cooperation with Israel.

Other leaders of the Congress party call this a weakness of the government, but Tharoor believes that this policy makes India stronger. He has previously given different opinions from the party on foreign policy issues. This time his stance is in the news again. Analysts say that this statement of Tharoor exposes internal differences in the Congress.

In summary, it can be said that Indian foreign policy has always been based on the principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam". Even in adverse times and crises, India has strengthened its image in the world by maintaining neutrality. Only if we give priority to national interests, India's place in the world will be stronger. Unity is necessary in foreign policy, but strategy is more important.

The Goa Spiritual Festival 2026 witnessed a series of spiritually significant moments, with His Holiness Rajrajeshwar Guruji at the centre of major religious and cultural engagements, further strengthening ties between India and the United Kingdom.

Thousands Gather at Goa Spiritual Festival 2026

On Saturday, 21 February, thousands of devotees assembled at Calangute Beach for a grand Kumbh-style spiritual congregation held in the sacred presence of Padma Shri Brahmeshanand Acharya, HH Rajrajeshwar Guruji from the UK, and several revered Mahants and saints from across India.

The spiritually charged gathering featured yoga sessions, a marathon dedicated to unity and spirituality, and a sacred holy bathing ceremony conducted by esteemed saints. The event showcased themes of spiritual awakening, cultural harmony and national unity, further positioning Goa as a growing hub for faith-based and wellness tourism.

HH Rajrajeshwar Guruji attended the festival at the invitation of Pujya Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji, marking a powerful moment of spiritual collaboration.

Goa Chief Minister Felicitates HH Rajrajeshwar Guruji

In a special development on February 25 in Panaji, the Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, warmly welcomed HH Rajrajeshwar Guruji at his official residence during the ongoing festival.

In recognition of the Silver Jubilee (25 years) of the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre (UK), the Chief Minister presented Guruji with an official Letter of Appreciation. The honour acknowledged Siddhashram UK’s significant contributions towards spiritual enrichment, community service, cultural preservation and the promotion of universal values across the United Kingdom and internationally.

Dr. Sawant also presented Guruji with a commemorative publication celebrating Goa’s rich temple heritage, symbolising the state’s enduring spiritual legacy. The interaction reflected a shared commitment to fostering spiritual awareness, social harmony and the preservation of traditional values in modern society.

Expressing gratitude, HH Rajrajeshwar Guruji appreciated the warm hospitality extended by the Government of Goa and reaffirmed Siddhashram’s dedication to humanitarian service, interfaith dialogue and global spiritual outreach.

Shivaji Maharaj Memorial Unveiled

Earlier, on the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Goa Spiritual Festival and unveiled a magnificent memorial dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sanguem.

Described as the tallest memorial of its kind in Goa, the Smarak stands as a proud symbol of history and self-respect, embodying the ideals of Swarajya, good governance and cultural protection championed by Shivaji Maharaj.

Samudra Aarti Moves Towards World Record Recognition

In another key highlight, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant was honoured with the World Book of Records UK recognition, presented by HH Rajrajeshwar Guruji, as part of the formal process of including Goa’s “Samudra Aarti” (Sea Aarti) in the global record listings.

The ceremony was attended by Union Minister Shripad Naik, along with distinguished guests including Dr. Tithi Bhalla and Soma Roy.

The Samudra Aarti initiative blends devotion with Goa’s coastal heritage and is emerging as a distinctive spiritual offering with international appeal.

Strong Gujarat Connection: Siddhashram in Valsad

Of particular interest to the Gujarati community, the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre (UK) is a registered charitable organisation under the esteemed leadership of HH Rajrajeshwar Guruji, with branches in India and the United States.

The International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Waghaldhara, Valsad (Gujarat), is a renowned spiritual hub founded by Guruji. The ashram is dedicated to Lord Mahadev and houses a unique 1,769 kg Parad (Mercury) Shivling along with a MahaMeru Shree Yantra — making it a rare and spiritually significant centre in Gujarat.

The Valsad Siddhashram offers space for sadhna, meditation and gaushala services, attracting devotees from across Gujarat and beyond.

As Siddhashram UK marks its Silver Jubilee year, the growing engagement between spiritual institutions, state leadership and international communities reflects a renewed emphasis on cultural pride, heritage preservation and global spiritual unity — with HH Rajrajeshwar Guruji playing a pivotal role in connecting Gujarat, Goa and the global Indian diaspora.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has clearly told the Lok Sabha Secretariat that no questions or matters related to the PM CARES Fund can be raised in Parliament. The PMO said that under Lok Sabha rules, questions cannot be asked on subjects that are not directly the responsibility of the government. The Congress party has called this move “authoritarian.”

The PMO has issued clear instructions to the Lok Sabha Secretariat regarding the PM CARES Fund. It said that no questions or issues related to the PM CARES Fund, the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and the National Defence Fund (NDF) can be raised in the Lok Sabha. The Congress party has strongly opposed this decision.

According to reports, the PMO gave this information on January 30. The PMO said that all three funds are made entirely from voluntary public donations. No money from the Consolidated Fund of India is used in them. Therefore, these funds are not under the direct control or responsibility of the government.

The PMO said that according to Lok Sabha rules, questions cannot be raised on subjects that are not the direct responsibility of the government. The PMO referred specifically to Lok Sabha Rules 41(2)(viii) and 41(2)(xvii). These rules say that questions should not be asked on matters that are not of primary concern to the Government of India or related to organisations or persons not directly accountable to the government.
It was also stated that if any MP tries to seek information about these funds through questions, Zero Hour notices, or Special Mentions, the requests can be rejected based on these rules.

Opposition Calls It Authoritarian

After the decision came out, the opposition called it authoritarian and an insult to Parliament. Congress said it is an attack on the rights of MPs. In a post on X, the party said that MPs will not be allowed to ask questions in Parliament about the PM CARES Fund, PMNRF, and NDF. The party also claimed that the PMO directly instructed the Lok Sabha Secretariat to ensure that no member raises questions about these funds.

Congress raised several questions. It asked why MPs, who are public representatives, are being stopped from asking questions in public interest. The party questioned why the government does not want to give an account of large public donations and what it is trying to hide from the people. It also asked whether Parliament will now run according to the Prime Minister’s wishes.

What Are These Funds and How Were They Created?

PM CARES Fund

The PM CARES Fund was started on March 27, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a public charitable trust that collects donations for emergency help. It was registered under the Trust Deed Registration Act, 1908. By the end of 2022-23, it had about ₹6,283 crore. The government has said many times that it is not created under the Constitution or any law but is a trust. The Prime Minister and some ministers are trustees, but it is not covered under the RTI Act. In 2020, the Supreme Court said it is separate from the NDRF.

Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)

This fund was started in January 1948. It was first created to help people displaced from Pakistan. Now it is used to give immediate relief to families affected by natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, major accidents, and riots. It also runs on voluntary donations.

National Defence Fund (NDF)

This fund supports members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and their families. It is managed by a committee headed by the Prime Minister, with the Defence, Finance, and Home Ministers as members. It is also mainly based on donations.

Earlier Controversies

Since its creation, the PM CARES Fund has faced questions about transparency. Many people have asked why such a large fund is not audited by Parliament or the CAG. In 2020, the Supreme Court rejected a demand to transfer money from PM CARES to the NDRF. Large donations were also received from PSU companies, but the government has always maintained that it is not a government fund but a charitable trust.

Technical inspections by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have found recurring faults in nearly half of the aircraft operated by Indian airlines. The government shared details in Parliament, and Air India has also responded to the findings.

On Thursday, February 5, data related to Indian airlines was presented in the Lok Sabha. According to the report, technical analysis of aircraft from Indian carriers found repeated defects in almost half of the planes inspected. Air India and IndiGo were among the airlines with the highest number of aircraft showing recurring issues.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said in a written reply that from January 2025 until now, technical analysis was conducted on 754 aircraft from six airlines. Out of these, 377 aircraft were found to have recurring defects. IndiGo had the highest number of aircraft inspected. As of February 3, 405 IndiGo aircraft were analyzed, and 148 were found to have repeated issues—about 36 percent of the total inspected fleet.

Air India Tops in Percentage

While IndiGo had the highest number of aircraft with issues, Air India topped the list in terms of percentage. Out of 267 aircraft from the Air India Group (Air India and Air India Express), 191 were found to have recurring defects—around 72 percent of the inspected fleet. This included 137 out of 166 Air India aircraft and 54 out of 101 Air India Express aircraft.

Among other airlines, 16 out of 43 SpiceJet aircraft and 14 out of 32 Akasa Air aircraft reviewed were found to have recurring defects.

Air India’s Response

Responding to the government data, an Air India spokesperson said the airline carried out extensive and cautious checks across its entire fleet, which is why the numbers appear higher. A senior Air India official added that most of the issues were related to low-priority equipment. Aircraft systems are categorized from A to D, and most defects were found in Category D items.

According to the official, these included seats, tray tables, seat-back screens, and similar equipment, which do not affect aircraft safety.

DGCA Increases Monitoring

Since last year, along with airline audits, the DGCA has increased its monitoring of aviation companies. Minister Mohol stated that under planned monitoring, the regulator conducted 3,890 surveillance inspections, 56 regulatory audits, 84 foreign aircraft SOFA checks, and 492 ramp inspections.

Additionally, under unplanned monitoring, DGCA carried out 874 spot checks and 550 night inspections. To strengthen safety oversight, the number of technical staff in DGCA has been increased from 637 to 1,063.

Newly elected MP C. Sadanandan Master presented a scene in the Rajya Sabha during the budget session that made the entire House tremble. He placed his artificial leg on the assembly table and narrated the inhuman incident of 1994 in which Leftist violence changed his life forever. This incident was the height of ideological differences but the flame of patriotism and the ideals of the Sangh never cooled in his heart.

Sadanandan Master remained a dedicated volunteer of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He used to travel from village to village in the communist-affected areas of Kerala and spread awareness of Hindutva. The communists found this work unbearable. One day, while returning from the Sangh branch, he was surrounded on the road. He was knocked to the ground and both his legs were chopped off below the knees with an axe. Not only that, he was dragged and thrown into the forest so that he could not escape. This violence was not only physical but was an attack on ideology.

Surprisingly, when he was being taken to a hospital in Cochin, about 400 kilometers away and due to excessive bleeding, everyone thought that he would not survive, the person sitting with his head in his lap was the district liaison president of the Sangh and today holds the provincial responsibility. He saw that Masterji was mumbling something. He thought that perhaps he was mentioning the names of the attackers. But he kept saying:

“एक पत्ता जमीन पर गिर जाए तो क्या होगा,
वह कल नहीं टूटेगा, एक पेड़ नौ पत्तों से सुशोभित होगा।
एक पत्ता मातृभूमि पर गिरे,
दूसरा पत्ता आएगा,
हिंदू राष्ट्र का गौरव और शान दिनों-दिन बढ़ता जाएगा।”

By the grace of God, he survived. His legs were gone, but his resolve and patriotism remained unwavering. By getting artificial legs, he continued the work of the Sangh more firmly than before. Today, by standing in the Rajya Sabha, he showed the entire country and the world how ruthless leftist violence is.

The volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh serve the country selflessly with their body, mind, and wealth. They remain engaged in the service of the motherland without caring about their happiness, wealth, family, and life. Sadanandan Masterji is a living example of this. His life is a symbol of the ideals of the Sangh: service, sacrifice and steadfast patriotism. Such great personalities make the country strong and inspire us to realize the dream of a Hindu Rashtra.

This is an inspiring story for the youth of the country to move forward on the path of patriotism.

In the Income Tax raids that have been conducted, not only Vasant Gajera’s Laxmi Diamond is under scrutiny, but investigations are also ongoing at the premises of Pravin Agrawal, who is known as Pravin Bhute. According to available details, Pravin Agrawal was a 43% partner in Vasant Gajera’s company, Shanti Residence Pvt. Ltd.

Vasant Gajera sold shops in Surat’s Millennium-2 and Millennium-4 textile markets at prices higher than the market rate. In Millennium-2, only 7% of the amount was shown as paid by cheque, with the remaining amount taken in cash. Similarly, in Millennium-4, 16% of the amount was shown by cheque and the rest in cash.

After this, a resignation letter was prepared by forging Pravin Agrawal’s signature, and his shareholding was reduced from 43% to 4%. It is being said that Pravin conveyed this matter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At a time when Income Tax officials have conducted raids on Vasant Gajera and his group companies, an old case has resurfaced.

According to information provided by the complainant’s advocate, Pratik Surti, in the Pal Gaurav Path area of Surat, a case involving ancestral land registered in the names of 45 farmers was fraudulently taken over by creating bogus documents, amounting to an estimated land scam of around ₹100 crore. In this case, in 2024, the Supreme Court had ordered the Pal Police to register an FIR against Vasant Gajera and five others.

The accused named in the case are Aditya Hadkiya, Hiralal Hadkiya, Vasant Gajera, Bakul Gajera, and Dharmesh Hapani. The Pal Police have registered the FIR, and sections of the Atrocities Act have also been added.

However, as of today, Vasant Gajera and the other accused have not been arrested.

For the past several days, land mafia Anil Bagdana has been a topic of discussion. Now it has come to light that Anil has built a lavish farmhouse in Bagdana, Bhavnagar, allegedly for local so-called leaders and officials to enjoy themselves. This raises a serious question: with whose money was this luxurious farmhouse of Anil Jayanti Vedani (Bagdana), an uneducated member of the Mahakal Group known for land mafia activities in Surat, constructed?

This farmhouse, which has become a hub for leaders and officials, is said to have been built using money obtained by usurping farmers’ land and by blackmailing builders.

The government should investigate such illegal (benami/black) money of land mafias and use those funds for the development of the country. The government should also ensure that leaders and officials stop encouraging and supporting such mafias.

A team of Income Tax officials is conducting an investigation against the Gajera Group and others. IT officials from five cities have simultaneously carried out raids at 16 locations, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Surat, and Delhi.

According to available information, Vasant Gajera and his group have a connection with Mehul Choksi, who fled abroad after committing a fraud of ₹15,000 crore in Punjab National Bank.

In the chargesheet filed by ED’s Mumbai Zonal Officer Rakesh Kumar, Mehul Choksi is named as the prime accused, Rakesh Gajera as the second accused, and Vasant Gajera, his companies, and the Gajera brothers are named as co-accused number six. The chargesheet mentions a fraud amounting to ₹7,080 crore.

It is being said that before fleeing abroad, Mehul Choksi transferred some funds to companies owned by Vasant Gajera, and Vasant Gajera used that money through a hawala network.

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the University Grants Commission (UGC) Promotion of Equality in Higher Education Institutions, 2026 regulations and restored the 2012 regulations for the time being.

The court said that the 2026 rules are vague, especially in how they define caste-based discrimination, and warned that they could be misused. Because of this stay, universities and colleges across the country will continue to follow the 2012 UGC regulations until the case on the 2026 rules is finally decided.

What was in the 2012 Regulations?

The 2012 regulations were UGC’s first formal effort to deal with discrimination in higher education. They prohibited discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, disability, language, and place of birth.

Institutions were required to appoint an Anti-Discrimination Officer and set up an Equal Opportunity Cell. Complaints were handled within the institution. An official would conduct a preliminary inquiry and recommend action under existing university or service rules.

However, there were no strict timelines, no external monitoring, and no penalties if institutions failed to act. The rules also did not clearly define false or malicious complaints, and they did not provide clear safeguards for the accused.

What did the 2026 Regulations change?

The 2026 regulations made the system much stricter and larger in scope. Protection against caste-based discrimination was extended to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Universities were required to set up Equal Opportunity Centers, Equality Committees, Equality Teams, Equality Ambassadors, a 24x7 helpline, and an online complaint portal.

Strict timelines were introduced. Committees had to meet within 24 hours of receiving a complaint, submit reports within 15 working days, and institutions had to take action within seven days. Failure to comply could lead to serious consequences, including loss of UGC funding, degree-granting powers, and accreditation.

Critics said the rules used broad definitions, gave wide powers to internal committees, and did not include enough safeguards against false or malicious complaints.

Why did the Supreme Court intervene?

The Supreme Court said there was a prima facie (at first look) concern that the 2026 regulations, especially Regulation 3(c), were vague and open to misuse.

The court ordered that the 2012 regulations will remain in force until further orders. Notices were issued to the central government and the UGC.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain said the Supreme Court has stayed and suspended the 2026 regulations and restored the 2012 rules until further orders. The next hearing is scheduled for March 19.

Petitioner and advocate Vineet Jindal said that Section 3C of the new rules covers only certain castes and excludes the general category, which gives the impression that the general category is being targeted.

He also said the new rules could create divisions among students, which goes against the constitutional principle of equality. He added that the Chief Justice of India has acknowledged flaws in the rules and said they should be reconsidered and reviewed.

In a tragic aircraft accident in Baramati on Wednesday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life. A total of five people were killed in the crash. The accident occurred while the aircraft was in the process of landing at Baramati Airport. According to preliminary information, the jet crashed near the runway during landing.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

About the Aircraft

The aircraft involved in the accident was a Learjet 45XR, a mid-size premium business jet. The Learjet 45XR was manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace between 1998 and 2009. The aircraft has a range of approximately 2,000 to 2,235 nautical miles and can carry up to eight passengers.

The jet is capable of flying at speeds of Mach 0.78 to 0.81 and is powered by two Honeywell TFE731 engines. It can reach a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet. Known for its high performance, fuel efficiency, and comfortable cabin, the Learjet 45XR is commonly used for short- and medium-haul business flights.

The crashed Learjet 45XR was operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, one of India’s prominent non-scheduled aircraft operator companies. The company is owned by V.K. Singh and is headquartered in Mahipalpur, New Delhi. VSR Ventures provides services such as private jet charters, helicopter rentals, air ambulance services, aircraft leasing, aviation consulting, and aircraft management.The company’s fleet includes aircraft such as the Learjet 45XR,

Beechcraft Super King Air B200, and helicopters like the Agusta 109.

Ajit Pawar was traveling in this premium business jet, which was being operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited. Investigators are examining whether technical issues or weather conditions played a role during the landing at Baramati Airport. Officials expect crucial information from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which may help determine the exact cause of the crash.

Previous 2023 Incident Linked to VSR Ventures

This is not the first time a Learjet operated by VSR Ventures has been involved in an accident. In 2023, a Learjet 45XR operated by the same company crashed at Mumbai Airport, breaking into two parts. In that incident, the pilot, co-pilot, and six passengers were injured.

Initial reports had blamed heavy rainfall and poor visibility. However, a later investigation by the Ministry of Civil Aviation revealed that the autopilot disconnected approximately 40 seconds before landing. Following this, cockpit alerts such as “stall warning” and “ground proximity” were activated. According to the report, the aircraft veered to the right of the runway and crash-landed near a taxiway.

In the latest Baramati crash, investigators are also examining whether technical failures, autopilot system issues, or adverse weather conditions were responsible. The probe agencies are reviewing aircraft maintenance records, pilot training history, and weather data. Officials have stated that the true cause of the accident will only be known after the investigation is completed.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that China will "eat up" Canada within a year, accusing Canada of posing a threat to North American security.
Launching a scathing attack on Canada, Trump said the country is ignoring North American security concerns. The US President alleged that Canada is opposing his Golden Dome missile defense project in Greenland, which he said poses a serious threat to US security.
Trump also warned Canada about its growing closeness to China, stating that China will "eat them up" within a year.

What Is Golden Dome?

Golden Dome is America’s next-generation, multi-layer missile defense shield. Its main objective is to identify and destroy long-range missiles, including Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), hypersonic weapons, and potential nuclear attacks from any enemy country while they are in the air.

The system will mainly include three components:

1. A satellite network that will continuously monitor the Earth.
2. An AI-based tracking and analysis system that will determine whether a missile is headed towards the US.
3. Interceptor missiles and laser systems that will destroy the attack in mid-air.

Why Was Golden Dome Needed?

China has deployed hypersonic missiles like the DF-17. Russia has nuclear-capable missiles such as Avangard and Sarmat. North Korea has repeatedly conducted nuclear and ballistic missile tests.
In this environment, the US felt it needed a system that could intercept every threat from the sky, and that is how Golden Dome was born.

Trump Unhappy With Canada-China Friendship

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently visited China. This visit resulted in reduced tariffs on Canadian agricultural products and a quota for Chinese electric vehicles in Canada.

Although Trump publicly acknowledged this move, he still subjected it to criticism.

Trump’s attack on Canada came just days after Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered one of the sharpest criticisms of the United States in Davos, where he declared that American dominance was waning.