In a significant development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has re-appointed Ajit Doval as National Security Adviser and P K Mishra as principal secretary for another five-year term, making Doval the first NSA to serve three consecutive terms. Both Doval and Mishra have been assigned the rank of Cabinet Minister and their appointment is co-terminus with the term of the prime minister, or until further orders. Doval, who is credited for his role in the surgical strikes and Balakot air strike, is widely hailed for his contribution to national security.
Ajit Doval: India's National Security Advisor for an Unprecedented Third Term
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has re-appointed Ajit Doval as National Security Advisor (NSA) for another five-year term, making him the first NSA to serve three consecutive terms. This significant development underscores the Prime Minister's trust in Doval's leadership and the importance of national security in India's current geopolitical landscape.
Background of Ajit Doval
Ajit Doval is a former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. He has served in various key positions, including Director of the Intelligence Bureau and Special Director of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Doval is widely recognized for his exceptional skills in intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism operations, and strategic planning.
Doval's Contributions as NSA
During his tenure as NSA, Doval has played a crucial role in shaping India's national security policy. He has been instrumental in coordinating counter-terrorism operations, strengthening border security, and enhancing India's diplomatic ties with key global players.
Key Achievements
FAQs
1. Why has Ajit Doval been re-appointed for a third term?
Answer: Prime Minister Modi values Doval's experience, expertise, and unwavering commitment to national security. His exceptional track record and deep understanding of geopolitical dynamics make him the ideal candidate for this critical role.
2. What are the powers and responsibilities of the National Security Advisor?
Answer: The NSA is the principal advisor to the Prime Minister on all matters related to national security. They coordinate intelligence gathering, oversee counter-terrorism operations, and provide strategic guidance on foreign policy and defense issues.
3. What is the significance of Doval's extended tenure?
Answer: Doval's third term as NSA ensures continuity and stability in India's national security policy. It allows him to build on his past achievements and further strengthen India's security apparatus.
4. How has Doval's leadership impacted India's national security posture?
Answer: Doval's proactive approach to counter-terrorism, his focus on border security, and his strategic alliances have significantly enhanced India's ability to withstand security challenges. He has played a vital role in safeguarding India's interests both domestically and internationally.
5. What are the challenges facing India's national security?
Answer: India faces a range of security challenges, including terrorism, cross-border infiltration, cyber threats, and geopolitical tensions with neighboring countries. Doval's experience and strategic acumen will be crucial in navigating these challenges and ensuring India's continued security and stability.
Royce White, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota, is facing backlash after a resurfaced 2022 post on social media in which he referred to the Allied forces as "bad guys" in World War II. He has been criticized for his remarks and is currently trailing behind Democratic incumbent Sen. Amy Klobuchar in polls. White defended his statement, claiming that he was referring to post-war reconstruction and globalist interests benefiting from the democratic order established after the war.
The highly anticipated assembly elections in Haryana are underway, with voters heading to the polls to determine the fate of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and other key candidates including Vinesh Phogat. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is seeking a third consecutive term, while the Congress is hoping to make a comeback after a decade. The state is also seeing intense competition from other parties such as AAP, INLD, BSP, JJP and Azad Samaj Party. Stay tuned to NDTV for live updates on the election results and follow the latest news from India and across the world.
In a bold move, Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal and three legislators, belonging to the Ajit Pawar faction of NCP, jumped off the third floor of the state secretariat building in Mumbai to oppose the demand for the Dhangar community's inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes category. Fortunately, they landed safely on a net installed in the building to prevent suicide attempts. Officials confirmed that none of them sustained any injuries. The incident was a part of a larger protest by tribal MLAs in the Mantralaya complex during a cabinet meeting, where Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis were present.
Amidst ongoing protests against the ST reservation demanded by the Dhangar community, Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal reportedly attempted to jump from the third floor of the state secretariat building. The NCP MLA landed safely on a safety net, along with two other tribal legislators who also jumped in protest. The Ajit Pawar faction leader and other tribal MLAs were demanding that Dhangars not be given ST reservation and instead be given services under the PESA Act. The situation remains tense as discussions on the issue continue.
A division bench of the Telangana High Court has formed a committee to review disqualification petitions filed against three Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders who defected to the Congress. The High Court has also declined to stay a single-judge order warning the State assembly speaker of further court proceedings if he does not decide on the petitions. The case raises the question of whether the High Court can order a speaker to decide on disqualification petitions within a fixed time frame.
With the Haryana state legislative assembly elections around the corner, the Chief Electoral Officer urges voters to ensure their names are included in the voter list. While a voter ID card is the most commonly used identity document, the ECI has prescribed 12 alternative options, including Aadhaar card and Indian passport, for those without one. The voter list is available online and through a helpline number, with registration being mandatory in order to cast a vote. The upcoming elections will see a competition between the BJP, who secured 40 seats in the 2019 elections, and Congress, who won 30 seats.
In a significant move towards preserving and promoting Indian languages, the Union Cabinet has approved the classical language status for five more languages - Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision and highlighted the government's efforts to conserve and promote the classical languages. This decision has been welcomed by many, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who expressed gratitude to the Centre for including Assamese in the list. This move is aimed at honoring the historical significance of these languages and nurturing a deeper understanding among the younger generations.
Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, known for his provocative sermons, is scheduled to deliver lectures in Pakistan from October 5 to October 20. His arrival at the invitation of the Pakistani government has sparked concern over the potential consequences of his extremist ideology on a nation already grappling with fundamentalism and religious tensions. Naik's past teachings have been linked to violent extremism, with militants citing his lectures as motivation for carrying out attacks. With the Pakistani government failing to address these issues, Naik's presence is poised to exacerbate societal divisions and pose a serious threat to the country's minorities.
As the nine-day festival of Navratrai began, the Uttar Pradesh government launched the fifth edition of Mission Shakti, an initiative aimed at empowering women regarding their safety and self-reliance. This edition will focus on tackling cyber crimes against women and will involve various government departments to address a wide range of issues. It will also introduce a women's health helpline and promote women entrepreneurs through a dedicated space at the Women Police powerline intersection.
Amit Shah commends Indian government for significant reduction in violence and fatalities in Kashmir, North East, and Naxal regions. He also announces the establishment of a Joint Interrogation Centre to combat terrorism and cybercrime.