Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Monday demanded a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the ongoing West Asia conflict, pressing the government to clarify its foreign policy and alleging that India is acting under pressure from the United States. Addressing reporters outside Parliament, Yadav stressed that the government should explain its approach, particularly given the large number of Indians living and working in Gulf countries. He raised concerns about the safety of these citizens amid the escalating tensions.

He also highlighted that several journalists who accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent Israel visit are now stranded in the region, forced into covering the conflict as war correspondents. “A large number of Indians are stuck in Gulf countries. Journalists who went with the prime minister to Israel as political reporters are now functioning as war journalists. How will they return?” he asked.

Criticising the Centre’s foreign policy, Yadav alleged that India is following US directives rather than acting independently. “While we speak of becoming Atmanirbhar, we are simultaneously taking instructions from the US. It is dictating how much oil we can buy and for how long,” he said.

Urging a parliamentary debate, Yadav called on the government to clearly explain its stance on the West Asia conflict and India’s broader foreign policy. “There must be a discussion on these issues and the manner in which the government has managed its foreign policy,” he added. Yadav’s statements reflect growing political scrutiny over India’s approach to the conflict, with opposition parties pressing for transparency on the safety of Indians abroad and the country’s strategic decisions in the region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

In a high-stakes political maneuver, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ambitions in Bihar rest squarely on maintaining a smooth alliance with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, as whispers of his potential Rajya Sabha move intensify. Sources close to the development suggest that a "happy Nitish" is non-negotiable for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to install Bihar's first-ever BJP chief minister without rocking the boat.

Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) remains the glue holding the NDA together in Bihar, thanks to his stronghold among Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and women voters who propelled the coalition's assembly majority. BJP insiders stress that sidelining him could fracture this voter base, a risk they're unwilling to take unlike in states like Rajasthan where solo rule allowed easier leadership changes. Even as JD(U) supporters voice frustration outside his residence, Delhi's top brass is prioritizing his buy-in to safeguard grassroots loyalty.

The succession race heats up with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary leading as Nitish's reported favorite, followed by Union Minister Nityanand Rai from the Yadav community and Industries Minister Dilip Jaiswal representing OBC interests. BJP aims for a measured transition, possibly timed post-legislative council elections to elevate Nitish's son Nishant, steering clear of disruptions before Parliament's March 9 session. Home Minister Amit Shah's impending Patna visit signals central leadership's direct oversight.

RJD leaders decry the shift as a "sophisticated Maharashtra-style coup," arguing it undercuts the people's verdict. Yet Nitish's recent assurance of "full cooperation" to any new government underscores alliance resilience, ensuring JD(U)'s 12 Lok Sabha seats bolster BJP nationally. This fulfills an alleged post-2025 pact: Nitish's interim leadership yielding to BJP control, marking a saffron milestone in the Hindi heartland.

Nitish's departure leaves a massive void in state politics, but a BJP CM endorsed by him could blend social justice appeal with aggressive development, eyeing 2029 battles. Protests may simmer if family interests like Nishant's are sidelined, but NDA's focus on infrastructure and stability might steady the ship. Bihar's equation remains: content partners today secure electoral wins tomorrow.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that while the West Asia conflict has reached India’s doorstep, the PM has remained silent. He added that the country needs steady leadership, but instead has a “compromised PM who has surrendered our strategic autonomy.”

Gandhi warned that the world is entering a volatile phase, with “stormy seas ahead.” He highlighted India’s vulnerability, noting that over 40% of the country’s oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and the situation is even worse for LPG and LNG. He also pointed to the recent sinking of an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, emphasizing that the Prime Minister has yet to respond.

His remarks came a day after a US submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian warship in international waters near Sri Lanka, after it had participated in India’s MILAN naval exercise—a multilateral wargame inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Visakhapatnam from February 19–25, 2026, with 18 countries participating, including the USA and Iran.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh called the Modi government’s silence “shocking” and unprecedented, noting that India has never appeared so “timid and fearful,” especially given the implications of the incident for maritime security in the Indian Ocean, often considered India’s strategic backyard. Ramesh also criticized the government for its continued silence over recent targeted assassinations in Iran. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the strike marked the first torpedo sinking of an enemy warship since World War II. Reports from the Sri Lankan Navy stated that 87 bodies were recovered and 32 people rescued from the Iranian warship IRIS Dena.

The incident represents a major escalation in US-Iran tensions outside the Persian Gulf, raising concerns for regional maritime security. Following recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, including the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran has retaliated with attacks targeting Israel and American bases across several Gulf countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. India has called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

On Tuesday, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak out on the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, warning that India’s silence harms its global standing. Gandhi emphasized that India must be “morally clear” and have the courage to defend international law and human lives. In a post on X, he said, “Our foreign policy is rooted in sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes, and it must remain consistent.” He added that PM Modi’s silence raises questions about India’s stance on the assassination of a head of state.

Expressing concern over rising tensions in West Asia, Gandhi called for dialogue and restraint, noting that escalating hostilities between the US, Israel, and Iran threaten the region and create uncertainty for millions, including nearly a crore Indians. He condemned attacks that violate sovereignty and stressed that violence only worsens crises.

Israel carried out strikes in Iran and Beirut, prompting Iran to retaliate with attacks on US assets, including the embassy in Riyadh. Iran also claimed a large-scale missile and drone strike on a US air base in Bahrain, reportedly destroying the main command building and setting fuel tanks on fire. These events have further widened the conflict, with civilians and expatriates at risk. World leaders and international bodies are urging de-escalation, though fighting continues with no clear resolution in sight.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

A group of 34 Australian women and children, who were held by the Islamic State for years without facing charges, have been sent back to a detention camp after trying to escape Syria and return home. Reged Ahmad talks with senior reporter and former foreign correspondent Ben Doherty about the heated discussion surrounding their repatriation and the implications for Australian citizenship.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

At least nine people were killed and numerous others wounded in a mass shooting in the small British Columbia community of Tumbler Ridge. The violence began at a residence and continued at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where victims included both students and adults, making it one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history. The suspected shooter, an 18‑year‑old, was also found dead at the scene from what appeared to be a self‑inflicted injury. Authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat as they continue to investigate the motive and circumstances behind the attack.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian

Keir Starmer’s prospects as prime minister took a hit after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar demanded his resignation. While the cabinet continues to back him, his position appears secure—for the moment. Pippa and Kiran explore what could unfold next.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian

US President Donald Trump announced that he is nominating Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve. Warsh would succeed current chair Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May, pending Senate approval. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the nomination with Jason Ware, Chief Investment Officer, Head of Research, and Chief Economist at Albion Financial Group, to gain further insight.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA