New York City has joined the World Health Organization's global outbreak response network, defying President Trump's withdrawal of the U.S. from the WHO. This move grants the city access to a network of over 360 institutions to combat public health events worldwide
Boeing layoffs: Aircraft manufacturer Boeing is laying off 300 people from its defence division, according to a Bloomberg report quoting a person with the knowledge of the matter. The concerned jobs that will be eliminated are in the supply chain section of the defence division
Ramiz Raja's old warning resurfaces as Pakistan risks ICC sanctions for boycotting India in the T20 World Cup. Financial fallout could be massive. An old video of former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has resurfaced at a critical moment for world cricket
The Supreme Court will hear a Public Interest Litigation in March. The petition seeks action against political parties that promise freebies before elections. It asks for seizure of symbols or deregistration of such parties. The court previously sought responses from the Centre and Election
The Karnataka government on Wednesday passed a resolution opposing the Centre's decisions to repeal the MGNREGA and replace it with the VB-G RAM G Act, even as the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular) staged a walkout from the Legislative Assembly and the Council, The Hindu reported
Political row erupts in India over ex-army chief's unpublished memoir
India's opposition leader Rahul Gandhi caused uproar in parliament when he tried to quote passages from a former army chief's unpublished memoir, in which the country's top political leaders are accused of failing to give clear directions during the 2020 military standoff with China.
The allegation is made in General MM Naravane's unpublished book Four Stars of Destiny, which has been awaiting government clearance since 2024.
Twenty Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops were killed in the 2020 border brawl.
The claims have triggered a political row, bringing parliament to a standstill. Gandhi was repeatedly interrupted as he tried to read from the book in a debate on Wednesday.
He later said the memoir claimed that as Chinese tanks advanced at Indian positions, Naravane was told "to do what he deemed appropriate".
India and China clashed along their disputed Himalayan border in the summer of 2020 in the Galwan river valley in Ladakh, marking their first fatal confrontation since 1975.
Tensions eased in 2024 after years of military and diplomatic negotiations, with both sides agreeing to disengage in affected border areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP party accused Gandhi of insulting Indian soldiers and breaking parliamentary rules by trying to read from an unpublished book. Naravane is yet to comment on the furore.
His memoir has been making headlines in India since the weekend after The Caravan magazine published an essay containing passages that it said were excerpts from the unreleased manuscript.
The BBC has not seen the manuscript and cannot independently verify the excerpts. It has contacted Naravane and his publisher, Penguin Random House, for comment.
On Monday, Gandhi tried to read passages from a photocopy of the article during a discussion in the lower house of parliament.
"This is about when four Chinese tanks were entering Indian territory," he said, before he was stopped from speaking further.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he told leaders from the Congress party that Gandhi could continue his speech. "However, what the former army chief did not say, what is not true, and what is not permitted under the rules should not be forced upon the house," he added.
This wasn't the first time the Congress leader had criticised the government over China.
He has repeatedly accused the Modi government of "giving away" Indian territory to China during the 2020 standoff. The government has strongly rejected the allegations, insisting no land was lost.
In parliament on Monday, Gandhi's comments about Naravane's memoir were interrupted by members of the BJP, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, who accused him of violating parliamentary rules by quoting from an unpublished book and misleading the house.
The defence minister said "Rahul Gandhi should present before the house the book he is quoting from, because the book he is referring to has not been published".
Gandhi insisted that his source was "authentic" and that he was entitled to quote from it. The noisy exchanges between the governing and opposition benches led to proceedings being adjourned for the day on Monday.
But disruptions continued on Tuesday, when Gandhi attempted to raise the issue again in the house. He was stopped again, sparking fresh protests from opposition leaders. Eight Congress MPs were later suspended for disorderly conduct.
On Wednesday, Gandhi held up a copy of the unpublished book to reporters outside parliament, saying Singh's statement that the book did not exist was untrue.
He quoted from the book to say that "the standing order was not to fire upon Chinese troops if they entered Indian territory without asking the top leadership".
When the former army chief repeatedly called Rajnath Singh, he relayed a message from Modi effectively leaving the decision to Naravane, he said.
"I felt really alone. I was abandoned by the entire establishment," Gandhi quoted Naravane as saying. He added that this showed "that PM Modi had abdicated responsibility during the Ladakh crisis".
Naravane served as India's army chief from 2019 to 2022.
His memoir, which reportedly covers his personal life and career, was expected to be published in 2024 but has been delayed amid reports that it contains sensitive operational details of the military standoff.
The reasons for the delay have not been officially disclosed by the publisher. But in April last year, Narvane told a Hindi YouTube channel that discussions were under way between Penguin Random House and the defence ministry to secure the required clearances.
"My job was to write the book and give it to the publisher, now it is their job to take it forward," he said.
Under existing rules, retired intelligence and security officials are barred from publishing material that could affect India's "sovereignty and integrity" and need clearance from their former organisations before doing so.
Speaking to India Today channel earlier this week, retired army general KJS Dhillon said that any serving or retired officer wishing to publish a book containing operational details must submit the manuscript to army headquarters for approval.
After that, he said, there could be three possible outcomes: approval if no sensitive information is found; consultations with the author if concerns are raised; or rejection if the material is deemed to risk national security or operational plans.
Naravane is not the first retired army officer to write about India's military confrontations with its neighbours.
In 2006, former army chief Gen VP Malik published an account of India's 1999 war with Pakistan. Dhillon has also written about his tenure as the top military commander in Indian-administered Kashmir, as well as a separate book on India's 2025 military tensions with Pakistan.
Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X and Facebook.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: Why Hyperlocal Flavours Are Reshaping India’s Fast-Food Menus India's regulator investigates after jets brush wingtips at Mumbai airport AI Will Triple Global Economy To $300 Trillion Over Three Decades Pakistan Cricket Board staring at massive financial losses over T20 World Cup match refusal Pakistan’s boycott decision of T20 World Cup against India was about Bangladesh Pakistan plays Victim card in T20 WC 2026 boycott vs India India Can Sustain 8–10% Growth Tirupati laddoo controversy sparks political storm in Andhra Growing calls in India to restrict children's social media use Era Of Hit-And-Run Politics Over
Three coaches of the Chennai Central Express derailed near Jakhapura railway station in Odisha's Jajpur district on Thursday, an official said. On Chennai Central-New Jalpaiguri SF Express train derailment near Jakhapura Station, Deepak Rout, CPRO, East Coast Railway, says
2 minutes ago
Jalna (Maharashtra), Feb 5 (PTI) Police have registered a case against an unidentified woman for allegedly performing ‘black magic' rituals targeting prominent personalities and police personnel in Maharashtra's Jalna district, officials said on Thursday.Jalna (Maharashtra)
2 minutes ago
The controversy surrounding revelations about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has deepened, as a new report has claimed that Epstein once derided Gates as “cheap" over the billionaire's alleged treatment of Russian bridge player Mila Antonova
2 minutes ago
Mumbai, Feb 5 (PTI) His life has come a full circle having represented Mumbai in the Indian domestic circuit but USA all-rounder Harmeet Singh doesn't want his side to put any team “on a pedestal", urging them to showcase same brand of cricket that they displayed two years ago in the T20
2 minutes ago
Apple has announced its special Valentine's Day sale offer that lets you buy the iPhone 17, 17 Pro or even a new MacBook with some appealing discounts. The sale is already live on Apple India website and it is flashing right on the home page for people who can just head over to the sale page and
2 minutes ago
U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a Truth Social post that he had spoken with NBC “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie to assure her that all federal law enforcement would be at the “complete disposal” of the family and local investigators to get her mother home safely.U.S
2 minutes ago
With inflation under control and growth steady, the RBI is widely expected to hold the repo rate at 5.25% in Friday's policy announcement. RBI MPC Meeting February 2026: The Reserve Bank of India's rate-setting panel, whose three-day monetary policy deliberations started on Wednesday
2 minutes ago
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was earlier stripped of his title of Prince, has now moved out of his home in Windsor, UK to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The former prince left Royal Lodge on Monday night and is now staying at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate while his permanent home
2 minutes ago
Mirzapur: The Movie release - The cult saga of Mirzapur steps into cinemas, transforming its beloved world into an epic big-screen experience. Mirzapur: The Movie release - Ending days of speculation the makers of Mirzapur. The Movie have unveiled the release date poster
2 minutes ago
Each year, Nutella lovers around the globe celebrate the rich, creamy hazelnut-chocolate spread that brings joy to breakfast tables and dessert menus alike. Whether you're indulging in classic waffles or adventurous desserts, these six restaurants are serving up Nutella creations worth a visit
2 minutes ago
In a leadership change, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has announced to make Dharmesh Mehta, VP of Worldwide Selling Partner Services (SPS), as his Technical Advisor (TA) from March. Meanwhile, Amit Agarwal, SVP of International Emerging Stores, will take over the charge to lead the SPS division
2 minutes ago
The trailer for the Hindi courtroom drama film Assi, starring Taapsee Pannu and directed by Anubhav Sinha. Mumbai: The trailer for Taapsee Pannu's starrer 'Assi' has been finally unveiled, offering an unflinching look at the uncomfortable truth of rape cases that continue to make headlines every
2 minutes ago
The Al-Nassr star had not featured in the club's 1-0 win over Al Riyadh on Monday, in protest of PIF's alleged lack of investment in Al Nassr and to give their arch-rivals, Al Hilal, an advantage and greater effort. Riyadh: Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo is set to boycott his second-straight Saudi
2 minutes ago
iPhone 18 series launch is expected later this year and if you are expecting for some big design changes with the new 18 Pro models, you're in for some bad news. According to new details, the new iPhone 18 lineup (mostly the Pro) will look a lot like the iPhone 17 Pro models
2 minutes ago
Pakistan has decided to boycott the group match against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. While it is apparently a move to back Bangladesh, it is not something that pleases the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Here's why. Pakistan's move is expected to affect more than the two nations involved in
2 minutes ago
A man convicted of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump on a Florida golf course in 2024 was sentenced Wednesday (February 4, 2026) to life in prison after a federal prosecutor said his crime was unacceptable "in this country or anywhere." U.S
2 minutes ago
Nagaland Sambad State Lottery Thursday 05-02-2026 LIVE: The results of Nagaland State Lottery DEAR MAHANADI MORNING 1 PM, Nagaland DEAR DANCER EVENING 6 PM Lucky Draw Result, Nagaland DEAR SANDPIPER NIGHT 8 PM weekly lottery will be declared today i.e Thursday, Feb 05, 2026, at 1 PM
2 minutes ago
India is getting ready for a major change on one of its busiest highways with the long-awaited Missing Link project on the Mumbai Pune Expressway. This new project aims to make journeys safer, faster and smoother for daily travellers. The highlight of the project is a modern cable bridge built
2 minutes ago
A political storm brews in Tamil Nadu as a DMK minister's comments about North Indian migrants working as cleaners and sellers draws sharp criticism. The BJP accuses the DMK of fueling divisions and mocking workers. Senior DMK leaders attempt damage control
2 minutes ago
The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to list for hearing in March a PIL seeking direction to seize the symbol or deregister a political party that promises or distributes "irrational freebies" before polls. Lawyer-petitioner Ashwini Updhyaya told a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and
2 minutes ago
Health crises triggered by viral outbreaks often spread two things at the same time: the virus itself and a deep sense of fear. Misinformation travels faster than facts, leaving people anxious, confused, and unsure about what truly helps. Dr Partap Chauhan, Founder and Director, Jiva Ayurveda
2 minutes ago
Ghaziabad horror: The deceased minor girls have been identified as Nishika (16), Prachi (14), and Pakhi (12), daughters of Chetan Kumar, a resident of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, several revelations have surfaced surrounding the alleged suicide
2 minutes ago
Manchester City will compete against Arsenal in the League Cup final after ending Newcastle's tenure as holders with a commanding first-half performance, securing a 3-1 victory on Wednesday. Pep Guardiola's team had already established an advantage after winning the semi-final first leg on Tyneside
2 minutes ago
Indian Railways has introduced fresh changes to the Tatkal ticket booking system for 2026, aiming to make last-minute travel reservations more transparent, secure and equitable for genuine passengers. The revised rules place a strong emphasis on identity verification
2 minutes ago
The cab-hailing landscape in India is set for a big change today with Bharat Taxi launching officially in New Delhi. Bharat Taxi is a cab service, based on a cooperative model, and is backed by the Government of India. The app will be launched by Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah
2 minutes ago
In a lighthearted viral moment, an 11-year-old nephew's witty wedding speech for his uncle left guests laughing and netizens praising his confidence and humour. Viral: A wedding speech delivered by an 11 year old nephew has taken the internet by storm
2 minutes ago
Three coaches of the Chennai Central Express derailed near Jakhapura railway station in Odisha's Jajpur district on Thursday morning. The incident occurred at 8.51 am. No injuries or fatalities were reported. One AC and two general coaches derailed. A rescue team was dispatched
2 minutes ago
