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Aug 12, 2026, 03:35 PM
BJP-MNS Clash in Ambernath: MNS President Arrested Over Shop Dispute

BJP-MNS Clash in Ambernath: MNS President Arrested Over Shop Dispute

Ambernath: A dispute over possession of a shop premises at a BJP office escalated into a physical altercation between BJP and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers in Ambernath on Tuesday night, leading to the arrest of MNS Ambernath city president Shailesh Shirke. The incident reportedly began over the possession of a shop at the BJP office and subsequently turned into a confrontation between workers of the two political parties. The altercation created tension in the area, prompting police intervention. According to the police, Shirke allegedly assaulted BJP workers during the dispute. The matter escalated further when BJP workers allegedly confronted Shirke at the Shivajinagar Police Station premises. Shirke was allegedly assaulted during the confrontation, and his vehicle was also damaged. Police intervened after the situation came to their notice and brought the matter under control. Several BJP office-bearers and corporators, including BJP state secretary Gulabrao Karanjule, remained at the police station late into the night following the incident. The Shivajinagar Police subsequently registered a case against Shirke under various sections, including those relating to assault, theft and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He was subsequently arrested. As of now, the police have not registered a case against the BJP workers in connection with the alleged assault on Shirke or the damage to his vehicle. Also Watch: Senior Police Inspector Pramod Patil confirmed the registration of the case and Shirke's arrest, and said further investigation was underway. The incident has added to the political friction between the BJP and MNS in Ambernath. Police are examining the sequence of events, the allegations made by both sides and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation at the police station premises. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, police said. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
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Amar Ujala
Aug 12, 2026, 02:35 PM
Kangana Ranaut Slams Rahul Gandhi's Behavior in Parliament

Kangana Ranaut Slams Rahul Gandhi's Behavior in Parliament

Kangana Ranaut said that this is the first time she has seen Parliament being made fun of. She referred to Rahul Gandhi's statement that on one hand he demands answers from Union Home Minister Amit Shah whether he allegedly did this to the students or not, but on the other hand says that he has not come here to listen to his answer. The Advertising BJP MP questioned Rahul Gandhi's stand and said that there is no sense of shame and dignity left in him. She said that the whole world is watching and wondering what kind of person Rahul Gandhi is. Advertising BJP MP Kangana said that the way Rahul Gandhi is venting his frustration and insulting Parliament, she feels that this will be Rahul Gandhi's last term as Leader of the Opposition. She also said that Rahul Gandhi is demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister. While Narendra Modi has received a huge mandate for the third time in a row, Kangana alleged that Rahul Gandhi feels that there should be no session of the country except for him and that even if Amit Shah claims that everything will be done, then it will be done.
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Amar Ujala
Aug 12, 2026, 02:05 PM
Congress Workers Protest Against Alleged Harassment in Kotdwar

Congress Workers Protest Against Alleged Harassment in Kotdwar

In Kotdwar, workers gathered at the Congress office and reached Jhanda Chowk shouting slogans. Congress leaders alleged that Congress workers going to attend AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge's rally in Haldwani on 8 August were stopped and harassed by the Nainital police at various places. The ad also expressed displeasure over the SSP calling Congress workers "anarchic elements." The rally was led by Congress district president Vikas Negi and city president Meena Bachhuwan. The protesters included former district presidents Dr. Chandramohan Kharkwal, Sudha Aswal, Dhirendra Singh Bisht, Praveen Rawat, Brijpal Singh Negi. The ad-hoc, Block Congress Committee, Bironkhal, burnt effigies of the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and the SSP of Nainital. The event, led by state secretary Rajesh Kandari, was attended by Vikram Bhaiya, Mahipal Shah, Jaidev, Vijaypal Singh Negi, youth president Aman Baurai.
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DD News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 01:43 PM
Amit Shah Urges Parliament Discussion on NEET Paper Leak Issue

Amit Shah Urges Parliament Discussion on NEET Paper Leak Issue

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to consult Opposition parties and facilitate a discussion in Parliament on the protests by students over the NEET paper leak issue, saying he was ready to remain present in the House and answer all questions raised by the Opposition. In a letter to the Speaker, HM Shah said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had already agreed on behalf of the government, during a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, to hold a discussion on the issue. “I request you to consult the Opposition and, through mutual consensus, allocate as much time as you deem appropriate,” HM Shah said, adding that he intended to remain present in the House during the scheduled discussion and was prepared to answer all questions raised by Opposition members. HM Shah said the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 had already been discussed during the ongoing Monsoon Session. He pointed out that no Opposition member had raised the NEET examination issue during the discussion on the Bill. “Nevertheless, the government is ready to discuss this issue again,” he said. The Home Minister stressed that discussion and dialogue were essential to resolving issues in a democracy. He urged the LS Speaker to consult Opposition leaders and facilitate a constructive debate in which members from both the Treasury and Opposition benches could put forward their views. Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, HM Shah rejected suggestions that he was avoiding Parliament and said he had been regularly attending the Monsoon Session. He reiterated that the government had accepted the Opposition’s demand for a discussion and that he was ready to respond to questions in the House. (With agency inputs)
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 01:36 PM
Karnataka Cabinet Portfolios Distributed: CM Retains Key Departments

Karnataka Cabinet Portfolios Distributed: CM Retains Key Departments

In the new Congress government in Karnataka led by Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Wednesday (August 12, 2026), portfolios were distributed among cabinet ministers. Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has kept the state finance department with himself, while Zameer Ahmed Khan has been given the responsibility of the housing department. According to a notification issued by the office of the state governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar will keep the departments of finance, cabinet affairs, personnel and administrative reforms, intelligence, information, law, justice and human rights, parliamentary affairs and legislation, and agriculture marketing. In addition, he will also control the departments of all local urban bodies under the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) along with the Town and Country Planning Commissionerate. According to the notification, Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has assigned the housing department to B. Zameer Ahmed Khan, Ramalinga Reddy to the forest, ecology and environment department, and Lakshman Savadi to the agriculture marketing department, Rudra Muniyappa to the food and civil supplies department, Muniyappa to the civil society department to Muniyappa, Arshad Rizwan and
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Dainik Jagran
Aug 12, 2026, 01:35 PM
US Trade Counselor Peter Navarro Sees Hope for Resolution on Indian-Russian Oil Imports Amid Good Trump-Modi Relationship

US Trade Counselor Peter Navarro Sees Hope for Resolution on Indian-Russian Oil Imports Amid Good Trump-Modi Relationship

Peter Navarro, Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing Affairs in the United States, has said that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a very good working relationship and may be able to work out differences on the issue of US tariffs on Russian oil imports by India. Speaking to ANI, Navarro said, I think during the Ukraine-Russia war, 6-8 months ago, I wrote an article stating absolutely correct facts that India was not involved in the oil trade with Russia before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Navarro added, Later he got involved in it in a big way and was selling a lot of refined products on behalf of Russia, which helped the war machinery. Navarro added, And that issue has been resolved. Maybe that article helped a little, but I can tell you that the sharp attacks on me by the Indian people, however, were not handled by President Trump himself.
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 01:30 PM
TMC MP Demands Action Against Rebel MPs, Threatens Supreme Court Intervention

TMC MP Demands Action Against Rebel MPs, Threatens Supreme Court Intervention

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee met Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday (12 August 2026) and demanded action against 20 rebel MPs of the party. He also appealed to him to take an early decision on the petition to cancel the membership of these rebel MPs. He also said that if the Lok Sabha Speaker does not take a decision within the stipulated time, the TMC will approach the Supreme Court on this matter. He said that the TMC had filed petitions against these rebel MPs under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution (Anti-Defection Law) in the month of June itself, but even after two months, no satisfactory reply was given. He said, "When the Parliament session of NDA started, I raised this issue before the Lok Sabha Speaker. I was asked to give a formal letter, which I submitted by 26 July. After this, I also went with Saugata Roy, Kirti Azad and Pratima Mondal to seek information about the action on this, but despite this, no action has been taken so far. These 20 rebel MPs have come to the election symbol of Mamata Banerjee. They have been openly asking for support from the public.
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 01:27 PM
Government Clarifies Timeline for 8th Pay Commission Recommendations

Government Clarifies Timeline for 8th Pay Commission Recommendations

The meetings of the 8th Pay Commission are going on continuously, its recommendations are being eagerly awaited. Meanwhile, recently the government has also given a clear answer. In the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the government has made it clear that by when the report of these recommendations will come and how long a decision can be taken. In fact, MP Neeraj Shekhar in the Rajya Sabha asked the government whether the 8th Pay Commission will submit its report before the stipulated time of 18 months. He also asked which employee and pensioner organizations the commission has talked to so far and which organizations are left. Responding to the minister's question, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said that, according to the government proposal of 3 November 2025, the commission has to give its recommendations within 18 months from the date of formation. However, he did not make it clear whether the commission will give its report before the stipulated time. It was also asked in the parliament that till now the people and the organizations have been consulted by the minister about the entire process of this proposal.
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Kalinga TV
Aug 12, 2026, 01:23 PM
Clinton Administration Used Decoy Aircraft During 2000 Visit to Pakistan, Reveals Veteran White House Reporter

Clinton Administration Used Decoy Aircraft During 2000 Visit to Pakistan, Reveals Veteran White House Reporter

Washington, DC : A veteran White House reporter has disclosed after 26 years that the Clinton administration held a briefing for journalists prior to employing a decoy aircraft during the US President’s high-risk visit to Pakistan in 2000. Susan Page, who served as the chief of the White House Correspondents’ Association at the time, revealed that officials called her for an off-the-record briefing before President Bill Clinton departed India for Pakistan, according to The Washington Post. “They told me about the extraordinary security procedures being taken because of the dangers in flying there, including use of the decoy plane,” Page said. “Of course, the dangers threatened the journalists covering the trip as well as President Clinton.” The revelation followed a report by The Washington Post stating that President Donald Trump secretly switched aircraft while departing Turkey last month due to a credible Iranian threat. Media personnel and several White House aides were led to believe that Trump remained on board the former Air Force One. According to the newspaper report, Trump was transported via an airport catering truck to an unmarked Air Force C-32A, while the presidential aircraft carrying press representatives and staff acted as a decoy. Official White House statements had earlier maintained that Trump departed Turkey travelling aboard the former Air Force One. Page, currently serving as USA Today’s Washington bureau chief, noted that she decided to discuss the Clinton-era session because over two decades have elapsed and the deception became obvious upon Clinton’s arrival in Islamabad. “I haven’t spoken about this episode before, because of the off-the-record ground rules of the discussion,” Page said. “But since more than a quarter-century has passed — and since the ruse became evident as soon as President Clinton disembarked in Pakistan — I think it’s OK for me to relay it now.” Back in March 2000, an aircraft displaying Air Force One markings touched down in front of television cameras in Islamabad. A Secret Service officer who bore a resemblance to Clinton emerged first. Shortly after, an unmarked plane arrived from which the the then US President actually disembarked. In contrast, the Trump operation was executed without providing journalists any information regarding the switch in planes or the severity of the threat, according to The Post. Media members travelling aboard the decoy aircraft were directed to keep their window shades lowered throughout. Defending the security measures without making direct reference to the alleged deception, White House communications director Steven Cheung addressed the matter. “As the President has said recently, there are many enemies of America who seek his demise, and we use every tool at our disposal to address those threats,” Cheung said. Addressing reporters later, Trump stated that he remains under a persistent threat from Iran. “But if I go, you go. Right?” he said. “Perhaps someday you want to change professions.” The White House press pool consists of a designated, rotating group of journalists tasked with accompanying and reporting on the President for the wider media fraternity. This mechanism guarantees an objective and independent record of presidential movements and official activities when general media access is restricted. (Source: ANI)
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Aaj Tak
Aug 12, 2026, 01:19 PM
Karnataka Chief Minister Expands Cabinet, Retains Key Portfolios

Karnataka Chief Minister Expands Cabinet, Retains Key Portfolios

Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has expanded his cabinet by expanding the scope of his government. The new ministers have been given responsibilities of their departments. The government is expected to speed up the administrative work. Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has kept many important and big portfolios with himself. According to the list released, the CM will have Finance, Cabinet Affairs, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), Intelligence, Information, Law, Justice and Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs, Agricultural Marketing, Directorate of Town and Country Planning, BDA and all urban local bodies falling under the BMRDA area. Apart from this, all the departments that have not been given to any other minister are also safe with Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar. Under the cabinet expansion, the new ministers have been given the charge of important portfolios. Karnataka Cabinet Department. Chief Minister डी.के Shivakumar will have Finance, Cabinet Affairs, Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Information, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Legislative Affairs, Legislative Affairs and Agriculture.
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Aaj Tak
Aug 12, 2026, 01:16 PM
Supreme Court Hears Legal Battle Over Shiv Sena Name and Symbol

Supreme Court Hears Legal Battle Over Shiv Sena Name and Symbol

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court held a crucial hearing in the legal battle between the Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde faction over the name and symbol of the Shiv Sena. The court asked what the Shiv Sena means, the entire political party, the working committee or the legislative party. Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Uddhav Thackeray faction, replied that the Shiv Sena simply means the political party. Separate units are formed to run the party's business, such as the legislature party, the national executive and the House of Representatives. Kapil Sibal gave a full account of the party's rules and democratic system before the court. He said that the Shiv Sena is a rule-driven body, where every small or big change is reported to the Election Commission under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act. Only the national executive has the right to choose the'party chief'according to the party's rules. Based on this, Sibal argued that the rebel group removed its head of the party without any democratic process and that the Shiv Sena itself was criticized as a direct violation of the working of the General Assembly during the 2018 election.
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 01:11 PM
Indian Government Extends Tenures of Top Officials to Ensure Stability

Indian Government Extends Tenures of Top Officials to Ensure Stability

The central government within the last three months has given extension to officers holding top 6 important positions in the country. These are all posts whose tenure is usually fixed. The government wants to indicate that it does not want any sudden change in the leadership of key key ministries and investigating agencies. Cabinet Secretary: The country's highest administrative post टी.वी. Somanathan's tenure has been extended in August. He will now hold the responsibility of this post till 2027. Home Secretary: Govind Mohan, who is in charge of the country's internal security, will also continue in his post till August 2027. Foreign Secretary: Vikram Misri's tenure was extended for one year in July to give stability to foreign policy. He will now serve as Foreign Secretary till July 2027. CBI Director: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chief Praveen Sood has got a second consecutive service extension, after which his tenure has been fixed till May 2027. ED Director: Naveen (ED) Naveen (ED), who is now heading the Railway Board, has also been given a second consecutive extension till 2027.
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Kalinga TV
Aug 12, 2026, 01:10 PM
Iran Launches Missile and Drone Attack on Kurdish Opposition Groups in Iraq

Iran Launches Missile and Drone Attack on Kurdish Opposition Groups in Iraq

Erbil : Iran launched several missiles and drones at positions belonging to Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in Iraq’s northern Erbil province on Wednesday. Al Jazeera, citing a Peshmerga commander who spoke to Rudaw, reported that the strikes targeted fighters from the Komala Party and the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) in Erbil province’s Alana Valley. No casualties were reported from the barrage. Four Iranian drones subsequently crashed across several districts in the province, including Soran, Khalifan, and Harir. Two drones fell near a village in Khalifan, another struck a residential house in Soran, and a fourth crashed on Mount Bani Harir, triggering a fire in the surrounding grass, Al Jazeera reported, citing local media. The Peshmerga serve as the military forces of the autonomous Kurdistan Region, while the Komala Party and the KDPI are Iranian Kurdish opposition groups headquartered in the border region of northern Iraq. Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said that Iran had proved itself to the world as a ‘tough and invincible power’ during the recent war with the US and ultimately “forced the enemy to request negotiations,” according to Iranian news agency ISNA. Speaking at the ‘Cooperation and Synergy of Diplomacy and Health’ meeting at the Iranian Ministry of Health on Tuesday, Araghchi said Iran’s armed forces had made major sacrifices during the conflict with the US and Israel. “Our armed forces sacrificed their lives and defeated the world’s largest apparent army. This is not a slogan at all; it is a reality that the whole world admits,” Araghchi said, according to ISNA. He said the recent war had witnessed scenes of sacrifice and bravery across the country, with people continuing to perform their duties despite the conflict. “No one thought that Iran could resist in this way against America and the cooperation of the Zionist regime [Israel], with the support of all Western countries and some other countries that we all know, and ultimately forced the enemy to request negotiations,” he said. The Iranian Foreign Minister also said he had heard from officials of other countries that Iran had “created a miracle” and “surprised the whole world” through its resistance. On diplomacy, Araghchi said Iran had demonstrated that it knew how to defend its rights, adding that officials had told him, “‘You won the war, you won diplomacy'”. (Source: ANI)
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 12:51 PM
Samajwadi Party Strengthens Base Ahead of Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections

Samajwadi Party Strengthens Base Ahead of Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections

The Samajwadi Party, which is preparing for the upcoming 2027 assembly elections in the Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh, is now strengthening its base through the PDA Jan Mahapanchayat. A huge PDA Jan Mahapanchayat was organized under the leadership of SP leader Mahendra Rajput Bira in Panwadi town of Charkhari assembly constituency. Addressing the huge crowd gathered at this Mahapanchayat, SP leaders came down heavily on the BJP government and claimed a change of power in the state in 2027. Let us tell you that more than 2000 villagers and workers gathered at this PDA Jan Mahapanchayat organized by SP ticket aspirant Mahendra Rajput Bira from Charkhari assembly. SP district president Shobha Lal Yadav presided over the program, while former MLA Kaptan Singh Rajput, senior leader Pushpendra Singh Yadav and Ramjeevan Dadda attended as chief guests. As soon as the SP leaders reached the stage, the workers welcomed them with garlands. The organizer of the program, Mahendra Rajput Bira, said that as per the instructions of national president Akhilesh Yadav, they are accusing the BJP of exploiting the poor, helpless class and the PDA 2027 government.
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Aaj Tak
Aug 12, 2026, 12:33 PM
Parliamentary Committee Report Finds Justice Yashwant Verma Liable for Cash Scandal, Impeachment Speculated

Parliamentary Committee Report Finds Justice Yashwant Verma Liable for Cash Scandal, Impeachment Speculated

The report of the parliamentary committee of inquiry into the cash scandal involving Justice Yashwant Verma has come out. The committee said that the presence of a large amount of Indian currency notes in the official residential complex in Delhi and its source or ownership has not been satisfactorily explained. The report also calls the non-seizure and safekeeping of the cash by the police and fire officer who arrived at the scene as a "serious lapse." Now it has emerged that the motion to impeach Justice Yashwant Verma can be brought in the winter session. Government sources have been quoted as saying that an impeachment motion can be brought in the winter session to remove Justice Yashwant Verma. The three-member inquiry committee has found all three charges against Justice Verma to be true. The committee has since recommended further action. However, the five-member bench of the Supreme Court ruled in 1978 that the judge's resignation is his removal from office, not required to be accepted. Justice Verma has already sent his resignation to the President's office in April this year.
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 12:33 PM
Cockroach Janata Party Launches 'Kya Bolti Public' Campaign to Improve Government Schools

Cockroach Janata Party Launches 'Kya Bolti Public' Campaign to Improve Government Schools

After the agitation at Jantar Mantar, now the Cockroach Janata Party is going to start the'Kya Bolti Public'campaign across the country from 15 August. Party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said that during the campaign, we will demand the government to improve government schools. Ashutosh Ranka said in a conversation with ANI, "Government schools have been continuously and completely neglected in this country since independence. The children of our villages have been left to work as laborers, but now the governments have to pay attention to government schools. CJP National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka says," Since independence, government schools in this country have been consistently and completely neglected. Children in our villages have been left to work as teachers... But now, the governments must pay attention to... "Ashutosh Ranka said further," You cannot run away from your responsibility, that is why we are starting a campaign on 15 August. We will ask the sarpanches of the villages to build better schools.
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Dainik Jagran
Aug 12, 2026, 12:22 PM
Indian Government Defends Foreign Funding Regulatory Bill Against Opposition Criticism

Indian Government Defends Foreign Funding Regulatory Bill Against Opposition Criticism

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, while speaking in the House today, Wednesday, August 12, strongly criticised the opposition's misleading campaign against the Foreign Funding Regulatory Bill (FCRA). Kiren Rijiju said, "India is not a banana republic and there should be rules and regulations for spending foreign funds." The proposed legislation, aimed at plugging loopholes in the regulation of foreign funding to NGOs and preventing religious conversions, is being criticised by the opposition. The opposition says it is an anti-minority bill. The Lok Sabha referred the FCRA bill to the JPC. The opposition questioned, "How is the RSS getting foreign funds easily." Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said in the Lok Sabha, "None of the provisions of the FCRA amendment bill target minority institutions. The opposition is running a campaign to mislead some communities."
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 12:15 PM
TMC MP Mahua Moitra Criticizes FCRA Bill, Claims Aimed at Benefiting RSS

TMC MP Mahua Moitra Criticizes FCRA Bill, Claims Aimed at Benefiting RSS

On Wednesday (August 12), TMC MP Mahua Moitra made a statement regarding the FCRA bill in the Lok Sabha. She made this statement regarding the FCRA bill being sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee. TMC MP Mahua Moitra has said that this bill (FCRA) has been brought so that the BJP can make sure that all the funding goes only to the RSS. She said, RSS is an NGO. But it is not registered. RSS has thousands of crores of property in every district of Delhi. It is not audited. Whoever is not associated with the RSS will be strangled. They will cancel the license, as we have seen in many cases. Then they will take over the property of these organizations. She said that this is another way of grabbing the organizations'property, cash and money and grabbing land. We had unanimously said that this bill will be withdrawn. She said that the government was propagating that some people in the opposition want this bill, they want this bill to be sent to the entire opposition party. Today, we want to send it to the JPC.
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 12:13 PM
Sushmita Dev Submits Privilege Notice Against John Brittas Over Dress Controversy

Sushmita Dev Submits Privilege Notice Against John Brittas Over Dress Controversy

The lungi statement has gained momentum in the House. Now on Wednesday (August 12), Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev has come out on this. She said that lies are seen very quickly in politics. She wants to tell the people of Kerala that there is a division between us on dress. This can never happen. Now there will be milk, water, water. Privilege motion has been given. Tell Joan ji to show my video. The dignity of the House is there. Don't spread lies in Kerala. Also, Dev said,'Neither she nor any other member has made any wrong comment on the dress of any state. She is ready to talk to Brittas personally.'On Wednesday, the controversy escalated when Sushmita Dev submitted a privilege notice against CPI-M leader John Brittas. This development took place a few hours after she said that during her speech on Monday, a Malayali member of the ruling party wore a Malayali dress and said that the British South Indians would present a notice of privilege.
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 12:11 PM
Lok Sabha Approves FCRA Bill for Review; Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes Minority Provisions

Lok Sabha Approves FCRA Bill for Review; Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes Minority Provisions

During the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, 12 August, approved the proposal to send the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, 2026 to the Joint Committee of Parliament for detailed review and possible suggestions. Earlier, Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav made a big statement in the context of the FCRA Bill. In the Lok Sabha, Akhilesh said that after a lot of fighting, I am getting a chance to speak. I thought that the debate would start at three o'clock. After three o'clock, at 2 o'clock, no one is visible. The government is bringing the FCRA, there is complete opposition to it. The minister is saying that the bill is not against minorities. The minister said that the bills that have been brought so far have been brought without minorities. In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that I challenge Akhilesh to show any minority provision in this FCRA bill. Do you want to make a law against foreign countries?
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 12:08 PM
Government- Opposition Tussle Over Parliamentary Attendance Continues

Government- Opposition Tussle Over Parliamentary Attendance Continues

While the opposition is demanding answers from the government, the ruling party is alleging that the opposition is avoiding a discussion. Meanwhile, the statement of RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha and BJP MP Janardan Sigriwal has come to the fore. RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha reacted to the statement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah that being present in Parliament House and attending the proceedings of the House are different things.
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Kalinga TV
Aug 12, 2026, 12:04 PM
Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Student Protest Disruptions

Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Student Protest Disruptions

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha was adjourned on Wednesday to meet again on August 13 at 11 am amid continued disruptions by the Opposition over the recent student protests, even as the government offered an immediate discussion on the issue and said Union Home Minister Amit Shah was ready to respond. Before the adjournment, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was ready for an immediate discussion on the students’ protest and that the Home Minister would reply in the House. Rijiju said Shah had also written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on the matter and urged members to utilise the limited time available, with only two days remaining in the Monsoon Session. BJP member Jagdambika Pal, who was in the Chair, repeatedly urged Opposition members to allow the discussion, saying their demand for a debate was being accepted by the government. The Opposition, however, continued to seek a statement from Shah over the alleged use of pellet guns, lathi charge and tear gas against students during protests at Jantar Mantar. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned Shah’s assertion that he was ready for a discussion. “Did he come to the House? Did he say this to you in the House?” she said while speaking to reporters. Congress MP Praniti Shinde said the Opposition had made its position clear both inside and outside Parliament and demanded an explanation from the Home Minister over the alleged use of force against protesters. “We want the Home Minister to give a statement explaining why pellet guns, lathi charges, and tear gas were used. This was a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar,” Shinde said. Earlier, Shah said the government was ready for a detailed discussion on the student protests over the NEET paper leak and asked the Opposition to submit a letter to the Speaker so that the debate could begin. Meanwhile, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee after Union Minister Nityanand Rai moved a motion in the Lok Sabha. The proposed JPC will have 31 members — 21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha — and is required to submit its report by the last day of the first week of the Winter Session 2026. Congress MP KC Venugopal demanded withdrawal of the Bill, while Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav also opposed it. Rijiju said the Opposition should welcome the decision to refer the legislation to a JPC and asserted that there was nothing in the Bill aimed at targeting minority institutions. The FCRA regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations and organisations in India. (Source: ANI)
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 12:02 PM
CJP's 'Jantar Mantar Season 2' to Focus on Protests Against Government and Officials

CJP's 'Jantar Mantar Season 2' to Focus on Protests Against Government and Officials

Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijit Dipke announced on Wednesday (August 12) that season 2 of Jantar Mantar will be seen soon. Since then, the question in everyone's mind is what is going to be in season 2 and what issues will be raised in it. While this has now been openly talked about by CJP spokesperson Saurav Das. Speaking to news agency ANI, Saurav Das said that this is the season 2 in which there are movements against this useless government and useless officers. He said that on behalf of CJP, we are now starting a countrywide'Listening Tour'so that the public can listen. Delhi. On CJP founder Dipke's "Jantar Mantar Season 2" statement, party Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das says, "This is the same season. Two protests are taking place across the country against the governments and officers of such incompetent officers."
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Amar Ujala
Aug 12, 2026, 12:02 PM
Ramesh Gowda Performs Traditional Hindu Ritual of Pindadaan

Ramesh Gowda Performs Traditional Hindu Ritual of Pindadaan

H. D. Ramesh Gowda performed the ritual of Pindadaan amidst Vedic chants. He performed all the necessary rituals as per religious traditions. During this time, he prayed for peace and salvation of his mother's soul. As per the family tradition, he performed this important religious responsibility. Chennamma Deve Gowda's elder son H. D. Kumaraswamy is active in the country's politics. He is currently serving as a minister in the central government. H. N. Sharma, former political secretary to former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar, was also present during the Pindadaan. People present at the ghat also witnessed the entire ritual in a peaceful atmosphere.
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 11:59 AM
Home Minister Amit Shah to Make Statement on Police Action Amid Protests and Criticism

Home Minister Amit Shah to Make Statement on Police Action Amid Protests and Criticism

Facing protests over police action on the issue of student protests in the national capital, Home Minister Amit Shah has said that he will make a statement in Parliament. However, his statement has come on August 12, a day before the monsoon session of Parliament ends. Political reactions and comments continue to pour in. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader and MP from Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh Dimple Yadav has launched a major verbal attack on the Home Minister. Speaking to reporters in the Parliament premises, Dimple asked "who was waiting for whom." She alleged that "I don't think there is anything like humility, sensitivity or understanding in this government. I mean, what are you waiting for? Why are you waiting for the opposition? We expected them to come and make their statement." On the same issue, MP from Sambhal Ziaur Rahman Barq said, "Akhilesh Yadav has also said that we want to discuss both issues. The government wants to discuss only one issue and the opposition wants to" steal "money. The Union Minister" wants to discuss only one issue. "
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Dainik Jagran
Aug 12, 2026, 11:57 AM
Cockroach Janata Party's Abhijeet Deepak Announces Season-2 of Jantar Mantar Amid Venue Issues

Cockroach Janata Party's Abhijeet Deepak Announces Season-2 of Jantar Mantar Amid Venue Issues

Abhijeet Deepak, the founder of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has made a big announcement about the season-2 of Jantar Mantar. He has told the people that the season-2 of Jantar Mantar is coming soon. Abhijeet Deepak said, "Many people were commenting on Instagram about when the season-2 of Jantar Mantar will start. I want to tell them that the season-2 of Jantar Mantar is going to start very soon. Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Deepak has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that they are not allowing them to get a hall for the volunteers'meet. Today our volunteers'meet was to be held in Delhi, people associated with our party from far away were coming, but our meeting is not being allowed. Abhijeet Deepak said," Today a meeting of our volunteers was to be held in Delhi. We were looking for a hall, but no one was ready to tell us the hall. Today, no one was giving us a receipt for it. "Deepke said," It was difficult to give us the hall.
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 11:56 AM
Tamil Nadu's Government Passes Resolutions Opposing Modi Government's Delimitation and FCRA Plans

Tamil Nadu's Government Passes Resolutions Opposing Modi Government's Delimitation and FCRA Plans

Tamil Nadu's C Joseph Vijay government has passed resolutions from the assembly against the Modi government's two major plan delimitation and FCRA within two days. Today (August 12), CM Vijay himself brought a resolution against delimitation in the assembly. Earlier on Tuesday, a resolution was passed against the FCRA bill. Interestingly, this resolution was supported by arch-rival MK Stalin's party DMK. Tamil Nadu is the first state to take such a step against delimitation and FCRA. The resolution against delimitation appealed that the number of Lok Sabha members should be fixed at 543. There was a heated debate in the assembly for about 2 hours. Then the house was approved. DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin said that our stand is that the constituency should not be delimited for the next 25 years. We welcome the resolution on 33 percent reservation for women. The movement which first told India what the effect of delimitation will be, then DMK said that we thank the Tamil Nadu minister for supporting the resolution against the DMK in the assembly.
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Aaj Tak
Aug 12, 2026, 11:49 AM
Trump Administration Spends $900 Million on White House Renovations Without Congressional Approval

Trump Administration Spends $900 Million on White House Renovations Without Congressional Approval

There has been a big revelation about the administration of US President Donald Trump. According to a media report, the Trump administration is planning to spend at least 900 million dollars (about 900 million dollars) on construction and modernization work in the White House complex. This figure is more than the earlier estimates. According to an exclusive report by The Washington Post, the administration has not taken any approval directly from the Congress (Parliament) for this huge amount. Instead, the budget of government agencies and private donations have been used to raise money. According to the documents, the maintenance account of the White House, which usually received only a few million dollars every year, has now been transferred about 875 million dollars. 500 million dollars of this funding has been transferred from the Secret Service and the White House Military Office. In addition, 305 million dollars have come from private donations. Where did the 70 million dollars come from, it has not been disclosed in the documents.
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The Moscow Times logo
The Moscow Times
Aug 12, 2026, 11:43 AM
Indian Opposition MPs Condemn Reported Insult to South Indian Culture

Indian Opposition MPs Condemn Reported Insult to South Indian Culture

Opposition MPs on Wednesday criticised a reported remark by BJP MP Sushmita Dev referring to CPI(M) MP John Brittas as "Lungiwala" in the Rajya Sabha, calling it an insult to Indian and South Indian culture. AAP MP Sanjay Singh said that India is a country of "unity in diversity" where people belonging to different religions, cultures and traditions live together. "It has become BJP's culture to question and insult someone's attire," Singh said. "The way John Brittas, who came wearing a 'lungi' to Parliament, was insulted... The Chairman has taken cognisance of the matter," Singh said. CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar also condemned the reported use of the term "Lungiwala" while Brittas was speaking in the House. "At the time John Brittas was speaking in the House (Rajya Sabha), he was insulted by the word 'Lungiwala' used for him. This is an insult to every Indian," Sandosh Kumar said. He said that Indians should be proud of the country's diverse cultural traditions and alleged that political differences were being expressed through references to colour, attire and food. "We are proud Indians, but they are dividing based on colour, attire and food," the CPI MP said. Congress MP Christopher Tilak also criticised the reported remark, calling it an insult to South Indian culture. "This is an insult by the BJP to South Indian culture. It is not just about attire. A member of Parliament from West Bengal referred to John Brittas as 'Lungiwala'. This is unfortunate," Tilak said. He alleged that the incident reflected the BJP's attitude towards regions outside the Hindi-speaking belt. "This shows the attitude of the BJP towards the non-Hindi belt," the Congress MP said. The MPs said that clothing and cultural practices should not be used to target or demean members of Parliament and emphasised India's cultural diversity. Singh also added that different religious, cultural and traditional practices were part of India's social fabric and alleged that questioning a person's attire undermined the country's principle of unity in diversity.
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 11:41 AM
Nitish Kumar Meets JD-U MPs to Discuss Bihar's Development and Public Interest Issues

Nitish Kumar Meets JD-U MPs to Discuss Bihar's Development and Public Interest Issues

Janata Dal-United (JD-U) national president and Rajya Sabha member Nitish Kumar held a meeting with party MPs in Delhi on Wednesday (August 12, 2026). The focus of the meeting was Bihar. During the meeting, Nitish Kumar discussed Bihar's development, public interest issues and contemporary political issues. According to a statement issued by the party, former Bihar chief minister Kumar directed the MPs to raise issues related to the state's interests and public welfare effectively in Parliament and work with full commitment as per the expectations of the people. During the meeting, various topics related to Bihar's development and public interest were also discussed. Party's national working president and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kumar Jha, MPs Dileshwar Kamat, Devesh Chandra Thakur, Kaushlendra Kumar, Dr. Alok Suman, Sunil Kumar, Vijaylaxmi Devi and Rampreet Mandal were also present in the meeting. JD-U MP Sanjay Jha, on the other hand, praised the Chief Minister for ending the role of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Bihar.
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 11:34 AM
Government Demands Discussion on NEET Paper Leak Amid Opposition Resistance

Government Demands Discussion on NEET Paper Leak Amid Opposition Resistance

On August 12, Home Minister Amit Shah wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla demanding a discussion on the NEET paper leak. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju alleged that the government is ready for a discussion, but the opposition is not allowing it. He said that the Congress and some opposition parties are only creating a ruckus and running away from the discussion. Rijiju said that when the monsoon session is about to end, the Home Minister was forced to write a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker for a discussion and request him to convince the people of the opposition for a discussion. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "I am very disappointed. For the first time in my life, I am seeing a scene where the government wants a discussion in the house but the opposition is running away. It is difficult to imagine because in a democracy, the opposition demands a discussion and the government responds. Here the government itself is asking for a discussion but the opposition does not want to hear the answer and they are running away. Can you imagine it?
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The Moscow Times logo
The Moscow Times
Aug 12, 2026, 11:27 AM
Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Dies at 97

Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Dies at 97

BEIJING: Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji has died, according to state media. The impatient, sharp-tongued reformer helped ignite China’s explosive economic boom by forcing wrenching change on state industry in the 1990s and leading the country into the World Trade Organization. The official Xinhua news agency reported that Zhu died of illness in Beijing at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. He was 97 years old. Once sent into rural exile to do manual labor for praising reforms in other communist countries, Zhu pushed through a dizzying array of changes as premier, China’s top economic post, from 1998 to 2003. Zhu clashed with Communist Party conservatives and state industry bosses as he pushed state-owned companies to become efficient and profitable. That cost millions of layoffs, but helped propel China to overtake Japan as the second-largest economy behind the United States in 2010. Building on former leader Deng Xiaoping’s 1979 reforms, Zhu is credited with supplying the resourcefulness and tenacity to push through history-making changes such as China’s WTO membership, which helped to transform China into the world’s biggest exporter. Those changes helped to keep economic growth above 8% a year from 2000-2010, peaking at 14.2% in 2007. Named premier in 1998 at age 69, Zhu became a popular figure by criticizing official bungling and graft and accepting blame when the government fell short. His demanding style earned him the nicknames Boss and Zhu Fengzi, or Madman Zhu.
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The Moscow Times
Aug 12, 2026, 11:22 AM
Congress Accuses BJP of Politicizing Student Protests Over Exam Irregularities in Jharkhand

Congress Accuses BJP of Politicizing Student Protests Over Exam Irregularities in Jharkhand

The Congress on Wednesday accused the BJP of "politicising" the students' agitation over alleged exam irregularities in Jharkhand and said that it was "bringing people from other states" to disrupt the protests. Accusing the saffron party of being involved in "exam mafia" across the country, the Congress said the BJP was “opposing” the CID probe into paper leaks in the state, “fearing that it would get exposed”. A probe by the CBI, “a tool of the Centre”, will yield the “desired results” for them even in Jharkhand, asserted four Congress ministers – Radha Krishna Kishore, Shilpy Neha Tirkey, Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari – at a press conference here. “The BJP brought people from other states to disrupt the students' peaceful protest in Ranchi on August 10 over exam irregularities. We urge Chief Minister Hemant Soren to ensure that each such BJP worker is identified and strong action is taken against them,” Kishore said. He alleged that the BJP’s state leadership acted at the Centre's behest to disrupt the students' stir, as the recent assembly gherao in Ranchi was "not on the protesters' agenda". Claiming that the Jharkhand government initiated steps in exam “anomalies” much before the students started their protests, Singh said, “152 paper leaks took place in the country since 2015 under the BJP rule, but CBI probe was conducted in only 17 such cases with zero conviction”.
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ABP News✓
Aug 12, 2026, 11:18 AM
Akali Dal Waris Punjab De Announces Candidates for 2027 Punjab Elections

Akali Dal Waris Punjab De Announces Candidates for 2027 Punjab Elections

In order to announce the candidates for the year 2027 elections in Punjab, the Akali Dal Waris Punjab De has announced two more candidates on Wednesday, August 12. Amritpal Singh is lodged in Dibrugarh Jail, Assam under NSA. Both the declared candidates were jailed with Amritpal under NSA and NSA was removed from them only last year. Both are currently lodged in Punjab jail in connection with the violence at Ajnala police station in 2023. Among the declared candidates, Amritpal's associate and Punjabi actor Daljit Kalsi will contest from Ajnala in Amritsar and another associate Gurmeet Singh Bukanwala from Moga. The organization has declared Indira Gandhi assassination convict Kehar Singh's son Satwant Singh as its candidate from Bassi Pathana. Let us know that Akali Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh had won the election from Khadoor Lok Sabha seat in the year 2024 elections. Now the party is also trying hard in the assembly elections held in the year 2022. The Shiromani Akali Dal and the Indian National Congress had also lost the elections.
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India TV
Aug 12, 2026, 11:16 AM
Parliamentary Confrontation Continues as Monsoon Session Nears End

Parliamentary Confrontation Continues as Monsoon Session Nears End

The monsoon session of Parliament has reached its last leg. The last two days of the monsoon session are now left. There seems to be no end to the confrontation between the opposition and the government before the end of the monsoon session on August 13. The proceedings of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha have been continuously disrupted due to the uproar of the members of the opposition parties, including the Congress, who are demanding a discussion on the Ram temple theft issue and a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the police action on the protesting students in Delhi. Even today, there was a huge ruckus in the Lok Sabha. Earlier, the BJP and the opposition have staged separate demonstrations outside the Parliament House. The opposition MPs came to the Home Minister House and shouted slogans for answers. The BJP MPs once again protested on the issue of lathicharge on students in Jharkhand and raised slogans against Rahul. Yesterday also the opposition and the NDA had protested at almost the same time on the same issue. During this time the ruling party and the opposition came face to face, a situation of confrontation was created.
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The Moscow Times
Aug 12, 2026, 11:09 AM
WHO Warns Against Overhauling Child Vaccination Policies Amid Trump's Reforms

WHO Warns Against Overhauling Child Vaccination Policies Amid Trump's Reforms

The World Health Organization warned Wednesday that Donald Trump's bid to overhaul child vaccination in the United States went against "decades of evidence". President Trump signed an order Monday pushing for a rethink of school vaccine mandates and repeating calls for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to be separated into three separate shots. His Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr founded an anti-vaccine group and has long promoted a disproven link between the MMR shot and autism. But WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the science is "unequivocal: vaccines -- including the MMR vaccine -- are safe and do not cause autism." "Vaccination policy should be guided by rigorous, independent and transparent review of the best available science, not by political influence," he warned in a post on X.
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Aaj Tak logo
Aaj Tak
Aug 12, 2026, 11:04 AM
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Dies at Age 98, Leaving Behind Legacy of Economic Growth

Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Dies at Age 98, Leaving Behind Legacy of Economic Growth

Former Premier Zhu Rongji, who took China's economy to new heights and led the country into the World Trade Organization (WTO), has died at the age of 98. According to state media and international news agency AP, he breathed his last in Beijing. His death marks the end of an era in China's political and economic world. Significantly, Zhu Rongji was born in October 1928. He led the country as China's prime minister from 1998 to 2003, while he was also vice-premier before that. Zhu Rongji was known as an extremely strict, outspoken, and reformist leader in Chinese politics. He was known for keeping his word very bluntly, which is why people looked up to him with both respect and fear. News Alert! Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, who led the country into the WTO and helped ignite the economic boom, died in the 1990s. Zhu Rongji was very fearless when it came to government decisions and industries.
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India TV
Aug 12, 2026, 11:03 AM
Zhu Rongji, Former Chinese Premier Who Led Country's Economic Boom, Dies at 98

Zhu Rongji, Former Chinese Premier Who Led Country's Economic Boom, Dies at 98

Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji has died at the age of 98. Zhu Rongji was the one who got China into the WTO and also helped China's economic boom. According to Chinese state media, Zhu Rongji made big and difficult changes in government industries in the 1990s and got China into the World Trade Organization. This helped China start a tremendous economic boom. The Chinese state news agency Xinhua said that Zhu Rongji died of illness in Beijing at about 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Zhu Rongji breathed his last at the age of 98. Zhu Rongji was the one who was once forced to do manual labor in rural areas for praising reforms in other communist countries in 1979, but later as the Prime Minister of China from 1998 to 2003, he made many big and important changes. Deng Xiaoping is credited with increasing China's membership in the World Trade Organization.
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Newsbytes✓
Aug 12, 2026, 10:46 AM
Imran Khan's Health Concerns Intensify Amid Death Rumors

Imran Khan's Health Concerns Intensify Amid Death Rumors

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan 's health has been a matter of concern since he was jailed in August 2023.The uncertainty over his well-being has intensified after Pakistani journalist Wajahat Saeed Khan claimed that three senior officers within Pakistan's General Headquarters "told him that Imran Khan is no longer with us."However, he pointed out that the sources in question were unable to independently verify the material and had only learned about it through informal channels.
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The Moscow Times
Aug 12, 2026, 10:40 AM
Himachal Pradesh Imposes Orphan and Widow Cess on Petrol and Diesel

Himachal Pradesh Imposes Orphan and Widow Cess on Petrol and Diesel

CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh has imposed an orphan and widow cess of 60 paise per litre on petrol and diesel. The new revised prices came into effect from the midnight of Tuesday. The money collected through the cess will be credited to an Orphan and Widow Welfare Fund and used for the welfare of widows and orphans. The notification, issued on Tuesday under Section 6-A of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Act, 2005, said the revised rates would come into effect from midnight on August 11. The move follows the state assembly passing the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during the Budget Session. It had faced strong opposition from BJP legislators when it was introduced in the Assembly. Under the amendment, the state government can impose a Widow and Orphan Cess of up to Rs 5 per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel. The current levy of 60 paise per litre is significantly lower than the maximum amount permitted under the amended law. Himachal Pradesh BJP Chief Spokesperson and MLA Rakesh Jamwal has termed the decision of the state government to impose a orphan and widow cess on petrol and high-speed diesel as "anti-people." He warned that higher fuel prices would have a cascading impact on household expenses in the hill state, where transportation plays a crucial role in the movement of essential commodities. Therefore, higher fuel prices will also put pressure on transportation costs of cement, steel, sand and gravel, fruits and vegetables, ration and other essential commodities. Already the state government has introduced what is being referred to as a ‘milk cess’ on electricity bills.
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Dainik Jagran
Aug 12, 2026, 10:35 AM
Tension in Pakistan: Imran Khan's Party Complains of Restrictions Amid Health Concerns

Tension in Pakistan: Imran Khan's Party Complains of Restrictions Amid Health Concerns

Wajahat's claim comes at a time when the situation in Pakistan is very tense. On Tuesday, Imran Khan's family and allies of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), complained that they were not being allowed to meet the former prime minister despite concerns about his health. Concerns over Khan's health are now causing a major confrontation. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and PTI leader Sohail Afridi claimed that more than two million people are ready to take to the streets, and warned that it may be difficult to handle the anger brewing among Pakistan's youth, especially because of the "hybrid regime" headed by CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir. On September 27, PTI reported that Imran Khan's family and aides complained that they were not being allowed to meet him despite concerns about the former prime minister's health.
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Free Press Journal
Aug 12, 2026, 10:34 AM
Parliamentary Committee Finds Justice Yashwant Varma Guilty of Lack of Transparency

Parliamentary Committee Finds Justice Yashwant Varma Guilty of Lack of Transparency

Justice Yashwant Varma , who faced removal proceedings after a large quantity of unaccounted cash was allegedly found at his official residence last year, has been held guilty by a three-member inquiry committee constituted by Parliament. Committee report tabled The committee’s report was tabled in both Houses on Wednesday. It said Justice Varma’s explanation regarding the discovery of burnt currency notes lacked the “candour, transparency and institutional responsibility” expected from a judge in such circumstances. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? The panel found that substantial quantities of unexplained ₹500 notes were recovered from a storeroom at his official residence on Tughlaq Crescent in New Delhi. According to the report, Varma failed to satisfactorily explain the presence, source or ownership of the cash. The committee also raised concerns over the handling of the storeroom after the incident, observing that its evidentiary condition had been disturbed before it was lawfully sealed and inspected. The subsequent disappearance or non-availability of the currency notes, it said, remained unexplained. Fire sparked controversy The controversy erupted after a fire broke out at Varma’s residence on the night of March 14 last year. Firefighters responding to the blaze allegedly found large quantities of burnt currency in a storeroom. Questions over removal proceedings Varma has since resigned and was repatriated to the Allahabad High Court, his parent court. However, his resignation has reportedly not yet been notified by the Union Law Ministry, raising questions over the legal status of his removal proceedings. Congress MP Manish Tewari had earlier sought clarity on whether Parliament could proceed against a judge who has resigned but whose resignation has not been formally notified. He said the government must explain whether the resignation had been accepted, rejected or remained pending.
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Free Press Journal
Aug 12, 2026, 10:33 AM
Parliament Deadlock Escalates as NDA and Opposition Clash Over Student Protests

Parliament Deadlock Escalates as NDA and Opposition Clash Over Student Protests

New Delhi: The Parliament deadlock escalated sharply on Tuesday as NDA and Opposition INDIA bloc MPs came face-to-face at Makar Dwar, trading slogans and accusations over police action against protesting students, alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and the purported theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Security personnel formed a cordon between the rival groups as MPs from both sides held simultaneous protests. The NDA accused Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of running away from a debate on student protests, while the Opposition demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah explain alleged police excesses against students in Delhi. Let us know! 👂 What type of content would you like to see from us this year? The confrontation outside Parliament mirrored the stalemate inside the Lok Sabha, where proceedings were disrupted within minutes of the House assembling Speaker Om Birla appealed to both sides to allow Parliament to function, saying the government had agreed to a discussion on student issues and that Shah was ready to respond. "I feel anguished when the House does not function," Birla said, urging MPs to cooperate and allow important Bills to be debated. The NDA MPs marched from the Parliament Library to Makar Dwar after their weekly parliamentary meeting, carrying placards targeting Gandhi and shouting slogans including "Rahul Gandhi Jawab Do" and "Rahul Gandhi Bhago Maat". Their protest focused on the police action against student and job aspirants in Jharkhand on Monday, where demonstrators protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations were stopped from marching towards the Assembly with water cannons and lathi-charge. The Opposition MPs, including Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, held placards demanding accountability for alleged police action against students in Delhi last month. Their banner carried the slogan "Order kisnay diya?" (Who gave the order?). Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge rejected the government's charge that the Opposition was avoiding debate and said the party's demands had remained unchanged. He said the Congress wanted a statement from Shah on the alleged lathi-charge and firing on students, including the reported use of pellet guns, and accountability over the injuries suffered by protesters. The party has also demanded a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the alleged "Chanda Chori" involving donations to the Ram temple in Ayodhya and an apology. "These three issues have been raised from the beginning, remain relevant now, and will continue to persist until they are resolved," Kharge said. The government maintained that it had offered precisely what the Opposition was demanding — a detailed discussion followed by a reply from Shah. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said Shah was ready to respond to all issues relating to student protests. The Opposition disputed the government's framing of the Jharkhand protests as an alternative issue. Congress MP KC Venugopal accused Shah of attempting to divert attention from the alleged police excesses in Delhi. "You can't hide atrocities against students in Delhi by mentioning students' protests in Jharkhand. This is a face-saving exercise by Amit Shah," Venugopal said. The dispute over Shah's absence also remained a flashpoint. The Home Minister was absent from the Lok Sabha on Tuesday despite two Bills being listed against his name. The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, was subsequently moved by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai and passed by voice vote amid Opposition sloganeering, without a debate. The confrontation outside Parliament briefly brought the rival camps within shouting distance. BJP MPs also confronted Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, with BJP MP Mukesh Dalal demanding that Rahul Gandhi go to Jharkhand. Vadra later said the Opposition's protests had forced the ruling side to take up the issue. “Now they should come forward and make a statement," she said.
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