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Aug 30, 2026, 03:17 AM
Rahul Gandhi Condemns 'Shuddhikaran' Ritual as Act of Untouchability

Rahul Gandhi Condemns 'Shuddhikaran' Ritual as Act of Untouchability

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday described the ‘shuddhikaran’ (purification) ritual performed at a venue where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a rally in Haldwani earlier this month as an act of “untouchability”, alleging that it violated the Constitution. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure registration of an FIR against those responsible. Addressing a press conference, Gandhi alleged that the BJP and RSS were attempting to prevent Dalits from progressing and living with dignity and accused their workers of being behind the purification ceremony. “We are demanding justice for the Congress president. It is the duty of the Central and State governments to ensure that Kharge ji gets justice,” he said. Gandhi said 20 days had passed since the ceremony was held at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani on August 10, but no action had been taken. He also pointed to Uttarakhand BJP president Mahendra Bhatt’s defence of the ceremony. “This is another name for untouchability. When they do shuddhikaran, they say that Dalits cannot touch, as they are impure,” Gandhi said. Demand for FIR and action He demanded that an FIR be registered against those who conducted the ceremony and sought the Prime Minister’s intervention. “PM Modi states that he belongs to every caste and is the Prime Minister of the country, but his party chief of Uttarakhand defends shuddhikaran,” Gandhi said. Bhatt has defended the exercise, saying it was not directed against any individual but was conducted because the venue had allegedly been polluted by slogans considered inappropriate for a religious place. The Uttarakhand Congress, meanwhile, accused the Shri Ram Sena of conducting the purification ceremony and alleged that the organisation had links with the BJP. The BJP has denied the allegation. The BJP had also rejected the issue in Parliament, with its Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha J.P. Nadda saying that the party did not subscribe to such activities and that the incident would be investigated. Also Watch: Gandhi frames wider ideological conflict Gandhi began his presentation by displaying images of the Constitution and the Manusmriti and sought to frame the Haldwani controversy within what he described as a wider ideological conflict between constitutional values associated with B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru and the ideology represented by the BJP-RSS. He argued that caste discrimination and untouchability continued to persist despite constitutional safeguards. He cited alleged instances of Dalit children being made to clean toilets in schools, discriminatory practices in public spaces and attacks on Dalit grooms to underline his argument. “The more successful the Dalit person is, the more fierce the attack on him or her is,” he said, referring to alleged instances involving Kharge, Rajasthan Congress leader Tikaram Jully and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. Reference to Manusmriti controversy Gandhi also referred to the Manusmriti amid a recent BJP campaign accusing him of targeting Hindu religious texts while remaining silent on the religious texts of other faiths during the Congress’s ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ programme in Pune. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
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ABP News✓
Aug 30, 2026, 02:14 AM
Protesters Demand Changes to India's Reservation System; Officials Assure No Tampering

Protesters Demand Changes to India's Reservation System; Officials Assure No Tampering

A protest was recently launched at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on 21 August demanding sweeping changes in India's reservation system. A large number of protesters had gathered at Jantar Mantar demanding changes in the reservation system and advocating caste-based reservations in public educational institutions and government jobs to be replaced by income-based quotas. On this demonstration and reservation, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Maurya has made a big statement. On the question of reservation in an interview to ABP News, he said, "The reservation that is being given according to the Constitution will be given as it was being given, or is being given. There was no tampering with the reservation, nor will there be any." Samajwadi Party President and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said about reservation that the conspiracy of "ending reservation" in the name of "reservation reform" is another deep-rooted conspiracy against the PDA society. He said that reservation is a matter of no one's desire. He said that reservation is a "vague thing" or "sometimes" revised "by his colleagues and colleagues.
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Indian Express
Aug 30, 2026, 01:48 AM
BJP Leaders Discuss Youth Outreach Strategies Ahead of Key Elections

BJP Leaders Discuss Youth Outreach Strategies Ahead of Key Elections

BJP president Nitin Nabin held a crucial meeting with party leaders Saturday to discuss the proposed outreach to Gen Z and youth, sources said. According to sources, BJP leaders, mostly young faces from organisational ranks as well as some ministers from party-ruled states, were part of the meeting where it was stressed that youth outreach was a continuous process and required to be done through small gatherings instead of large ones. Leaders, including BJP national general secretaries Smriti Irani, Vinod Tawde, Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya, MPs Ravi Kishan, Anurag Thakur , Tejasvi Surya and Sandeep Pathak, Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi, Chhattisgarh Finance Minister O P Choudhary and BJYM chief Hemang Joshi were present, said sources, adding that the meeting mainly focused on seeking feedback in the form of suggestions regarding the outreach to different sections of youth across categories ranging from students to professionals. “This was a preliminary meeting, there will be more in future. The point stressed upon was the need for a reliable mechanism to ensure that issues concerning youth are heard by our leaders,” a party source said. Sources said the party’s preparations for polls in UP, Punjab and Gujarat were also on the agenda.
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Aaj Tak
Aug 30, 2026, 01:19 AM
Lenin Survives Assassination Attempt as Bolsheviks Launch Crackdown on Opponents

Lenin Survives Assassination Attempt as Bolsheviks Launch Crackdown on Opponents

August 30, 1918, is remembered in the history of the Russian Revolution for a very important and terrible event. On this day, Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin was attacked after giving a speech in a Moscow factory. A woman named Fanya Kaplan fired two shots at him. Lenin was seriously wounded but survived. After this attack, the Bolsheviks launched a massive repression against their political opponents. Russia was already burning in the fires of civil war and this incident made the situation more violent. Lenin was leaving a speech in a Moscow factory. Fanya Kaplan opened fire on him. She was associated with the Social Revolutionary Party. Kaplan fired two shots at Lenin. Lenin was badly injured in the attack. His condition was serious, but he survived after treatment by doctors. This attack shook the politics of Russia. It was seen by the Bolshevik government as a conspiracy against the Bolsheviks. A second large-scale political repression and political repression of thousands of people began in Russia.
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Indian Express
Aug 30, 2026, 01:05 AM
Welfare Politics Heats Up in Uttar Pradesh Ahead of Assembly Elections

Welfare Politics Heats Up in Uttar Pradesh Ahead of Assembly Elections

With the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections less than six months away, welfare politics is hotting up in the crucial heartland state, with the ruling BJP and the Opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) and the BSP vying to reach out to youth and women voters. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said his government would give appointment letters to one lakh young people in six months. Addressing a gathering, Adityanath also claimed to have provided government jobs to more than 9.30 lakh youth during the BJP’s nine years in office. The CM’s announcement has come against a backdrop of discontent among sections of students and youth over alleged irregularities in various examination and recruitment processes, which have resulted in protests in different states in recent days – from Jantar Mantar to Jharkhand to Bihar. Such protests were also seen in UP – in Prayagraj in May and in Lucknow in June – against various alleged irregularities in the police and lekhpal recruitment exams and NEET paper leak. Countering Adityanath, BSP chief and ex-CM Mayawati questioned the timing of his announcement, saying that while providing government jobs was a correct step, it could be an “electoral manoeuvre” ahead of the Assembly polls. She also flagged the backlog of reserved vacancies and the continuing protests by 6,800 candidates from reserved categories over the recruitment of 69,000 teachers. Defending the CM, the BJP said his pledge to ensure one lakh government jobs should be viewed against the party-led government’s track record of providing employment to youth in the state. The BJP dispensation has also sought to broaden its youth pitch beyond government jobs, pointing to startups, skills and investment, with Adityanath holding that UP now has over 24,000 startup platforms for young people. The youth and Gen Z account for a significant chunk of UP’s population. The final electoral roll of UP, published by the Election Commission (EC) on April 10, 2026 following the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise, puts the state’s electorate at 13.39 crore. As per the EC, there are 17.63 lakh voters aged just 18-19 years. A day after announcing jobs for youth, Adityanath launched Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana to provide free travels on state buses to women aged 60 and above. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, women will also get free bus travels with one co-passenger during 27-29 August. The scheme fits into the BJP’s broader women-centric narrative around welfare, mobility and safety, including Mission Shakti – meant for women’s safety and empowerment – and the 1090 women’s helpline. The Opposition’s response came immediately, with SP president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday reiterating his party’s proposal to bring Stree Samman Samriddhi Yojana – under which Rs 40,000 would be given annually to every underprivileged and vulnerable woman in UP – in the event of its coming to power in the state in 2027. Akhilesh asserted that his PDA (Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak) plank would reaffirm the SP’s commitment to this scheme for “half the population”, adding that the objective was to empower women socially and strengthen them economically. The SP’s proposals also include laptops and bicycles for girl students, free travels for women on government buses, housing, ambulance services and legal aid. These announcements were made by Akhilesh at an event which featured the party’s women leaders, MPs and MLAs on the stage, including his wife and MP Dimple Yadav. Currently, there are 6.09 crore women voters in UP, accounting for 45.46% of its total electorate. This makes women one of the most crucial constituencies in the state, explaining the flurry of BJP’s welfare proposals for them followed by the SP’s promises in the run-up to the 2027 elections. On her part, Mayawati argued that beyond ensuring free travels for elderly women, governments needed the “right intent and policy” to protect women from exploitation and atrocities, while ensuring their safety, dignity and self-reliance. She accused the Adityanath government of giving women “insecurity, neglect and humiliation”, alleging that the BJP treated women as little more than a subject for its slogans. A slew of the government’s proposals and the Opposition’s counter-announcements indicate that the 2027 battle is headed for a familiar but more intense face-off over welfare politics. The BJP has been projecting its delivery narrative – nearly a decade in office, over 9.30 lakh government appointments, women-focused welfare and safety schemes, and an expanding startup ecosystem. The SP has been building a counter-narrative centred on welfare and empowerment for the PDA groups, including women and youth. On the other hand, the BSP is stressing on the need to look beyond just welfare sops, insisting that they could not substitute for employment, reservation, safety and dignity. The race is clearly intensifying among the leading contenders of the 2027 polls as to which party could stake stronger claims on the support of two most crucial constituencies – youth and women.
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Amar Ujala
Aug 29, 2026, 09:07 PM
ASSAP Questions Electoral Eligibility of ABVP-Supported Presidential Candidate Ahead of Panjab University Elections

ASSAP Questions Electoral Eligibility of ABVP-Supported Presidential Candidate Ahead of Panjab University Elections

CHANDIGARH: In the run-up to the Panjab University Students'Council elections, the ASSAP has questioned the electoral eligibility of ABVP-supported presidential candidate Ankit Bidhan. ASSAP candidate Adil Brar has complained to the vice-chancellor, dean student welfare, returning officer, registrar and grievance redressal cell, demanding scrutiny of documents and records.
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Amar Ujala
Aug 29, 2026, 08:25 PM
Leadership Appointments and Conference Plans Announced at Organization

Leadership Appointments and Conference Plans Announced at Organization

At the same time, Dr. Poonam Kumari Dhiman was appointed as Senior Vice President, Dr. Shaili Parul Bhadwal as Vice President, Dr. Gaurav Mahajan as General Secretary and Prof. Govind Singh as Treasurer. Dr. Amit Katoch and Dr. Deepika Thakur were elected as Joint Secretaries while Dr. Harsh Deepika Dutta was elected as Press Secretary. Prof. Sanjay Jasrotia, Dr. Balraj Singh Bandral, Dr. VS Vats, Dr. Anjali Sharma and Prof. Ashok Kumar were included in the Board of Advertisers. Dr. VS Vats, Dr. Ashish Ranjan, Dr. Naresh Mankotia, Dr. Sarita, Dr. Bharat, Dr. Shefli, Dr. Shishta, Dr. Ritu, Dr. Anjana Kharwal, Dr. Neeraj Kaushal and Dr. Ajay Kumar were also present in the meeting. It was decided to organize a grand conference on the historic occasion of 100 years of Government College Dharamshala. The Chief Minister was also invited as a chief guest in the conference.
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Amar Ujala
Aug 29, 2026, 08:20 PM
Chautala Slams BJP, Congress, JJP Over Past Election Performances

Chautala Slams BJP, Congress, JJP Over Past Election Performances

Prominent among those present on the occasion included INLD state president Rampal Majra, Sunil Lamba, Ashok Dhanemahu, Kisan Cell district president Ajit Badesara, youth president Sandeep Ghanghas, Bijendra Sagwania, Sonu Doohan. Chautala hit out at the BJP, Congress and JJP, saying the people have not forgotten the experience of the 2019 and 2024 assembly elections. He also accused the BJP government at the Centre of not fulfilling its poll promises.
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Amar Ujala
Aug 29, 2026, 08:16 PM
MP to Visit Amethi, Attend Prize Distribution Ceremony and Dedicate Roads

MP to Visit Amethi, Attend Prize Distribution Ceremony and Dedicate Roads

On August 30, the MP will attend the prize distribution ceremony of the Rajiv Gandhi-themed competition organized by the District Congress Committee at the Gauriganj office. On August 31, he will interact with the workers and office bearers at the Nyay Panchayat level meeting. On August 31, the MP will meet the public and workers at the Gauriganj Congress office. He will then lay the foundation stone of the RCC shed construction work for the advocates of the district. He will then dedicate eight interlocking roads built with MPLADS funds in Nasirabad and Chhatoh of Salon assembly constituency. He will also visit the area. This information was given by Anil Singh, the spokesperson of the District Congress Committee, Amethi. Congress workers are excited about the MP's visit to Amethi.
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Amar Ujala
Aug 29, 2026, 08:07 PM
Cabinet Minister Distributes Appointment Letters, Emphasizes Employment Opportunities and Social Support

Cabinet Minister Distributes Appointment Letters, Emphasizes Employment Opportunities and Social Support

In the program held at the Collectorate auditorium, the chief guest, the cabinet minister of the state, Omprakash Rajbhar, distributed appointment letters to the selected candidates. As soon as the appointment letters were received, the faces of the candidates lit up with joy. The advertising minister said that the state government is providing employment to the youth without discrimination and corruption through Mission Rozgar. He asked the panchayat assistants to shoulder the responsibility of honestly delivering the government's schemes in the village. He said that the panchayat assistants are the pivot of the development of the village. He said that the selected 10 personnel in the One Stop Center will provide assistance to the women suffering from violence and crisis under one roof.
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Amar Ujala
Aug 29, 2026, 08:03 PM
Congress Faces Uphill Battle to Retain Supremacy in Bamsan Panchayat Samiti

Congress Faces Uphill Battle to Retain Supremacy in Bamsan Panchayat Samiti

The challenge before the Congress in Bamsan is to retain its supremacy. Congress has claimed victory in Sujanpur panchayat samiti, but the result is in favour of the BJP. Now, nine out of 15 women members of the panchayat samiti, Kamlesh Ratan Bharadwajmirpur. After the victory of the BJP-supported candidates in Sujanpur panchayat samiti, all eyes are on Bamsan panchayat samiti. There are currently two panchayat samitis in the assembly constituency, Bamsan and Sujanpur. With the victory in Sujanpur, the BJP has taken a 1-0 lead in the panchayat samiti level contest. Now, the Congress has a challenge to equalise in Bamsan, while the BJP is also claiming its supremacy here. The Congress has claimed victory in Sujanpur panchayat samiti, but the result is in favour of the BJP. Now, there is no clear claim from the Congress regarding Bamsan. On the other hand, BJP supporters are trying to maintain the lead in Bamsan panchayat samiti.
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Amar Ujala
Aug 29, 2026, 07:45 PM
Respectful Debates Urged in Legislative Bodies Amidst Controversy

Respectful Debates Urged in Legislative Bodies Amidst Controversy

Attri alleged that Congress MLA Indu Narwal's treatment of a Dalit Sikh MLA was not in accordance with democratic norms. He said that the pain of the 1984 Sikh riots is still a sensitive issue for the society and it is a democratic right to raise the demand for justice for the victims and an apology to those responsible. He said that be it the Assembly or Parliament, public representatives should discuss issues related to the general public and not disrupt the proceedings of the House by creating ruckus. Advertisers expect their representatives to have meaningful discussions on issues related to development, public welfare and their interests. All parties and public representatives within the House should maintain respect and democratic decorum towards each other.
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Indian Express
Aug 29, 2026, 07:04 PM
Pakistan's Imran Khan Faces Allegations of Poor Treatment in Prison

Pakistan's Imran Khan Faces Allegations of Poor Treatment in Prison

The sons of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan say they fear for their father’s health, alleging that prolonged isolation in prison amounts to “petty torture” and that he has been denied adequate medical care and contact with his family. “Where is the humanity in not allowing someone to receive basic health checks, basic treatment, (subjecting him to) petty torture techniques, not allowing him to have any books, phone calls with his children, and (confining him to) 23 hours in an isolated cell,” Imran’s son Kasim Khan told Al Jazeera in an interview. Kasim and his brother Sulaiman are demanding an independent assessment of their father’s physical and mental health, saying they want evidence beyond assurances from Pakistani authorities that he is well. “He is being mentally tortured with this solitary confinement, prolonged isolation,” Sulaiman Khan said. “We want his health to be independently reviewed. So that we have proof that what the government is saying, which is that his condition is fine, his physical and mental conditions are fine…” The allegations come days after Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered that Khan be taken to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a medical evaluation. The court had also allowed family visits and phone calls with his sons. Instead, Khan was taken to the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a check-up before being returned to prison. He spoke of a recent incident where Imran was supposed to be taken to Shifa International, a private hospital, for medical evaluation after the Pakistan Supreme Court bench had allowed the same on August 18. However, the authorities took him to a government facility. After a few hours of checkup, he was returned straight to his cell . Pakistani government, however, has denied any mistreatment of the cricket icon-turned-politician and said it is complying with the Supreme Court. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has denied the allegations, saying they are not supported by prison or medical records. The ministry said Khan has undergone 30 medical examinations since his imprisonment, in addition to regular checks by a prison doctor, and that doctors recently found him “oriented” and “stable”. “What are they hiding then? We want to see proof that he is okay,” Sulaiman said. Kasim said his father was experiencing heart palpitations and severe anxiety, adding that the symptoms were deeply worrying for the family. “He is facing kind of severe anxiety, which is an extreme worry for us.” “He is the most calm, relaxed, mentally strong, and tough person I have ever known. And so to hear that he’s facing any sort of anxiety or stress, it’s unfathomable,” he said. He said they were now “trying to make as much noise as possible… so the world can see how corrupt it (government) is and their complete lack of respect for the rule of law”. Imran Khan was ousted as prime minister in April 2022 and has been imprisoned since August 2023. He has faced more than 100 legal cases, including charges involving state secrets and the sale of state gifts, which he denies and describes as politically motivated. Most of his convictions have been suspended or overturned, with appeals pending. According to the BBC, he has faced charges in over 100 cases, ranging from leaking the state’s secrets to selling off state gifts — all of which he has disapproved of, terming them “politically motivated”.
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The Financial Express logo
The Financial Express
Aug 29, 2026, 07:01 PM
India's KABIL Completes Phase II Drilling in Argentina, Eyes Expansion and Critical Mineral Supplies

India's KABIL Completes Phase II Drilling in Argentina, Eyes Expansion and Critical Mineral Supplies

India’s first mining initiative in Argentina, Khanij Bidesh India (KABIL), has progressed significantly with the completion of its Phase II of drilling. The mine is located in Catamarca province of Argentina. Both countries are now engaged in expanding operations to other prospective mines. Opportunities are now being explored for further engagement in the provinces of Salta and Jujuy to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries, a Commerce Ministry statement on the fourth meeting of the India-Argentina Joint Trade Committee (JTC) said. The talks on expansion of critical minerals partnership were figured at the JTC meeting held on August 24 in Buenos Aires. The Indian delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, while the Argentine delegation was led by Secretary for International Economic Relations Fernando Brun. KABIL is a public sector joint venture of Nalco, Hindustan Copper and Mineral Exploration Consultancy under India’s Ministry of Mines. It has signed an exploration and development contract with the state-owned company of Argentina and has obtained exclusivity rights for exploration and development of lithium blocks in the Catamarca province of Argentina. In April, the Argentine government granted a formal environmental clearances to KABIL, enabling deep exploration, borehole drilling, and brine sampling. Argentina is part of the South America Lithium Triangle, which also includes Chile and Bolivia. This region holds 50-60% of the world’s identified lithium resources. India’s proposed trade agreement with Chile also has provisions of critical mineral trade. India is looking for lithium mines overseas to secure a reliable supply of critical minerals for electric vehicles and clean energy. The discussions at the JTC meeting also noted progress in facilitating the entry of Indian agricultural products into the Argentine market. “Technical-level discussions on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures are advancing for Indian onions, milk and milk products, grapes, potatoes, bananas and pulses, marking an important step towards their market access,” a statement by the Department of Commerce said. Significant progress was also made in facilitating market access for Indian pharmaceutical products. Argentina has committed to work towards upgrading India from Annex II to Annex I under its pharmaceutical regulatory framework and reducing barriers to entry. Notably, for Argentina, Annex I countries include the US, the UK, the European Union, Japan and Australia, among others, which are recognised as having stringent regulatory standards, while Annex II has countries include India and China. Annex I countries get faster approvals to sell pharmaceutical goods in Argentina and have to go through less compliances. Argentina is also part of the Mercosur trade bloc with which India has a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Talks are on to expand the PTA from 450 tariff lines at present and Terms of Reference (ToR) for the discussions to move ahead is being drafted. Apart from official meetings, the Commerce Secretary also led the first and largest-ever Indian business delegation to Argentina, comprising more than 25 business leaders, including representatives from UPL (earlier United Phosphorus), Kirloskar and Aditya Birla Group. The delegation engaged with the Argentine business community. The meeting of India–Argentina Business Forum was held on 25 August.
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Amar Ujala
Aug 29, 2026, 06:53 PM
Villagers Demand Action on Dilapidated Road Causing Injuries

Villagers Demand Action on Dilapidated Road Causing Injuries

According to the villagers, the road has been in a dilapidated condition for the last 10 years. There are big potholes on the road, which look like ponds due to waterlogging in the rain. Commuters and bike riders are falling into these potholes and getting injured. Villagers said that the construction of this road was proposed by the Mandi Committee, but the work did not start. SP district president Sarvesh Babu Gautam said that he would strongly take up the matter with the district administration. He also assured to investigate and get compensation by talking to higher authorities. If the problem is not solved, the issue will be raised through party national president Akhilesh Yadav. Many SP leaders, workers and villagers were present on the occasion.
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The Moscow Times
Aug 29, 2026, 04:39 PM
Shiv Sena Leader Heads to Kathmandu to Help Stranded Indian Tourists Return Home

Shiv Sena Leader Heads to Kathmandu to Help Stranded Indian Tourists Return Home

The Shiv Sena has sent its leader Rahul Kanal to Kathmandu to help Indians, especially those from Maharashtra, return home in the aftermath of the devastating floods in Nepal. Several stranded tourists from the state were brought from Kathmandu to Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh by road and arrangements were being made for their further journey by air, an office-bearer of the Eknath Shinde-led party said. A total of 37 tourists returned to Mumbai on Saturday evening.
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ABP News✓
Aug 29, 2026, 04:17 PM
Veteran Journalist Sadiq Ali: A Master of Crime and Politics Reporting

Veteran Journalist Sadiq Ali: A Master of Crime and Politics Reporting

Sadiq Ali is a senior journalist from the Dungarpur district of Rajasthan, with 20 years of experience in journalism. Currently, he is associated with ABP News. Before this, he has served in prestigious media institutions. He has a special grip on crime and politics news. He keeps a close eye on the ground reality of Dungarpur district and every important issue. Accurate, fast and reliable journalism is his identity.
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The Moscow Times logo
The Moscow Times
Aug 29, 2026, 04:05 PM
Pakistan Warns of 'Profound Consequences' Over Indus Waters Treaty Dispute

Pakistan Warns of 'Profound Consequences' Over Indus Waters Treaty Dispute

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has said that any attempt to deprive it of waters allocated under the Indus Waters Treaty will have “profound consequences” for regional security, according to a media report. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, while virtually addressing a seminar on 'The Indus Waters Treaty: South Asian Security at the Crossroads,' also said that the issue was beyond bilateral relations and concerned “the sanctity of treaties.” The 1960 vintage Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a World Bank-brokered agreement between India and Pakistan governing the sharing of waters of the six rivers of the Indus basin, allocating the three eastern rivers to India and the three western to Pakistan. India has put it in “abeyance” since April 2025 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. “The treaty contains no provision permitting either party to unilaterally suspend or place it in abeyance,” Dar said, adding that neither country could “through a unilateral political declaration, extinguish obligations solemnly undertaken under international law.” According to a report in the Dawn newspaper on Friday, Dar, who is also the Foreign Minister, said the issue went beyond bilateral relations and concerned “the sanctity of treaties” and “confidence in international law.” “Pakistan has consistently sought to resolve differences through dialogue, diplomacy and the mechanisms provided under the Treaty,” he was quoted as saying by the daily.
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AIR News✓
Aug 29, 2026, 03:34 PM
Indian PM Narendra Modi Arrives in Uzbekistan for Bilateral Talks

Indian PM Narendra Modi Arrives in Uzbekistan for Bilateral Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, this evening for his two-day visit to the Central Asian country. The Prime Minister was welcomed by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath at Yangi Uzbekistan Park in the presence of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Both leaders will hold discussions on the entire gamut of issues of bilateral importance. Tashkent has been decked up to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting the country from today. The entire city is adorned with Indian flags and hoardings as the country eagerly awaited the fourth visit by PM Modi. The Indian diaspora in Tashkent also gathered for a special welcome for Prime Minister Modi. Tomorrow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will reflect on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, based on civilisational ties built over centuries and strengthened by strong people-to-people ties. The two leaders will review cooperation in trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties at the Presidential Palace. They will also share perspectives on advancing the shared developmental visions of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Uzbekistan-2030. The Prime Minister is also expected to visit the Shastri Memorial in Tashkent and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.
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Amar Ujala
Aug 29, 2026, 03:14 PM
Ratan Lal Ahirwar Joins Samajwadi Party After Leaving BJP Again

Ratan Lal Ahirwar Joins Samajwadi Party After Leaving BJP Again

Ratan Lal Ahirwar became MLA for the first time in 1989 by winning the Babina seat on a BJP ticket. He then became MLA from BJP for the second time in 1991 and third time in 1993. However, he lost the elections in 1996. He contested the 2002 assembly elections on a Samajwadi Party ticket and became MLA for the fourth time. He then joined BSP and became MLA for the fifth time in 2007 and was made a minister of state. Ratan Lal returned to BJP just before the 2023 civic elections. However, after about three and a half years, he again became disillusioned with BJP and on Saturday he joined SP along with his son Rohit Ratan, district panchayat member representative Jitendra Patel. During this time, SP Lohia Vahini national vice-president Abhishek Yadav Prajwal was also present in Lucknow. Adarohit Ratan had also contested the 2022 assembly elections on a BSP ticket from Mauranipur. He had finished third. Earlier, he had also been a district panchayat member. Rohit had resigned from BSP in 2023.
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Amar Ujala
Aug 29, 2026, 02:43 PM
Indian Government Meets Students' Demands on Recruitment and PESA Act

Indian Government Meets Students' Demands on Recruitment and PESA Act

Minister Ashok Uikey informed that the Chief Minister has assured the students that the meeting will be held again after three months. It will be seen whether there is any problem in implementing the decisions announced by the government. The government has also decided on the demand related to the government recruitment of ST candidates. The students had demanded that ST should be placed second in the point roster as per the relevant government order. For this, the government has already formed a committee. The recommendation of the committee is expected to come within three months, on the basis of which further action will be taken. The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act has also been discussed, i.e. recruitment in PESA and non-PESA areas has been completed in 9 of the 17 cadres under PESA. Instructions have been given to start the recruitment process immediately in the rest of the cadres. The matter of creating supernumerary posts for ST candidates has also been discussed in the Supreme Court within six months.
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DNA Hindi
Aug 29, 2026, 02:40 PM
Reservation Policy Debate Erupts in Indian Politics

Reservation Policy Debate Erupts in Indian Politics

The issue of reservation has once again come to the centre of politics amid protests at Jantar Mantar. Two Union ministers in the NDA government have come face to face with it. Even Union minister Chirag Paswan has demanded the resignation of his colleague Jitan Ram Manjhi. The demand was made by Chirag Paswan when the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) demanded a review of the reservation policy. The heated debate between these two Bihar leaders began when Manjhi's party HAM supported sub-quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) within the existing reservation system. Santosh Kumar Suman, son of NDA's Manjhi and a minister in the Bihar government, said that a review is needed to ensure that the benefits of reservation reach the most vulnerable and historically marginalised communities. Suman said, "We are not talking about abolishing reservation. We are talking about making reservation more equitable, effective and accessible to both HAM (Chirag Paswan's) and LJP (LSP) allies in Bihar."
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India TV logo
India TV
Aug 29, 2026, 02:21 PM
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives in Tashkent for Strategic Partnership Talks

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives in Tashkent for Strategic Partnership Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent on a two-day visit to Uzbekistan, where he was received on his arrival in Tashkent. During the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. The two leaders will review cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties, and set the agenda for the way forward. PM Modi arrived in Tashkent on his fourth visit to Uzbekistan. President Mirziyoyev received him at the airport. The two leaders also hugged each other. PM Modi is in Tashkent on the first leg of his two-nation visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. The visit is aimed at strengthening India's strategic partnership in Central Asia and deepening cultural ties with the region.
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The Moscow Times logo
The Moscow Times
Aug 29, 2026, 02:17 PM
BJP Accuses Congress of 'Lying' Over Purification Ceremony Controversy

BJP Accuses Congress of 'Lying' Over Purification Ceremony Controversy

The BJP on Saturday accused the Congress of 'lying' after Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP-RSS over a purification ceremony held at the venue of a rally addressed by the Congress chief Kharge in Uttarakhand's Haldwani earlier this month. The party asserted that the Modi government has given the highest respect to Dalits. The remarks came after Gandhi slammed the BJP-RSS on Saturday, calling the incident a "crime", and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi order the registration of an FIR in the matter. Addressing a press conference, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said the incident showed the BJP-RSS mindset that they do not want Dalits to progress, live with dignity and be successful.
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ABP News✓
Aug 29, 2026, 02:12 PM
Indian PM Narendra Modi Arrives in Uzbekistan for Two-Day State Visit

Indian PM Narendra Modi Arrives in Uzbekistan for Two-Day State Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan for his two-day state visit on Saturday (August 29, 2026). PM Modi's visit continues to be very important for the relations between the two countries. In fact, during this visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold high-level talks with Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. In addition, the leaders of India and Uzbekistan will review cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, defense, digital connectivity, energy, education, and people-to-people contacts and set the agenda for further work. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Tashkent on a two-day state visit. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi himself arrived at the airport to a warm welcome. Immediately after PM Modi's flight landed, President Mirziyoyev received him in Tashkent and congratulated him.
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Aaj Tak
Aug 29, 2026, 02:08 PM
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Clarifies Controversy Over Purification of Venue Used by Congress President

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Clarifies Controversy Over Purification of Venue Used by Congress President

There was a huge political furore over the purification of the venue of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Now Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has clarified this entire controversy. He said that hardly anyone knows about Kharge ji's caste in Uttarakhand. He clarified that the purification of the venue was not due to caste-patri. Religious organizations had objected to the filth and religious slogans being raised at the venue after the program. After this, the purification was done with cleanliness. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami accused the Congress of giving the matter a caste color. He said that the Congress is no longer left with any issue. Therefore, it is unnecessarily fueling the matter. Dhami said that the people who did the purification have no connection with the BJP. The place where this program was held is a religious place. Ramlila is also staged there. Dhami said that during Kharge ji's program, some slogans were raised, religious organizations objected to the filth.
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Siasat News✓
Aug 29, 2026, 02:03 PM
Karnataka Minister and Congress Leader Appear in Court Over Alleged Defamation of RSS

Karnataka Minister and Congress Leader Appear in Court Over Alleged Defamation of RSS

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge and Congress leader Mohammed Nalapad appeared before the 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACJM) Court in Bengaluru on Saturday, August 29, in connection with a private complaint alleging derogatory remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The case was initiated following a private complaint filed by RSS worker A. Tejas, who alleged that Kharge and Nalapad had shared or made objectionable content concerning the organisation. Taking up the complaint, the Bengaluru court had earlier issued summons directing both leaders to appear personally before it. In compliance with the court’s order, Kharge and Nalapad appeared before the court on August 29. Following their appearance, the court granted bail to both accused. The complaint pertains to alleged defamatory and derogatory content against the RSS. The complainant has sought legal action over the alleged social media post, leading to the proceedings before the magistrate court. The appearance of the Congress leaders comes against the backdrop of a continuing political and legal dispute over comments and social media posts concerning the RSS and its functioning. With the court granting bail, the case will now proceed further in accordance with the law. The allegations made in the private complaint are yet to be adjudicated by the court.
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Amar Ujala
Aug 29, 2026, 02:01 PM
BJP Prepares for Assembly Elections by Collecting Data on Booth-Level Activities

BJP Prepares for Assembly Elections by Collecting Data on Booth-Level Activities

For this, the organization will keep a complete blueprint of its election preparations in front of Tawde. For this, information is being collected from the state to the mandal and booth level. Particularly during the SIR (Special Intensive Revision), the details of the names cut and added to the voter list are being prepared. The organization is also looking at how the activity of the party workers at the booth level was during the revision of the voter list and in which areas the organization needs extra effort. According to party sources, booth management will be an important part of the BJP's strategy in the upcoming assembly elections. In such a situation, the new in-charges can emphasize on understanding the actual situation of the organization at the booth level. Information is being collected about the activity of the party team, panna pramukhs, voter contact and the status of the organization's expansion. Booth-wise situation is also being included in the report being prepared by the state organization. Based on this, a strategy can be made to identify the weak booths and strengthen the organization there.
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Siasat News✓
Aug 29, 2026, 02:00 PM
AIMIM Leader Denies Deepfake Videos Amid Expulsion and Harassment Allegations

AIMIM Leader Denies Deepfake Videos Amid Expulsion and Harassment Allegations

Amid his abrupt expulsion from All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and sexual harassment allegations against him, a video has surfaced in which MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig has addressed the alleged deepfake videos circulating online. The video was reportedly filmed on August 27, before his expulsion from the party. In the video, Biag is heard saying, “I am currently in Makkah. I came here on the night of August 26 with my family for Umrah for 10 days. Meanwhile, my friends in Hyderabad called me and said that some obscene videos are being shared on social media. This is wrong; some people are conspiring against me. I have done nothing wrong. These videos are made with AI.” Baig alleged that the videos were released with the intention to defame him and his party and said that they have no connection with him, party chief Asaduddin Owaisi , or Akbaruddin Owaisi. “I have already registered a complaint against these videos with the Cyber Crime police and the Golconda Police, and the matter is under investigation,” he said. MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig was expelled from AIMIM at midnight on August 29, without any explanation. Allegations surfaced on social media that Baig had sexually assaulted a minor girl. The Telangana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and leaders affiliated with other political parties have demanded clarity on Baig’s expulsion and the allegations against him.
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ABP News✓
Aug 29, 2026, 01:52 PM
Controversy Surrounds Comedian Samay Raina's Latest Joke on 'India's Got Latent'

Controversy Surrounds Comedian Samay Raina's Latest Joke on 'India's Got Latent'

Comedian Samay Raina has once again courted controversy over another episode of India's Got Latent. Politics has heated up over the joke made on Bihari and Kashmiri Pandits on Raina's show. BJP leader Ram Kadam has strongly criticized the alleged comments. He alleged that they deliberately target someone to get publicity under a conspiracy. He also demanded the government to send such people to jail by making a law. BJP leader Ram Kadam said, "We respect the artist but there are limits to it. If someone hurts someone's faith, faith and sentiment, then such art will not be called art. Be it Samay Raina or any other artist, we have seen in the past and are also seeing in the present that they deliberately target someone to get publicity under a conspiracy."
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The Moscow Times logo
The Moscow Times
Aug 29, 2026, 01:08 PM
Punjab Government Cracks Down on Employees Who Participated in Strike

Punjab Government Cracks Down on Employees Who Participated in Strike

CHANDIGARH: With less than six months to go for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, a major confrontation appears to be brewing between the state government and nearly four lakh government employees, after the Aam Aadmi Party-led government took a strict view of the employees’ August 27 strike — one of the biggest protests by state government employees in recent years. The government on Friday directed all administrative secretaries and heads of departments to issue show-cause notices to employees who remained absent from duty without authorisation during the strike. The move comes at a time when employee unions are preparing to decide their next course of action at a meeting on Sunday. According to the government’s directions, employees found to have been “unauthorisedly absent” from duty during the strike will be issued show-cause notices and asked to explain why disciplinary action should not be initiated against them for proceeding on “unauthorised leave”. The concerned departments have been directed to initiate action against employees who remained absent without prior permission or approval. Further action will be taken based on their responses to the show-cause notices.
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Aaj Tak logo
Aaj Tak
Aug 29, 2026, 01:06 PM
Mamdani Clarifies Stance on RSS Chief's NYC Event Amid Controversy

Mamdani Clarifies Stance on RSS Chief's NYC Event Amid Controversy

The controversy over New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's Madison Square Garden event in the US has intensified. Mamdani has clearly said that he does not support the event, although he also admitted that the city may not have the right to cancel this private event. After this statement, many people including BJP leader Ram Kadam, singer Mary Millben and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy have criticized Mamdani. The RSS has also clarified the whole matter. In fact, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat arrived in the US on Tuesday. His visit is part of the Sangh's centenary year global outreach campaign and he will also go to Canada and Britain. In America, he will address about five thousand people at Madison Square Garden on 29 August. The event has been named "Universal Oneness Celebration" and is being organized by an organization named AAhead Forum. According to the organization, this event is being organized to present a positive image of India, Hindu society and RSS.
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Dainik Jagran
Aug 29, 2026, 12:50 PM
NDA Parties Engage in War of Words Over SC-ST Reservation in Bihar

NDA Parties Engage in War of Words Over SC-ST Reservation in Bihar

A war of words has broken out between the two NDA parties over SC-ST reservation in Bihar politics. LJP (Ram Vilas) and Hindustani Awam Morcha, who are part of the NDA. Chirag Paswan targeted Jitan Ram Manjhi and his son Santosh Kumar Suman on the issue of creamy layer and reservation and demanded their resignations. Now HAM chief Santosh Kumar Suman has responded to Chirag Paswan. Santosh Kumar Suman, a minister in the Bihar government, has targeted Chirag in a long post on X. He said he is ready to resign, but Chirag will have to resign first. Posting on X, he wrote that "As far as resignations are concerned, we are ready. My younger brother's party is bigger, they have more numbers than us politically and there is a third generation too. So let's resign. Let's resign. Let's start with my younger brother.
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