The Times of India

A major political row has erupted over Vande Mataram after the Congress Working Committee decided to continue singing only the first two stanzas at party events, citing its 1937 resolution. The BJP has attacked the Congress, with Sudhanshu Trivedi calling it a new Muslim League and questioning its patriotism. Congress leader KC Venugopal defended the decision by citing historical Congress leaders and accused the BJP of politicising national symbols. The controversy also follows recent clashes ov

The Karnataka Cabinet has cleared a bill making prior government permission mandatory for gatherings and activities on government-owned public properties. The proposed law will cover schools, colleges, playgrounds, parks, roads and waterbodies, and is expected to directly impact RSS programmes held on public grounds. The bill seeks to replace a 2025 Home Department order that required permission for gatherings of more than 10 people but was stayed by the Karnataka High Court. The government says

A new bill requires prior government approval for private events on state property. This legislation aims to regulate gatherings and replace an earlier executive order. The Karnataka government insists the bill targets no specific organization or political party. It will apply to all public gatherings, including RSS meetings and route marches. The bill will be introduced during the ongoing legislative session for enactment.

It is expected to be a relatively quiet day for India in terms of medal chances, with no confirmed medal events involving Indian athletes unless they qualify for the finals in artistic gymnastics and swimming.

A contingent of 125 Indian athletes will compete in Glasgow for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. India will participate across thirteen sports disciplines, including several para-sports events. Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and Mirabai Chanu are expected to lead the medal charge for India. The schedule details daily events for Indian athletes from July 24 to August 2. Indian athletes aim to add to the nation's impressive Commonwealth Games medal history.

The Centre is set to introduce a major bill that would make insulting or obstructing the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence. If passed, the national song could receive legal protection similar to the National Anthem, National Flag and Constitution. The bill is expected to trigger political debate over nationalism, freedom of expression and the song's historical significance. Parliament will also consider key legislation on birth and death registration, Supreme Court judge strength, fo

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questioned the mandatory full recitation of Vande Mataram at every public event, deeming it an unnecessary imposition. He emphasized that while the national song commands respect, forcing its complete rendition twice during short programs is difficult to justify.