Politics — Page 44
Elections, government, public policy, diplomacy and geopolitical action

Congress Working Committee to Meet August 19 to Plan Strategy Against Centre
The Congress Working Committee will convene on August 19 to strategize on political matters. The meeting aims to finalize plans to pressure the central government regarding student protests and allegations about Ram temple donations.

Nirav Modi's Sister Purvi's Plea for Video Conference Hearing Rejected by Court
A Mumbai court rejected Purvi Modi's request to appear via video conference for questioning in a loan fraud case. The judge emphasized her physical presence is essential for confronting her with evidence due to her alleged role in the crime.

Kerala Opposition Claims 'Social Media Emergency' Amidst Post Removals
Kerala's opposition has accused the UDF government of imposing an 'undeclared social media emergency'. Posts and news reports concerning the arrest of Youth Congress leaders on drug charges, particularly those linking an accused to the Chief Minister, have allegedly been removed.

Assam-Arunachal Border Dispute Narrows to 52 Villages After Talks
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have resolved the majority of their boundary disputes, with only 52 areas remaining contested across five zones. This progress follows a recent border incident where 11 Assam residents were injured.

Cockroach Janta Party Announces 'Season 2' of Jantar Mantar Agitation
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced the upcoming "Season 2" of its Jantar Mantar agitation, citing public interest and alleged pressure that prevented a recent meeting. The party previously led a 36-day protest concerning the NEET exam leak.

Former German Envoy Criticizes Israeli Settlement Policy
Steffen Seibert, former German ambassador to Israel, has sharply criticized the Israeli government's settlement policy. He stated that Germany's commitment to Israel's security does not extend to settlements, which he described as illegal under international law.

Parliamentary proceedings against former judge Justice Varma to proceed
Parliamentary proceedings against former Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma will continue despite his resignation, as the motion for removal was initiated before he stepped down. A committee found three charges against him proved.

PIL Challenges Online Liquor Sales in Tamil Nadu
A public interest litigation has been filed in the Madras High Court challenging the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation's (TASMAC) new online liquor booking system. The petitioner argues the state has a constitutional duty to pursue prohibition, not promote alcohol sales.

Telangana High Court to Hear Pleas Against Speaker's Dismissal of Disqualification Petitions
The Telangana High Court will continue hearing writ petitions challenging the Assembly Speaker's decision to dismiss disqualification pleas against nine MLAs. The petitions, filed by BRS and BJP, argued the MLAs joined the ruling Congress after being elected as BRS candidates.

Tamil Nadu Mandates State Song 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' at Official Events
The Tamil Nadu government has ordered that the state song 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' must be sung first at all official gatherings. This directive follows a legislative resolution and addresses recent controversies regarding the order of national and state songs at events.

BJP Andhra Pradesh President Urges Unity Above Caste at Sant Ravidas Event
The BJP's Andhra Pradesh president called for social unity and fraternity above caste and religion at a Sant Ravidas event in Vijayawada. The event featured a Kalash Yatra carrying sacred urns from Varanasi, intended to spread the saint's teachings.
Social Security COLA for 2027 Estimated Between 3.4% and 3.6%
New estimates suggest the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) could range from 3.4% to 3.6%. This adjustment aims to help benefits keep pace with inflation, with official figures expected in October.

Puducherry Police Visited Home of CJP Spokesperson, Who Blames BJP
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das alleged Puducherry Police visited his family home and questioned relatives, calling it harassment ordered by the BJP government. He stated the action was an attempt to intimidate him into silence.

Kerala Police Revise Team Probing Attack on ED Officials
The Kerala Police have reconstituted the team investigating an attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, reducing its size and shifting focus to alleged conspiracy. The investigation has reached its final stages, with most accused having secured bail.

Karnataka Lokayukta Uncovers Financial Irregularities in Treasury Offices
Karnataka Lokayukta inspectors found significant financial and procedural irregularities during surprise checks of Bengaluru treasury offices. A staffer's account showed ₹23 lakh in digital transactions, far exceeding their salary, prompting further investigation.

West Bengal Assembly Increases Municipal Wards in Kolkata and Howrah
The West Bengal assembly approved bills to expand the number of municipal wards in Kolkata and Howrah. This delimitation aims to create smaller wards with fewer residents to improve the delivery of civic services.

Bombay High Court Seeks ED Update on Vijay Mallya's Asset Recovery Plea
The Bombay High Court urged the Enforcement Directorate for an update on Vijay Mallya's 2020 petition regarding asset seizures. The court expressed a desire to conclude the long-standing dispute, noting that Mallya's civil liabilities may be settled.
Kadapa Police Nab Two Suspended Officials in ₹3.80 Crore Job Scam
Kadapa district police have arrested two suspended government employees in connection with a job scam amounting to ₹3.80 crore. The officials allegedly issued fake appointment letters to 25 individuals, enabling them to draw salaries from government offices.

India's Government Schools: Legal Promises and Gaps in Reality
India's government schools are legally bound to provide free and compulsory education, yet numerous incidents highlight a significant gap between these promises and the daily reality for students. From unsafe travel routes to inadequate facilities and teacher shortages, the system faces considerable

ACB Secures Custody of Suspended DSP Bheem Reddy in Assets Case
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has obtained two days of custody for suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police Sankireddy Bheem Reddy. He is being questioned in connection with a disproportionate assets case.
Jagan Directs YSRCP Lawmakers to Challenge Government in Assembly
YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has instructed party legislators to highlight public issues and government failures during the upcoming Legislative Assembly session. He also intends to use media platforms to convey the party's stance.
KSRTC to Maintain Regular Bus Services in Mysuru Amidst Bandh
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation's Mysuru rural division will run all bus services on schedule during a state-wide bandh. The corporation has requested police security at bus stands and depots to prevent disruptions.

Rape Trial Survivors Face Scrutiny of Sexual History Despite Legal Bars
Legal experts report that despite statutory prohibitions, rape survivors in India continue to face invasive questioning about their sexual history during trials. This practice persists even after the Bombay High Court highlighted such "humiliating cross-examination" in a recent ruling.
Hunter Biden Discusses Father's Metastatic Cancer and Pain
Hunter Biden revealed in a BBC interview that his father, former U.S. President Joe Biden, is experiencing significant pain as his cancer has spread to his bones. The former president had previously announced a diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer.