Opposition states point up a Rs 2 lakh crore income risk and demand compensation for the GST rejig.

Opposition-ruled states demanded a clear compensation system on Friday, claiming that the Center's proposal to restructure the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates could result in losses of between Rs 1.5 and Rs 2 lakh crore. On September 3 and 4, they intend to bring up the matter at the GST Council meeting.To create a joint proposal, the finance ministers of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, Punjab, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh convened. In order to offset income loss, they recommended levying an additional tax on luxury items and sin in addition to the proposed 40% rate. They claimed that the governments ought to receive a portion of the profits. Under the new arrangement, states may lose 15–20% of their GST earnings, according to Karnataka Finance Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. He added that states should receive compensation for five years until revenues stabilize, stating that the 20% loss in GST revenue would "seriously destabilize the fiscal structure of state governments across the country."According to Byre Gowda, the revenue-neutral rate (RNR) was 14.4% during the GST launch and then dropped to 11% following rationalization. He cautioned that the Center's plan to lower rates and slabs might further lower the net rate to 10%. "The revenue interest of the states should be safeguarded." People will suffer, development efforts will be hampered, and state autonomy will be weakened if there is a significant decline in state government revenue, he said.The Center has proposed replacing the present four slabs of five, twelve, eighteen, and twenty-eight percent plus cess with a two-slab structure of five and eighteen percent. Only sin and ultra-luxury goods would be subject to a 40% tariff.  

"PM Modi expresses sorrow for the deaths caused by the landslide on the path to the Vaishno Devi temple. "

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sorrow over the deaths brought on by a landslide on the way to Jammu and Kashmir's Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. The Prime Minister expressed sympathy to the relatives of the deceased and called the situation "saddening" in a message shared on X. He also wished the injured a quick recovery. It is heartbreaking that a landslide on the way to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple claimed lives. I'm thinking of the families that have lost a loved one. I hope the injured get better as soon as possible. All people impacted are receiving assistance from the administration. I pray for everyone's safety and health," he exclaimed.A significant tragedy occurred on Tuesday along the pilgrimage path to the shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in the Reasi region, causing a landslide that resulted in pilgrims being injured and losing their lives. To conduct extensive rescue and relief efforts, the Ministry of Home Affairs has sent out 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units. The NDRF is actively helping the impacted pilgrims, as are the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other central authorities.Together with the rescue crews, 32 special boats have been transported to the area affected by the catastrophe. The Home Ministry control room is always keeping an eye on the situation. The Yatra has been halted until further notice, and rescue crews have hurried to remove stranded pilgrims close to Adhkwari."The loss of lives due to a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is saddening," the Prime Minister wrote in a message posted on X today. I'm thinking of the families that have lost a loved one. I hope the injured get better as soon as possible.  

Today marks the start of the RSS 3-day lecture series: Mohan Bhagwat will consider Sangh's 100-year history and outline the future.

Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat will share his thoughts on the organization's 100-year history and the future at the RSS's three-day lecture series, which starts Tuesday in Delhi and is expected to draw about 1,300 people from a variety of backgrounds, including politicians, judges, diplomats, and social workers.According to sources, the gathering was an effort by the RSS to introduce the Sangh to the nation's "eminent personalities." From social and religious to economic and security, the RSS had divided the invitees into 17 categories and 138 subcategories in the lead-up to the event.Mohan Bhagwat, the head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), will begin a three-day lecture series in New Delhi on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, to outline the organization's 100-year history and the Sangh's vision for India.1,300 people are anticipated to attend the lecture series, which is a component of RSS's centennial outreach initiative. Mr. Bhagwat will discuss a variety of issues, such as the "need to go beyond colonial-era parameters of development" in order to increase the nation's independence and influence internationally. According to RSS national publicity in-charge Sunil Ambekar, the event, which is set to take place at Vigyan Bhawan, is open to personalities from all walks of life, including judges, legislators, bureaucrats, members of minority communities, and owners and editors of national and international media.Sports stars Abhinav Bindra and Kapil Dev, as well as campaigners like Kailash Satyarthi and former Supreme Court Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and veteran surgeon Naresh Trehan, are anticipated to attend the lecture series. Those from political parties that communicate with us have also been invited. Among others, envoys from the United States and China are invited," Mr. Ambekar stated.  

Akhilesh reiterates his accusations of 18,000 affidavits and voter deletion, but the picture in the four seats he identified is more complicated.

At least three district magistrates from Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, Jaunpur, and Kasganj districts have refuted claims made by Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, that there were widespread voter deletions and irregularities during the state Assembly elections in 2022.Speaking to media in the Parliament complex on Monday, Akhilesh stated that the SP has provided the Election Commission (EC) with affidavits regarding the matter and provided some documents that, in his opinion, indicated the irregularities. In the 2022 elections, he then expressly mentioned "targeted" voter deletions against "certain communities" in the seats of Amanpur, Bakshi Ka Talab, Jaunpur Sadar, and Kursi Assembly.Bakshi Ka Talab is in the district of Lucknow, Kursi is in Barabanki, Jaunpur Sadar is in Jaunpur district, and the Amanpur Assembly seat is in Kasganj district. The BJP won all four in the Assembly elections of 2017 and 2022. Together with the Congress, the SP had run in the 2017 Assembly elections.When the Congress and SP campaigned together once more in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, their alliance won every seat in the Lok Sabha that these Assembly segments are under. Barabanki DM Shashank Tripathi stated in a post that two voters from the Kursi Assembly constituency had submitted affidavits alleging that their names had been mistakenly removed from the election lists. Nevertheless, the DM stated that after investigation, it was discovered that both individuals' names were correctly listed on the electoral rolls.  

Chinese Envoy: U.S. Tariffs Threaten Stability, Demand Response

In a recent address, China's Ambassador to the United States warned that remaining silent in the face of increasing U.S. tariffs would only encourage further pressure. The statement comes amid growing tensions over trade policies, with the U.S. implementing new tariffs on Chinese goods in what it says is a response to unfair trade practices and national security concerns. The ambassador urged dialogue and mutual respect, emphasizing that cooperation, rather than confrontation, benefits both nations. He suggested that escalating trade barriers harm not just the economies involved but also global supply chains and ordinary consumers who bear the cost of such measures. While the U.S. maintains that its tariffs are necessary to protect domestic industries and maintain fair competition, Chinese officials argue that these steps are politically motivated and harmful to long-term stability. The ambassador's remarks appear to reflect a broader effort by China to rally international support against what it views as economic coercion. As both countries continue to shape global economic trends, the tone and direction of their engagement will have wide-reaching implications—not only for governments and businesses but for millions of people whose daily lives are touched by the trade between the two powers.

Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns: Election Commission to Soon Begin VP Poll Process, No Rush from Government

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has stepped down from his post, setting the stage for the Election Commission to begin preparations for the next Vice Presidential election. While the poll process is expected to be announced soon, sources say the government is in no particular hurry to push it forward.   Under constitutional guidelines, the Election Commission is required to hold the Vice President's election within a set timeframe. Early talks within the Commission have already begun, and a formal schedule is likely to be shared shortly. In the meantime, the Rajya Sabha will operate under temporary arrangements, as Dhankhar also held the position of Chairman of the House.   Despite the vacancy, government insiders suggest there is no urgency to fast-track the election. With no immediate parliamentary session on the calendar, the administration seems content to let the process unfold at its natural pace.   Jagdeep Dhankhar, who took office in 2022, was known for his active role in parliamentary affairs and his firm stance on constitutional issues. His resignation comes at a time when the political climate is heating up ahead of several key state elections.   As the Election Commission gears up to announce the timeline, the focus will now shift to who could be nominated as India’s next Vice President. Until then, the process will proceed steadily, without political pressure to rush.

Bengal Migrant Workers Detained in Odisha Without Cause, Says Trinamool

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that several migrant workers from West Bengal have been illegally detained in Odisha, raising serious concerns about the treatment of laborers working outside their home state. According to the TMC, a group of workers from East Midnapore had travelled to Odisha for construction jobs. Party leaders claim the workers were detained without formal charges and have been missing for several days. “These are poor laborers who went to earn a living. We are deeply concerned for their safety,” said TMC MP Saugata Roy at a press conference in Kolkata. “We urge the West Bengal government to step in and ensure their safe return.” Relatives of the missing workers say they have not heard from their loved ones since early last week. Rina Das, the mother of one of the workers, said, “My son went there to work, not to disappear. We just want to know where he is.” The Trinamool Congress announced it will send a team to Odisha to gather information and assist the families. The party has also written to state authorities demanding an explanation. As of now, Odisha police have not issued an official statement. Sources suggest the matter is being reviewed. This incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety and legal rights of interstate migrant workers in India.

PM Modi to Visit 5 Countries in 8 Days, Attend BRICS Summit in Brazil

The PM’s eight-day tour from July 2 to July 9 would cover two continents and include visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin his longest international trip in ten years, starting Wednesday, July 2. The eight-day journey will cover five countries—Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia—and conclude on July 9.   Modi’s visit is expected to boost India’s ties with emerging economies across Africa and Latin America. The tour will begin in Ghana, where discussions will likely center around trade, development, and cultural exchange. In Trinidad and Tobago, Modi will connect with the Indian diaspora and explore bilateral cooperation.   The Prime Minister will then head to Argentina to focus on areas such as agriculture, energy, and digital innovation. A key part of the trip will be his participation in the BRICS Summit in Brazil, where leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa will meet to discuss global economic challenges and cooperation among developing nations.   Modi will wrap up the tour with a historic visit to Namibia—the first by an Indian Prime Minister. Talks there are expected to explore opportunities in sectors like mining, green energy, and education.   This trip reflects India’s growing diplomatic outreach to the Global South, aiming to strengthen strategic, economic, and people-to-people partnerships.  

Muslim leaders in the Karnataka Congress resign as rage over the Dakshina Kannada killings intensifies

In further trouble for the beleaguered Karnataka Congress, a number of Muslim leaders resigned from their positions on Thursday, including KPCC general secretary M S Mohammed and minority wing president K K Shahul Hameed of Dakshina Kannada district. This was due to an increase in communal violence in Dakshina Kannada.In the most recent incidence, a friend and coworker were gravely hurt when Abdul Rahim was hacked to death in broad daylight on Tuesday in Bantwal, close to Mangalaru. The Home Ministry, led by G Parameshwara, has been accused by the Congress employees who resigned of not doing enough to stop intercommunal violence in the area.In protest of the government's alleged inability to stop the string of "communal murders" in the district and its marginalization of community leaders, a number of Muslim Congress leaders in Dakshina Kannada, ranging from booth-level to state-level, announced their resignations from their party positions on Thursday. Under the direction of M.S. Mohammed, general secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, the statement was made at an emergency gathering of party workers held at Shadi Mahal in Bolara here. The leaders were compelled to announce their resignations by irate employees as they debated waiting a few more days for the government's response.Shahul Hameed, the president of the Congress's District Minority branch, informed party members that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had contacted him to caution local leaders against making any snap choices. According to Mr. Hameed, the CM urged him to wait a little while longer and informed him that the matter had also reached the party high command.  

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To accelerate development, PM Modi calls on states to cooperate with the center.

Punjab laments "step motherly treatment," T.N. demands a larger portion of Central tax income, and the PM encourages States to create world-class tourism destinations and incorporate women into the workforce at the Niti Aayog Governing Council meeting.Some States, including Tamil Nadu and Punjab, complained to the Center while others offered proposals to accelerate their growth, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for the States to unite with the Center to accelerate national development.Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for cooperative federalism on Saturday, emphasizing the value of coordinated action between the federal government and the states. He said that no goal is impossible when India works as "Team India." The Prime Minister, who chaired the 10th meeting of Niti Aayog's Governing Council, emphasized the importance of accelerating development efforts in order to achieve a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047. The purpose of the gathering, which had as its topic "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047," was to synchronize national and state developmental goals. "Every Indian aspires to Viksit Bharat. Bharat will be Viksit once all the states are Viksit. Prime Minister Modi stated, "This is what its 140 crore citizens want."The chief ministers of every state, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and a number of Union ministers make up the Governing Council, the highest authority within Niti Aayog. The Prime Minister promoted a bottom-up approach to development while serving as the council's head. "Our goal should be to make every state, city, Nagar Palika, and hamlet viksit. We won't have to wait till 2047 to achieve Viksit Bharat if we continue along these lines," he continued.He suggested that every state choose and create at least one internationally renowned tourism destination with all the amenities and infrastructure of today. "One State: One Worldwide Location." The Prime Minister pointed out that it will also result in the growth of nearby cities as tourism destinations.He called for an emphasis on creating "future-ready cities" with development driven by growth, innovation, and sustainability, acknowledging the rapid rate of urbanization in India. In addition, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of boosting women's employment. He stated that in order for them to be politely included into the labor, rules and procedures must be created.  

Why the Madhya Pradesh Congress has targeted Shivraj Chouhan's stronghold in order to implement changes

Beginning with the district of Vidisha, the Madhya Pradesh Congress has begun what it describes as its most comprehensive organizational reorganization exercise in decades. In order to restore the party's grassroots presence following a string of election setbacks in the state, the plan creates a new level of panchayat and ward-level committees.This new organizational model has chosen Vidisha as a test project, and if it works, it will be used in all 52 Madhya Pradesh districts. This is part of the state Congress's larger proposal to declare 2025 a year of "organizational renaissance."One and a half years have passed after the Congress' disastrous performance in the 2023 state Assembly elections, in which it only managed to get 66 of 230 seats. With 163 seats, the BJP won a resounding majority and was able to hold onto power for another term. Following this, the Congress was overwhelmingly defeated in the state's 2024 Lok Sabha elections, losing  29 seats—including the Vidisha seat—at the hands of the BJP.  

What is wrong with Gujarat's Congress absent leadership, frontal groups for demoralized employees, and links to the BJP

Congress activists in Gujarat were "demoralized" by the national party leadership's lack of participation in state unit matters and the alleged collusion of certain state party leaders with the BJP. In their reports to the party high command, the observers from the All India Congress Committee (AICC), who were sent to supervise the selection of the presidents of the District Congress Committees (DCCs) throughout Gujarat, have raised some of these issues. A five-member panel consisting of an AICC observer and four Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) observers was assigned to supervise the changes and guarantee the smooth operation of the DCCs in all 41 districts of Gujarat, a state where the party has been out of power for 30 years, as part of the AICC leadership's pilot project, which is reportedly the brainchild of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.  

An account of the water battles between India and Pakistan by Jawaharlal Nehru and Mohd Ali Jinnah

Both leaders chastised Cyril Radcliffe for proposing to operate the Indus river-canal system as a joint Indo-Pak enterprise. His final effort to resolve the ongoing conflict that keeps coming up was that.Muhammad Ali Jinnah scolded Cyril Radcliffe a few weeks prior to his drawing the famous Line that separated India and Pakistan in August 1947. The Boundary Commission chairman was informed by Pakistan's founder that he preferred "deserts to fertile fields watered by courtesy of Hindus." Jawaharlal Nehru would then give a dressing-down as part of the "joint Hindu-Muslim rebuke."It was not Radcliffe's fault. His largest task in dividing the land was to assign control of the irrigation system, which was "built, with a good deal of British inspiration, largely by Sikh money, design, and sweat" to channel river waters through a system of intricate canals to the arid west, "turning the province into the granary of India" in order to combat the oppressive heat caused by a delayed monsoon in the soon-to-be divided Punjab. The majority of the land they irrigated was in the west, which would eventually become Pakistan, but the five rivers that provided the water were all in the east and would always fall under India. Radcliffe proposed to Jinnah and Nehru, via the Viceroy, that they administer this river-canal system as an Indo-Pakistan joint enterprise after realizing that Partition "vitally threatened" the vast watering network.  

Exclusive: As the BJP seeks caste balance in the AIADMK alliance, Annamalai may resign as TN chairman.

"Delhi sees a bright future for him," the youthful Annamalai, whose assertive position on issues has given the BJP publicity in Tamil Nadu, if not political success thus far, was informed.As coalition negotiations between the parties pick up steam, K Annamalai, who is regarded as a major factor in the 2023 split between the AIADMK and BJP, may resign as head of the BJP Tamil Nadu. However, according to BJP sources, caste equations will be the reason rather than "punishment." The BJP does not want a Gounder to represent both the party and the AIADMK in the 2026 state elections if the parties run together. Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the leader of the AIADMK, shares Annamalai's heritage as a member of the powerful backward community and the Gounder-dominated western Kongu region. According to BJP insiders, the first official moves for a reconciliation between the BJP and AIADMK were taken when Annamalai met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi shortly after Shah's meeting with Palaniswami."Delhi sees a bright future for him," the youthful Annamalai, whose combative approach to issues has given the BJP visibility in Tamil Nadu, if not political success thus far, was told. The leadership responded by saying that Annamalai was expected to trust the party and adhere to its strategy.It is thought that Annamalai declared her total allegiance to the party. According to a top BJP leader, "he expressed that he has no regrets about his dedication to the party and is even willing to work as a mere cadre." "Annamalai remains a key figure in the party's long-term strategy for Tamil Nadu, whether or not he leaves his position as state president," stated another politician. It is unclear if he will assume a national function or a different state job.  

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Nothing in case...troubled unnecessarily" in reference to the ED's chargesheet in the National Herald case.

After the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued a chargesheet against Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, the leaders of the Congress party, in relation to the National Herald case, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the central government on Wednesday of "unnecessarily troubling" Congress leaders.In an interview with ANI, Kharge claimed that the BJP was breaking the law and pledged to stage protests against the decision across the country. "The case contains nothing... Financial difficulties caused it to close for a while. Sonia Gandhi used donations and loans to try to bring it back to life. They now claim that taking out a loan is improper. The BJP is operating illegally. We will demonstrate that what is wrong is wrong. Our advantage. The Congress President stated, "It is his personal matter," in reference to businessman Robert Vadra's ED grilling in the Gurugram land case. He has the ability to respond. The party has no influence over it.Top Congressmen Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi were the targets of a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) submitted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) a day earlier in relation to the National Herald money laundering case. Congressman Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and a number of businesses are also named on the chargesheet.  

Why Gujarat was the subject of the first special resolution at the AICC session before the 2027 elections

The resolution lays out a plan for the Congress's 30-year absence from power in Gujarat, including resurrecting the organization, promising a caste census, and taking Gandhi and Sardar Patel's lead.Two days after the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session in Ahmedabad concluded with the passing of a Gujarat-specific special resolution outlining the party's agenda for the 2027 Assembly elections, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge sent a video message to Gujarati partymen saying, "Aap gharon se bahar nikaliye, badlav aapki pratiksha mein hai (Step out of your homes, change is waiting for you). "Kharge added that Ahmedabad's hosting of the first AICC session in the state since 1961 and an extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at Sardar Patel Smarak in Shahibaug on the banks of the Sabarmati river on April 8–9 "proved" his party's "active and combative" organization in Gujarat, where it has been out of power for roughly 30 years.Despite being pumped up, Congress leaders expressed doubts about the cadres' ability to stay motivated until the elections, especially party veterans and young leaders.In a sudden move, the party leadership on Saturday designated one AICC observer and four Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) observers for each of the 41 DCCs. The DCCs will convene in Modasa, Aravalli district, on Monday to supervise the appointment of DCC presidents.  

Politics Today: Amit Shah will host a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar, and Rahul will travel to Bihar to attend Kanhaiya's yatra.

  Rahul Gandhi, the Lok Sabha's leader of the opposition, will accompany Congressman Kanhaiya Kumar on Monday in Begusarai for the "palayan roko, naukri do" march. "Young friends of Bihar, I am coming to Begusarai on April 7 to walk shoulder to shoulder with you in the 'palayan roko, naukri do' march," he said in a video message posted on X on Sunday. According to him, the goal is to show the world the spirit of the Bihar young, their hardships, and their suffering.Gandhi provided the link to join the White T-Shirt Movement and added, "You too come wearing a white t-shirt, ask questions and raise your voice to put pressure on the government for your rights and to remove it (from power)." He remarked, "Come, let's work together to make Bihar a state of opportunities. "Amit Shah will assess the security situation in J&K. The Union Home Minister is expected to have a high-level security meeting in Srinagar on Monday after starting his three-day tour to Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. Shah is also expected to travel to Kathua, which is the International Border, according to reports. Due to the BJP's foundation day celebrations on April 6, Shah's original visit date of April 7-8 was moved up by one day.Although the party has not released an official statement regarding Shah's agenda, sources stated that he will examine the security situation and development efforts at high-level meetings while he is there. Shah met with BJP lawmakers and leaders at the party headquarters on Sunday night. Along with party MPs Jugal Kishore Sharma and Ghulam Ali Khatana, party's J&K unit president Sat Sharma, and general secretary (organization) Ashok Koul, Union Minister Jitendra Singh attended the meeting.  

Politics today: The Lok Sabha will discuss the Waqf Bill for eight hours before passing it.

In Tamil Nadu, the CPI(M) is hosting its 24th party congress. In Karnataka, the BJP is protesting the Congress government in a number of ways.The BJP-led government and opposition parties have been at odds for months. On Wednesday, the Center will present the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill to the Lok Sabha. The Speaker has allocated eight hours for debate after Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduces the Bill for consideration and passage in the Lower House at noon. The government claims that the Bill aims to enhance the management and administration of Waqf properties in India. A Joint Committee of Parliament led by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal was tasked with reviewing the bill after it was tabled in Parliament last year to fury from the opposition.The group submitted its report in February, and the Union Cabinet subsequently accepted it. The panel's opposition MPs, however, expressed displeasure that their suggested changes had been turned down and asserted that their dissenting remarks had been removed from the report without their knowledge. According to reports, the panel rejected all 44 revisions put forth by the opposition lawmakers while accepting 14 adjustments recommended by NDA MPs.