Politics — Page 26
Elections, government, public policy, diplomacy and geopolitical action
Modi greets nation on Independence Day 2026
Prime Minister Modi greeted the nation on Independence Day from the Red Fort, marking the 80th celebration and urging a vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The day featured a flag-hoisting ceremony, tributes to freedom fighters, and references to national progress.
Binance restricts Russian users under EU sanctions package
Binance has restricted some transactions for Russian users in response to a new EU sanctions package adopted on 23 July 2026. The exchange cited compliance with sanctions and noted prior measures, including a 2023 P2P ban.
Kerala CM warns against communalism, calls for open-minded democracy
Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan used Independence Day in Thiruvananthapuram to urge openness, tolerance and constitutional values, pointing to recent communal incidents and stressing unity. He noted the national heroes and highlighted climate-conscious development while reviewing a parade and
NALSAR students demand apology as BCI reverses enrolment ban
The Bar Council of India rescinded its directive to block enrolment for NALSAR’s 2026 graduates after student protests opposing inviting the CJI. The Student Bar Council called for an apology from BCI chair Manan Kumar Mishra.
PM Modi urges identifying and isolating ‘Dimagi Naxals’ in Independence Day address
Prime Minister Modi used Independence Day remarks to condemn ideological Na xalism, emphasizing the need to identify and isolate 'Dimagi Naxals' while noting past sacrifices by police and security personnel and claiming progress against Naxalite violence.
PM Modi outlines 7 reforms, free coaching for youth, women’s quota
Prime Minister Modi addressed the 80th Independence Day from the Red Fort, detailing a seven-stream reform vision and new youth programs, including AI training for one crore youths and free coaching. He linked these measures to self-reliance and India's 2047 development goals.
PM Modi’s Red Fort speech: AI training for youth and free coaching announced
Prime Minister Modi outlined a path to a developed India by 2047, including AI training for one crore youths, free online coaching for competitive exams, and a 2047 target of 100 GW nuclear power. He also framed a seven-point growth agenda and called for 33% women’s representation in legislatures.
Chhattisgarh IPS officer faces bribery charge in CBI court probe
An IPS officer, Rahul Bansal, is accused of accepting a bribe to cover up a cyber fraud case. The Chhattisgarh DGP has submitted a report to a Delhi court as investigations expand into a multi-state fraud network with extensive money flows through cash, hawala and crypto.
CJP Instagram handle briefly taken down, restored later
The Cockroach Janta Party’s official Instagram account was taken down on August 15, 2026, then restored the same day. The party claimed the move aimed to muzzle their Independence Day voice and highlighted ongoing youth-focused campaigns.
Independence Day 2026: Modi says India aims to host 2036 Olympics
Prime Minister Modi announced India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games and unveiled a nationwide talent hunt for 5- to 15-year-olds. He also highlighted TOPS success and India's plan to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.
Chennai journalists' Independence Day hunger protest in 2001
On August 15, 2001, Chennai journalists held a day-long fast near the State Guest House to protest police violence against reporters covering a DMK rally. The action followed a violent episode outside the DGP's office two days earlier, and it culminated in petitions seeking a CBI inquiry and compens
Independence Day: Modi cites rise from Fragile Five to fastest-growing major economy
Prime Minister Modi, delivering the Independence Day address from the Red Fort, says India has moved from the Fragile Five to the world’s fastest-growing major economy over 12 years and has recently surpassed Japan to become the fourth-largest. He anchored the narrative in a 2047-developed India vis
PM Modi urges Opposition to back 33% women quota in Parliament
Prime Minister Modi used Independence Day to appeal for support on women's reservation in Parliament and state assemblies. He framed the move as non-political and urged parties to cooperate, while outlining national priorities and warning of ideological Naxalism.
Union Government Prepares 'Reform Utsav' Campaign for Citizen-Led Policy Changes
The Union government is planning a three-month public engagement campaign, Reform Utsav, to gather citizen suggestions and develop actionable policy adjustments. Sparked by recent NEET protests, the initiative is expected to launch on October 2 under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary T V Somanatha
Bihar family demands harsh punishment for encounter killing, accepts offer with conditions
Bihar's Bharat Bhushan Tiwari was killed in an alleged police encounter on June 17, 2026. family members accepted a government offer of aid and a job but said justice requires those responsible be punished, with calls for capital punishment and martyr status.
UP Information Director pushes English edition of Uttar Pradesh Sandesh to reach youth
UP Information Director Vishal Singh announced plans to publish Uttar Pradesh Sandesh in English and expand online access for younger readers, aligning with Generation Z and Alpha. The move accompanies ongoing efforts to showcase government welfare schemes and achievements to a broader audience.
Maharashtra to set up drone-policy task force to drive implementation
Maharashtra will form a ministerial task force, chaired by Ashish Shelar, to implement the state’s drone policy. The move follows a meeting with drone manufacturers and aims to consolidate R&D, indigenous manufacturing, testing, patents and subsidies into an integrated framework.
President Murmu urges public exam reforms to boost transparency
President Murmu emphasised reforms to India’s public exams to curb unfair practices and enhance transparency. She highlighted youth as a key asset and referenced recent space launch and regional security actions.
Crowley-Tiffany race shifts after Wisconsin primary
Wisconsin’s governor contest pivots after a tight Democratic primary win by Crowley and a clear Republican path behind Tiffany. The party alignments in Madison and Milwaukee reflect a race that UVA’s Center for Politics moved toward Democrats.
J&K denies work-from-home orders for Pandits; CM warns threat cannot be ignored
The J&K administration rejected reports of work-from-home directives for Kashmiri Pandits, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged vigilance after a credible threat. Activists say threat letters with personal data are circulating and have engaged NHRC and NCM for a probe.
Nagaland church body opposes compulsory Vande Mataram singing
The Nagaland Baptist Church Council rejected any directive making Vande Mataram mandatory and urged sensitivity to faith, conscience and identity. The move follows calls from the Naga Students’ Federation to avoid participation in Independence Day events where the national song may be sung.
Thousands join Tiranga Yatra across Bihar, Jharkhand
The Tiranga Yatra was held in Bihar and Jharkhand on August 14, 2026. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary led a leg in Munger, while Union minister Nityanand Rai participated in routes across Ujiarpur, as events highlighted national unity and the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
West Bengal police issue unmarked survey proforma to madrasas over foreign links
Police in West Bengal distributed an unmarked survey form to madrasas, mosques and idgahs seeking foreign funding, visitor details and border-distance data. Activists demanded official paperwork and a government notification to legitimize the exercise.
Ashleigh Gardner controversy prompts safeguards on selection decisions
Australian women’s vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner faces scrutiny over a personal relationship and alleged past misconduct claims. Cricket Australia says leadership remains intact and will introduce safeguards around selection to manage conflicts of interest.