Politics — Page 47
Elections, government, public policy, diplomacy and geopolitical action

Manipur Village Attacked: 9 Houses Burned by Armed Group, Officials Report
Unknown armed individuals set fire to nine houses in Manipur’s Tokpa Liangmai village on Tuesday night. The incident followed the lifting of a counter-economic blockade.

Bundeswehr Expands Training Facilities Across Multiple German Locations
The German Ministry of Defense is preparing several former military sites for a new mandatory service program. These locations include former US barracks and existing Bundeswehr facilities, with plans to finalize agreements soon.

Parliament Panel Finds Charges Against Justice Varma Proven, Removal Proceedings Infructuous
A parliamentary committee has concluded that all charges against Justice Yashwant Varma are "proved," citing his unsatisfactory explanation for cash found in his residence. Justice Varma has resigned, rendering removal proceedings against him largely moot.

Kerala Government Appoints Three Economic Advisors to Planning Board
The Kerala government has approved the appointment of three economic advisors to the State Planning Board's Vice-Chairman, K.M. Chandrasekhar. The advisors will provide research and analytical support for the board.

Supreme Court Declines National Policy for Demolition Displaced, Leaves to States
The Supreme Court has refused to establish a national policy for rehabilitating individuals displaced by demolition drives against unauthorized constructions. The court stated that such matters fall under the policy-making authority of individual states and union territories.

Panel Urges FDI Review in Private Hospitals, Cites Corporatisation Risks
A parliamentary committee recommends a review of Foreign Direct Investment limits in private hospitals, warning of increased healthcare costs due to aggressive corporatisation. It also called for strengthening the public healthcare system and incentivizing domestic medical manufacturing.

Assam Government to Audit Flood Relief Funds Raised by 72 YouTubers
The Assam government will verify flood relief funds collected by 72 YouTubers to ensure proper utilization and avoid duplication. This comes after 102 deaths and over 7.21 lakh people affected by recent floods.

Vijayan Accuses UDF of 'Missing Messi' Row Diversion Tactic
Kerala's Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan claims the UDF government is using the 'Missing Messi' controversy to distract from its handling of disaster response. Vijayan stated the previous LDF government bore no financial responsibility for the exhibition match proposal.

Tamil Nadu to Review 7.5% Medical Reservation for Government School Students
Tamil Nadu is establishing a new commission to review its 7.5% reservation for government school students in medical admissions. The commission will assess the policy's effectiveness and consider its extension to allied health courses.

USCIS Ends Second Chance on Applications, Tightens Asylum Rules
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has eliminated the practice of issuing additional evidence requests for incomplete applications. This change, effective August 5, means applications for citizenship, residency, and asylum can be directly denied if initial evidence is missing.

Lok Sabha Panel Finds Justice Varma Guilty in Cash-at-Home Case
A Lok Sabha inquiry committee has found Justice Yashwant Varma guilty in a case involving unaccounted cash discovered at his official residence. The panel's report, tabled in Parliament, cited a lack of transparency and unsatisfactory explanations regarding the seized currency notes.

Kerala HC Orders Review of NGO FCRA Renewal Denial Over Protest Funding
The Kerala High Court overturned a central government decision to deny FCRA renewal to two NGOs. The court found the government failed to provide specific reasons for the denial, which was linked to alleged funding of Vizhinjam port protests.

Mitch McConnell Speaks to Confidant Amid Recovery and Speculation
Senator Mitch McConnell has been released from a rehabilitation facility and is continuing his recovery at home. A close confidant reported speaking with the senator, who acknowledged his absence has seemed unusual but stated he has no life-threatening issues.

UAE's Evolving Role: Beyond Traditional Ally in Washington's Eyes
The United Arab Emirates is increasingly viewed as an independent, ambitious actor rather than a junior partner to the United States. Washington's perception of the UAE is shifting due to its diversification of diplomatic ties and pursuit of its own strategic interests.

Amit Shah Counters Opposition Claims of Absence from Parliament
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated he attended Parliament regularly but refrained from entering during disrupted proceedings. He challenged the opposition's 'missing' and 'fugitive' labels, offering to discuss student protests.

Pakistan Journalist Claims Imran Khan May Be Dead; PTI Threatens Mass Protest
A Pakistani journalist's claim that senior military officials fear former PM Imran Khan may have died in jail has heightened concerns over his well-being. Khan's party, PTI, warns of massive street protests if access to the jailed leader is not granted.

Parliament Receives Report on Allegations Against Justice Yashwant Varma
A report detailing allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma has been presented in both houses of India's Parliament. The inquiry stems from a fire incident at his residence in March 2025, where burnt currency was allegedly discovered.
German Tax Reform Faces Criticism Over "Cold Progression"
Germany's proposed tax reform is drawing sharp criticism for allegedly failing to fully offset "cold progression," potentially leading to a hidden tax increase for citizens. Experts and opposition parties argue the planned relief is insufficient and breaks previous commitments.
Houthi Attack Kills Pakistani Sailors; Oil Shortage Fears Grow
A Houthi attack on a cargo ship in the Red Sea resulted in six deaths, including three Pakistani sailors. Meanwhile, the IEA warns of the largest oil deficit in five years due to ongoing disruptions.

Italy Police Investigate Man Over Anti-Semitic Graffiti in Bologna
Italian police are investigating a man suspected of anti-Semitic graffiti in Bologna. Investigators seized a phone containing pro-Palestinian and violent content, prompting further inquiries into potential links with extremist groups.

Ex-CJI Chandrachud Appointed Arbitrator in Russia-Ukraine Investment Dispute
Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has reportedly been appointed as an arbitrator by Russia in an investment treaty dispute with Ukraine's Oschadbank. The Ukrainian bank claims hundreds of millions in losses due to Russian military actions.

Karnataka Bandh: Schools to Remain Open Amidst Cauvery Water Dispute
Karnataka is observing a bandh on August 13 due to the Cauvery water-sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu. Despite the shutdown, essential services including schools, banks, and public transport are expected to operate normally.

CJP Launches 'School Thik Karo' Campaign for Rural School Improvement
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) will launch a campaign named ‘School Thik Karo’ on India's Independence Day to address the poor conditions of government schools in villages. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke stated that rural children have been failed by the country regarding basic educational facilities.

MP John Brittas Files Privilege Notice Over 'Lungi Wala' Slur in Rajya Sabha
CPM MP John Brittas has moved a privilege notice against BJP MP Sushmita Dev in the Rajya Sabha, alleging a derogatory "lungi wala" remark. The incident led to a significant uproar and adjournment of the house.