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After years of rift, Ashok Gehlot shares stage with Sachin Pilot, says he was never far apart from him

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday rejected claims of a strained relationship with his former deputy Sachin Pilot, stating, “When were we ever apart? We were never distant.” He added that the bond of “love and affection” between them would endure. Gehlot’s remarks, made with a smile, signal a potential thaw in the […]

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Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday rejected claims of a strained relationship with his former deputy Sachin Pilot, stating, “When were we ever apart? We were never distant.” He added that the bond of “love and affection” between them would endure.

Gehlot’s remarks, made with a smile, signal a potential thaw in the long-standing political rivalry between the two senior Congress leaders. The comments came during a memorial event in Dausa marking the 25th death anniversary of former Union minister Rajesh Pilot, Sachin Pilot’s father.

The ceremony, which featured tributes and an exhibition celebrating Rajesh Pilot’s life and legacy, drew a large crowd, including Congress leaders such as AICC Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, several MPs, MLAs, former ministers, and party workers. Local residents also attended in significant numbers.

When reporters at the bustling venue asked Gehlot about the significance of the two leaders appearing together, he responded, “Ham door kab the? Ham dur the hi nahi. Prem mohabbat bani rahti hai aur bani rahegi. (When were we ever apart? We were never distant. Love and affection remain and will continue to remain).” Sachin Pilot and other leaders were present nearby during Gehlot’s remarks.

Reflecting on Rajesh Pilot, Gehlot recalled their time together in Parliament, praising the late leader’s dedication to farmers and the underprivileged. “Today, we pay tribute to him. The enthusiasm here—young and old, those who worked with him, and those who know of him—speaks to his remarkable legacy. Working with him is a memory refreshed today,” Gehlot said.

Sachin Pilot, speaking at the event, highlighted his father’s contributions in the Indian Air Force and later in politics. “I’m proud that, whether in the military or politics, he set new standards, showing that one can rise from humble beginnings to great heights with integrity,” he said. “Even 25 years after his passing, his work and dedication remain an inspiration. I hope future generations will follow the path he laid.”

Pilot added, “Rajesh Pilot was a unifying figure who bridged divides and served the nation through the Congress. Today, we all honour his memory.” He personally guided Gehlot through the exhibition, briefing him on its displays.

Rajesh Pilot, the Dausa MP at the time, died in a road accident on June 11, 2000. Sachin Pilot organises this annual memorial in Dausa, and recently visited Gehlot’s residence to invite him to the event.

The relationship between Gehlot and Sachin Pilot has been marked by tensions since Congress formed the government in Rajasthan in December 2018. A power struggle for the chief minister’s post ensued, with Gehlot, a two-time chief minister, securing the role for a third term, while Pilot, then PCC president, was named deputy chief minister.

The discord became public in 2020 when Pilot, along with 18 Congress MLAs, rebelled against Gehlot’s leadership, triggering a month-long political crisis. The standoff ended after assurances from the party high command to address Pilot’s concerns.

During this period, Gehlot used harsh terms like “gaddar” (traitor), “nakara” (incapable), and “nikamma” (worthless) for Pilot, accusing him of colluding with BJP leaders to destabilise the Congress government. As a result, Pilot was stripped of his roles as deputy chief minister and PCC president.

In September 2022, a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting was called at Gehlot’s residence to pass a resolution empowering the party high command to decide on a leadership change, as Gehlot was a contender for the Congress president’s post.

However, the meeting was derailed when a parallel gathering, led by then state parliamentary affairs minister Shanti Dhariwal, saw numerous Congress MLAs submit resignation letters to the Assembly speaker, opposing any move to appoint Pilot as chief minister.

In April 2023, Pilot staged a fast at Jaipur’s Shaheed Smarak, pressing for action on alleged corruption cases linked to the previous BJP government under Vasundhara Raje. The move was seen as a critique of Gehlot’s government for its perceived inaction on these cases.

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Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth appointed next Army chief, to take charge on June 30

The government has appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently the Vice Chief of Army Staff, as the next Army chief. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi on June 30.

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June 13, 2026

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The Centre has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), paving the way for a leadership transition in the Indian Army later this month. Lt Gen Seth, who currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi upon the latter’s retirement on June 30, 2026.

The appointment was announced on Saturday, with the government confirming that Lt Gen Seth will assume office from the afternoon of June 30. He will take over command after General Dwivedi completes his tenure as the Army’s 30th chief.

Veteran Armoured Corps officer

An officer of the Armoured Corps, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy. Over nearly four decades of service, he has held a range of operational, command, staff and strategic appointments across the Army.

Before becoming Vice Chief on April 1, 2026, he served in several senior leadership roles, including heading the Southern Command and South Western Command. He has also commanded formations such as the Delhi Area and the XXI Corps during his military career.

Leadership transition in the Army

Lt Gen Seth’s elevation comes as the Army prepares for a change of command at the highest level. His appointment follows his move to Army Headquarters as Vice Chief earlier this year, a role he assumed on April 1.

The Ministry of Defence said the incoming Army chief brings extensive experience from command, operational and strategic assignments across diverse military domains.

With the appointment, Lt Gen Seth is set to lead the Indian Army through the next phase of its modernisation and operational preparedness efforts after taking charge at the end of the month.

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IAF AN-32 aircraft crashes while landing at Assam’s Jorhat airbase, five personnel killed

Five Indian Air Force personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry into the accident.

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June 13, 2026

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five Air Force personnel. The accident occurred during a routine sortie and triggered an emergency response at the airbase.

According to the IAF, the aircraft met with the accident during the landing phase at Jorhat. The force later confirmed the loss of five personnel and expressed condolences to their families. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Court of inquiry ordered

The Indian Air Force said a formal investigation will examine the cause of the accident. Officials have not yet disclosed what may have led to the crash, and the inquiry is expected to review technical, operational and environmental factors.

Reports indicated that the co-pilot survived the accident and is undergoing medical treatment.

Personnel who lost their lives

The IAF identified the five personnel killed in the accident as:

  • Squadron Leader Prashant Singh
  • Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar
  • Sergeant Jitendra Sharma
  • Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat
  • Agniveervayu Danish Alam

The Air Force said it stands with the bereaved families during this difficult time.

AN-32’s role in the Air Force

The AN-32 is a twin-engine transport aircraft that has been a key part of the Indian Air Force’s logistics operations for decades. It is widely used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies, particularly in remote and high-altitude regions. India remains one of the largest operators of the aircraft type.

The crash comes months after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft accident in Assam that claimed the lives of two IAF pilots.

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Delhi records coolest day of June so far as rain and thunderstorms bring relief from heat

Delhi recorded its coolest day of June after rain and thunderstorms caused a sharp drop in temperatures. IMD has forecast more showers and gusty winds before temperatures begin rising again.

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June 13, 2026

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Delhi weather today

Delhi witnessed its coolest day of June so far after widespread rain and thunderstorm activity caused temperatures to drop significantly across the national capital. The change in weather provided much-needed relief from the intense summer heat that had gripped the region in recent weeks.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain and thunderstorms over the past 24 hours brought a noticeable decline in both maximum and minimum temperatures. Official weather observations showed that Delhi’s maximum temperatures fell well below normal levels, while several areas experienced strong winds and rainfall.

More rain and thunderstorms likely

The IMD has forecast additional thunderstorms, light to moderate rain and gusty winds for Delhi and nearby areas through Saturday. A yellow alert remains in place, with weather conditions expected to stay unsettled before gradually improving.

Weather experts have attributed the recent change to the influence of a western disturbance and associated weather systems affecting northwestern India. While the disturbance is gradually moving away, its impact is expected to continue for a short period.

Temperatures may rise again next week

Meteorologists expect the pleasant conditions to last for another couple of days. After that, temperatures are likely to begin rising again as rainfall activity decreases. The IMD’s latest forecast also indicates a gradual increase in temperatures by the middle of next week.

Recent weather systems have brought relief not only to Delhi but also to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other northern states, where thunderstorms and rain have helped ease heatwave conditions.

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