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GIVEN 2 DAYS’ TIME TO RESPOND. NOT JOINING BJP, INSISTS PILOT

For once, the Congress is seeing its members openly fault the strategy in handling its talent. On Sunday, former union minister Kapil Sibal tweeted,”Worried for our party. Will we wake up only after the horses have bolted from our stable”. Since then, a host of leaders of different ages are venting their frustration with what they describe as the inexplicably inaccessible Gandhis.

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6 years ago

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Sachin Pilot should take responsibility for my son’s defeat: Ashok Gehlot

For once, the Congress is seeing its members openly fault the strategy in handling its talent. On Sunday, former union minister Kapil Sibal tweeted,”Worried for our party. Will we wake up only after the horses have bolted from our stable”. Since then, a host of leaders of different ages are venting their frustration with what they describe as the inexplicably inaccessible Gandhis.

Unlike in Scindia’s case, Pilot was reportedly phoned by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra; Congress spokesperson RS Surjewla said even  Sonia Gandhi reached out to Mr Pilot, urging him to reconsider the moves that were placing him in a daunting confrontation with the party.

There are not many in the Congress who feel that Pilot’s main ask could be substantiated – a promotion to Chief Minister. But there is this distinct complaint that Pilot could have been assuaged earlier, by offering him a clear demarcation of powers from those enjoyed by Gehlot, by in-person meetings with the Gandhis and by an assurance that Gehlot would be ordered to curtail a growing campaign to diminish Pilot’s stature. When Pilot visited Delhi about 10 days ago to warn that he was at break point, he was granted time with senior leaders like Ahmed Patel, but no slot with the Gandhis.

There is also a section of the party that believes that Rahul Gandhi needs to either return as Congress president and take accountability for his decisions – or surrender the ultimate authority he continues to exert on critical matters via his mother, who replaced him as Congress chief when he quit the post after the party’s debacle in the general election last year. Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, thirsting for direct attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are convinced that this strategy distinguishes them from other opposition leaders and are not open to rethinking their approach. Their loyalists dismiss anyone who disagrees as those “in touch with the BJP”.

Scindia quit the Congress in March after veteran Congressmen in his state, Madhya Pradesh, worked to relegate him to a sideshow. The Gandhis did not intervene at that time. When Pilot, on Sunday, made it clear that he will no longer tolerate Gehlot’s tactics to do the same to him, Scindia fist-bumped him on Twitter, posting, “Sad to see my erstwhile colleague Sachin Pilot too, being sidelined and persecuted by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Shows that talent and capability find little credence in the Congress”.

The conflict with Pilot was inflamed when he was served a notice by the state police for questioning in an investigation to determine if the BJP was making large offers of cash to Congress legislators to switch sides. It provided the last mile in Pilot’s journey to the Out gate. Scindia brought down the Madhya Pradesh government when he opted out of the Congress. The party contends with the prospect of Pilot providing a sequel in Rajasthan. It attests to the growing sinkhole that the Gandhi strategy has turned into. As the Congress tries to compute its losses, all forced errors, the family at its centre has much to explain. In Congress-speak, though, it will probably introspect at most.

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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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21 hours ago

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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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21 hours ago

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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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1 day ago

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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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