Politics — Page 24
Elections, government, public policy, diplomacy and geopolitical action

Devadula Phase-VI to be completed by Dec 2028, says Uttam Kumar Reddy
Telangana's irrigation minister stated Phase-VI of the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme will be completed by December 2028, enabling Godavari water to reach Tungaturthi. He also highlighted investments in related irrigation projects and ongoing efforts to accelerate implementation.
FSSAI revokes prohibition order against Enrica products
Regulators reversed a ban on 11 Enrica liquor variants after the company pledged compliance within 30 days. An improvement notice remains in place as authorities monitor adherence to labeling and hygiene rules.
Ballari marks 80th Independence Day with tribute and development drive
Ballari observed the 80th Independence Day with but also showcased a series of development plans, from hospitals to educational upgrades, amid indications of drought-affected taluks. The event featured remarks by B. Nagendra, the Planning and Statistics Minister and Ballari in-charge.

Yatnal calls to cancel Zameer Ahmed Khan's legislative membership
Basanagouda Patil Yatnal urged the Union government to cancel Zameer Ahmed Khan's legislative membership, alleging flag disrespect and demanding a constitutional amendment to bar such leaders from elections for life.

TN Cabinet meetings were attended only by ministers, says Social Justice Minister
Tamil Nadu Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu said outsiders did not attend the Cabinet meetings. He identified that only ministers were present after officials read the agenda, and he cited the ongoing debate over department naming and a pending report on honour killings.

Kerala skips Vande Mataram at state Independence Day function
Kerala's Congress-led government did not sing Vande Mataram at the state-level Independence Day ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram, aligning with a state circular that emphasized the national anthem only. The omission occurred despite central directives and contrasting performances at other localities.
Naidu and Chief Justice Gill attend At Home hosted by Governor Abdul Nazeer in Vijayawada
The Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Abdul Nazeer, hosted an At Home event at Lok Bhavan in Vijayawada attended by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and High Court Chief Justice Lisa Gill, along with spouses and other dignitaries.

NGT directs TNPCB to set IIT-M timetable for Neyveli study
The National Green Tribunal asked Tamil Nadu to issue terms of reference to IIT-Madras and establish a timeline for a comprehensive Neyveli pollution study, amid prior committee divergences and varying mercury findings in water samples.

MDR on UPI under review as cash use grows, inflation debates follow
India weighs MDR on UPI as data shows cash in public hands accelerating. Government assurances clash with opposition worries over price effects and inflation measurement questions.

Modi’s I-Day speech aims for Viksit Bharat milestone
PM Modi’s Independence Day address from the Red Fort outlined a roadmap to a self-reliant, developed India by 2047, including AI skilling for youth, free online coaching, and expanded semiconductor and energy capabilities.

Telangana HC CJ urges legal fraternity on Gandhi's reminder, cites digitisation progress
Telangana High Court Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar urged legal professionals to consider Gandhi's last-person-in-line principle while deciding, as the court reported significant digitisation, disposal rate, and ongoing infrastructure works.

Fadnavis backs Modi’s ‘intellectual Naxals’ remark
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis endorses Narendra Modi’s claim on “intellectual Naxals,” arguing that while armed Naxalism is defeated, ideological Naxalism persists. He cites a recent Congress event and reiterates pre-conditions for women’s reservation under 2023 amendments, while noti

Train passengers plan stand-up protest in Kozhikode on Aug 16
A section of north Kerala train passengers plans a stand-up protest at Kozhikode station on August 16 over stalled services and cancelled trains. The organizers accuse Southern Railway authorities of neglecting demand for more services and restoration of pre-pandemic trains.

Moitra seeks Birla’s intervention over Nadia Circuit House eviction bid
TMC MP Mahua Moitra wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking intervention after Nadia district authorities allegedly pressed her to vacate a Circuit House. Reports describe a late-night standoff with a crowd outside and a message that no new reservations would be honoured.
Karnataka’s five guarantee schemes cited as national model
Karnataka’s five guarantee schemes have reportedly spent over ₹1.34 lakh crore and are described as a model for other states, with detailed district-level uptake and disbursements highlighted in Koppal. The minister also touched on ongoing water projects and political forecasts for 2028.

TTD urges staff to boost devotee services through tech and transparency
Temple board official calls staff to improve pilgrim services with tech-driven, transparent practices. Plans include 37 electric buses and real-time data systems to enhance safety and environmental goals.

Three poachers killed in Hanur shoot-out; magisterial inquiry ordered
Three suspected poachers died after a clash with forest rangers in Chamarajanagar district. Officials say the confrontation occurred as officers pursued a group with unlicensed guns; a magisterial inquiry was ordered amid local tensions.

AP CM: Stree Shakti scheme advances women dignity
Andhra Pradesh marks the first anniversary of the Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme, with the Chief Minister highlighting its role in women empowerment and dignity. The event included a public bus trip with beneficiaries and reports of significant usage and impact.
700 Papertronics kits for 70 Kalaburagi schools, says Priyank Kharge
Priyank Kharge announced a program distributing 700 Papertronics kits to 70 schools in Kalaburagi district. The initiative, conducted with Agastya International Foundation and several district departments, aims to boost hands-on electronics learning and scientific curiosity.

Telangana distributes smart ration cards to eligible families
Telangana claims substantial rice distribution through smart ration cards, with 3.42 crore people covered and ₹14,800 crore worth of rice distributed. Officials say cards are issued to eligible beneficiaries continually, expanding from previous card numbers.

Andhra Pradesh opens craft wood banks to back six crafts
The Andhra Pradesh government inaugurated a Central Craft Wood Bank and six regional wood banks to supply raw timber for six crafts, targeting around 5,000 families and detailing species and storage for five years.
Telangana CM begins distribution of smart ration cards in Sangareddy
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched a program to distribute smart ration cards in Sangareddy, announcing ongoing issuance to all eligible beneficiaries and detailing numbers on beneficiaries and patty procurement. The event also touched on government staffing and electoral remarks.

₹681 crore modernisation planned for Godavari Delta headworks
Andhra Pradesh's Water Resources Minister announced ₹681 crore in proposed modernisation for the Godavari Delta headworks, awaiting administrative approval. A LIDAR-backed Detailed Project Report is being prepared, with completion targeted around mid-2028, as part of a calendar of 36 irrigation-pro

CAG audit flags gaps in Green India Mission implementation
Auditors found major gaps in the Green India Mission, citing inadequate funding, weak coordination with other schemes, and poor monitoring. The audit covers 2015-16 to 2024-25 across 16 states and UTs.