The Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation during his monthly Mann ki Baat program. He urged content creators and influencers to launch campaigns for a drug-free younger generation. The Prime Minister also encouraged people to be vocal for local products during the festive season. This initiative aims to boost the domestic economy and support Indian businesses.

Shiv Sena MLC Bacchu Kadu demanded resignations from MPSC officials on moral grounds. This call follows the arrest of six individuals, including three MPSC officials, for an alleged paper leak. Kadu also sought a detailed inquiry into the appointment of key commission officials. Several past competitive examinations in Maharashtra have faced similar allegations of paper leaks. The MPSC chairman and secretary should accept responsibility and resign from their posts.

Prime Minister Modi's Central Asia visit highlights regional importance and India's UNSC bid. Uzbekistan and India agreed to strengthen cooperation in international organizations. Both nations called for comprehensive United Nations Security Council reform. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for India's permanent UNSC membership bid.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal criticized Mohan Bhagwat's recent comments on diversity. Sibal questioned Bhagwat's stance on accepting diversity abroad while not tolerating it at home. He accused the Sangh chief of exhibiting double-speak regarding his views on people born in India. Sibal stated this reflects the reality of Hindutva and the ongoing struggle since 2014.

An Aam Aadmi Party leader was shot dead by four armed assailants in Ferozepur district. The incident occurred in the main bazaar of Mamdot on Saturday evening. The assailants opened fire at the leader and another individual on a motorcycle. The injured were rushed to the hospital where the leader was declared dead.

Activist Manoj Jarange continues his indefinite hunger strike for Maratha reservation demands. He insists on Kunbi caste certificates for all Marathas to secure reservation benefits. Jarange warns of a march to Mumbai if the government fails to meet his demands. A core committee meeting on September 12 will decide further agitation plans.

PM Modi departs for Kyrgyzstan, will take part in SCO Summit in Bishkek

The Karnataka BJP is set to embark on a padayatra from September 1 to September 10, focusing on critical issues such as the ongoing drought and the significant number of unfilled government positions. Additionally, the recent resignation of Congress leader Nagendra will be a focal point. The BJP intends to highlight their history of increasing SC/ST reservations and aims to address pressing governance and development concerns across the state.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Uzbekistan's highest honor, the Oliy Darajali Do'stlik Order, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This accolade underscores the international recognition of Modi's leadership and the elevated status of India on the global stage. During his visit to Uzbekistan, he aims to reinforce bilateral relationships and collaboration, dedicating this honor to the strong partnership shared by the two nations.

PM Modi receives Uzbekistans highest state award, Oliy Darajali Dustlik, in Tashkent

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths promise to provide one lakh jobs, saying the announcement comes ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections and before the model code of conduct is expected to take effect. He also accused the BJP government of corruption and failing the poor.

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accepted Minister B Nagendra's resignation. This resignation followed allegations in an Rs 89 crore corporation scam. Nagendra stated he resigned voluntarily to protect the party and government. The opposition BJP-JD(S) had intensified criticism and protests against the legislator. The CBI's plea for prosecution sanction also influenced the resignation decision.

Activist Manoj Jarange is on his second day of an indefinite hunger strike for Maratha Kunbi caste certificates. He demands the Maharashtra government declare all Marathas as Kunbi to receive reservation benefits. Jarange plans a march to Mumbai if the government fails to meet his demands by September 12. A committee to scrutinize Kunbi records of Marathas has received a one-year extension.

Kolkata police served a notice on TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee regarding a recent scuffle. He has been asked to appear at the police station on Tuesday noon. Three FIRs were registered, naming Banerjee as an accused in two of them. Private guards and supporters clashed with officials over an unauthorized billboard removal. Fourteen individuals have been arrested as the investigation continues.

AAP leader Gurpreet Singh was fatally shot by four armed assailants. The attackers arrived in a car and opened fire on Singh's vehicle in Mamdot bazaar. Singh, aged 45, was traveling with a younger associate, Harpreet Singh, aged 22. Both injured individuals were taken to the Civil Hospital for immediate medical attention. The AAP leader was pronounced dead upon arrival, while Harpreet was transferred to another hospital.

Manoj Jarange Patil began his hunger strike seeking OBC caste certificates for Marathas. He demands the disbanding of the Caste Verification Committee and threatens to protest in Mumbai. Jarange Patil wants Marathas to receive Kunbi caste certificates based on historical records. The OBC community opposes these demands, fearing a more crowded reservation pool.

Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has appealed to BJP MPs from the state. He urged them to demand the reversal of the recently passed mining bill. Patnaik stated the legislation would cause significant financial losses for Odisha. He also mentioned the bill takes away control over the state's mineral wealth. Jharkhand's Chief Minister also raised similar objections to the new bill.

The BJP has accused Congress leaders of spreading falsehoods regarding an event in Haldwani. BJP leaders stated that the Valmiki community members themselves are refuting Rahul Gandhi's claims. They also questioned the Congress party's history and conduct concerning Dalit respect.

Rahul Gandhi demanded Prime Minister Modi order an FIR for a purification act. He stated this act violated the SC/ST Act and constituted untouchability. Gandhi also sought action against the Uttarakhand BJP president for justifying the incident. He indicated a larger agitation if the government fails to act promptly. The Congress leader expressed indifference to the silence of other political figures.

A fierce political war of words has erupted between Akhilesh Yadav and Jayant Choudhary. The dispute centers on caste identity and past political alliances. Choudhary expressed displeasure over remarks targeting the Jat community. Yadav framed a recent murder issue in caste terms, drawing criticism.

Karnataka will permanently honour former Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde. The Karwar Medical College will be named after him. A major Bengaluru road will also bear his name. An award for best panchayats will be introduced annually. Hegde's vision for Panchayati Raj influenced national policy.

PM Modi arrives in Uzbekistan, lays wreath at Yangi Uzbekistan Monument during Tashkent visit

Shiv Sena dispatched leader Rahul Kanal to Kathmandu to assist stranded Indians. Many tourists from Maharashtra were brought from Nepal to Gorakhpur by road. Arrangements are being made for their onward travel by air from Uttar Pradesh. A total of thirty-seven tourists successfully returned to Mumbai on Saturday evening. This effort aimed to facilitate the safe return of citizens after the Nepal floods.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned a recent purification ritual as untouchability. He stated the act was unconstitutional and unacceptable under law. Rahul Gandhi also criticized the BJP and RSS for practicing untouchability openly. The controversy arose after a Congress rally in Haldwani on August 8. Kharge demanded strict legal action against those who conducted the ritual.

Two Union ministers clashed over the reservation policy and its implementation. Chirag Paswan demanded Jitan Ram Manjhi's resignation over his son's remarks. Manjhi's son called for a review of reservation benefits and sub-categorization. Paswan argued reservation is social, not economic, and opposes a creamy layer for SCs.

Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka on Saturday said that Congress leader B Nagendra's resignation from the state cabinet was the outcome of sustained pressure by the BJP-JD(S) alliance and called it a victory for the entire Dalit community rather than the opposition party alone.

A Delhi court adjourned framing charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav and others. The land-for-job case was adjourned to September thirtieth. The IRCTC scam matter was adjourned to September seventh. Charges were previously framed in a CBI case regarding the IRCTC scam. The court observed Yadav used the railway ministry as his personal fiefdom.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targeted previous governments for alleged corruption and misrule. He stated that Uttar Pradesh has transformed significantly since 2017. Mafias have been curbed, and the state now boasts good development and security. Previous governments neglected essential services and public welfare programs.

BJP president Nitin Nabin summoned three party MPs on Saturday. He expressed displeasure over their visit to Sajjan Kumar's residence. The MPs had gone to offer condolences after Kumar's demise. Sajjan Kumar was serving a life sentence for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Kumar died on August 20 at Safdarjung Hospital.

Maharashtra government accepted all demands of tribal student protesters on hunger strike. These demands concerned recruitment and residential school conditions for tribal children. The Chief Minister assured a review meeting after three months for implementation. Vacant posts will be identified within three months and filled. The government also cancelled the direct benefit transfer scheme as requested.

Uttarakhand minister Khajan Das firmly rejected Congress accusations about a purification ceremony at Haldwani's Ramlila Ground, asserting that the BJP has no links to the event and accusing the opposition of distorting facts to mislead the Dalit community. Rahul Gandhi condemned the act, labeling it as untouchability and a violation of constitutional rights.

Kolkata Police registered a suo motu FIR against Mamata Banerjee on Saturday. This action was taken for alleged violation of court-imposed event conditions. The FIR names Banerjee and Trinamool Chhatra Parishad event organizers. Investigators will examine the roles of all individuals involved. The case follows examination of court conditions for Friday's meeting.

Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday accused the BJP of using threatening rhetoric against Indias youth after BJP Karnataka shared a social media video featuring the term Dimaagi Naxals. Other opposition voices also criticised the post, intensifying a political dispute over labels such as Naxal and anti-national in public discourse.

Rahul Gandhi demanded an FIR against individuals performing a purification ritual. He alleged this ritual reflected the BJP-RSS mindset against Dalits. Gandhi stated the act amounted to untouchability and violated constitutional law. He linked the incident to an ideological battle for the Constitution's protection. The Congress leader highlighted ongoing caste discrimination across India.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched multiple development projects across Deoria and Gorakhpur districts. These initiatives are valued at over Rs 435 crore, focusing on public welfare and infrastructure expansion. The Chief Minister also highlighted recent schemes aimed at empowering women and ensuring their convenience. One such scheme provides free bus travel for women aged sixty and above.

Quota activist Manoj Jarange has launched an indefinite hunger strike demanding Maratha reservation. He accuses the Maharashtra Chief Minister of holding a grudge against the community. Jarange also called for the elimination of the caste verification committee. He threatened to march to the Chief Minister's residence if issues remain unresolved. The protest aims to secure the future of Maratha youth.

The Parivartan scheme aims to phase out polluting commercial vehicles in Delhi-NCR. Over 25,000 registrations are expected by October under this initiative. Beneficiaries will receive various incentives for vehicle replacement. Fifteen major manufacturers have signed agreements for vehicle discounts. This program seeks to reduce vehicular pollution significantly in the region.

BJP National Secretary Kavita Patidar announced a 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' campaign. This initiative will celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's twenty-five years of dedicated public service. A state-level workshop is scheduled for Saturday to discuss the campaign's objectives. Party workers will focus on advancing the Prime Minister's vision for a developed India. The campaign aims to fulfill the Prime Minister's vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Five booth-level officers faced suspension after a BJP worker was apprehended with voter details. The worker was caught photocopying over 3,000 Special Intensive Revision electoral forms. These forms contained voter photographs and personal information from Panvel constituency. Authorities verified the documents and registered a case against the detained BJP worker. The incident highlights concerns regarding the handling of sensitive electoral data.

The AIMIM party has expelled its Member of the Legislative Council, Mirza Rahmath Baig. He has been directed to submit his resignation from the Telangana Legislative Council immediately. The Asaduddin Owaisi-led party did not specify any reason for this expulsion. Baig had reportedly lodged a complaint with cyber crime police recently. He alleged that unidentified persons demanded money and threatened him with deepfake videos.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis granted migrant drivers a one-year Marathi learning extension. This decision has drawn criticism from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Shiv Sena and MNS. Leaders allege the move is politically motivated ahead of Uttar Pradesh elections. They claim the state government is bowing to Delhi's pressure and sacrificing local language pride.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari addressed concerns at Jadavpur University. He condemned slogans and writings on campus walls, questioning their purpose. Adhikari organized a national song ceremony to promote patriotism in the area. He highlighted historical sacrifices made for India's independence.

Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanded the immediate release of thirteen arrested Trinamool workers. The arrests followed a ruckus during the dismantling of an alleged illegal signboard. She questioned the police's actions and the use of a gas cutter at the site. Banerjee asserted that the Trinamool Congress would soon return to power. She also criticized the BJP government and the state police for their actions.