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UPDATED: Aug 24, 2026 21:12 IST
Pakistan is attempting to expand the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed recently between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, by inviting Iran and Bangladesh into the alliance. The proposed expansion aims to build an Islamic security framework under Pakistan's nuclear umbrella, despite longstanding regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran to mediate between Iran and the United States ahead of potential US economic sanctions. Wearing civilian attire during meetings, Munir's visit is viewed as part of diplomatic efforts following communications involving US President Donald Trump and Pakistani leadership.
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India Today Debate: Smash Patriarchy Controversy | Rohan Gupta, Pankhuri Pathak, Aarti Jairath
A heated discussion unfolds on the special broadcast as panelists debate Rahul Gandhi's remarks on smashing patriarchy and his reference to the Manusmriti. Bharatiya Janata Party national spokesperson Rohan Gupta accuses the Congress leadership of engaging in selective appeasement politics, questioning why practices from other religions were not addressed. Congress national spokesperson Pankhuri Pathak defends Gandhi, stating that the interaction was an honest dialogue focused directly on women's safety, equality, and empowerment rather than religion. Political analyst Shantanu Gupta highlights ancient texts and NCRB safety data, arguing that Indian culture inherently respects women through revered goddesses. Meanwhile, senior journalist Aarti Jairath observes that patriarchy is a global issue requiring reform, noting that political parties are attempting to shift the narrative around key constituencies. The debate underscores the broader political clash over women's rights, religious texts, and electoral messaging in India.
Rahul Gandhi's 'Smash Patriarchy' Pitch In Pune Triggers Congress-BJP War Over Women Empowerment
A political confrontation occurred between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party following remarks by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi at the Chhatro Ki Goonj event in Pune. Gandhi criticized the Manusmriti and advocated for dismantling patriarchy and expanding women's societal roles. BJP leaders responded, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defending traditional values and BJP spokesperson Charu Pragya questioning the lack of female cabinet ministers in Congress-governed states such as Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate addressed the critique by condemning political sexism and questioning the rhetoric of opposing leaders. In addition to political debates on gender representation and constitutional rights, discussions covered economic issues, specifically rising domestic sugar prices preceding the festive season. Analysts and critics cited weather-related impacts on sugarcane yields, global supply constraints, market hoarding, and ethanol diversion policies as contributing factors, alongside government measures imposing stock limits on bulk consumers to stabilize retail markets.
'Not Divide And Rule This Time, Divide And Destroy': Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi On Rahul Gandhi
In an interview on India Today, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and Spokesperson Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi responded to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks quoting the Manusmriti at the Chhatro Ki Goonj program. Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged that Rahul Gandhi is carrying out foreign agendas aimed at dismantling Hindutva, stating that he is playing "not divide and rule this time, divide and destroy." Dr Trivedi questioned the authenticity of the Manusmriti text cited by Rahul Gandhi, asserting that the original manuscript is unavailable and that current versions stem from an edited translation by William Jones. To support his argument, he cited historical statements from Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Dr B R Ambedkar regarding ancient Indian texts. Dr Trivedi also outlined steps taken by the Narendra Modi government for women empowerment, including the PM Awas Yojana, Jan Dhan accounts, Ujjwala Yojana, and digital transactions.
Rahul Gandhi's Manusmriti Remark Triggers Political War; Yogi Adityanath Hits Back | India First
A major political clash has erupted between the BJP and the Congress following Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's comments on violence against women and his quoting of the Manusmriti during his 'Chhatro Ki Goonj' event in Pune. Rahul Gandhi claimed that the mindset of suppressing women stems from the Manusmriti and is promoted by the RSS and BJP to keep women caged. Hitting back, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused Rahul Gandhi of insulting India's cultural heritage and advised him to read the holy Vedas. The BJP further widened its attack, questioning Congress's stance on Vande Mataram, particularly its references to Shakti and Goddess Durga, while alleging double standards on practices like the hijab and Nikah Halala. Critics and BJP leaders have questioned whether patriarchy can be reduced to a religion-specific issue, alleging selective criticism by the Congress leader.
