"You can already see condition of 'Pushpa' and others" ... veiled attack ::::: Bengal CM Suvendu orders probe into Rs 635 crore spent on 'Bengal Global Business Summit' ::::: Funds "siphoned off" via event management company

 CM Suvendu Adhikari orders probe into Rs 635 crore spent on Bengal Global Business Summit

Sources suspect government funds may have been siphoned off through the event management company

CM Suvendu Adhikari has announced a probe into the expenditure of Rs 635 crore on an event management company engaged to organise various editions of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) and indicated that the government might hand the case over to the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

"During the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS), Mamata Banerjee's government spent a total of Rs 635 crore on an event management company. This matter will be investigated. 

Not only will there be an investigation, but we will also move the court," said the chief minister.

        Venue of BGBS at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in New Town : 2025 

A source said the current government suspected that large-scale misappropriation of public money had occurred through advertisements and promotional campaigns linked to events such as the BGBS.

"If necessary, we will hand the matter over to agencies investigating money laundering. We will not let this go. 

The people have not elected us to remain silent. You can already see the condition of 'Pushpa' and others," he added.  

The state Industry minister Tapas Roy has already directed officials to prepare a detailed report on the BGBS and its expenditure.

The new state government is keen to "scrutinise" the outcomes of those high-profile events that involved spending hundreds of crores and examine whether public funds were misused.

Former Mamata Banerjee, who even failed to win her own seat in 2026 polls, had launched the BGBS as a platform to connect with leading industrialists from across the country and the world, inviting them to invest in Bengal. 

After each summit, her government used to announce investment proposals worth thousands of crores in the state, many of which critics claimed were never implemented on the ground.

The BGBS was launched in 2015, and a total of 12 editions have been held.

"If an investigation is conducted, a massive corruption racket will be exposed. The chief minister has already understood this, and that is why he raised the issue today," said a BJP source.

Since the BJP government came to power, a significant number of industrialists have started meeting Suvendu. 

A section of industrialists has also called on top BJP leaders, including state president Samik Bhattacharya, with proposals to invest in Bengal.

CM Suvendu said that his government had been examining the track records of all such industrialists and the performance of their companies to determine whether they had previously been involved in land-related or banking scams.

"We want to determine whether industrialists are coming merely to meet the chief minister and take photographs after presenting flowers, or whether they genuinely intend to invest and contribute," said the chief minister.

"Our first task is to examine whether those industries have been credible business players in the past, whether they have committed bank fraud, land fraud, or whether any money laundering investigations are pending against them," he has stated.

ends 

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth named next Chief of Indian Army; to take charge on June 30 :::: He is Widely recognised for contributions to force modernisation !!

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth named next Chief of Indian Army; to take charge on June 30

The officer has commanded at every level in diverse operational environments. His command assignments include an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the Western Theatre, and a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir.

The senior military officer is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986

Lt Gen Seth, widely known for his strategic planning and contributions towards modernisation of the Army, is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the force.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth will be the next Chief of the Army Staff succeeding incumbent Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the defence ministry said.  In appointing Lt Gen Seth, the government followed the seniority principle.

He will assume charge of the top position on June 30 when Gen Dwivedi retires. 

Over a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, he has had extensive experience across the operational, strategic, capability development and institutional domains.

Widely recognised for his contributions to force modernisation, the officer has held pivotal appointments in the strategic planning and capability development verticals of the Army headquarters.

Lt Gen Seth contributed significantly in undertaking capability roadmap and long-term force structuring initiatives, according to senior officials.

As a Lt General, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army's premier strike formations. He subsequently served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, overseeing key national and international military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities.

Following his elevation as an Army Commander, the officer commanded South Western Command and Southern Command, earning the rare distinction of commanding two operational Army Commands and providing strategic oversight across critical theatres for over a period of two and half years.

He has held several key staff and strategic appointments that have significantly influenced operational planning, force management and capability development.

An accomplished military professional, Lt Gen Seth has consistently excelled in professional military education, securing top positions in courses of instruction, the ministry said.

2,000 km after strike, Indian Navy extracts "unexploded missile" from tanker in Kochi

2,000 km after strike, Indian Navy extracts unexploded missile from tanker in Kochi  

The Ministry of Defence described the mission as a "meticulously planned and executed high-risk operation".

In a high-risk operation, the Indian Navy safely extracted an unexploded missile warhead lodged deep inside a fuel tank of the crude oil tanker MT Olympic Life. 

The operation to remove the unexploded missile was carried out by an elite Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from the Indian Navy in Kochi. (Images: Ministry of Defence)

The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel sailed nearly 2,000 km from off Oman to Kochi with the deadly projectile embedded since May 26.  

It was like a ticking bomb that could go off any time. 

Only that it was a ship with a warhead stuck to its hull. The saviour — Indian Navy. 

The Indian Navy successfully recovered an unexploded missile warhead from a crude oil tanker that had sailed nearly 2,000 km after being struck off the coast of Oman.

The missile pierced the hull of the Marshall Islands-flagged MT Olympic Life, crossed multiple compartments and became lodged inside a fuel tank before the vessel sailed through the Arabian Sea and reached Kochi. 

The recovery operation, carried out by a specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, isolated the warhead's detonation mechanism and safely extracted it along with associated debris, said the Ministry of Defence.  

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday said he had spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and conveyed India's strong protest over US naval attacks in the Gulf that killed three Indian seafarers.  

The statement comes amid growing risks to commercial shipping in the Middle East (Western Asia), where merchant vessels have increasingly found themselves caught in the fire of the US-Israel-Iran War. 

They have been exposed and hit by missiles, drones and other sea mine attacks. Since June 9, three ships crewed by Indians have been hit by US forces enforcing a blockade around the Sea of Oman.

Since the outbreak of the war, shipping companies have also had to contend with naval blockades and soaring insurance costs. 

The Gulf of Oman, where MT Olympic Life was hit, and adjoining waters have become one of the world's most sensitive maritime corridors, which carries a substantial share of global energy trade.

ends 

"Bharat-i in FIFA 2026' ::: It's no Bollywood title ... New Zealand's Sarpreet Singh, Qatar's Tahsin, Congo's Samuel and Australia's Nishan Velupillay --- are all "Indian origin" ::: 84 mn. viewers watch matches on television, placing India among top audiences

No India at the FIFA World Cup, but 4 Indian-Origin stars are ready to shine  

"I'm from a very typical Punjabi family with a lot of uncles and aunties and cousins," New Zealand star player Sarpreet Singh told Sportstar.

Although India will not be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, four players with Indian roots will be part of the tournament. 

New Zealand's Sarpreet Singh, 

Qatar's Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, 

Congo's Samuel Moutoussamy and Australia's Nishan Velupillay will all represent their respective countries.

India's long wait for a place at the FIFA World Cup continues. 

The men's national team has never played at football's showpiece event, a reality that remains frustrating for a country where the sport commands a massive following.

FIFA's figures from the 2022 World Cup highlight that enthusiasm. 

Around 745 million people in India engaged with the tournament across television, digital and social media platforms, making the country the second-largest market after China. 

Nearly 84 million viewers watched matches on television, placing India among the top audiences globally.

Mexico star in action 

So while the tricolour will not be represented among the 48 nations competing in the United States, Canada and Mexico, there will still be familiar threads running through the tournament.  

Four players with family origins in India are set to feature at the 2026 World Cup. 

Their stories stretch from Punjab and Kerala to New Zealand, Qatar, Australia and even the Caribbean, reflecting the many paths taken by the Indian diaspora over generations.  

SARPREET SINGH (NEW ZEALAND)

Of the four names on this list, Sarpreet Singh is the one Indian football fans are most likely to recognise.

The attacking midfielder represented New Zealand at the FIFA U-20 World Cups in 2017 and 2019 before graduating to the senior side. In 2019, he made headlines when Bayern Munich signed him from Wellington Phoenix, becoming one of the few players from New Zealand to join a European giant.

Born in Auckland to parents whose family hails from Jalandhar, Punjab, Singh has been a prominent figure in New Zealand football for several years. His family ran a grocery store in Auckland, and he has never hidden his affection for his Punjabi heritage.  

SAMUEL MOUTOUSSAMY (CONGO)

Samuel Moutoussamy's story is perhaps the most fascinating of the four.

Born in France, the midfielder traces his Indian ancestry through his father, who belongs to the Indo-Guadeloupean community of Tamil origin. The community emerged from the migration of Indian indentured labourers to the Caribbean during the nineteenth century.  

Nishan 

NISHAN VELUPILLAY (AUSTRALIA)

Nishan Velupillay heads into the World Cup as one of Australia's most exciting attacking options.

The Melbourne Victory winger was born and raised in Melbourne, but his family story stretches back to the Indian subcontinent. His father, Sasinath Velupillay, is of Sri Lankan Tamil heritage, while his mother, Gillian Velupillay, is Anglo-Indian. 

TAHSIN MOHAMMED JAMSHID (QATAR)

Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid is Qatar's emerging talents.

The 19-year-old winger was born in Qatar to parents from Kerala. 

His father, Jamshid, played for the University of Calicut and Kerala's sub-junior team before moving to the Gulf nation, while his mother, Shyma, is from Kannur.

"Social Transformation and Development through Yogic practices" ::: An Assam-based organisation promoting Yoga as a tool for Collective Societal Growth

In a grand celebration of wellness and community spirit, Silchar-based NIRAMAYA (A School of Yoga Education), organized YOGAMAHOTSAV at Pranabananda Vidyamandir (Bharat Sevashram Sangha) in Lumding, Assam.

NIRMAYA is accredited to the Union Ministry of Ayush and also is a member institution of IYA.

The high-profile event was held in collaboration with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, marking a major milestone in the countdown to the International Day of Yoga, June 21, 2026.  

As of the three-day Yogic extravaganza, a thought-provoking panel discussion on the Common Yoga Protocol was held, centering on the theme "Social transformation and development through yogic practices". 

The discourse highlighted how integrating yoga into daily life can foster collective societal growth and well-being. 

The grand finale of the Mahotsav featured a vibrant cultural program that beautifully showcased the rich, diverse heritage and traditional glimpses of Northeast India.  

Attended by a large number of guests. delegates students, the sessions saw proactive representation from various government and non-government organizations and departments.

The Yoga performance and intellectual discussions could cement the event's massive success as a unified step toward promoting a healthier society through yoga.

The mega events were graced among others by Srimat Swami Tatva Gyanananda Maharaj of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Lumding.

A galaxy of eminent dignitaries attended the program, including Legacy Person of Niramaya Yogacharya Divya Geetanand Rahul, Director of Niramaya Srimati Shatakshi Bhattacharjee, and Shekhar Chakraborty, Principal of Pranabananda Vidyamandir and Chairman of the Niramaya Executive Committee. 

Other notable guests included Bikramjit Chakraborty, Chief Advisor of the District Administration Employees Union, Assam; Dr. Rabishwar Ghosh; Bhaskar Jyoti, Officer-in-Charge of the Lumding Police Station; Dhiraj Dey, Secretary of the Lumding Press Club; and Dr. Sumon Bhorali.

The core attraction of the morning session on May 31 was the mass practice of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP). 

The session was conducted by Dr Sunil Sharma, Assistant Professor of Yoga at MGUMST, Jaipur, who was ably supported by instructors Navaswati Bhattacharjee, Swati Deb, Ratul Chakraborty, Rajesh Das, and Pallab Dey.

This was followed by live demonstrations by Himaghna Bhattacharjee. 

More than 1,500 enthusiastic participants performed the yogic sequences with immense joy.

Following the protocol, Ms Shatakshi Bhattacharjee guided the gathering through a deeply rejuvenating meditation session.

ends 

This is the 39th time that Donald Trump declared US-Iranian talks to be on the point of fruition !! :::: Iran was less definite, saying 'agreement' was being studied

Great news ?? 

Maybe !! Donald Trump has said the US and Iran are on the verge of a peace agreement. 

Earlier on five occasions, the promise of peace has involved walking back the threat of mass devastation, including the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure, a near-certain war crime if carried out.

Oil prices are down, and the stock market is up. This comes only hours after Trump warned Iran was about to be struck “VERY HARD”, a threat that had sent oil prices up and stocks down.

It has been another ride on the Trump rollercoaster, keeping traders on edge, most of the world poorer, and people of the Middle East constantly whiplashing between fear and hope. But whether the ride veers up or down, the management always makes money.

This is the 39th time that the president has declared US-Iranian talks to be on the point of fruition (other counts have the figure higher – it depends on what you term a prediction or just a hint).  

A US breakthrough with Iran could cut India’s oil bill, reduce inflation and boost growth

Crude oil sinks to three-month low, India eyes relief from soaring fuel costs as Trump says Iran deal near

Trump with Xi Jinping in Beijing 

As he was menacing Iran with “very hard” strikes on Thursday night, Trump also pledged the US would take over “total control” of the country’s oil and gas markets and seize the island of Kharg. 

Trump has threatened the capture of Kharg, a focal point of Iran’s hydrocarbon industry, several times before, although in this instance the threat was made while actually bombing Iran.

However, the prospect of mass destruction had evaporated as quickly as it had materialised.  

Brent crude, the international benchmark, briefly fell below $85 a barrel after Trump's announcement, its lowest level since the early days of the war, before rebounding to trade at around $87.50. Before the war erupted in late February, oil was trading at $70 a barrel. 

A lasting US-Iran peace deal could slash India's fuel import bill, lower petrol and diesel prices, ease inflation, support the rupee and remove one of the biggest threats hanging over the country's economic outlook.

Reopening the Strait, through which nearly half of India's crude oil and most of its LPG used to flow, could reduce the energy import bill, lower fuel and transport costs for consumers, help contain inflation, bolster the flagging rupee and boost economic growth.

State-run fuel companies have hiked petrol and diesel prices four times since mid-May to offset the upheaval in oil supplies. Petrol prices have risen nearly 8 per cent, while diesel is up more than 8.5 per cent.  

“I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening,” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform as if providing his full capitalised title added any weight to the statement.

The air of optimism was reinforced on Friday afternoon by a White House briefing that a text was in place which both the US and Iran could live with. US officials echoed the president’s prediction that a signing ceremony could be held in a matter of days.

Iran’s foreign ministry was less definite, saying that the proposed agreement was being studied by the country’s “decision-making bodies”, but the oil price fell below $90 a barrel nonetheless.

Two get citizenship under CAA in Tripura; more applications under review :::: six applications reached the final stage

Two get citizenship under CAA in Tripura; more applications under review 

Administrative officials detailed that the entire process is conducted through a dedicated online portal, with applications examined by a State-level committee

Tripura has received between 20 and 25 applications under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), with two applicants already receiving Indian citizenship certificates. 

The remaining applications are under verification and scrutiny.  

“Verification and scrutiny are carried out through the designated online platform. Applications are processed as per the recommendations of the competent authorities. There is no offline procedure,” a senior official said.  

Most applications are under examination, with progress monitored through an online dashboard. 

Recently, six applications reached the final stage of scrutiny. 

Of these, three were returned for re-examination after discrepancies were detected, while three were forwarded to the State-level committee. 

Two applicants linked to these cases were subsequently granted citizenship certificates.

Officials in North Tripura confirmed that the recently processed applications were submitted by residents of the district. 

One of the successful applicants, Jhalak Das Chowdhury, met the District Magistrate after receiving his citizenship certificate to complete Aadhaar-related formalities. 

Another female applicant from the district has also been granted citizenship.  

The CAA provides a pathway to Indian citizenship for eligible members of specified communities who have migrated from certain neighbouring countries under defined circumstances. 

The Act had sparked widespread protests across Tripura and other North Eastern States. Several petitions challenging its Constitutional validity are pending before the Supreme Court. 

Meanwhile, a road and rail blockade called by a group of former militants and their supporters was withdrawn on Friday after the State Government gave assurance on their demands. 

The breakthrough came after Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma visited Sadhupada in the Baramura area and held a crucial meeting with the protesters in the presence of IGP Krishnendu Chakraborty.  

Ex-militants withdraw 72-Hr Tripura rail-road blockade, seeks faster rehab package 

The blockade, called by NLFT & ATTF earlier in the day, severely disrupted vehicular movement on key highways & affected train services

ends 

Air Force jet crashes at Assam airbase, fire reported after landing ::: Incident took place at Air Force station in Jorhat

Air Force jet crashes at Assam airbase, fire reported after landing

An Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft met with an accident while landing in Assam, which could have triggered a fire. With firefighting operations underway, questions remain over casualties and what led to the incident.

An Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft met with an accident while landing at an airbase in Assam on Saturday, with reports suggesting that the aircraft caught fire inside the base after touchdown. Firefighting teams were rushed to the spot, while senior IAF officials headed to the site as authorities worked to ascertain whether there were any casualties.

The incident took place at the Indian Air Force station in Jorhat.  

In an initial statement, the Indian Air Force said, "Today an AN-32 of IAF met with an accident. Further update will be provided once more details are available."

World Cup 2026 set for return of No 9 as Haaland, Kane and Isak take centre stage ::: Argentina's N. 9 -- Lautaro Martínez offers a different interpretation ... Aggressive, relentless and tactically intelligent,

World Cup 2026 set for return of No 9 as Haaland, Kane and Isak take centre stage

The traditional No 9 could be poised for a revival at the 2026 World Cup as national-team coaches increasingly turn towards physical centre-forwards and more direct attacking football in a tournament that has historically rewarded simplicity over tactical complexity.  

Argentina's Lautaro Martínez offers a different interpretation of the modern No 9. 

Aggressive, relentless and tactically intelligent, he combines physical presence with mobility and pressing intensity.

Harry Kane : English goal getter 

England's Harry Kane remains one of the tournament's most dependable goalscorers. 

While England possess an abundance of creative talent, tournament football has a habit of reducing complicated plans to their simplest form. Kane's ability to score under pressure remains one of the side's greatest assets.

Strikers were no longer judged simply on their finishing. They were asked to drop into midfield as false nines, create overloads between the lines and help orchestrate intricate passing patterns designed to manipulate opposition defences. 

Norway's Erling Haaland will finally have the opportunity to perform on the World Cup stage after helping his country qualify for the finals for the first time in nearly three decades. 

Few forwards embody direct attacking football more completely. Haaland thrives on occupying defenders, attacking space behind back lines and converting chances with ruthless efficiency.

                Erling Haaland ::: Reuters picture

 (social media) 

                                       Lautaro Martínez 

Sweden's Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres could form one of the most formidable strike partnerships at the tournament. 

Both possess the physical attributes associated with traditional centre-forwards, yet their movement and technical quality reflect the modern evolution of the role.

Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres

Uruguay's Darwin Núñez may also benefit from the direct approach favoured by coach Marcelo Bielsa. 

His combination of pace, power and aerial ability makes him particularly dangerous in transition and from crosses into the penalty area.  

Mexico's Santiago Giménez remains one of the game's most instinctive penalty-box forwards, excelling in the chaotic situations that often decide knockout football.

Darwin of Uruguay 

ends 

Not Justified: Jaishankar raises Indian mariners' deaths with US Secy of State Rubio :::: " ..... such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified"

Not Justified: Jaishankar raises Indian mariners' deaths with Rubio  

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday said he had spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and conveyed India's strong protest over US naval attacks in the Gulf that killed three Indian seafarers.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he had "reiterated India's strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners" and stressed that "such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified."

The conversation comes days after three Indian crew members were killed in a US strike on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman, triggering a sharp response from New Delhi. 

The vessel had 24 Indian crew members on board, of whom 21 were rescued, while the three missing sailors were later confirmed dead.  Following the incident, India lodged a strong protest with Washington and summoned the US charg d'affaires in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs said it had conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal force against civilian shipping and stressed that attacks on commercial vessels undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had earlier said that attacks on merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members must cease immediately. 

He also called for dialogue and diplomacy to ensure an early return to peace and stability in the region.

Three merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members came under attack in the Gulf region during the week, heightening concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in one of the world's busiest shipping corridors. 

In response, the government has directed relevant agencies to remain on high alert and coordinate closely with the Indian Navy, shipping companies and international maritime authorities.

The US military has said the Settebello was targeted after allegedly failing to comply with instructions issued by American forces during enforcement of a blockade on Iran-linked shipping.

US President Donald Trump accused Iran of carrying out a drone attack on Indian ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, describing the incident as "totally unacceptable."  

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Their (Iran's) totally rebuffed Drone attack last night against Indian Ships leaving the Hormuz Strait is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. They better get their act together and FAST."  

India has earlier also summoned the United States' top diplomat for a second time after a third vessel carrying Indian crew members was caught up in a maritime security incident near Oman within just three days. 

The development has intensified concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes. 

ends 

'"WAR is continuation of politics by other means" :::::: "Very dishonourable people': Trump rejects Iran’s leaked deal claims, accuses Tehran of drone attack on Indian ships :::: Netanyahu says says he is “in full agreement” with Trump to keep Iran from obtaining Nukes

 The US and Iran stepped back from the brink of returning to all-out war on June 11. Hours after saying the US military would carry out strikes against Iran for a third consecutive night, Donald Trump postponed the attack.   

The difficulty begins with the absence of any discernible plan in Washington. Trump has articulated no strategy and no definition of victory beyond a vague aspiration to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Weeks of intensive bombing earlier in the war did not shatter the regime’s centre of gravity. 

Rather, it consolidated the regime and has left it more cohesive and determined than it was before. 

In contrast to the more cautious regime of Iran’s late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which tended to wait and to respond, the new regime has become assertive.

It has been quick to retaliate against US and Israel attacks with severity and to set the pace of escalation. On June 8, for example, Iran launched barrages of missiles towards Israel in protest at the Israeli military’s escalating campaign in Lebanon.

War, as Prussian military strategist Carl von Clausewitz observed in his 1832 book, 'On War', is the continuation of politics by other means.

The Iranian military had said the US would “receive a more severe response than before” if it followed through on its threats.  

Trump claimed to have cancelled the strikes because of progress in negotiations between the two countries. In a statement posted on social media, Trump said: “Discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved.” He later added that the deal is set to be signed over the “next few days”.  

'Very dishonourable people': Trump rejects Iran’s leaked deal claims, accuses Tehran of drone attack on Indian ships

A senior Iranian source says that the draft would waive sanctions on Iran's oil, unfreeze billions of dollars of its funds, and require a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon.  

An emerging deal between the United States and Iran is “performance-based”, a senior Trump administration official said on Friday. They added that Tehran will get none of its frozen assets until it carries out its part of the agreement.

Trump dismissed Iranian media reports on an imminent deal with the US as “fake news”, saying they were not the terms Washington agreed to. Several Iranian media outlets have been reporting what they described as details of a draft proposal being reviewed by Iran’s leadership. 

Some of the terms of the agreement, according to the reports, include Iran’s control of the strait of Hormuz and postponed discussions on its nuclear programme 

The prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, said he is “in full agreement” with Donald Trump to keep Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.  

And, even if it is signed, the agreement Trump is talking about is far from a final peace deal. It appears to be a memorandum of understanding, establishing a framework for the two countries to talk about unresolved issues. 

These include Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and nuclear programme. (Reuters) 

What's Past is the 'Present' ::: Fast forward: What's the roadmap ahead for RSS-BJP bond? ::: Future of Bharat and Hindutva is also well linked !!

What's the roadmap ahead for RSS-BJP bond?  -- Fast forward

Modi, Keshubhai Patel and others 

A man is known by the company he keeps. This is generally true for the BJP as a political outfit vis-a-vis its relationship with the RSS. 

In fact, doyens of pro-Hindutva philosophy politics Ike LK Advani have called RSS-BJP bond as the umbilical cord. Students of Biology can tell us that the umbilical cord is a flexible, tube-like structure that connects a developing fetus to the placenta. 

As the Modi Govt completed 12 years in office and created a new record of having PM Narendra Modi as the 'longest serving elected PM' surpassing Nehru; it is not without good reason that all eyes are on the future course the Sanghparivar fountainhead RSS chooses for itself.

It was/is more than an exciting event on cards (or in the past) as time and again an impression has gone that Nagpur does not approve of the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah 'hegemony' in all aspects of running of the saffron party and running of the NDA government. 

However, the 'past and the present' events related to the RSS-BJP relationship deserve a closer scrutiny. Contrary to the impression that it is Prime Minister Modi chiefly who is pushing all veterans into sidelines sources both in BJP and RSS confirm that right from 2013 the Sanghparivar fountain-head has been in "control" of things.  

In fact, about the BJP team formed by Rajnath Singh after being elected as national president in March 2013 showed "Kisi ek neta ki nahi chali".  

The RSS diktat was to work on next generation leaders. This was carried forward under a well thought and planned system and hence younger generation leaders were encouraged and projected too. 

Now that Nitin Nabin (age-) is the new president; things are further crystal clear.

On March 31, 2013 precisely the Easter Day-the then BJP president Rajnath Singh announced the bearers' names and also national executive of the party. It had a fine balance of caste, community and politi-co-societal considerations. 

But more importantly the new team of BJP had a clear imprint of the RSS. A senior leader later summed up the complex decisions in fewer words.  "For the first time in 33 years since formation of BJP in 1980, the party had shown dead woods their place and created a second generation in most states". 

This push to the generation next polity was given a much crucial bolster in 2014 after Amit Shah replaced Rajnath Singh as the BJP president. The move to inculcate fresh blood or new faces was refreshing and RSS insiders later said the "transition' was akin to L. K Advani's moves in 1980s when the likes of Pramod Mahajan and Sushma Swaraj were encouraged.

Mohan Bhagwat 

In 2014, it goes without saying the RSS also deputed one of its dynamic and then a media friendly personality Ram Madhav as the BJP gen-eral secretary. While PM Modi and BJP chief Shah are often accused of being 'autocratic', in the case of Ram Madhav he was given key responsibilities to handle trouble torn state of Jammu and Kashmir and "almost a free hand about Nagaland and other north eastern states".

That Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio survived so long especially after 2018 is a testimony to the influence of Ram Madhav. 

Sanghparivar leaders also say that in 2013 the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had categorically instructed Rajnath Singh that no general secretary should be above 50. It was a blueprint for the future. 

At the same time Amit Shah was allowed to be made the general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh and the outcome is known to all. 

The state of UP ultimately gave BJP as many as magical 71 seats and the NDA tally was 73. 

Rajnath Singh 

RSS and Policy Making:   

The decision to frame a New Education Policy (NEP) was taken around 2014 itself. And after many twists and turns today the NEP bears the clear imprint of of the RSS ideology or Hindutva punctuated.

It talks about  ancient civilizational values and neo nationalism. PM Modi has also made it clear that his vision on ‘New India’ will actually represent the strongest pillars of original RSS agenda – Uniform Civil Code, emphasis on Patriotism, Cultural Unity and moral roots.   

More than once key BJP leaders and RSS ideologues have stated that the ideology hold of Nagpur must be strengthened on the BJP and crucial government departments.

It was argued that the “Congress suffered” immensely in terms of people's perception and a party’s value system and principles because - it was influenced and guided by ministers. 

Under Modi, hence it was a deliberate decision that the BJP and RSS should continue to “guide” the ministers and even prescribe “Dos and Don’ts” for critical ministries.

In fact, all key leaders PM Modi, RSS chief Bhagwat, Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath (he is non-RSS background man) have been working to a good script and ensured that the BJP is in the "right synchronisation with the RSS on Education system, Swadeshi Economy and Growth, Ram temple and other pro-Hindutva agenda like Art 370 and Uniform Civil Code.

In 2017-the Sanghparivar fountainhead did not mind the experiment and allowed Yogi Adityanath to be made the UP Chief Minister. And this also fetched dividends. West Bengal election was a testimony of good team work between RSS and the BJP.

But Indian politics and Indian public are unpredictable. No final word can be said about polity and more so in the manner RSS leadership would handle the post UP elections of 2027.

But in case if certain or all all calculation goes topsy-turvy; heads will certainly roll.

ends