Federation cites visibility issue; Army uniform next: Cong

Hockey India cannot seem to catch a break. After controversies over allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation, the federation has sparked another row after deciding to change the team’s jersey colour from its traditional blue kit. 

The new jersey unveiled is bright orange or saffron, which Hockey India described as “a symbol of courage, sacrifice and national pride”.

However, the new jersey drew widespread criticism from fans and former players, including former captain Viren Rasquinha. “I must say that Hockey India has done many good things for Indian hockey. But this is embarrassing. The legacy & identity of the Indian team has always been BLUE. I wore the blue jersey with pride for many years. Fans want to see our Indian team in blue. What is the logic of orange?” he wrote in a social media post.

The issue also found mention in Parliament, with Opposition leaders expressing concern, saying that the Indian Army’s uniform could be next. They accused the BJP and RSS of trying to impose saffron everywhere.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleged that the change in jersey reflected a wider attempt by the BJP and the RSS to reshape the country’s identity, history and institutions. Congress MP Amar Singh alleged that the BJP wanted to saffronise everything and warned that they might do the same with the Army’s uniform. TMC leader Kirti Azad also questioned the need to replace the traditional blue jersey.

Following the controversy, Hockey India issued a statement, saying the decision had been taken after consultations with the players and the coaching staff. 

“We wish to inform you that the decision to change the uniform colour was based on recommendations from the support staff and players after detailed consultations. The primary consideration was technical. It was observed that the blue playing uniform tended to blend with the blue synthetic playing surface, which is now the standard colour of international hockey pitches. This visual similarity affected on-field clarity and visibility for the players,” Hockey India said in the statement on Thursday.

“In light of this, the coaches and players suggested alternative colours such as yellow or saffron. After careful consideration, saffron was finalised. Apart from addressing the technical requirement, saffron also holds deep significance as one of the colours of our National Flag, symbolising courage, sacrifice and national pride,” it added

Citing advisory, Bench says police empowered to use it in exceptional situations

Satya Prakash

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to preserve the ammunition log of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed at Jantar Mantar during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest even as it questioned a plea by IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad and two victims seeking a complete ban on the use of metallic pellet guns for crowd control.

The order came from a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant after the petitioners’ counsel, Vrinda Grover, submitted that the top court’s July 28 interim order for the preservation of CCTV, drone/body camera footage and wireless logs did not specifically refer to ammunition logs. 

“Whatever is required for investigation will be preserved,” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the Bench, which also included Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana.

The top court also directed the Delhi Government to ensure medical treatment was provided to the protesters who suffered pellet gun injuries.

Referring to an advisory of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), the Bench said the police were empowered to use pellet guns in exceptional situations.

A bona fide protest may turn violent at any point, perhaps due to infiltration of anti-social elements, and “graded response” of law enforcement agencies might be sometimes necessary, Justice Bagchi said.

The Bench said the petitioners’ prayer for a total ban on the use of pellet guns by law enforcement agencies for civilian crowd control and dispersal was “vague” in the absence of any challenge to police regulations permitting the use of such weapons.

The Bench deferred the hearing to enable the petitioners to amend the petition to challenge the rules, which permitted the use of pellet guns. “Police rules allow the use in exceptional circumstances unless you challenge the rules itself. One of the steps of graded approach is use of pellet guns,” Justice Bagchi said, adding that without challenging the validity of those regulations, the relief seeking a complete ban on the use of pellet guns might be barred.

“In light of alleged excessive use, your prayer should be that the court lays down a protocol regarding the use,” the CJI told Vrinda Grover.

Justice Bagchi, however, clarified that it was not averse to examining the use of pellet guns in a particular situation. Petitioners Prasant Kumar Singh and Sheikh Irshad Mansoori claimed they were victims of pellets fired by the RAF during the CJP’s “Sansad Chalo” protest on July 20 over NEET paper leaks. They were treated at Lady Hardinge Medical College in the national capital where pellets lodged in their bodies were removed after surgical intervention, they claimed. 

SupremeCourt Updates

Grover submitted that metallic pellets were used against the petitioners, and the same were recovered from their bodies. “I am not saying pellet guns should not be in the armoury of the RAF. Here it is different. They have used metallic pellets (as against rubber or plastic bullets)” Grover submitted.

Pointing out that such regulations were not easily available in the public domain, she urged the Bench to direct the Centre to place them on record to enable the petitioners to amend their prayers in the petition.

“We are agreeable to non-violent approach when the protests are by students etc… that personal hijacking of protest cannot be allowed which sabotages the bona fides of the protest for their ulterior motives. Arm your police in such a way that they don’t have to resort to such actions,” Justice Bagchi told Mehta, who agreed with the observation.

‘Sikh riders’ arrived in tractors loaded with rations and relief supplies for families devastated by the Assam floods.

Their mission was simple to serve humanity. Their actions were driven not by  politics, but by compassion and they lived up to that commitment every step of the way.

When they left, they carried back something far more valuable–gratitude, love and respect.

As devastating floods continue to batter Assam, claiming at least 75 lives and affecting more than 3.32 lakh people across seven districts, a Sikh gurdwara in Sivasagar has emerged as a beacon of hope by providing shelter, food and essential services to hundreds of displaced families.

The Sivasagar Gurudwara Sahib, located near Station Chariali, has opened its doors to nearly 200 flood-hit families while serving 1,500 to 2,000 freshly prepared meals every day through its community kitchen (langar), irrespective of religion, caste or community.

The humanitarian initiative comes as Assam grapples with what officials have described as one of the state’s worst flood disasters in decades, triggered by rainfall reaching nearly 490 per cent above normal in some of the hardest-hit regions.

Sikh gurdwara offers shelter and meals

With entire villages submerged and thousands forced to flee their homes, the gurdwara has become a temporary refuge for people left homeless by the floods.

“Our gurdwara has always run a langar, and serving humanity is our religion. Therefore, it is our duty to stand by the people of Sivasagar during this difficult time,” Maninder Singh Khalsa, Joint State Secretary of the Gurudwara Management Committee, told Awaz-The Voice.

“As soon as the floods hit Sivasagar, we opened the doors of our gurdwara. Around 200 families are staying here comfortably, and we are providing them with three meals a day,” he said.

Apart from offering shelter, the gurdwara has arranged generators, mobile phone charging facilities and fans after floodwaters disrupted electricity supply across the region.

“Our volunteers are working day and night in the gurdwara kitchen to prepare food for the flood victims,” Khalsa added.

Community joins relief efforts

The relief work has drawn support from members of the Marwari community, social organisations and local residents, who have contributed food supplies and other essentials.

Concerned about the health of displaced families, the gurdwara management has appealed to the Assam government to deploy medical personnel at the shelter.

“If the government provides us with two doctors and a medical team, that will be sufficient. We will arrange the medicines ourselves,” Khalsa said.

Despite being managed by only about 50 Sikh families living in Sivasagar, the gurdwara has become one of the largest community-led relief centres in the district.

Assam flood toll continues to climb

According to the latest official figures, the flood death toll has risen to 75, while more than 3.32 lakh people remain affected across Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sonitpur and Kamrup Metropolitan districts.

More than 622 villages remain inundated, forcing thousands to stay in government-run relief camps.

Sivasagar has emerged as the worst-hit district, with several villages flattened or buried under thick layers of mud after floodwaters receded.

The Indian Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) continue rescue and relief operations, using helicopters and boats to reach marooned communities. 

The Assam government has announced ₹9 lakh as ex gratia compensation for the families of those who lost their lives and rolled out additional relief packages for affected families and students.

Health concerns emerge

As floodwaters gradually recede in parts of Upper Assam, authorities are shifting focus to rehabilitation and preventing outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

Large areas remain covered in stagnant water and thick mud, while decomposing livestock and damaged infrastructure have raised concerns about sanitation and public health.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been camping in eastern Assam to monitor rescue and rehabilitation efforts, while senior ministers have been assigned to oversee operations in the worst-affected districts.

Although official figures place the death toll at 75, some local residents and public representatives have claimed the actual number of deaths and missing persons could be significantly higher. Authorities, however, have not confirmed those claims.

The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, proposes stricter punishment.

The legislation aims at effectively deterring persons, organised groups and institutions from indulging in unfair means, thereby committing offences, adversely impacting the sanctity of public examinations.

Here are salient features of the bill which amends a 2024 law:

Empowers all state governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations to designate any sessions court to be a special fast-track court to try offences under the proposed law.

1. To provide that the proceedings in such Special Fast Track Courts are continued on day-to-day basis and the trial be completed within a period of three months from the date of filing of the charge sheet.
2. To empower the central government to also constitute special task force for investigation of any offence.
3. To provide that the investigations for offences under the legislation are completed within a period of two months.
4. To empower all state governments and UT administrations to appoint one or more special public prosecutors for conduct of cases under the legislation.
5. To provide for appeal mechanism as against any judgment, sentence or order to a bench of two judges of the high court, and for disposal of the same within a period of three months from the date of admission of appeal.
6. Under the new law, individuals involved in paper leaks or unfair means in exams will get jail terms for a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10 years, and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
7. For organised crimes, the bill proposes a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore.

The 2024 law was brought when the government was faced with raging paper leak controversies. Before this legislation, there was no specific substantive law to deal with unfair means adopted or offences committed by various entities involved in the conduct of public examinations by the central government and its agencies. 

PoliceRecruitment Exams

The law aims to prevent unfair means in the public examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), the railways, banking recruitment examinations and the National Testing Agency (NTA) among others.

Union minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said in Lok Sabha that no bullet was fired on students protesting in the national capital against the NEET fiasco as he dismissed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had ordered firing on students.

Replying to the debate on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, the minister for state for PMO said the authority to issue order for firing rests with the magistrate, not with a minister and Gandhi lacked experience in public life and hence has levelled such allegations.

He said Gandhi alleged that the home minister has ordered firing on protesters in Delhi but was not able to authenticate that allegation.

“The first and fundamental point is he should know that when no shots were fired in the first place, the question of giving an order does not arise at all. (Jab goli chali hee nahi, toh aadesh dene ka sawal hee paida nai hota),” Singh said, dismissing the allegations levelled by the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha.

He said the authority to issue such an order rests with the magistrate, not with a minister.

“No bullet was fired, only tear gas was used,” Singh said, strongly defending Shah.

On Gandhi’s allegations that Shah’s cavalcade has 30 vehicles, Singh again rejected the suggestion and took a dig at him saying the leader of the opposition does not even know the counting.

On Gandhi’s remarks that the home minister had gone on foreign travel, the minister said Gandhi should know that Shah has never visited a foreign country.

“So without facts, and without a sense of responsibility, saying something in the House and then leaving the House, cannot be the behaviour of a responsible leader of opposition,” he said.

Earlier, Gandhi alleged that Shah had authorised police excesses against student protesters, triggering a massive uproar in Lok Sabha during the debate on the bill.

“The home minister is not here today because he is scared,” Gandhi said, drawing objections from the treasury benches.

The home minister “authorised” violent action against students, the Congress leader alleged, referring to the crackdown by security forces during the march to Parliament on July 20 during the CJP-led protest on the NEET paper leak issue. 

Speaker Om Birla immediately intervened, saying the discussion was not on the Home Minister.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected to Gandhi’s remarks and asked him to clarify the basis of his allegations and apologise.

Shimla district admin felicitates Kargil War veterans on Kargil Vijay Diwas

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday paid tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War

Vajra Corps pays tribute to martyrs on Kargil Vijay Diwas in Jalandhar

Kargil Vijay Diwas observed with wreath-laying ceremony at Dras

Himachal salutes its Kargil heroes on 27th Vijay Diwas

Capt Vikram Batra’s father recalls the spirit of ‘Shershaah’

No talks with Pakistan except on PoK: Rajnath Singh

The Shimla district administration on Saturday felicitated soldiers and veterans who participated in the Kargil War during a district-level Kargil Vijay Diwas programme held here, honouring their exceptional courage, bravery and service to the nation.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shimla, Anupam Kashyap, felicitated Subedar Major Sham Lal Sharma, Subedar Major Diwakar Dutt Sharma, Subedar Ved Prakash Sharma, Havildar Laxmi Dutt Sharma, Havildar Ram Lal Sharma, Havildar Praveen Sharma and Naik Jai Singh during the event.

Addressing the gathering, the DC said the Kargil victory stands as a symbol of the Indian Army’s indomitable courage, determination and patriotism. He said the sacrifices of soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation would continue to inspire generations. 

“Twenty-seven years have passed since the Kargil victory, but the nation can never forget its martyrs. National service and nation-building cannot be achieved through a one-day event alone; everyone will have to contribute collectively in this direction,” he said.

Kashyap also highlighted drug addiction, particularly the menace of ‘chitta‘, as one of the major challenges facing the country. He said eliminating the problem requires the cooperation and participation of every section of society.

He added that in the coming years, efforts would be made to organise Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations on a larger scale and involve more people to further strengthen the spirit of patriotism.

During the programme, an inspirational documentary on Kargil Vijay Diwas was screened. Students Jannat and Ekta from Portmore School, along with Suhani from Sanskrit College, Phagli, recited patriotic poems, adding to the patriotic atmosphere of the event.

A key highlight of the programme was the interaction with Kargil War veterans, who shared their experiences of the battlefield. They narrated inspiring accounts of the Indian Army’s courage, discipline and dedication while facing extreme challenges during the conflict. Their stories further reinforced the spirit of national service and patriotism among the youth and citizens present.

Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday paid tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War, reaffirming the state’s commitment to serving personnel, ex-servicemen and the families of fallen heroes while urging young people to join the armed forces.Marking Kargil Vijay Diwas at the War Memorial, Mann laid a wreath, paid floral tributes to the fallen heroes and observed a two-minute silence after the sounding of the Last Post. He also met families of the fallen heroes and ex-servicemen, distributed five two-wheelers to differently abled veterans and interacted with NCC cadets and cadets of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute and Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute.

Recalling that 527 soldiers, including more than 65 from Punjab, were killed in the conflict, Mann said, “Soldiers who lay down their lives for the nation do not belong only to their families; they belong to the entire country.”Calling military service one of the noblest callings, the chief minister urged young cadets to serve the nation. “Serving the nation through the armed forces is among the noblest callings. I urge our young cadets to dedicate themselves to this great cause,” he said.Defence services welfare minister Mohinder Bhagat, senior armed forces officers, ex-servicemen and families of the fallen heroes were present at the ceremony.

Vajra Corps today observed the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas with profound solemnity and military traditions, paying rich tributes to the exceptional bravery and ultimate sacrifice of the brave soldiers of the Indian Army during the 1999 Operation Vijay. 

The anniversary proceedings culminated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Vajra Shaurya Sthal in Jalandhar, which was attended by veterans and serving personnel, among others. Floral wreaths were placed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Vajra Corps, Lt Gen Amit Kabthiyal, YSM, SM, GOC 11 Corps, as well as others present to honour the martyrs.

Addressing the gathering, GOC Lt Gen Amit Kabthiyal, YSM, SM, GOC 11 Corps, recounted the unparalleled fortitude displayed by soldiers during the Kargil War and reiterated the resolve of the Armed Forces to support the next of kin of the martyrs. He exhorted all ranks to draw motivation from this noble legacy and preserve the rich heritage of the Indian Army and the honour of the National Flag. 

IndiaNews Portal

Celebrated across the nation every year on July 26, Kargil Vijay Diwas marks the decisive triumph of the Indian Armed Forces in 1999, when soldiers overcame hostile high-altitude terrain, freezing climates, and fortified enemy positions to successfully evict intruders from Indian soil.

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The commemorative events by Vajra Corps served as a poignant reminder of the price paid for freedom, reinforcing the soldierly oath to never forget, never forgive, and remain permanently vigilant to safeguard the nation with absolute resolve.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth and senior military officers on Sunday paid tributes to the country’s bravehearts at a dedicated war memorial here, marking the 27th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The sun shone bright in the morning in the Dras Valley as Singh laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial, offering his homage to the fallen heroes.

Before him, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, Army Chief General Seth, and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, laid wreaths at the war memorial, among other senior officers of the force.

Three helicopters in arrowhead formation, led by an advanced light helicopter and followed by two Cheetas, showered floral petals on the memorial.

The defence minister, who arrived here on Saturday, was the chief guest at the ‘Shradhanjali Samaroh’ —wreath-laying ceremony — at the Kargil War Memorial.

On a rain-soaked evening in Dras, the Army on Saturday hosted a ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ at the war memorial, honouring the indomitable courage displayed by the Indian soldiers during Operation Vijay in 1999 and paying rich tributes to the fallen heroes. 

The defence minister participated in the solemn event and also handed a ceremonial ‘kalash’ to some of the family members of Army personnel who laid down their lives in the Kargil conflict.

The Army is hosting a series of events here to mark the 27th anniversary of Operation Vijay — India’s limited war after the neighbouring country’s infiltration.

The occasion marks the glorious victory in 1999 when Indian soldiers, braving snow-clad peaks and relentless firing by Pakistani troops, reclaimed the heights of Kargil.

Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the culmination of Operation Vijay on July 26, 1999.