Politics — Page 18
Elections, government, public policy, diplomacy and geopolitical action
Supreme Court orders welfare-focused guidelines for captive elephants
India's Supreme Court directed mandatory welfare guidelines for captive elephants, emphasizing well-being and health over ownership. It ordered DNA profiling updates, a field manual, and the establishment of elephant clinics, while noting it would not rule on religious rights.
SC to probe police excesses in NEET protest
The Supreme Court initiated a process to probe police excesses during a July 20 NEET protest in Delhi, ordering a high-powered committee and calling for video footage. It also separated the facial-recognition issue for later hearing and sought suggestions on the committee’s scope.
Naidu reviews search for eight fishermen missing off Konaseema
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister reviewed ongoing search operations for eight fishermen missing since August 7 after their tuna boat departed Odalarevu. Officials said Coast Guard units and multiple fishing boats were alerted as search efforts continued.
Pradyot Debbarma accuses AMC of targeting poor vendors in Agartala eviction
TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma criticises AMC's eviction drive against street vendors in Agartala, claiming selective enforcement and alleging widespread encroachment on his family land. He provided financial assistance to affected vendors and demanded alternative land before further act
Maharashtra to back modern Marathi cinema to attract Gen-Z
The Maharashtra government plans to invest in tech-driven Marathi films aimed at Gen-Z, with a focus on AI, VFX and regional language essence. Minister Ashish Shelar announced the proposal at a seminar on August 18, 2026, signaling a collaborative role for the state alongside creators and industry b
SC dismisses plea to abolish death-by-hanging
The Supreme Court of India dismissed a 2017 petition seeking abolition of hanging for death row executions, while allowing for possible future expert reviews on execution methods.
SC asks govt to respond to plea for time-bound paper leak probe
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to respond to a petitioner’s plea for a standard investigative framework and time-bound probes into paper leaks, including NEET-UG, with asset tracing and broader legal consequences.
AK-47 fired in air during Bihar NEET protests, police tell Supreme Court
The Bihar Police-affidavit to the Supreme Court says a constable fired four rounds from an AK-47 into the air during NEET protest clashes in Siwan; no AK-47 injuries were reported, while three protesters sustained minor injuries from a 9-mm pistol. The state contends restraint was exercised amid pro
BJP names poll in-charges for UP, Punjab and Gujarat
The BJP appointed Vinod Tawde as Uttar Pradesh in-charge, Satish Poonia for Punjab, and Tarun Chugh for Gujarat, with Jagdish Ishwarbhai Patel named UP co-incharge. The moves target the 2027 Assembly elections in three states.
ED raids KPSC in veterinary officer recruitment case in Karnataka
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches across 21 premises in Karnataka and Ahmedabad in connection with alleged irregularities in the veterinary officer recruitment process. Investigations focus on the money trail and suspected paper manipulation.
ED raids in Kerala pay-off case linked to Vijayan daughter
The Enforcement Directorate conducted eight raids in Kozhikode, Kerala, as part of an investigation into alleged financial transactions between Exalogic Solutions and CMRL, connected to Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter. The probe follows earlier searches in May 2026 and references prior SFIO and PMLA pro
Who stole from Ram Temple donations? SIT findings explained
A Uttar Pradesh SIT report found prima facie evidence of theft during donation counting at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. It cites 70 suspected incidents based on CCTV from April 27 to June 5 and notes security and procedural gaps.
BJP assigns new election-in-charge roles in three poll-bound states
The BJP appointed three Rajya Sabha MPs to oversee election preparations in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. The moves come ahead of next year’s state polls and follow a broader leadership shake-up announced a day earlier.
NGT criticises KSPCB for incomplete Kadambrayar pollution report
The National Green Tribunal rejected Kerala’s report on Kadambrayar river pollution as incomplete and non-compliant with prior directives. It ordered a revised filing by September 11, 2026 while noting local body inspections and a 100 KLD sewage plant as part of remedial steps.
India in a Fragmenting World: Trade, Technology and Economic Security
The Hindu has released an analytical e-book exploring how India is recalibrating its trade policy amid shifting global dynamics, addressing tariffs, energy sanctions, and the role of technology in growth. The collection examines free trade agreements, manufacturing policy, and energy partnerships wi
Jharkhand cancels JSSC-CGL exam; Mahto ends 16-day hunger strike
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren canceled the JSSC-CGL exam and all TDPL-conducted tests since 2014, prompting hunger-strike end by Devendra Mahto. The move also set up a reform committee and an inquiry into irregularities.
Bescom invites tenders for 500MW solar project under CM-SKY
Bescom has called for bids to install 500MW of solar capacity under the CM-SKY scheme, aiming for completion by December 2026. The scheme focuses on solarising grid-connected agricultural pumpsets on agricultural land near KPTCL substations.
Telangana SIR enumeration ends with 21.7% deletions and 35% notices due
Telangana completed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) enumeration phase, yielding 21.7% deletions and 35% of electors on draft rolls set to receive notices. The process ran from mid-June to mid-August 2026, with multiple extensions and a draft published on August 17.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister announces expanded crop loan waiver
Tamil Nadu chief minister C. Joseph Vijay announced an expanded crop loan waiver up to ₹75,000 for smallholders, with a total package of about ₹6,220 crore benefiting over 13 lakh farmers. The move comes on the 100th day of the coalition government.
Tata leadership strain: Chandrasekaran to exit; Noel Tata briefed officials separately
Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran said he would not seek another term, with his tenure ending February 20, 2027. Separate briefings to government officials by Chandrasekaran and Noel Tata highlighted boardroom tensions over strategy, governance, and succession, as the RBI and PMO were cited in co
Allahabad High Court critiques UP over Sugriv Kila land sale for Ram temple work
The Allahabad High Court criticised the Uttar Pradesh government for taking temple land in Ayodhya without paying the agreed sale amount, directing the state to deposit ₹1.21 crore plus 8% interest. The court did not resolve ownership but ordered expedited civil proceedings related to the land dispu
Assam CM urges non-native residents to declare Assamese as mother tongue
Assam Chief Minister urged people in the state who originated from other states to list Assamese as their mother tongue during the ongoing Census. He spoke at a press conference on August 17, 2026, as self-enumeration closed the previous day and housing census operations were set to run from August
Bihar launches Vidyarthi Sahyog portal to speed student complaints
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary unveiled a portal for student grievances, pledging a 30-day resolution timeline and automatic notices if delays occur. The launch, alongside a monthly outreach program, ties into broader youth-focused governance amid ongoing student protests.
Delhi Police probe into complaint against Sonia, Rahul over Vande Mataram
Delhi Police opened an enquiry into a complaint seeking an FIR against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi regarding an alleged disruption of Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters on Independence Day. The complaint was filed on August 16 and cites gestures by Sonia Gandhi and a remark attributed to R