42 ex-judges warn against attempts to undermine EC amid opposition protests

On India First, host Gaurav Sawant leads an in-depth discussion on proposed changes to the Agnipath recruitment scheme and its broader strategic ramifications. Lieutenant General Rakesh Sharma, former Adjutant General and former Ladakh Corps Commander, assesses the organizational and individual impacts of extending tenures up to six years, noting, 'It's a very bold and a strong step, and it has got great amount of merit.' Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon, former Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency, explains how retaining top talent over six years creates a win-win system that brings technologically advanced new blood into the forces. Defence expert Sandeep Unnithan compares the proposed structure to historical seven-year service frameworks, examining operational pressures along the northern and western borders. The panel also underscores the urgency of reviving recruitment for Nepal domicile Gorkhas, highlighting the deep civilizational and military ties between India and Nepal.

The central government has approved a two-year service extension for Agniveers, revising the terms of the tour of duty scheme ahead of the exit of the inaugural 2022 batch. Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani announced that while 25 per cent of Agniveers will be enrolled as regular soldiers after completing four years, the remaining 75 per cent will be offered a second engagement period of two years based on merit and recommendations from the Indian Armed Forces. Following this six-year tenure, all willing Agniveers who meet objective selection criteria will be enrolled into regular service. Military veterans and analysts discussed the move on the broadcast, assessing organisational advantages, personnel retention, and implications for border security. The panel also highlighted the potential opportunity this revised policy creates to resume recruitment of Nepal domicile Gorkhas into the Indian Army, addressing historic military ties and operational requirements.

The United States midterm elections have resulted in a Democratic victory, flipping control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate and ending Republican majorities across traditional red states including Texas, South Carolina, and Kansas. Major electoral milestones include Keisha Lance Bottoms winning the Georgia gubernatorial race, Abdul El-Sayed securing a Michigan Senate seat, and Amy Acton defeating Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio, alongside congressional victories for Indian American candidates Suhas Subramanyam, Ro Khanna, and Ami Bera. Driven by voter concerns over escalating cost of living, rising diesel prices, tariff policies, and ongoing conflict with Iran, the election outcome establishes a divided government. In an India Today special broadcast of India First, former diplomats including Arun Kumar Singh examine the ramifications for Donald Trump's administration, potential congressional investigations, subpoenas over foreign and domestic policies, energy market volatility, and defense technology transfers, alongside the strategic trajectory of India-US bilateral relations and trade agreements.

Thousands of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad members and students gathered at Delhi University to take out a protest march titled 'Arajakta Hatao, Loktantra Bachao' against the Congress Party and left-wing organisations. Carrying placards reading 'Samvidhan ke samman mein ABVP maidan mein', protesters accused opposition and Left parties of spreading anarchy and disrespecting the constitution. The demonstration follows political friction triggered by controversial remarks on regime change by Left student leader Neha Bora, alongside ongoing disputes involving Chief Election Commissioner Ganesh Kumar. Demonstrators accused political opponents of bypassing constitutional norms, while the Bharatiya Janata Party initiated related protest marches across the country.