Politics — Page 20
Elections, government, public policy, diplomacy and geopolitical action
Maharashtra to cut Kunbi data for Maratha caste certificates, says Jarange
Manoj Jarange Patil alleges the state will reduce Kunbi certificates for Marathas and demands certificates based on 58 lakh records. He plans stops in Marathwada and Vidarbha from Aug 20-25 and an indefinite fast from Aug 29.
IRCTC seizes over 8,000 bottles in crackdown on unauthorised train items
IRCTC says it has intensified checks on trains and stations, forming Quick Response Teams to seize unauthorised water and food. Regional drives in Lucknow and Chandigarh accounted for the majority of seizures, with additional action at Ambala, Sabarmati, Howrah and other locations.
Telangana pushes SCCL coal-block access at SZC meeting
Telangana plans to press the Centre for allocating new coal blocks to SCCL at the Southern Zonal Council meeting on August 20. The delegation will also oppose forcing SCCL into block auctions and raise related inter-state asset and irrigation issues.
India, U.S. navies conclude EOD exercise in Kochi
The eighth India-U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal exercise ended in Kochi on August 14, 2026, with joint training on IED threats, render-safe procedures, mine neutralisation, and unmanned underwater systems. Officials highlighted enhanced interoperability and knowledge exchange between the two
Over 200 operatives tied to ISI-backed network arrested ahead of I-Day
Security agencies arrested more than 200 operatives linked to the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network across 14 states ahead of Independence Day, detaining 253 people. The operation involved seizures and is described as thwarting planned subversive activity.
Crackdown Across 14 States Detains 253 Linked to Shahzad Bhatti Network
Authorities detained 253 people across 14 states in a coordinated operation tied to the Shahzad Bhatti Network, an alleged Pakistan-based group. Investigations recovered explosives, firearms and surveillance gear, with hundreds of FIRs and arrests reported.
Deepak Mhaske named BJP IT and social media chief
Deepak Mhaske from Chhattisgarh’s Raipur replaces Amit Malviya as BJP's IT and social media head. The reshuffle, also featuring other senior appointments, signals a strategic shift ahead of upcoming state elections.
Karnataka Assembly row over minister amid Valmiki case
In Karnataka, the Assembly was disrupted as opposition parties pressed for the dismissal of Minister B. Nagendra over the Valmiki Corporation embezzlement case. Nagendra, now in the DK Shivakumar cabinet, previously faced graft allegations and was arrested by ED in 2024.
BJP to launch nationwide campaign against UDF government in Keralam over Vande Mataram row
The BJP plans a nationwide campaign against the UDF government in Keralam over Vande Mataram. M.T. Ramesh accuses the administration of dishonoring the national song and cites a Centre mandate and state circular discrepancies at Independence Day events.
BDA moves to hand over Malleswaram market to private concessionaire
The Bangalore Development Authority is finalising a concessionaire agreement to operate and maintain the redeveloped Malleswaram flower market and will hand over shops to the GBA for allocation to vendors. The project, begun in 2014, displaced 192 vendors and involves a DBFOT model with a 30-year le
BRS demands full IP services at TIMS Sanathnagar, Hyderabad
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana urged the state to operationalize TIMS Sanathnagar with in-patient facilities, arguing the facility currently offers only out-patient services. The call came as TIMS preparations for an inauguration led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy were underway.
BJP unveils national team reshuffle as Goyal named treasurer
The BJP announced a sweeping national-level overhaul led by Nitin Nabin, naming Smriti Irani as general secretary, Ram Madhav and Vasundhara Raje as vice presidents, and Piyush Goyal as treasurer. The move targets broad youth and women representation ahead of the 2029 general elections and takes eff
Smriti Irani returns as BJP National General Secretary; Malviya out
The BJP reshuffle elevates Smriti Irani to National General Secretary, names Piyush Goyal as National Treasurer, and drops Amit Malviya as IT Cell chief, with Ram Madhav among 13 National Vice Presidents.
Karnataka forest-guard killings: opposition seeks judicial probe and Reddy's resignation
Opposition leaders in Karnataka pressed for a judicial inquiry into the Hanur forest killings, calling for Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy to resign and seeking compensation for the families of the three dead poachers. The government ordered a magisterial inquiry while the opposition questioned the
CBI chargesheet against Twisha Sharma’s husband and mother-in-law in death case
The CBI has filed a chargesheet in a Bhopal court naming Twisha Sharma’s husband and mother-in-law in a case linked to her death, with allegations of mental cruelty and dowry harassment. The chargeshett, spanning multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act, followe
CID raids at JSSC office in Jharkhand over recruitment exam irregularities
The Criminal Investigation Department conducted raids at the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission office in Ranchi on August 17, 2026, as part of a probe into irregularities in recruitment exams. Twenty people, including former JPSC chairman L Khiangte, have been arrested.
Kerala tightens loan rules for local bodies on revenue projects
Kerala's government revised guidelines for local bodies to obtain loans for revenue-generating schemes, including escrow requirements and government-free loan repayment. The changes add conditions on project appraisal, consent for default deductions, and prior government in-principle approval.
Karnataka orders release of drought-hit crop insurance claims
The Karnataka government instructed crop insurance firms to disburse claims for farmers in drought-affected Belagavi districts, leveraging a mid-season adversity clause for specific gram panchayats. A district-level monitoring panel will oversee the process as of mid-August 2026.
KPCC chief says RSS, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Taliban are not registered in India
KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad equated RSS with Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Taliban, claiming all three are not registered in India. The remarks were made at a Bengaluru press conference on August 17, 2026, amid broader debates over RSS registration and political protests surrounding Vande Mataram.
KVS, NVS Tier-II results declared in phases; EMRS results to follow
CBSE released the first phase of KVS and NVS Tier-II results on August 17, 2026, for posts including PGT and TGT (Computer Science), Finance Officer and Stenographer Grade-I. EMRS Tier-II results are anticipated to be announced in mid-August 2026 in multiple phases.
BJP chief’s team: names in circulation amid reshuffle buzz
Speculation mounts over a major BJP reorganisation, with Anurag Thakur, Satish Poonia, Smriti Irani and Dharmendra Pradhan tipped for roles. Several current general secretaries are eyed for replacement, with no official confirmation yet.
Lokesh accuses Mega DSC stall as AP Assembly opens
The Andhra Pradesh Monsoon session began with disorder as the Assembly and Council met under Governor's summons. Lokesh claimed the Mega DSC recruitment is being delayed, while the government announced plans to introduce seven Bills and discuss multiple issues over four days.
SC maintains 2002 base year for SIR in Sikkim, rejects NGO plea
The Supreme Court refused to halt the Election Commission of India's decision to use 2002 as the base year for the Special Intensive Revision in Sikkim. The NGO petition argued the year 2002 data mismatches demographics; the court kept the base year consistent nationwide and directed potential exemp
Rahul Gandhi urges Jharkhand CM to meet protesting students
Rahul Gandhi asked Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to personally listen to student protesters over alleged recruitment irregularities. He noted ongoing hunger strikes and called for action to address legitimate demands.