The Economic Times

Chandrashekhar Azad's party revealed its first 45 candidates for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections. The candidate list reflects the party's outreach to Bahujan communities and minorities. Eighteen Scheduled Caste and sixteen Other Backward Class candidates were announced. Ten Muslim and one Sikh candidate were also included in the list. Most of these candidates are from western Uttar Pradesh.

The Lok Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 amid opposition protests. Opposition MPs demanded Home Minister Amit Shah speak on police action and temple donation theft. Some MPs staged a mock protest depicting the alleged theft of temple donations. Rahul Gandhi accused the government of threatening students protesting exam paper leaks. Dharmendra Yadav alleged ongoing looting since the temple trust was formed in 2020.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee is seeking business impact data from industry bodies. Companies are detailing disruptions from past election cycles and their financial costs. Employee man-days lost and associated expenses are also being quantified. Model Code of Conduct delays in government approvals are under scrutiny. Businesses are estimating potential efficiency gains from simultaneous elections.

The Rajya Sabha adjourned on Friday after opposition members protested. They demanded Home Minister Amit Shah's presence and a statement. Opposition members raised slogans regarding police action against students. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticized the opposition's behavior. The house will now reconvene on Monday.

Congress MP KC Venugopal has filed a privilege notice against Minister Jitendra Singh. He accuses the minister of misleading the Lok Sabha regarding student protests. The notice states that firing did occur against protesting students. This contradicts the minister's assertion that no firing took place. The injured student remains under medication as per available data.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu of Arunachal Pradesh called for greater regional unity in safeguarding children. He showcased key initiatives such as Dulari Kanya and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, which promote children's well-being.

Refuting the BJP's remarks linking Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the February 2020 northeast Delhi riots, Bharadwaj said Hussain had political links with the BJP before the riots.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged a massive revenue leak in Birbhum district. He claimed this Rs 15,000 crore loss occurred over fifteen years. Adhikari stated the previous government supported this large-scale illegal operation. Recent police actions recovered significant cash and gold from an associate. Authorities are now seizing numerous vehicles and properties linked to the racket.

A Maharashtra minister stated Delhi Police collected protesters' fingerprints from stones. These prints will link to Aadhaar numbers for identification purposes. The CJP protest in Delhi involved clashes and stone-pelting incidents. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut mocked the minister's scientific claims. Police are creating a database of individuals with criminal records.

Andhra Pradesh's draft electoral rolls were published after an intensive revision exercise. Over 3.71 crore electors submitted forms, while 15.22 lakh were identified as deceased. Another 22.30 lakh electors were categorized as permanently shifted or absent. Claims and objections can be submitted until August 31 for corrections. The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on October 3.

The CM was referring to the protests triggered by the Cauvery Water Management Authority's (CWMA) decision upholding the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's (CWRC) directive asking Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from July 29, amounting to about four tmc ft.

The CBI arrested two brothers in connection with Chandranath Rath's assassination plot. Investigations revealed Sagar Sonkar maintained contact with a rival political party's office. This accused allegedly hired shooters and provided them with contract money. The plan to eliminate Rath was reportedly in motion since December 2025. The CBI has already arrested six shooters and three middlemen in this case.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged a Rs 15,000 crore revenue leak in Birbhum. He stated this revenue loss was impossible without the previous government's support. Police recovered Rs 28.5 crore cash and 15 kg gold from a stone trader. Adhikari claimed institutional corruption occurred with former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's encouragement. Investigators have frozen bank accounts and are seizing numerous properties and vehicles.

A Zero FIR was registered in Noida against a woman for alleged slogans. These slogans reportedly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The complaint stated the remarks lowered the dignity of the prime minister's office. This case has now been transferred to Delhi Police for further investigation. The police will examine the FIR and seek legal opinion on the next steps.

Anurag Thakur accused Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi of making fabricated allegations in Lok Sabha. He submitted a notice to the Speaker seeking action against Rahul Gandhi. The opposition parties are accused of insulting the armed forces and the police. They questioned military operations and leveled false allegations against Amit Shah. The Congress party continues to attack constitutional institutions despite being out of power.

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to DMK leader V Senthil Balaji. This relief was provided until further orders in a new corruption case. The court imposed conditions including cooperation with the investigation and passport deposit. Balaji faces allegations of irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation. The Madras High Court had previously dismissed his anticipatory bail plea.

Parliamentary sessions faced disruptions from Opposition members protesting over alleged paper leaks. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day due to continued uproar. The Lok Sabha managed to pass the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill's passage in the House. Both Houses are scheduled to reconvene on Monday and August 3 respectively.

Karnataka Chief Minister reviewed the Cauvery water situation after recent authority orders. The Cauvery Water Management Authority directed Karnataka to release more water to Tamil Nadu. India's government returned the Mekedatu project report for revisions and compliance. The Supreme Court clarified states do not need consent for river structures. This ensures water regulation within state boundaries as per tribunal awards.

Family members of injured Delhi Police personnel shared their traumatic experiences from recent student protests. They recounted the painful moments when their loved ones returned home injured. Meanwhile, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the press conference's timing and affiliation. Political confrontations intensified as privilege motions were exchanged between parties. The events highlight ongoing tensions surrounding the student demonstrations and police actions.

Opposition members' persistent sloganeering disrupted Lok Sabha proceedings for a second week. This prevented the crucial Question Hour from functioning as intended by MPs. The Monsoon Session has seen no meaningful business during this parliamentary hour since it began. Speaker Om Birla expressed regret over what he called pre-planned disruptions by MPs. The House did pass a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law after brief debate.

AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj offered protection to students protesting at Jantar Mantar. He assured them of support against any threats from right-wing groups. This announcement followed a Delhi government order regarding legal action for protesters. The order stated no further adverse action would be taken against participants. However, individuals with criminal backgrounds will still face consequences.

Parliament's Monsoon Session continues Friday with key bills in both houses. The Lok Sabha will consider birth registration and Supreme Court judge number amendments. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha will discuss micro, small, and medium enterprises development. Earlier, both houses passed the Public Examinations Prevention Bill. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Bill also received approval.

Karnataka's cabinet expansion is anticipated early next week, following party consultations. Several Congress MLAs openly expressed their aspirations for ministerial positions. A meeting at Mallikarjun Kharge's residence discussed the final list of new ministers. Announcements regarding the cabinet expansion are expected by Sunday evening or Monday morning. The party high command will make the ultimate decisions on inductions.

A parliamentary panel advised the Centre to handle Sheikh Hasina's extradition request with sensitivity. India's humanitarian tradition guides Hasina's current stay in the country. Protection of minorities in Bangladesh remains a core diplomatic engagement for India. The panel noted significant attacks on minorities until May 2025. India continues to press Bangladesh to bring perpetrators of attacks to justice.

The Supreme Court questioned the fairness of the selection panel for Election Commissioners. The central government argued against assuming bad faith from the Prime Minister. Justices emphasized the need for a visible show of fairness in appointments. The court noted the Chief Justice of India's inclusion in other key appointments. The bench reserved its order on referring the matter to a larger bench.

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. This notice follows an appeal filed by the Chandigarh administration. The appeal challenges a High Court decision to quash a rioting case. A bench headed by the Chief Justice will examine the matter. The court is seeking a response from Chief Minister Mann.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced worry regarding the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He expressed hope for peace and an end to the crackdown on protesters. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also called for Pakistan to adopt a humane approach. She urged the Pakistan government to choose dialogue over the use of force. The visuals of peaceful protesters facing brute force are deeply heartbreaking.

TMC parliamentarian Kalyan Banerjee and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had an exchange. Vadra noted defectors were originally Congress members before joining TMC. Banerjee countered that TMC enabled their election victories in West Bengal. He stated Congress lacks electoral strength in the state. The discussion occurred during a protest outside Parliament House.

In a politically significant contrast, the DMK opposed the bill and participated in the brief debate, while the rest of the Opposition continued its protest over the violence against students' issue, leaving the House with only three speakers, including two from the Tamil Nadu-based party and erstwhile ally of the Congress, before the legislation was approved by voice vote.

Abhijeet Dipke questioned the judiciary's role in safeguarding democracy. He alleged that agencies are used to destabilize opposition parties. Dipke criticized the BJP government for appointing Pralhad Joshi to the Education Ministry. He accused the ruling party of supporting individuals accused of serious crimes. Dipke also revealed receiving threats and offers from the BJP.

The Opposition protests forced the first adjournment right at the start of the sitting followed by those at 2 pm and 3 pm before the House rushed the Bill on Vande Mataram through by braving the Opposition protests before the Chair adjourned the House for the day.

Low voter turnout marked bypolls in Bihar, MP, and Gujarat. Bankipur in Bihar saw just 34.31% voter turnout, a significant decrease. Datia in Madhya Pradesh recorded 71.41% voting after a conviction led to a vacancy. Manjalpur in Gujarat had 37.5% polling following the sitting MLA's demise.

Parliament has passed a new bill to prevent unfair means in public examinations. This legislation strengthens penalties for paper leaks and organized cheating syndicates. The amended law aims to build a more trustworthy examination system for all citizens. Stricter legal provisions will ensure tougher action against those involved in examination fraud. The government is committed to eliminating unfair practices and realizing a developed India.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Public Examinations Amendment Bill after extensive debate. Opposition members alleged inhumane treatment of students during recent protests. The government refuted these claims and defended the new legislation. Discussions also covered systemic issues within the examination process. The bill aims to prevent unfair means in public examinations.

Anurag Thakur submitted a privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi to the Lok Sabha Speaker. Gandhi allegedly used unparliamentary words and made unsubstantiated allegations against Amit Shah. The notice requests an inquiry and an unconditional apology from Gandhi. BJP chief whip Sanjay Jaiswal also wrote to the Speaker regarding Gandhi's remarks. The Speaker will consider expunging remarks and referring the matter to the committee.

Among those who signed the letter are Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University; Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, JNU Vice Chancellor; Nageshwar Rao, former IGNOU VC; TG Sitharam, former director of IIT Guwahati; Amit Patra, director of IIT BHU, and around 210 others.

Parliament's Upper House approved the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This legislation strengthens penalties for paper leaks and organized examination fraud. Individuals convicted of examination fraud face a minimum five-year prison term. Companies involved in conducting examinations can now receive fines up to five crore rupees. The bill aims to enhance the integrity of India's public examination system.

Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi made headlines by missing Rahul Gandhi's speech in Lok Sabha, prioritising a protest over an alleged paper leak in Faridkot. This sheds light on the brewing tensions within the Punjab Congress, as party leaders balance internal disagreements with the pressing need to prepare for next year's elections.

Abhijeet Dipke alleged Union Home Minister Amit Shah ordered police action against students. He demanded Shah's resignation over the crackdown during a recent protest. Dipke also criticized the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new education minister. He defended the Jantar Mantar agitation as a constitutional fight for rights. The CJP founder pledged support for ongoing farmers' movements across the nation.