Politics — Page 5
Elections, government, public policy, diplomacy and geopolitical action
Tamil Nadu scraps Parandur airport plan, shifts to alternatives
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced the abandonment of the Parandur airport project in the Assembly, citing land and livelihood concerns. The move follows years of local protests and a broader plan to pursue alternative sites for Chennai's second airport.
ECI stays bypolls in five TN constituencies until petitions are resolved
The Election Commission told the Madras High Court it will not notify by-elections for five Tamil Nadu assembly seats until election petitions are decided. The petitioners challenge results for Tiruchi East, Perundurai, Ambasamudram, Viralimalai and Karur, with petitions and potential declarations b
BJP leaders detained during protest demanding Nagendra’s removal in Karnataka
BJP leaders, including B Y Vijayendra and R Ashoka, were detained while marching to Vidhana Soudha to demand minister B Nagendra's resignation over the Valmiki Corporation scam. Police barricades blocked access and protests continued at Freedom Park.
Karnataka drafts electoral rolls for SIR; check notices and objections
The Karnataka CEO published the draft rolls, with 43.80 lakh notices to be served nationwide and 24.05 lakh in Bengaluru. Over 1.07 crore names were removed, shrinking Bengaluru’s list from 1.03 crore to about 56.11 lakh. Form 6 can be used during the claims and objections window from Aug 24 to Sep
Goa moves SC to seek heavier sentence for Tarun Tejpal in 2013 case
Goa filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking a longer prison term for Tarun Tejpal in the 2013 rape case. The Goa government does not challenge the court's finding of guilt, but argues the 10-year sentence is grossly disproportionate and seeks life imprisonment or a stronger term.
Moitra moves SC alleging eviction from circuit house in Krishnanagar
TMC MP Mahua Moitra approached the Supreme Court alleging she was evicted from a circuit house in Krishnanagar, Nadia district, despite an allotted room and a protective High Court order. The court did not grant urgent listing, and Moitra sought early consideration citing constitutional issues.
Kashmiri Pandit employees seek enhanced protection in J&K amid threat posters
The All PM Package Employees Forum Kashmir appealed to Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Secretary for tighter security for Kashmiri Pandit staff in the Valley after a threatening poster circulated online. The poster, linked to a group calling itself the United Liberation Council, reportedly lists personal
CM drops second Chennai airport plan for now
Tamil Nadu's CM announced scrapping the Parandur airport project, citing environmental concerns and impacts on farmers, and promised alternative sites with feasibility studies. Meanwhile, Meenambakkam airport will be expanded to improve capacity ahead of any new project.
SC to hear plea against FIR tied to journalist who reported Ram temple donations
The Supreme Court will hear Abhishek Upadhyay's petition challenging an Ghaziabad FIR linked to his Ram temple donation reporting, amid claims of police raids, withheld documents, and pressure to delete CCTV footage.
Centre tightens NHB subsidies after minister, secretary kin used scheme
New rules redefine 'family' and bar holders of constitutional posts and government employees from NHB subsidies. The changes follow a probe into subsidy use by relatives of a minister and a secretary.
Tamil Nadu MLAs urge end to 'maiden' speech label in assembly
Two women MLAs from Tamil Nadu pressed the Speaker to stop using the term 'kanni pechu' for first speeches, proposing neutral alternatives. The Speaker said the ideas could be considered, with past similar suggestions noted, and indicated the Question Hour would resume on August 27.
CJI: Women protestors can file sexual assault complaints with HPEC
The Supreme Court formed the High Powered Enquiry Committee to probe NEET-UG protest abuses. Chief Justice Surya Kant said women protesters can directly file sexual molestation complaints against police with the HPEC's nodal officer, who will be a judicial officer.
Telangana Haritha hotels to raise standards with new measures
Telangana Tourism Development Corporation is rolling out measures to improve Haritha hotel quality, hygiene and service, including CCTV monitoring and an automated booking system. Action was taken against a unit manager for standards lapses, with ongoing surprise inspections reported by the MD.
Tamil Nadu CM expands free bus travel for women to deluxe, mofussil buses
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay announced expanding Vettri Payanam to cover deluxe and express buses with no income limits. The plan includes three free LPG cylinders annually under Annapoorani Super Six and shelves the Parandur airport project.
Centre forms committee for permanent Gorkha political solution
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a committee to draft an agreement on a permanent political solution for Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas. The panel will be chaired by Pankaj Kumar Singh to finalize modalities and address demands for identity and constitutional recognition.
Tamil Nadu drops Parandur airport project, selects new site
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister announced the Parandur airport plan will be dropped and a new location will be proposed after feasibility studies, with emphasis on minimizing farmland and residential impact. The plan includes expanding Meenambakkam and developing Terminal 5 to boost capacity.
SC bans construction within 100m of Jojari River Rajasthan
India's Supreme Court restricts development within 100 metres of the Jojari River in Rajasthan and bars hazardous industries within 500 metres of the river flow path, as part of a suo motu case on river contamination.
Congress accuses Modi government of strangling ISRO with privatization push
The Congress criticized the Modi government for a privatization agenda in space, claiming ISRO would be narrowed and assets privatized. It cited planned transfer of the second spaceport and reports of ISRO staff departures as indicators of weakening state-led space effort.
India negotiating FTAs with 8-9 more blocs, aims to cover 75% of global trade
Piyush Goyal said India is negotiating with 8-9 more groups to cover about 75% of global trade. Current FTAs connect India to economies totaling roughly $70 trillion in GDP, with existing agreements covering $60 trillion and prior pacts adding about $10 trillion.
Tamil Nadu to reimburse three LPG cylinders annually from 2027
Tamil Nadu will reimburse money for three domestic LPG cylinders annually under a new scheme to start on Pongal 2027, benefiting over 13 million families at an estimated cost of ₹4,000 crore.
Telangana auto unions suspend strike after welfare board pledge and fare review
Telangana auto drivers halted their planned indefinite strike after talks with the government, which promised a welfare board for auto workers, a fare hike review, and other measures. A September 1 meeting will discuss modalities for the welfare board and further steps.
Karnataka SIR: Draft rolls to publish Aug 24; over 1.07 crore voters may be excluded
Karnataka’s draft electoral rolls will be published on August 24. About 1.07 crore voters are proposed to be excluded under ASDDO, while notices will be issued to 43.80 lakh voters flagged for verification or anomalies.
Belagavi MLA Abhay Patil injured in Delhi car crash, stable: Police
Belagavi MLA Abhay Patil was injured in a road accident in New Delhi on August 23, 2026. Six people were injured, all with minor injuries, and police say his condition is stable as an investigation continues.
DMK to axe 22 district secretaries as revamp expands units
The DMK's executive committee approved a revamp that could remove about 22 of 77 district secretaries, impose a three-term limit and a 70-year age cap, and add 33 new district units. The move aims to refresh leadership ahead of upcoming party elections and includes a membership drive planned for Sep