The Economic Times

This paper leak comes days after another paper of the Teachers' Eligibility Test was found leaked in June. Rohit Pawar of NCP(SP) said that since 2023 at least 15 papers of various exams held in the state have been leaked. Even the papers for internal exams in the excise department have been leaked, he claimed.

Pointing out that students have been protesting the alleged irregularities in BPSC recruitment exams for a long time, Gandhi said: But instead of answering, what is the government doing? It's wielding batons and water cannons. It's taking students into custody. In Siwan, there was even firing with an AK-47 on protesters. This is not just a question of police action. This is a question of the mindset of BJP government, which has no answers, and that's why it's turning police into a weapon to evad

Uttar Pradesh parties are now targeting women voters with new welfare measures. The Samajwadi Party and BJP unveiled competing schemes on the same day. Recent elections show women voters are increasingly influential across social divides. Both parties are adding a gender dimension to their caste-based outreach strategies. Women-centric welfare has become a significant electoral template in Indian politics.

Meghalaya's Assembly adopted a resolution opposing uranium mining and processing facilities. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma tabled the resolution, which received opposition support. Land ownership in Meghalaya is protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Local communities and groups have opposed mining due to health and environmental concerns. The state government will communicate this decision to the central government.

Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed that anyone opposing Vande Mataram should be deemed anti-national, urging all citizens to respect and cherish the national song. His remarks come in light of the Congress party's announcement to sing only the first two stanzas, an action criticized by the BJP as disrespectful toward this patriotic anthem.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will visit Delhi on Thursday for a cabinet reshuffle. He plans to drop at least two ministers and induct a woman legislator soon. The CM seeks AICC clearance for the proposed cabinet revamp and important discussions. Pressure exists to induct specific MLAs, while Laxmi Hebbalkar is also a keen prospect. Several other women legislators are being considered for the vacant ministerial positions.

Delhi Police has stated no permission has been sought for the CJP's planned protest. The Cockroach Janata Party announced a peaceful march from India Gate on September 5. This march aims to address unfulfilled commitments made to young protesters. Police are assessing security and crowd size for the event. Preparations are underway for the proposed demonstration.

Rahul Gandhi criticized the Bihar government's actions against student protesters. He accused the administration of using police to avoid accountability for exam irregularities. Students are protesting alleged paper leaks and delays in recruitment processes. Protesters clashed with police in Patna, demanding transparency in examinations. The government's response involved lathi-charges and detentions instead of addressing concerns.

The BJP has taken a jab at Rahul Gandhi's recent claims about dismantling patriarchy, with Bansuri Swaraj accusing him of fabricating a deceptive narrative aimed at generating memes instead of meaningful dialogue. She also pointed out what she said was the Congress party's hypocrisy when discussing women's issues.

Delhi Aam Aadmi Party president Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana. He claimed most women in the national capital have been excluded from the scheme. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated the scheme reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve. Nearly 9.5 lakh women registered for the scheme within one month. The first beneficiaries will receive funds for August on September first.

Actress Kriti Sanon faced public scrutiny over a recent television advertisement. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi highlighted the patriarchal mindset in public discourse. Jewellery brand GIVA withdrew the advertisement after facing concerns. Kriti Sanon questioned the focus on women's clothing and cultural respect. Rahul Gandhi endorsed her view, stating women's choices are their own.

Young students are protesting across India for better school conditions. Issues include lack of fans, toilets, and teachers in many schools. Gen Alpha and Gen Z students are demanding improvements to their learning environments. These demonstrations highlight a broader failure in prioritizing public education. Student activism is growing to address deteriorating public school conditions.

The Congress party criticized the Modi government for increasing prices of essential goods. Onion prices have risen by fifty-nine percent, impacting household budgets significantly. Sugar and mustard oil costs have also seen substantial increases, affecting common people. The opposition party stated that achche din have not materialized for ordinary citizens. They demand accountability from the government regarding persistent food inflation.

AISA supports the Cockroach Janta Party's planned September 5 protest in Delhi. The demonstration demands withdrawal of student FIRs and an inquiry into alleged firing. Families affected by the NEET exam cancellation will also lead the march. AISA stated the government must fully withdraw all pending cases against students. The student association supports all progressive agitations demanding government accountability.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari's remarks about new generation leadership were clarified by his office. These comments specifically referred to the future leadership of a social organization. The Laxmanrao Mankar Trust runs Ekal Vidyalayas in tribal areas, which Gadkari highlighted. His office stated that media reports misinterpreted his statements about stepping back. The minister's focus remains on the trust's social work and its expansion.

A Durga Puja in Kolkata will feature a pandal dedicated to Suvendu Adhikari's political life. Organizers plan to trace his journey from Nandigram to Nabanna through various artistic displays. The exhibition will include models, photographs, and documentary presentations of his career. This visual narrative aims to chronicle his childhood and political struggles. The Hindu Mahasabha expects the unique theme to attract many visitors during the festivities.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati reviewed party organisation and mass base expansion efforts in Punjab. She emphasised fielding honest candidates for upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The BSP will contest the Punjab elections independently, without any electoral alliances or compromises. This strategy aims to boost party morale and achieve better electoral results for the people.

The Supreme Court issued notice on Abhishek Banerjee's plea concerning disqualification petitions. The court sought responses from twenty rebel Members of Parliament. Hours later, the Lok Sabha Speaker's secretariat issued notices to these rebel MPs. Banerjee's petitions seek disqualification under the anti-defection law. The rebel MPs had joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India.

National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah will issue a detailed statement soon regarding his resignation demand. Party president Farooq Abdullah asked Ruhullah to seek a fresh mandate from voters. Ruhullah has been critical of the NC government and its promises. NC legislators accuse Ruhullah of working on an agency agenda. Farooq Abdullah warned Ruhullah of consequences for his actions.

The Congress party has opened applications for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election ticket. AIUDF President Badruddin Ajmal is now being considered for the Nagaon seat. The Congress had previously sought AIUDF support rather than a contest. Assam opposition leader alleged AIUDF faced pressure to field a candidate. Congress expressed confidence in retaining the Nagaon constituency.

Uttar Pradesh's Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana now offers free bus travel. Women aged sixty and older will benefit from this new state initiative. Eligible passengers can simply show their Aadhaar or Voter ID cards. This scheme received approval during a recent state Cabinet meeting. Over one crore women are expected to gain from this program.

Karandlaje objected particularly to a provision allowing the state government, on the recommendation of a high-level committee, to alienate or permit the use of up to 5% of a parks total area through sale, lease, gift, exchange, mortgage or other means.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar requested the Election Commission of India to extend the deadline. He seeks more time for genuine voters to file claims and objections. Nearly 1.08 crore electors were flagged under the ASDDO category in the state. The Chief Minister emphasized that mobility should not lead to disenfranchisement.

The Bharatiya Janata Party criticised the Congress for its past doubts about the Unified Payments Interface. This digital payment system has become the world's largest real-time platform. UPI transactions have seen a massive increase in volume and value over ten years. The party highlighted its widespread adoption and availability in multiple countries. This growth contrasts with earlier predictions of its failure.

The BJP plans to intensify its outreach in 20-25 constituencies in Kashmir and several seats in Jammu where it failed to win in 2024. The party will appoint constituency incharges and focus on areas including Shopian, Rajpora, Gurez, Rajouri-Poonch and Doda-Ramban.

The Supreme Court heard a plea from TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee regarding rebel MPs. He sought expedition of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision on disqualification. The apex court declined to issue notice to the Speaker and secretary-general. A similar plea by Shiv Sena (UBT) was previously halted by the court. Banerjee challenged the delay in deciding disqualification proceedings against twenty MPs.

The Calcutta High Court granted protection to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. Police cannot take coercive measures or interrogate him in three cases. Banerjee must seek permission before traveling abroad for medical treatment. He must cooperate with the ongoing investigation and comply with notices. The court will review progress reports on November 23.

In a major announcement, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on August 25 that the state government will issue appointment letters to one lakh young people over the next six months.In his speech at an appointment letter distribution programme, the CM highlighted the govt's record on recruitment since 2017. He said more than 9.30 lakh government jobs had been provided in Uttar Pradesh over the past nine-and-a-half years. He claimed that none of these appointments had faced a challen

Union minister Nitin Gadkari's comments about the new generation have fueled retirement peculation. He spoke about his 30 years in public life and reduced capacity for work. Gadkari has not formally announced any decision regarding his political future. The remarks coincide with reports of a potential Union Cabinet reshuffle. He also discussed health changes and concerns for farmer welfare.

Tamil Nadu's education minister proposed exempting teachers appointed before August 2010. This resolution aims to protect job security for over three lakh educators. Many teachers have served for fifteen to twenty years without any issues. The assembly urges the Union Government for a permanent exemption from the TET. This will ensure continued job benefits and promotions for these experienced teachers.

Former minister P Chidambaram called the 'one nation, one election' plan unconstitutional. Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy also urged significant changes to the proposed framework. They argued curtailing legislature tenure violates the Constitution's basic structure. The think tank flagged potential delegation of Parliament's amending powers. The joint committee will examine all submissions before making recommendations.

Congress accuses the government of aggressive privatization of India's space program. This agenda will limit the Indian Space Research Organisation's rocket development and manufacturing. The party questions why ISRO is being strangulated and emasculated by this policy. Much of ISRO's satellite assets may transfer to private companies under this plan.

Manoj Jarange, a Maratha reservation activist, will begin a hunger strike on August 29. He is demanding reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category. Maharashtra ministers met Jarange and urged him to reconsider his protest plans. The ministers appealed to the activist not to proceed with the planned agitation. Jarange, however, remains steadfast in his resolve for the reservation demand.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced new welfare programs for state residents. Eligible families will receive three free LPG cylinders annually starting Pongal 2027. This initiative aims to benefit approximately thirteen million families across the state. Free bus travel for women has also been expanded to include deluxe government buses. Transgender persons will now also receive free travel benefits on state buses.

The Tamil Nadu government has decided to scrap the proposed Parandur greenfield airport project. Opposition parties staged a walkout in the assembly protesting this significant decision. Farmers had strongly opposed parting with their land for the airport development. Former chief minister MK Stalin stated this move sets back state growth. The DMK accused the speaker of suppressing their voices in the assembly.

India's Chief Election Commissioner referred to the impressive 97 crore voters as the largest family globally. During general elections, the Election Commission of India transforms into the world's biggest organization, facilitating connection among 1.8 crore officials via the ECINET platform. This essential tool ensures streamlined communication and holds extensive electoral data tracing back to 1951.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated CAA citizenship hearings will soon conclude. The state has already issued certificates to 23,000 applicants out of 2.30 lakh. New directives have been sent to authorities for completing these applications promptly. Governor RN Ravi approved a new act enabling arrests for attacking police. This act also allows cost recovery for public property damage.

Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has emphasized that the requirement for drivers to understand Marathi is about facilitating basic communication, not mastering the language. The state is taking a humane approach, offering drivers more time to learn functional Marathi if necessary. Starting August 20, a state-run initiative will assess the drivers' Marathi proficiency, aiming to uphold the cultural identity and essence of the Marathi language.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy accused Chief Minister DK Shivakumar of a benami takeover attempt. He alleged the Chief Minister is acquiring the NICE toll road project through shell companies. Kumaraswamy also claimed the project involves significant land scams and violations of its agreement. He stated farmers await compensation while the company sold acquired land. The minister also criticized the state government for commercializing public spaces.

In an effort to alleviate living costs, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced new initiatives including fare-free bus travel for women and the distribution of three free cooking gas cylinders per year to qualifying families. The fare-free bus service is set to launch on October 2, while the gas cylinder program will kick off in January 2027.

Abhishek Banerjee has approached the Supreme Court seeking an urgent decision from the Speaker. The plea concerns the disqualification of twenty Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MPs. These MPs have aligned themselves with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. The Supreme Court has listed Banerjee's plea for hearing on August 25. This action challenges the alleged delay in deciding the disqualification proceedings.

The BJP intensified its confrontation with the state government on Monday. Opposition legislators disrupted Assembly proceedings, demanding minister B Nagendra's removal. This action stems from an alleged Rs 187 crore scam involving the Valmiki ST Development Corporation. The Congress government has rejected the opposition's allegations and accusations of shielding the minister. Two bills were passed in the Legislative Council amid ongoing opposition protests.

Mamata Banerjee vowed to continue her political fight against the BJP government. She alleged the Census exercise was a backdoor attempt to implement the NRC. The state government is reportedly slashing beneficiaries of financial aid schemes. Banerjee accused the BJP of orchestrating vandalism at Jadavpur University campus. She plans to move the Supreme Court regarding illegal deletion of voters.

Friends and associates gather to mark Ramakrishna Hegde's 100th birth anniversary. He served as Karnataka's first non-Congress chief minister, emphasizing integrity. Hegde refused official residence and kept family away from Vidhana Soudha. He sought fresh mandate after 1984 elections, which paid off. His legacy emphasizes decentralization and looking twenty years ahead.

Chirag Paswan stated reservation is a constitutional right and cannot be abolished. He emphasized that caste-based discrimination still persists in society today. Paswan opposed the concept of a creamy layer within reservation. He affirmed the Modi government introduced reservation for economically weaker sections.