Politics — Page 30
Elections, government, public policy, diplomacy and geopolitical action

Andhra Pradesh Accelerates Irrigation Projects, Revives Lift Schemes
Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu announced plans to expedite major irrigation projects and revive stalled lift irrigation schemes. The Polavaram project is targeted for completion by March 2027, with significant progress reported on civil works and land acquisition.
Bengaluru Prepares for 80th Independence Day Ceremony at Manekshaw Parade Ground
Bengaluru's Manekshaw Parade Ground is set to host the 80th Independence Day celebrations on Saturday, featuring a ceremonial parade with 1,360 members from 37 police contingents. The event will include a flag hoisting by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at 9 a.m., alongside performances by 800 childr

Cicily Joseph Appointed Acting Chairperson of Kerala Child Rights Panel
Cicily Joseph, a member of the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, will serve as acting chairperson from August 18. This appointment is temporary pending the selection of a permanent chairperson.

State Government to Continue ₹500 Bonus for Fine Rice Varieties This Kharif Season
The State government will continue its ₹500 per quintal bonus for farmers cultivating seven specific fine rice varieties. This initiative aims to support farmers in addition to the minimum support price, following a successful rabi season harvest.

Bar Council of India's Batch-Wide Enrolment Freeze on NALSAR Graduates Questioned
The Bar Council of India (BCI) initially directed State Bar Councils to halt enrolment for all NALSAR 2026 graduates amid an inquiry into a student protest. This order was later modified, but questions remain about the BCI's statutory powers.

Shivamogga Cooperatives to Protest Draft ESA Notification
Cooperative societies in Shivamogga are organizing protests against the Union Ministry's draft notification designating parts of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas. Concerns include restrictions on agriculture, construction, and daily life for local populations.

Ex-Minister Claims Public Regrets Voting for TVK Government
Former Minister P. Thangamani stated on August 14, 2026, that the public regrets voting for the TVK government. He cited unmet demands for crop loan waivers and Cauvery water as reasons for this sentiment.

Uttar Pradesh Youth Arrested in Kalaburagi for Pakistan Social Media Links
Kalaburagi police arrested a 23-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh for allegedly interacting with Pakistan-based social media accounts. His mobile phone has been seized for digital forensic analysis.

Bihar Govt's ₹22,500 Crore Deal Under Fire: Company Capital Questioned
Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav has raised serious questions about a ₹22,500 crore MoUsigned by the Bihar government, alleging the company has only ₹11 lakh in capital. The deal is in the nuclear sector and was signed earlier this month.

Delhi Police Dismantle International Charas Network, Arrest Four
Delhi Police have dismantled a significant international charas network, arresting four Nepalese nationals and seizing over 100 kg of the drug. The operation revealed a sophisticated supply chain utilizing social media and local transport for distribution.

NSA Doval: India's Tolerance Not Weakness, Cites 'Operation Sindoor'
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval stated India's tolerance should not be perceived as weakness, emphasizing its capacity for decisive action. He discussed Operation Sindoor, an 88-hour military response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Kerala Leaders Criticize Union Mines Act, Cite Federal Overreach
Kerala's political leaders are voicing strong opposition to the Union government's Mines and Minerals Amendment Act, 2026. Concerns center on the Act allegedly undermining states' fiscal and legislative autonomy and threatening India's federal structure.
Four Arrested in Karnataka Businessman Car Blast Attempt
Police in Bagalkot, Karnataka, have arrested four individuals in connection with an attempt to murder businessman Hanumant Athani. The plot involved a car blast and a financial dispute over land.

Supreme Court Upholds Andhra Pradesh High Court's Quashing of Land Pooling Case
The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the Andhra Pradesh High Court's order to quash a case against Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Minister P. Narayana. The case related to alleged irregularities in the Amaravati land pooling scheme.

Kerala UPST Rank Holders End Secretariat Protest After Minister's Assurance
The Upper Primary School Teacher Rank Holders Association in Kerala has ended its 17-day protest in Thiruvananthapuram. General Education Minister N. Samsudheen provided assurances regarding their demands concerning recruitment notifications and rank list extensions.

Tamil Nadu Forms Expert Panel for Thamaraikani Tank Protection
The Tamil Nadu government has established an expert committee to safeguard the Thamaraikani tank in Sholinganallur from encroachments. This action follows a public interest litigation filed in 2019.

Israeli Army Orders Palestinians to Vacate Homes in West Bank Village
Israeli soldiers compelled Palestinian families to leave their homes in Qusra, West Bank, during an operation to remove settlers who had besieged three residences. The Israeli military stated its aim was to protect residents while also using some vacated homes as barracks.
Kerala Congress MLA C.R. Mahesh apologizes for seat belt violation
Karunagappally MLA C.R. Mahesh issued a public apology for traveling without wearing a seat belt, acknowledging it as a violation of traffic laws. The incident occurred while he was en route to Puthuppally church to visit the tomb of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

Andhra Pradesh CM Orders Zero Tolerance for Digital, Political Crimes
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has mandated a strict zero-tolerance policy for digital offenses, political crimes, and crimes against women. The directive emphasizes leveraging technology for enhanced crime prevention and investigation.

Andhra Pradesh Ruling Alliance Warns Against YSRCP Social Media Disinformation
The NDA social media coordination committee in Andhra Pradesh issued a warning to its cadres against the YSRCP's alleged use of fake social media posts to sow discord among alliance partners. The committee stated that the YSRCP is creating fake accounts to attack leaders of constituent parties, aimi

Teachers' body urges separate TET papers for Maths, Physics, Biology
The Navya Andhra Teachers Association has requested the state government to introduce separate question papers for Mathematics, Physics, and Biology in the AP Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) Paper-II (A). The association argues that a common exam does not appropriately assess candidates in their spec

Supreme Court drops case against comedian Samay Raina, four others over disability jokes
The Supreme Court on Friday, August 14, 2026, dismissed criminal proceedings against comedian Samay Raina and four social media influencers concerning their remarks on people with disabilities. The court acknowledged their subsequent efforts in raising awareness and promoting dignity for individuals

Karnataka Minister Seeks Exemption from Independence Day Flag Hoisting; BJP Criticizes
Karnataka Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan requested an exemption from hoisting the national flag in Vijayanagara district for Independence Day. The BJP condemned the move, calling it an insult to the nation.

BJP Accuses Congress of Anti-Women Stance Over Karnataka Ministry Exclusion
BJP legislators protested the absence of women in Karnataka's new cabinet, alleging the Congress government is insensitive and uses women for political gain. The opposition highlighted the historic lack of female representation in a legislative session.