Rahul Gandhi Challenges PM Modi To Open Debate On US Deal And Adani Issue As BJP Hits BackA political face-off has intensified between the Congress and the BJP after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to an open debate. Gandhi called for a public discussion covering the India-US deal, the Adani issue, and alleged foreign connections, suggesting the media and youth be present and that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat could act as judge.
He also initiated a social media poll among young citizens. In response, Union ministers and the BJP asserted that Parliament, rather than social media or public roads, is the constitutional venue for debates between the Leader of Opposition and the Prime Minister, noting government readiness to discuss issues such as SIR and EVMs.RSS Defends SIR, Warns Of Anarchy As Opposition Demands CEC OusterThe Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh defended the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, backing the deletion of deceased and ineligible voters.
The organisation warned against forces attempting to cause social unrest, incite youth, and engineer regime change outside democratic norms, citing possible involvement of disruptive foreign elements. While the Congress and opposition parties demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged disenfranchisement, the RSS urged that political opposition should be based on facts and called on the government to address genuine concerns of young people.Delhi Air Quality Nears Hazardous Mark At 399; Smog Blankets NCR Amid Political Row Over Farm FiresAir quality across Delhi and the National Capital Region continues to deteriorate, with the average Air Quality Index touching 399, just a notch below the hazardous category.
Key locations including India Gate, ITO, and Kartavya Path recorded poor visibility and severe pollution levels as a thick blanket of toxic smog covered the city. Despite the enforcement of GRAP 2 measures and the winter action plan, meteorological conditions and local pollutants have kept skies heavily congested.
The worsening environmental conditions have triggered a fierce political exchange between authorities in Delhi and Punjab over stubble burning. While allegations were raised regarding farm fires in Punjab impacting the national capital, counterclaims dismissed these charges as an attempt to defame local farmers, noting that harvesting had not commenced in certain regions.
Ground reports from Punjab revealed sporadic stubble fires even as authorities cited reduced counts compared to previous seasons.Centre Revises Agnipath Scheme; 75% Agniveers Offered 2-Year Extension As Opposition AttacksThe central government has announced significant revisions to the Agnipath military recruitment scheme. Under the new policy, seventy-five percent of Agniveers who were scheduled to exit after completing four years of service will now be offered an additional two-year engagement.
Following the completion of six years, they will have the opportunity to apply for regular enrolment in the armed forces, subject to objective selection criteria, while twenty-five percent continue to be absorbed into the regular force after four years. Other modifications include changes to the examination sequence, with written exams preceding physical tests, and the issuance of skill certificates upon completion of service.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the move, asserting it will prepare a younger and fitter military. However, the decision triggered strong political reactions, with opposition leaders terming it an election-driven U-turn and questioning whether Agniveers will receive full service benefits or permanent job guarantees, while the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the changes.