Politics — Page 16
Elections, government, public policy, diplomacy and geopolitical action
Sitharaman leads India-Singapore ministerial roundtable delegation
India’s finance minister travels to Singapore with a high-level delegation for the 4th ISMR, focusing on six pillars of cooperation. The roundtable runs August 19-20, 2026, and marks ongoing economic collaboration since 2022.
Modi aims for a memorable Rahman visit to India, envoy says
Indian PM Modi wants Tarique Rahman’s India visit to be memorable, according to the Indian envoy in Dhaka. The remarks come as tensions over Hasina's extradition and a BRICS-related schedule cloud prospects of a bilateral meeting.
Kangana backs Isha Koppikar over ‘andhbhakt’ label for patriotism
Kangana Ranaut publicly supported Isha Koppikar after the actress embraced the term ‘andhbhakt,’ clarifying devotion to the country rather than any political party. The exchange followed Isha’s Instagram response to online criticism and Kangana’s prior remarks about Gen Z protests.
Congress hits census 2027, calls questionnaire flawed and nefarious
The Congress alleges Census 2027's caste questions are engineered with a hidden motive, criticizing new micro-questions on parents' birth details and religion. It points to missing a drop-down caste menu, contrary to a 2021 affidavit, and frames the move as a potential sabotage of caste data collect
Tamil Nadu tahsildar suspended for collecting CPI members’ details
Tamil Nadu suspended M. Ayyasamy, a Guziliamparai tahsildar, for directing officials to collect information on CPI and CPI(M) members. He was asked to appear for inquiry in Chennai.
Factors shaping Kerala Congress chief choice
Kerala’s Congress party weighs a generational shift vs. veteran leadership as it selects a new KPCC chief after Sunny Joseph joined the Cabinet. The decision hinges on social coalition dynamics, caste and community representation, and potential pathways after a sweeping UDF victory.
Lucknow office sealed as TDPL faces UP exam nepotism claims
TDPL, a testing firm linked to Uttar Pradesh recruitment exams, has a record of alleged irregularities. In 2021-22 TDPL conducted exams for 186 UP Assembly vacancies; a 2024 Express investigation found a fifth of hires went to relatives of VVIPs and officials. Recent Jharkhand CID actions and a seal
Jharkhand cancels CGL exam after protests, leaving 2,000 job seekers uncertain
Ranchi saw overnight job losses after the government scrapped the JSSC-CGL examination amid student protests. About 2,000 appointed candidates face an uncertain future as officials ordered the cancellation, with ongoing political and legal controversy surrounding the process.
8th Pay Commission: Proposals to include dependent parents in minimum pay math
Unions propose expanding the 'family' unit for minimum wage calculations to include dependent parents, potentially raising the base pay. Separately, pensioner groups press for explicit pension revision and parity in the Commission’s Terms of Reference.
Chouhan administers Sapt Dhara pledge at Pusa, outlines agri roadmap
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan administered the Sapt Dhara pledge at the Pusa campus on Aug 18, tying the pledge to a 2047 Viksit Bharat roadmap and the expansion of the Lakhpati Didi program that targets six crore rural women.
Karnataka forms sub-committee to vet revised minimum wages
Karnataka established a Cabinet sub-committee led by the Deputy Chief Minister to assess whether the May 22, 2026 wage revision aligns with the 2019 Code on Wages. The panel’s formation followed a Cabinet decision on August 13 amid reactions from unions and business groups.
Karnataka lawmakers push for greater SC/ST inclusion in cooperatives
In the Karnataka Legislative Council, a member pressed authorities to boost SC/ST participation in cooperative societies and banks, citing underrepresentation despite reservation policies. The Cooperation Minister pledged to take steps within rules, amid drought-linked financial strain and calls for
Karnataka legislature in second day of stalemate over Nagendra ouster demand
The Karnataka Legislature entered a second day of stalemate as the Opposition pressed for Minister B. Nagendra’s resignation, citing charge sheets from the CBI and ED. Protests dominated both Houses, with the government insisting on a notice for a debate.
Delhi Police affidavit floods with numbers but silent on accountability
An August 17, 2026 affidavit from Delhi Police to the Supreme Court details extensive security measures and incidents during the NEET-UG protests, but it provides limited information on inquiries or accountability for officers accused of misconduct. The court indicated it may form a high-powered com
Madras HC directs TN chief secretary to form panel on child-crime law gaps
The Madras High Court asked the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary to form a committee to review and address gaps in laws relating to children, citing several implementation issues under POCSO and Juvenile Justice. The court noted a voluntary curative petition intention by the state in a high-profile case a
NTA removes 600 experts as part of revamp
The National Testing Agency says it is revamping its examination team, removing 600 experts and onboarding new ones as part of an overhaul. The move follows a directive from the Education Ministry and includes a broader upgrade of security, infrastructure, and process controls.
Tamil Nadu to launch Chief Minister’s Road Safety Mission at ₹500 crore annually
Tamil Nadu will launch the Chief Minister’s Road Safety Mission at ₹500 crore per year within six to eight months, aiming to cut road-accident deaths. The plan includes ANPR cameras on highways and upgrades to emergency medical facilities and land acquisition processes.
Maharashtra FDA warns stars could face fines over elaichi ad
Maharashtra FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe says Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff could be fined up to Rs 10 lakh for responses to show-cause notices on a chewing elaichi ad. The notices flag possible violations of food safety norms, with further action possible under the FSSAI Act if responses
Kerala court defers trial in journalist's death linked to Venkitaraman
The Kerala High Court ordered postponement of further trial proceedings in the death of journalist K.M. Basheer, involving Sriram Venkitaraman. The move follows the widow's amended petition and the appointment of a Special Public Prosecutor, with administrative delays in notifying the new arrangemen
Kerala to lease Ramanthuruth land to Cochin Shipyard
Kerala's government will lease 18.16 acres on Ramanthuruth island to Cochin Shipyard Limited for a ship block building project, with a ₹5,000 crore investment and about 2,000 direct jobs. The deal includes an annual lease of ₹1.45 crore and expected revenue of ₹1.70 crore including GST.
Legislator pushes 2% Christian reservation within OBC
A Karnataka Legislative Council member called for a separate sub-category within OBC to grant 2% reservation for Christians, arguing current provisions under category 3B are insufficient. A minister said such a sub-category would be decided by the Backward Classes Commission, with a request to submi
Permanent building urged for BC Study Circle in Vizianagaram
A regional welfare association president urged the government to construct a permanent, fully equipped BC Study Circle in Vizianagaram, citing inadequate facilities at the current temporary venue and overcrowding.
Kerala High Court orders ACS to explain delay on complaint against DGP S. Sreejith
The Kerala High Court summoned the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to justify delays in acting on a complaint against DGP S. Sreejith. The court had earlier set aside a prior finding that the complaint was false, and directed a joint hearing with the DGP, which did not occur as planned.
Lebanon extradites Assad-era general after war-crimes questioning
Lebanon handed over Maj. Gen. Adel Issa to Syria after questioning on alleged crimes during Syria's conflict. He is the first Assad-era officer Lebanon has transferred since the 2024 Assad ouster.