Politics — Page 32
Elections, government, public policy, diplomacy and geopolitical action

Kaziranga's Eco-Sensitive Zone Debate Focuses on 1km vs. Default 10km
The Assam government's proposal to formally notify a 1km Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kaziranga National Park has sparked debate. However, a final 10km zone has never been officially notified, with a 1km default being legally applied.
India's 2027 Census to Include Caste, COVID Vaccination, and ID Details
India's upcoming 2027 Census will collect 40 categories of data, including for the first time details on caste beyond Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. New questions will also cover COVID vaccination status, various identification proofs, and digital literacy.
Kerala Police Reorganizes Station Officer Roles, Restoring Sub-Inspector Leadership
The Kerala government has reintroduced a Sub-Inspector-led model for Station House Officers (SHOs) in most police stations. This change aims to improve supervision, grievance redressal, and resource allocation within the police force.

Karnataka Minister Demands Action Plan for Mekedatu Project Clearances
Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy has directed officials to create a time-bound plan to speed up approvals for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project. The project is deemed vital for Bengaluru's future water supply.

Fugitive Drug Kingpin Extradited from UAE: Home Minister Amit Shah
India's Narcotics Control Bureau has secured the extradition of Virender Singh Basoya, accused of masterminding an international drug syndicate, from the UAE. Home Minister Amit Shah stated this marks a milestone in the nation's zero-tolerance policy on narcotics.

Lok Sabha Speaker Directs Panel to Conclude Probe on Justice Varma Post-Resignation
Following Justice Yashwant Varma's resignation, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has directed an inquiry committee to complete its investigation and submit a report. The committee concluded that the resignation did not halt the statutory inquiry.

NALSAR Council to Review Legality of BCI Inquiry on Convocation Controversy
NALSAR University's Executive Council will convene on August 14, 2026, to determine the constitutionality of the Bar Council of India's request for an inquiry into an alleged campaign against a Chief Justice's invitation. The controversy began with student protests over the invitation to Chief Justi

Kerala Opposes New Union Mining Bill, Citing State Authority Concerns
Kerala's Chief Minister stated strong opposition to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed by Parliament. He argued the bill infringes on states' rights over land and mineral resources, transferring authority to the Union government.

Kerala CM Alleges GST Fraud, Financial Lapses in Failed Messi Event Plan
Kerala's Chief Minister has flagged potential GST fraud and financial irregularities in the previous government's plan to host the Argentinian national football team. A preliminary sports department inquiry suggests lapses in sponsor selection and financial oversight.

Kerala HC questions teacher suspension over Savarkar quiz question
The Kerala High Court is seeking a response from the state government regarding the suspension of a teacher over a quiz question about VD Savarkar. The court questioned the grounds for suspension, citing the need for a specific reason and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings.

Prajwal Revanna moved to general cell after phone found in prison
Former MP Prajwal Revanna has been moved to a general cell after a mobile phone and pen drive containing obscene videos were discovered during a prison raid. An inquiry has been launched into how the devices entered the facility and if prison officials were involved.

Andhra Pradesh SIT Exposes Major Irregularities in Group-I Exam Valuation
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Andhra Pradesh has revealed significant irregularities in the valuation of the 2020 Group-I job recruitment examination. The investigation found answer scripts moved from secure custody, qualified evaluators sidelined, and unauthorized personnel used for scoring

Andhra Pradesh to Replicate Dharavi Slum Redevelopment Model
Andhra Pradesh is launching a pilot slum redevelopment project in Visakhapatnam, inspired by Mumbai's Dharavi model. The initiative aims to use private sector investment and development rights to upgrade informal settlements and provide modern housing.

Naidu Opens Amaravati Seed Access Road, Inaugurates MLA/MLC Quarters
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the Amaravati Seed Access Road and residential quarters for legislators. He announced plans to develop Amaravati into a pollution-free deep-tech hub.

Attack on Sukhbir Badal Highlights Akali Dal's Vulnerability to Radical Fringe
Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, was attacked in Nanded, Maharashtra. This incident, following a previous attempt on his life, suggests the moderate Akali Dal leadership faces ongoing threats from radical elements seeking political influence.

India's Supreme Court Reinforces Rights of Arrested Individuals
India's Supreme Court has clarified constitutional limits on arrest, emphasizing that individuals must be clearly informed of arrest grounds and treated with dignity. The ruling aims to balance state authority with citizen liberty and prevent arbitrary power.

NJ Man Accused of $650M Ponzi Scheme Added to FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters List
Rey E. Grabato II, accused of orchestrating a $650 million Ponzi scheme targeting 2,000 investors, is the first New Jersey resident named to the FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters list. The FBI is offering a reward for information leading to his arrest.

Tennessee Hearing Reviews Planned Execution of Death Row Inmate Christa Pike
A hearing is underway to review the planned execution of Christa Pike, the only woman on Tennessee's death row. Pike, convicted in 1995 for the murder of Colleen Slemmer, challenges the state's lethal injection protocol, citing health conditions and trauma.

India's Supreme Court to Review Legality of Facial Recognition Surveillance on Protesters
India's Supreme Court will examine the legality of Delhi Police's use of facial recognition and biometric surveillance against protesters at Jantar Mantar. The court will consider whether this mass surveillance infringes on fundamental rights.

Teargas and Lathicharge Erupt as Sikh Protesters Clash with Police in Ambala
Police in Haryana deployed tear gas and lathicharge to clear a highway blockade in Ambala on Thursday. The protest, demanding action against Gursimran Singh Mand, resulted in injuries to police and protesters.
Indian National Secures US Work Visa After Three H-1B Lottery Rejections
An Indian data analytics professional was rejected from the H-1B lottery three times before successfully obtaining an O-1 visa. The process involved significant preparation and an investment of $13,000.

Delhi Fortifies for Independence Day: Enhanced Security, Digital Parking Near Red Fort
Delhi is implementing heightened security measures, including increased surveillance and personnel deployment, for the 80th Independence Day celebrations. The Delhi Traffic Police has introduced a digital parking system using Google Maps and Mappls near the Red Fort.

Anthony Fauci Faces Federal Records Destruction Allegations
Dr. Anthony Fauci is facing accusations of destroying federal records. This development comes as criminal referrals related to his actions continue to accumulate.

NALSAR Law University Convocation Invite Row: Bar Council Order Withdrawn
NALSAR University law students objected to CJI Surya Kant's invitation as chief guest, prompting a Bar Council of India order to halt graduate enrollments. The BCI order was subsequently withdrawn.