Top Trending Politics News & Highlights
About 50 out of 71 candidates on the BJP's initial list for Bihar were repeat candidates; senior ministers and deputy chief ministers
For the Bihar Assembly elections next month, the BJP on Tuesday unveiled its initial list of 71 candidates, keeping a number of its current ministers and MLAs but adding fresh names in a few constituencies.About half of the 71 names are repeat candidates who ran in the 2020 elections, such as Vinod Narayan Jha (Benipatti), Pawan Jaiswal (Dhaka), Rana Randhir Singh (Madhuban), Awadhesh Singh (Hajipur), and Sanjay Saraogi (Darbhanga).Outgoing deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha will run in the next Bihar assembly election from the Tarapur and Lakhisarai assembly constituencies, respectively, according to the Bharatiya Janata Party's first list of candidates released on Tuesday. Election results for the 243-seat Bihar legislature will be revealed on November 14 after two phases of voting on November 6 and 11.The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal-United (JDU) are running for 101 seats apiece, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Chirag Paswan, is running for 29 seats. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) finalized their seat-sharing formula for the Bihar assembly elections on Sunday. Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), also known as HAM(S), and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) will compete for six seats each.As the party ran for 115 seats in the 2020 Bihar assembly election, Nitish Kumar's JD(U) saw a decline in the final seat-sharing results. Additionally, the BJP lost 110 seats from the previous election to 101.Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan wrote on X to announce the completion of the seat-sharing arrangement, saying, "The NDA allies have finished the distribution of seats in a cordial atmosphere." This is greatly appreciated by all NDA party leaders and employees. Bihar is prepared, and an NDA government will be established once more.
Published 14 Oct 2025 09:07 PM
No Aadhaar, no school Pakistani refugee children's education in Delhi is in a state of uncertainty
Five years have passed since Daulatram's family departed Sindh, Pakistan, in search of a brighter future for his kids. However, his children's education and that of other residents of the hamlet close to Delhi's Signature Bridge are in a state of uncertainty. Most children have been forced to quit out after fifth grade due to a lack of documentation.Only one of Mr. Daulatram's five children, who owns a roadside stand, attends a primary school run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) close to Majnu ka Tilla. Sandhya, his daughter, is in fifth grade and will have to leave school the next year. "We invested a lot of money and our hearts here. We are merely getting by, we don't see any progress, and we don't have a suitable location," he remarked.Children of refugees living in a camp close to Delhi's Signature Bridge Picture: Unique Arrangement Five years have passed since Daulatram's family departed Sindh, Pakistan, in search of a brighter future for his kids. However, his children's education and that of other residents of the hamlet close to Delhi's Signature Bridge are in a state of uncertainty. Most children have been forced to quit out after fifth grade due to a lack of documentation. Only one of Mr. Daulatram's five children, who owns a roadside stand, attends a primary school run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) close to Majnu ka Tilla. Sandhya, his daughter, is in fifth grade and will have to leave school the next year. "We invested a lot of money and our hearts here.
Published 13 Oct 2025 05:29 PM
In the push for OBC quota, BJP MP government aligns its argument with Congress's 'jitni abaadi, utna haq' pitch
The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, led by Mohan Yadav, is advocating in the Supreme Court for an increase in the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from 14% to 27%. This initiative would violate the top court's quota ceiling of 50%. It appears to resonate with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi's call for “jitni abaadi, utna haq (representation proportional to population).”In an affidavit submitted on September 23 before the Supreme Court proceedings that commenced Wednesday, the Madhya Pradesh government referenced 2011 Census data, stating that disadvantaged groups including Scheduled Castes (SCs) at 15.6% of the population, Scheduled Tribes (STs) at 21.1%, and OBCs at over 51% together constitute over 87% of the state's population. On Sunday, veteran Congress politician Kamal Nath charged that the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh was perpetrating a “drama” under the pretext of providing a 27 percent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). He claimed that the ruling party aimed to deny this community its rights. The OBC quota was raised from 14% to 27% by an ordinance under Nath's Congress government in 2019, but litigation prevented its implementation.Nath asserted in an X post that the Mohan Yadav government was using court procedures and legal advice as a repeated excuse to protect itself.
Published 09 Oct 2025 04:19 PM
Could BJP nominate Maithili Thakur to resonate well in Mithilanchal? Celebration, young folk music performer – let out a few suggestions
As reported by The Indian Express, 25-year-old folk singer Maithili Thakur may run for the Benipatti or Alinagar seat in the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections in Mithilanchal. At the age of 12, Maithili first rose to fame by launching a YouTube channel where she sang Maithili and Bhojpuri songs. She currently boasts more than 5.1 million YouTube subscribers and 6.3 million Instagram followers.Thakur's recent meetings with Vinod Tawde, the national general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Bihar organisation in-charge, as well as with Union minister Nityanand Rai, have led to speculation regarding her candidacy in the elections. During her visit to Jabalpur for a performance at the Narmada Mahotsav, the folk singer informed journalists that she feels a special bond with her hometown and believes beginning her political career there would provide her with valuable lessons.Bihar's assembly elections will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, with vote counting scheduled for November 14. When asked about her preferred assembly constituency, Maithili responded, "There hasn't been any official announcement yet, but I would like to go to my village area because I have a special connection with it." Beginning there will provide me with an opportunity to learn as well. By meeting people and talking to them, I will gain more understanding if I start from my village," she added.In response to a question concerning the Bihar assembly elections, the 25-year-old singer expressed her willingness to help with the country's development in any way she can. Thakur mentioned that she and Tawde and Rai talked about various aspects of Bihar's future during her meeting with them. Thakur, who was born in Madhubani district of Bihar at Benipatti to a father who was a Maithili musician, made his musical mark in 2011 at the age of 11 and has remained active in the field since then. Vinod Narayan Jha, a BJP leader and ex-minister, is the current representative of Benipatti in the Bihar assembly. In this constituency, which is dominated by Brahmins, the BJP leader (aged 68) triumphed over Bhavana Jha of Congress in 2020, winning by over 30,000 votes.
Published 07 Oct 2025 09:03 PM
Politics
Politics is one of the most discussed topic in every corner of the globe and almost every citizen wants to know what is happening in domestic politics as well as the world politics which is now a days dominated by USA followed by India and China politics.
Ahead of PM Modi's birthday, the CPI (Maoist) offers a "temporary" ceasefire; the government claims that the statement is "being verified."
The CPI (Maoist) has proposed a "temporary" ceasefire, a significant boost to the Center's peace efforts the day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 75th birthday. However, the government responded cautiously, stating that the veracity of the statement is being checked.The government's campaign to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026, as pledged by Union Home Minister Amit Shah last year, is expected to make headway, according to a letter released by Maoist spokeswoman Abhay."We have decided to unconditionally lay down arms," read the August 15 statement, which was distributed to Chhattisgarh's local media. "Appeals made by the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and senior police officers" prompted this action, according to the statement."We have decided to unconditionally lay down arms," read the August 15 statement, which was distributed to Chhattisgarh's local media. "Appeals made by the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and senior police officers" prompted this action, according to the statement.The press release further discussed the shifting national and worldwide landscape while showcasing the most recent image of Mallujola Venugopal, also known as Abhay. "We will continue to engage with political parties and organizations and raise issues of public importance despite our to declare a temporary ceasefire," the statement stated.
Is it possible for the EU and NATO to impose tariffs on China and India as Trump desires?
In an effort to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the war in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump has urged NATO and EU members to impose tariffs of up to 100% on China and India.Trump, who previously pledged to end the conflict on “day one” of becoming president, made his demand during a meeting between United States and European Union officials last Tuesday. The move is seen as a way to try to expedite a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv.In a letter posted on his Truth Social account on September 13, Trump said he was “ready to do major sanctions on Russia” once NATO had “agreed … to do the same thing”. He also claimed that elevated tariffs on China would weaken Beijing’s “control” over Russia.China and India buy Russia’s oil, which is helping to keep the Russian economy afloat. As the largest buyer of Russian energy, China imported 109 million tonnes of crude oil last year, representing roughly 20 percent of its total energy imports, according to Chinese customs data. India, by contrast, imported 88 million tonnes of Russian oil in 2024, or about 35 percent of its imports.To sidestep the issue, Trump on Saturday asked NATO to impose 50-100 percent tariffs on China to weaken Beijing’s economic grip over Russia. In the letter Trump posted on Saturday, he claimed the halt on Russian energy purchases, combined with heavy tariffs on China, would be of “great help” in ending the conflict.Europe’s reliance on Russian energy has fallen since the start of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. At the time, the EU imported 45 percent of its natural gas from Russia. That is expected to fall to just 13 percent this year. But Trump wants Europe to do more.
India coming to the table is Navarro's most recent comment as trade talks with the US resume.
"India is coming to the table. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent out a very conciliatory, nice, constructive tweet, and President Trump responded to that. We will see how this works," Peter Navarro told CNBC in an interview on Sunday (local time)."India will be joining the table.They have extremely high tariffs on the trading side. Their non-tariff obstacles are extremely high. As with any other nation that engages in such behavior, we had to deal with that," Navarro added."There's also this issue of India buying Russian oil, which it never did," he continued. You know this. It didn't do that prior to 2022.Trump's advisor asserted, "They exploit us through unfair trade, and many workers suffer." "The Russians use that money to purchase weapons, and they use that money to purchase Russian oil."Trump's advisor asserted, "They exploit us through unfair trade, and many workers suffer." "The Russians use that money to purchase weapons, and they use that money to purchase Russian oil."The comments are made as US lead negotiator Brendan Lynch prepares to travel to India late Monday evening for a full day of talks on Tuesday, September 16, to talk about the proposed bilateral trade agreement between the US and India.Navarro had previously stated that trade talks with the US "won't end well" for Delhi until India "comes around" at some time.Howard Lutnick, the secretary of commerce, claimed on Sunday that despite boasting of 1.4 billion people, India will not purchase a single grain of American corn. Additionally, Lutnick cautioned that New Delhi will have a "tough time" doing business with the US until it lowers its tariffs.
We Don't Take Part In Wars : China Responds to Trump's Threat of 100% Tariffs
The comments were made soon after US President Donald Trump suggested on Saturday that NATO apply 50–100% tariffs on China.In response to President Donald Trump's suggestion that NATO put 50–100% tariffs on Beijing for its purchases of Russian energy, China has retaliated. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has emphasized that sanctions would only make matters worse and reiterated Beijing's commitment to advancing peace negotiations to address hot-spot concerns.According to China Daily, he made the comments at a press conference in Ljubljana on Saturday following a meeting with Tanja Fajon, Slovenia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs."China does not participate in or plan wars, and what China does is to encourage peace talks and promote political settlement of hotspot issues through dialogue," Wang Yi stated.Additionally, he called for the strengthening of multilateral structures, the promotion of multilateralism, and the cooperative defense of the UN Charter's goals and tenets. He emphasized that the current state of international affairs is marked by ongoing wars and entangled disarray."China and Europe ought to work together rather than against one another, and they ought to be allies rather than adversaries. According to Global Times, Wang Yi stated, "Making the correct decisions in the midst of the biggest changes in a century demonstrates the responsibilities that both sides should fulfill towards history and the people."His subliminal allusion follows US President Donald Trump's suggestion on Saturday that NATO apply tariffs on China ranging from 50% to 100%.
India condemns Israeli action for the first time, calling on Qatar to strike for violating its sovereignty.
Delhi, New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi denounced yesterday's Israeli missile assault as an invasion of Qatar's sovereignty during a call to the Emir of Qatar. Modi did not specifically name Israel in his public statement, but it was the first time India had used the phrase "condemn" in relation to any Israeli conduct during the Gaza war.A day later, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, had a conversation with the Indian leader himself. The readout from Qatar stated that Modi had made the call."India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly State of Qatar," Modi wrote on X after voicing his concerns to the emir. Modi added that he had conveyed to the emir of Qatar his "deep concern" and emphasized that India was "firmly in support of peace and stability in the region" and that it supported settling disputes "through dialogue and diplomacy. "Modi conveyed India's "strong condemnation of a cowardly Israeli attack" that targeted home premises used by Hamas officials, while also expressing sympathy with Qatar, according to the Qatari readout. India emphasized that the strike was "a blatant violation of international law and norms and a serious threat to the security of Qatar and the region," according to the statement released by the emir's office. Modi vehemently denounced "any aggression" that jeopardized Qatar's security and stability, according to the readout.The emir thanked Modi for his words and India's backing, and he stated that Qatar would take all necessary steps to protect its security and sovereignty. Modi added in his X post that India was "against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations." This statement is thought to be an attempt to strike a balance between the infrequent censure and India's customary stance, which supports Israel's counterterrorism strategy over its operations in Gaza. The Qatari readout contained no mention of terrorism.
Poland is the first NATO member to fire during the conflict in Ukraine after taking down drones in its airspace.
According to sources, from Tuesday night until the next morning, Polish F-16 fighter jets, Dutch F-35s, Italian AWACS observation planes, and NATO mid-air refueling aircraft scurried to shoot down drones that were invading Polish airspace. At 6:30 in the morning, while pensioner Tomasz Wesolowski was downstairs watching news about the incursion, a drone crashed into his two-story brick home in the eastern Polish village of Wyryki-Wola. Debris was scattered around the bedroom, and the roof was completely ruined. Reuters was informed by Wesolowski that the house "needs to be demolished." Other drones had fallen in a field in southeast Poland, as indicated by a burnt area.According to a senior Polish ambassador, the drones originated in Ukraine, and Moscow denied any involvement in the event. Russia's defense ministry claimed that although their drones had not intended to strike any targets in Poland, they had launched a significant attack on military installations in western Ukraine. Polish President Karol Nawrocki, a hardline nationalist and political friend whom Trump received at the White House last week, spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump. In a post on X, Nawrocki stated, "This conversation is part of a series of consultations I've been conducting with our allies." "Today's talks reaffirmed our unity. "Trump said on social media prior to the call: "Why is Russia using drones to invade Poland's airspace? "Here we go!" He didn't go into detail. NATO leaders, including those from France, Britain, Germany, and Canada, denounced the alleged Russian incursion.It justifies a coordinated reaction, according to European leaders who have been attempting to convince Trump to join them in strengthening sanctions on Russia and bolstering support for Kyiv. According to diplomats, Slovenia, Denmark, Greece, France, and Britain have requested a meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday to discuss what they consider Russian violations of Polish airspace. Poland said that during a massive Russian air strike on Ukraine, 19 objects had crossed its territory and that it had shot down the dangerous ones. The incident was described as a "large-scale provocation" by Tusk, who also claimed to have used Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows alliance members to request talks with their partners.NATO and Poland have not yet provided a detailed explanation of what they believe the drones were doing. At least five of the drones' flight routes pointed toward Rzeszow airport, NATO's primary base for armament supply to Ukraine, according to a senior military source.
India's fifteenth vice president will be C P Radhakrishnan.
C P Radhakrishnan, the governor of Maharashtra and an NDA candidate, will take over as India's next vice president. By a margin of 152 votes, he defeated former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy, a candidate for the I.N.D.I.A. group. Following the vote count for the vice presidential election, Rajya Sabha Secretary General and returning officer P C Mody briefed reporters, stating that 767 Members of Parliament cast ballots out of 781 total electors. According to Mr. Mody, 752 of the 767 ballots were deemed valid, while 15 were deemed invalid.The vice presidential election was conducted in a free, fair, and orderly way, according to the secretary general of the Rajya Sabha. Following former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation due to health concerns, an election was held.The vice presidential election voting took place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The first member to cast a ballot was Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In addition, a number of Union Ministers cast ballots, including Ashwini Vaishnaw, J.P. Nadda, Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh, JD (U) leader Sanjay Jha, JDS MP H.D. Deve Gowda, MP Shrikant Shinde of the Shiv Sena, NCP MP Praful Patel, and Jitan Ram Manjhi of the Hindustani Awam Morcha also voted. DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, NCP (SCP) leader Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav, and Congress MPs Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi all cast ballots on behalf of the opposition.Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan, who was born in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, started his political career as a student leader. He actively participated in groups like Jan Sangh and the RSS. Since then, he has served the people through politics. He was elected twice from Coimbatore to the Lok Sabha. In addition, Mr. Radhakrishnan has held the positions of governor of Maharashtra, Telangana, Jharkhand, and Puducherry. He works as an industrialist and farmer and is respected for his honesty, foresight, and pure public life.
Why Nepal Banned Social Media, And Why That's Not Only Trigger For Protests
Thousands of young Nepalese citizens took to the streets to protest the KP Sharma Oli government's decision to ban 26 social media services, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, resulting in 19 fatalities and over 300 injuries. The demonstrations began in Kathmandu, the nation's capital, and quickly expanded throughout the Himalayan nation. A number of locations, including important government areas, Baneshwor, Singhadurbar, and Narayanhiti, were placed under curfew.Police used tear gas shells and rubber bullets on protesters earlier in the day. Then, a young protester urged the others to disperse, claiming that special interests had infiltrated the gathering to incite it. The leader of the rally declared, "We have already won today," Following the violent protests, the Army was sent to the New Baneshwor region. The government of Prime Minister Oli declared that it has decided to repeal the ban as the protests erupted. Following a cabinet meeting, Nepal's Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, stated that the government has directed the relevant agencies to begin the process of resuming the use of social media sites in response to the demands of "Gen Z," which led a large-scale demonstration in front of the Parliament in the center of Kathmandu.Facebook and Instagram were among the social media platforms that Nepal banned on Thursday for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. According to a notice, social media behemoths have one week, beginning on August 28, to register with the government. However, none of the following companies had applied by the deadline: LinkedIn, Reddit, X (previously Twitter), Alphabet (YouTube), Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), and others.Last year, the Supreme Court issued an order that prompted the government's actions. The social media behemoths were requested to designate a resident grievance handling officer and compliance officer, as well as to provide a point of contact. Since TikTok, Viber, Witk, Nimbuzz, and Popo Live are government-registered, they were not prohibited. It has been learned that applications from Global Diary and Telegram are being investigated.
Radhakrishnan is leading the vice presidential race as the numbers favor the NDA.
The BJD and BRS's decision to abstain from voting may help Radhakrishnan's chances even though the odds appear to be in favor of the ruling BJP-led NDA in Tuesday's vice presidential election, which pits the NDA's candidate C P Radhakrishnan against Justice (retired) B Sudershan Reddy, the nominee of the opposition INDIA alliance.Nearly two months after Jagdeep Dhankhar abruptly resigned, citing health concerns, CP Radhakrishnan and Sudershan Reddy are running for the high-stakes vice-president of India position. The poll is scheduled for today.The opposition group INDIA has nominated former Supreme Court judge Sudershan Reddy for vice president, while Maharashtra governor CP Radhakrishnan is the ruling National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) candidate. Get real-time information on the vice presidential election. Time of the vice presidential election: All Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members will cast ballots in the electoral college starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. Vote counting will start that same day at 6 p.m. Twelve Rajya Sabha nominated members, 543 elected Lok Sabha members (one seat is presently vacant), and 233 elected Rajya Sabha members (five seats are currently vacant) make up the electoral college.The ruling NDA, which has a resounding majority in both chambers of Parliament, has the numbers on its side. The BJP-led NDA is supported by 293 members of the 542-member Lok Sabha. 129 Rajya Sabha members support the ruling alliance, giving it an effective strength of 240. For the vice-presidential vote, the combined effective strength of the two Houses is 781.
An Overview of the UPSC Issue | SCO Summit 2025 and India: Four Crucial Questions for Prelims and Mains
By scheduling two significant events in one week—the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in the northeastern city of Tianjin and a Victory Day parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II—Beijing has entered diplomatic high season as summer draws to a close. It's difficult to overlook the symbolism. The events convey a clear message: in contrast to the Western narrative of a free international order led by the United States, China is positioning itself as the standard-bearer of a multipolar world dominated by the Global South.Both occasions are expertly produced political plays that combine military prowess, diplomatic posture, and historical narrative. Additionally, China has two audiences in mind: it wants to project power and influence in its neighborhood and beyond while simultaneously boosting domestic public morale. For a long time, Chinese strategists have emphasized that the goal of foreign policy is to establish an external environment that supports economic growth at home. Originating with previous Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, this core idea has evolved into the current leadership's catchphrase for negotiating a turbulent global landscape.The two events' participating nations attest to China's continued strategic emphasis on Asia. The majority of major Asian nations are represented among the more than 30 heads of state and international organizations taking part, with the notable exception of Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the Philippines—all of whom are strong security partners of the United States.
Trump posts a photo of Xi, Putin, and the PM together: China has taken Russia and India away from us.
Days after the leaders of the three nations were spotted together at the Shangai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Donald Trump gave a strong indication on Friday that Washington-New Delhi relations had reached a low point when he claimed that the US had "lost" India and Russia to the "darkest" China.Donald Trump's statement that the US has "lost" India and Russia to the "darkest" China on Friday, just days after the leaders of the three nations were spotted together at the Shangai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, was a clear indication that relations between Washington and New Delhi had reached a low point.India and Russia appear to have been lost to the darkest, most sinister China. I hope their future together is filled with success and longevity! "President Donald J. Trump," Trump wrote as the description for his Truth Social post, which included a photo of PM Modi at the Tianjin meeting with Putin and Jinping. During a press briefing on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment on Trump's post. "We don't have anything to comment on Trump's post as of now" ."Trump and Modi had a great personal relationship. In an interview with the British broadcaster LBC, Bolton stated, "I think that's gone now, and it's a lesson to everybody." "For example, (UK Prime Minister) Keir Starmer -- a good personal relationship may help at times, but it won’t protect you from the worst" . Bolton's warning implied that Modi's much-discussed "bromance" with Trump, which previously made headlines for everything from state visits to Houston's "Howdy Modi" rally, might have come to a standstill.
Who is Punjab AAP MLA Harmeet Pathanmajra, who is evading the police of his own government?
Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, a first-time MLA from a long line of political heavyweights, has always been the target of controversy. Police from his own government chased the Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Sanaur in the Patiala district on Tuesday.Earlier in the day, Pathanmajra was arrested on rape charges, but he escaped the Punjab Police with the assistance of accomplices who fired at the officers to keep them at bay. At least one police officer was hurt in the altercation after being struck by a car.In recent days, Pathanmajra has publicly criticized the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP administration for its handling of the floods that have devastated the state, despite the fact that the rape charges appear to be from an old case.Pathanmajra, who came to the AAP after briefly joining several other organizations, comes from a family whose members were among the founders of the Akali Dal. Hardev Singh, Pathanmajra's father, was a member of the zila parishad and a Congress sarpanch. It is said that his ancestors paid Rs 10,000 towards the establishment of the Akali Dal in 1920, which was a princely amount at the time.According to Pathanmajra's 2022 election paperwork, the family reportedly has 250–300 acres of agricultural land spread over several states, with assets totaling Rs 2.4 crore.In 1992, the 50-year-old joined the Akali Dal's Badal group as a youth leader, marking the beginning of his political career. He quit in 2011, but he returned to the Akali Dal after a year of experimenting with Manpreet Badal's People's Party of Punjab, an Akali Dal dissident.Following an altercation at a district development panchayat office in 2015, Pathanmajra was dismissed from the Akali Dal for lack of discipline. According to reports, he then looked for a position in Congress and, after the party refused to provide him a ticket, ran as an Independent in the 2017 Assembly elections. Only 11,840 votes were cast for him, and he even forfeited his security deposit.
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.
