PM Chairs Key Meet on Security, Caste Census Approved; Rajnath May Attend Victory Day Parade

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh may participate in the upcoming Victory Day parade. Meanwhile, a high-level meeting took place at the Prime Minister's residence on Wednesday night, attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The meeting lasted for about an hour. The government has also reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), appointing former RAW chief Alok Joshi as its head. Former Western Air Command commander Air Marshal P.M. Sinha has been brought in, indicating India’s determined stance after the Pahalgam attack. ABP News reached the zero line on the India-Pakistan border, revealing the posts from which Pakistan frequently violates ceasefire agreements.In another major development, the government has decided to include caste-based enumeration in the upcoming national census. This decision was taken during a Cabinet Committee meeting on Political Affairs led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress party has demanded a clear timeline and adoption of the Telangana model, along with budget provisions and a blueprint for caste census. The announcement has triggered celebrations in Patna, with elections approaching in Bihar. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav called it a victory for socialists, and Lalu Prasad reminded that a similar proposal was passed by the United Front government in 1996. SP leader Akhilesh Yadav called it a 100% win for the unity of the PDA. BSP chief Mayawati welcomed the move, though she said it came too late.