High alert in J&K valley over Jaish strike

The Gujarat government has granted approval for the allotment of a 978 square metre disputed land plot in Vadodara to cricketer-turned-politician and Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan. The plot, located adjacent to his bungalow and previously valued at 20.53 crore rupees, had been at the centre of a legal dispute since 2012. The allotment decision comes months after Pathan left the Trinamool Congress and switched political sides. Under the proposal, part of the land will be gifted while the remainder must be paid for per the valuation committee's assessment, with the Vadodara Municipal Corporation being compensated for the land.

In this debate on Face Off, political scientist and Swaraj India co-founder Yogendra Yadav and former Rajya Sabha MP Rakesh Sinha examine the nature of ongoing public agitations and allegations of foreign interference. Yadav contends that legitimate dissent must remain anchored within the constitutional framework, stressing that regime change must only signify the democratic transfer of power through elections rather than unconstitutional insurrection. Countering the arguments, Sinha asserts that democratic institutions guarantee peaceful demonstration but warns against external narratives and agitations that deviate from Gandhian principles. The discussion delves into recent statements made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the validity of street protests, and institutional accountability.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai during the Freedom 250 event celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Jaishankar acknowledged the United States for the extradition of key 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana and expressed gratitude for Rubio paying homage at the Taj Hotel memorial. Emphasising national security, Jaishankar stated that India expects its partners to follow a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. Additionally, Rubio highlighted that both nations are closer than ever to sealing a bilateral trade agreement, noting that only a few items remain to be finalised before the deal can be officially signed by the leaders.