Central government approves ₹4,371 crore for Agniveer scheme review and statistical system

According to an India Today report, the central government and the armed forces are actively reviewing the Agnipath scheme as the first batch of Agniveers approaches the end of their four-year service. The government is considering a two-year extension option for those Agniveers who are not initially included in the permanent cadre. This also includes commitments from the Central Armed Police Forces and state police forces to recruit exiting personnel. Under the prevailing rules, 25 percent of Agniveers are retained while the rest are provided with a Seva Nidhi exit package.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw briefed media on key cabinet decisions. He announced an approved scheme for processing 24 designated critical minerals covering both mined and recycled raw materials to help domestic manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, and defense. Vaishnaw also launched an approved ₹4,371 crore scheme to overhaul and modernize the country's statistical system, which will establish an objective, data-driven approach across infrastructure, economic, and social sectors.

On the other hand, in the United States midterm election results, Democrats have won control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the implications of which were discussed on television. Analysts stated that Democrats now possess subpoena and oversight powers to investigate the Trump administration, his business ventures, and his family. The discussion assessed how this blow impacts President Donald Trump's authority, noting his unilateral powers over foreign policy and military action, as well as his intent to use the presidential veto power against congressional proposals. Furthermore, experts analyzed the trajectory of India-US bilateral relations, discussing growing diplomatic friction during Trump's second term and the economic factors behind the election results.

Strategic affairs expert Professor Brahma Chellaney noted that an opposition-controlled Congress cannot easily curb the president's authority on foreign policy, military action, or the ongoing Iran war. Chellaney observed that Donald Trump might attempt to reshape hostilities to improve his image, while also warning against systemic degradation in Washington's strategic outlook toward New Delhi. Former diplomat Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar emphasized potential congressional funding blocks for the Iran conflict, domestic inflation pressures, and the unlikelihood of extreme strategic strikes. The discussion also covered key political shifts including in Texas, as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming US visit following talks in Canada.

In the decisive outcomes of the US midterm elections, Democrats won both chambers of Congress. American voters delivered a clear verdict against Donald Trump and Republican policies, with key seats flipping in historic Republican strongholds including Texas, South Carolina, and Ohio. In high-profile contests, Democratic candidates defeated Vivek Ramaswamy against Amy Acton in the Ohio gubernatorial race. The election results reflect widespread voter dissatisfaction against inflation, rising diesel prices, and US military intervention in Iran. Economic issues and the cost of family living emerged as the primary drivers over the Republican party's focus on immigration enforcement.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party organized a one-day conference and photo exhibition titled 'Wounds of 1984' on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Chandangarh, Punjab. The event brought together victim families, survivors, eyewitnesses, and legal experts to discuss the carnage, legal battles, and rehabilitation. Prepared with photographs curated by H.S. Phoolka and Aparna Singh, this conference coincided with Rahul Gandhi's visit to Punjab. The BJP questioned why the Congress party does not speak about justice for the 1984 victims and accused the Gandhi family of never apologizing for the genocide. At the same time, Congress dismissed the BJP's political stance, stating that the primary contest is solely between Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party.