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Ajit Doval gets another five-year term as NSA, post elevated to Cabinet rank

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Ajit Doval

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ajit Doval has been reappointed as National Security Adviser (NSA) with his rank upgraded to that of a Cabinet Minister.

“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Ajit Doval, IPS (Retired) as National Security Adviser with effect from 31.05.2019. His appointment will be co-terminus with the term of the Prime Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier,” a government order issued today (Monday, June 3) said.

“During the term of his office, he will be assigned the rank of Cabinet Minister in the Table of Precedence,” the brief order said.

Doval was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first choice to advise him on security when he first assumed office in May 2014.

In his previous tenure as NSA, Doval had the rank of Minister of State (MoS).

As NSA, Doval has been seen as a major influence on the government’s security policy, right from its handling of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir to dealing with Pakistan and China as well as deepening India’s relationship with Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Doval is also said to have played a crucial role during Balakot airstrikes and release of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman held in Pakistani custody.

The elevation places him on par with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, with whom he had worked closely to work on India’s foreign policy during the NDA government’s previous term, helping forge stronger ties with the US, end the military standoff with China at Doklam and embark on an ambitious outreach to West Asia. Jaishankar was then India’s foreign secretary.

A 1968-batch Kerala cadre IPS officer, Doval was the first police officer to be awarded the second-highest peacetime gallantry award for his role in Operation Black Thunder-II launched to flush out militants from the Golden Temple in 1988.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

BJP, AIADMK walk out of Tamil Nadu assembly over budget and rupee symbol controversy

Tamil Nadu’s BJP and AIADMK MLAs walked out of the Assembly, protesting the DMK’s budget, rupee symbol swap, and alleged TASMAC scam, intensifying political tensions ahead of the 2025 elections.

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Tamil Nadu Assembly during budget session

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) staged a walkout from the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday as the state’s 2025-26 budget was being presented. The opposition parties accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government of presenting an unproductive budget while also protesting the controversial rupee symbol swap and allegations of corruption in the state-run liquor agency, TASMAC.

BJP Calls Budget a ‘Cover-Up’

BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit chief, K Annamalai, termed the budget an “eye-washing exercise” and criticized the government for not addressing key concerns. “Our four MLAs walked out for a simple reason—the whole budget is an eye-wash. There is nothing productive about it,” Annamalai said.

The walkout highlights the growing tension between the DMK and opposition parties, particularly as the state gears up for next year’s Assembly elections. Tamil Nadu has traditionally been resistant to BJP’s nationalist politics, making the upcoming polls a critical test for the party.

Re-Ru Swap Sparks Controversy

The budget presentation also reignited the ‘Re-Ru’ symbol controversy, with the BJP strongly opposing the replacement of the rupee symbol (Re) in the budget logo with the Tamil letter (Ru), which is commonly used to denote currency in the state.

Annamalai accused the DMK of creating unnecessary division. “The Tamil Nadu government wanted to change the rupee symbol and created so much ruckus,” he stated. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also slammed the change, calling it a “secessionist move” that signals a “dangerous mindset.”

The DMK, however, defended the decision. Party leader Saravanan Annadurai dismissed the controversy, stating, “There is nothing illegal… This is not a ‘showdown’. We prioritize Tamil, and that is why we went with this.”

Liquor Scam Allegations

Apart from the rupee symbol row, the BJP and AIADMK also targeted the DMK over alleged financial irregularities in TASMAC, the state-run liquor agency. BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan cited an Enforcement Directorate (ED) report that flagged multiple irregularities and unaccounted cash worth Rs 1,000 crore.

“Our walkout is on two issues—the first is the ED’s findings of financial irregularities in TASMAC, and the second is the disrespect shown to the rupee symbol,” Srinivasan said.

AIADMK’s Position

The AIADMK, which has been cautious in its stance on the ‘Hindi imposition’ debate, has been more vocal in attacking the DMK over the alleged liquor scam. Party leader and former Chief Minister E Palaniswami led a walkout of over 60 AIADMK MLAs, demanding the immediate resignation of the DMK government over the allegations.

The opposition parties are drawing parallels between the Tamil Nadu TASMAC scam and the Delhi excise policy case, which led to the BJP’s resurgence in the national capital.

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Shiv Sena leader shot dead in Punjab’s Moga after being chased on bike

Shiv Sena leader Mangat Rai Manga was fatally shot in Punjab’s Moga after being chased on a bike. A 12-year-old boy was also injured. Police have initiated an investigation.

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Shiv Sena leader Mangat Rai Manga shot dead in Punjab’s Moga

In a shocking incident, a district president of a Shiv Sena faction, Mangat Rai Manga, was shot dead in Punjab’s Moga on Thursday night. The attack also left a 12-year-old boy injured, police confirmed on Friday.

Attack on Mangat Rai Manga

The incident took place around 10 pm when Manga had gone to buy milk. According to reports, three unidentified assailants opened fire at him, but the bullet missed and instead hit a young boy nearby. Sensing danger, Manga tried to escape on his two-wheeler but was pursued by the attackers. During the chase, they fired again, fatally hitting him before fleeing the scene.

Medical Response and Investigation

Police rushed Manga to the hospital, but doctors declared him ‘brought dead.’ Meanwhile, the injured child was first admitted to Moga Civil Hospital and later shifted to another medical facility for better treatment.

Authorities are currently investigating the case and verifying which faction of Shiv Sena Manga was associated with.

Reactions and Parallel Incidents

Joginder Sharma, national president of right-wing group Vishwa Hindu Shakti, expressed grief over the killing. “We got to know that some miscreants shot Manga dead. As soon as we got the information, we reached the hospital,” he said.

Manga’s daughter also demanded justice, stating that her father left home at 8 pm and was later informed at 11 pm about his death.

In another violent incident the same night, three motorcycle-borne attackers entered a salon in Bagiana Basti and opened fire on the owner, Devender Kumar. One bullet struck Kumar in the leg, after which he was taken to Moga Civil Hospital and later referred to another facility.

Police Investigation

DSP City Ravinder Singh confirmed that two shooting incidents took place on Thursday night—one at the salon and another on Stadium Road, where Manga was killed. “Manga’s body has been kept in the mortuary, and an investigation is underway,” he said.

Police are currently searching for the assailants and analyzing possible motives behind both shootings.

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PM Modi extends Holi greetings, calls festival a symbol of unity and enthusiasm

PM Modi, President Murmu, and Rajnath Singh extend Holi wishes, emphasizing unity, cultural richness, and the joy of the festival.

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PM Modi, President Murmu extend Holi greetings, emphasize unity

As India immerses itself in the vibrant hues of Holi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt greetings, emphasizing the festival’s role in strengthening unity and bringing new energy to people’s lives.

“I wish you all a very Happy Holi. This festival filled with joy and happiness will infuse new enthusiasm and energy in everyone’s life and will also deepen the colours of unity among the countrymen,” PM Modi shared on X.

President Murmu and Rajnath Singh share warm wishes

President Droupadi Murmu also greeted citizens on the auspicious occasion, highlighting Holi’s significance as a festival of unity and cultural heritage.

“Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Holi, the festival of colours. This festival of joy gives the message of unity, love, and harmony. This festival is also a symbol of India’s precious cultural heritage,” President Murmu posted on X.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his wishes, praying for happiness and good health for all.

“Heartiest greetings to all of you on the auspicious festival of Holi. May this festival fill your life with the colours of happiness and good health,” he said.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath celebrates at Gorakhnath Temple

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath marked the festival by applying gulal to cows and calves at Gorakhnath Temple, adding a traditional touch to the celebrations.

Across Uttar Pradesh, Holi celebrations have begun with immense enthusiasm. In Aligarh, people embraced each other and played with colors, embodying the festival’s spirit of togetherness.

Holi festivities bring joy and unity across India

The festival, known for its vibrant colors and joyous atmosphere, saw people across the country applying gulaal, dancing to folk music, and celebrating with friends and family. In Sambhal, processions were carried out before 2:30 PM, in accordance with arrangements for Jumma Namaz. Superintendent of Police KK Bishnoi assured that police deployment was in place to ensure a peaceful celebration.

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