Politics — Page 23
Elections, government, public policy, diplomacy and geopolitical action
SIT speeds GST probe into Messi’s Kerala visit and 2025 remittance
Kerala's SIT has expedited investigations into alleged GST evasion tied to a 2025 plan to bring Lionel Messi and the Argentina team for an exhibition in Kochi. The inquiry centers on a ₹126 crore foreign remittance and a ₹22.68 crore service tax obligation, with potential referrals to multiple agenc
White House transshipment allegations: what it means for India
The U.S. accuses India among about 40 countries of enabling China to evade tariffs through transshipment. The report estimates billions in lost tariff revenue and highlights India's role as an enabler within a broader audit of trade practices.
Three held in Coochbehar over suspected Pakistan-ISI links
West Bengal STF arrested three men in Coochbehar on suspicions of ISI ties. They allegedly smuggled Indian SIM cards to Pakistan via Bangladesh and ran a counterfeit currency racket; 14-day police custody was granted.
PM Modi pays tribute to Vajpayee on death anniversary
Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, recalling his vision and public service. The tributes were echoed by senior ministers and recognised Vajpayee as a pivotal BJP leader with a lasting legacy.
Amit Shah to unveil projects in Rajasthan as students detained in Alwar
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for 933 development works in Rajasthan, including 151 projects in Alwar. Police detained students ahead of a proposed protest at RR College over issues including student elections and a Matsya scam.
Fadnavis, Pawar honor Vajpayee on death anniversary, call him visionary
Maharashtra's chief minister and opposition leader paid tributes to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, praising his vision and democratic spirit. Both used X to share remembrances of Vajpayee, who died in 2018 at 93.
Parliament panel urges task force to fill 38 DIPAM vacancies
India’s Standing Committee on Finance calls for a dedicated inter-departmental task force to fill 38 vacant DIPAM posts, citing a 43% vacancy rate and impact on managing a vast public asset portfolio. The move follows a March report highlighting long-standing staffing gaps and limited progress on di
E. coli found in water at eight Indian Railways stations, CAG flags norm breaches
The CAG flagged violations of drinking-water norms after E. coli was detected in water coolers at eight non-suburban railway stations. The audit also found widespread gaps in bacteriological testing and MEA compliance across hundreds of stations.
Punjab protest crackdown as Qaumi Insaf Morcha call for Bandh on Aug 21
Chandigarh police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse Qaumi Insaf Morcha protesters on Aug 15, as they marched toward the Punjab Governor’s residence. The demonstration seeks the release of Sikh prisoners, with a Bandh planned for Aug 21.
India aims for self-reliant defence via drones and hypersonics
Prime Minister Modi urged rapid development of drones, counter-drone systems, and hypersonic technologies, tying these to a broader push for self-reliance in defence and domestic manufacturing. He also highlighted cybersecurity, civil defence expansion, and expanding defence exports.
CBI re-registers BSP leader Armstrong murder case
The CBI re-registered the murder case of BSP Tamil Nadu leader K. Armstrong, following Madras High Court directions. The agency had earlier taken over the probe from the local police after court orders, with SC involvement in stay and withdrawal of SLP shaping next steps.
Ex-Bengal deputy speaker found dead at TMC office in Birbhum
Ashis Banerjee, a five-time Rampurhat MLA and former deputy speaker, was found dead at a Trinamool Congress office in Birbhum. Police sent the body for post-mortem amid reports of a suicide note.
Who is Tukaram Mundhe leading Maharashtra’s FDA crackdown
IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe serves as Commissioner of Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration, directing a broad crackdown on adulteration with raids and notices. He draws both praise and critique, citing a personal background of hardship and a three-part guiding framework for action.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath launches Youth Policy on Independence Day
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a comprehensive Youth Policy on Independence Day, emphasizing skills, innovation and employment for Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha, with new loan schemes and infrastructure for sports and entrepreneurship.
TN BJP chief Nagendran clarifies mother remark after TVK clash
BJP Tamil Nadu chief Nainar Nagendran sought to clarify remarks about CM Vijay’s mother after criticism, saying the speech was misrepresented for political gain. TVK leaders and other Tamil Nadu politicians condemned the comments, while Nagendran issued a clarification on X.
The making of an agitator: Devendra Nath Mahto and Jharkhand student protests
Devendra Nath Mahto has emerged as a leading figure in Jharkhand's student protests over alleged irregularities in public service exams, including an indefinite hunger strike and mass demonstrations in Ranchi. The movement has led to government talks and the cancellation of certain exams, while Maht
Pakistan’s ISI recruited Indian teens as sleeper cells
Indian Express reports several Indian youths were identified by Indian law enforcement as lured via social media by Pakistan’s ISI to become sleeper cells. The scheme centers on a gangster named Shehzad Bhatti and an aide, with one recruit invited to a messaging group discussing minorities in India.
UGC NET June 2026 provisional answer key released on Aug 16
The National Testing Agency released the provisional UGC NET June 2026 answer key and related materials on August 16, 2026, with an objection window and guidance for downloading documents via the official portal.
Delhi-Dhaka strains flare as Rahman visit looms and Hasina's Asia presence unsettles talks
Diplomatic friction between India and Bangladesh intensifies as talks over a planned Rahman visit hinge on Hasina’s disputed move and recent statements. Delhi says it won’t be drawn by retaliatory rhetoric while Dhaka protests live media events involving Hasina; both sides reassess the August timeta
India to decide Hasina extradition as talks seek course change
New Delhi confirms the extradition question courts will decide, while talks with Dhaka aim to move away from a maximalist stance. Hasina has signaled a possible December return, tying diplomacy to the legal process.
Akhilesh Yadav urges Gen Z to shape a new India, sharp critique of UP governance
Akhilesh Yadav framed a rising generation as the force to reform Uttar Pradesh and to expose a so-called ‘Regressive Secret Society.’ He also criticized the BJP-led government’s handling of crime against women and cautioned SP leaders against statements that could be exploited by opponents.
Jharkhand students press Congress to pull support, seek CM Soren’s resignation
Thousands of students and job aspirants protested in Ranchi over alleged recruitment irregularities, demanding the CM’s resignation and Congress withdrawal of support from the JMM-led government. They also called for cancellation of specific exams and an independent probe.
Bishnoi backs Rao Inderjit, warns ignoring seniors could weaken BJP
Kuldeep Bishnoi publicly backs Rao Inderjit Singh and cautions that sidelining senior leaders would weaken the BJP. Singh had questioned the Partition Day programme’s local representation, prompting Bishnoi’s defence of senior leadership and experience.
Bengaluru hosts first Freedom Habba with Yakshagana, Dhol Tasha and Garba
Bengaluru staged its first citizen-led Freedom Habba on the steps of Vidhana Soudha as part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations. The event showcased diverse folk arts and included a parade of about 30 teams, along with an immersive museum and multiple district pavilions.