Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. File picture | The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha shared on X a video of his recent meeting with a group of tribals affected by the project.केन-बेतवा परियोजना के खिलाफ सत्याग्रह कर रहे आदिवासी भाई-बहनों की समस्याएं, मांगें, संघर्ष और आपबीती - उनकी जुबानी।सालों से सिर्फ़ अपने अधिकारों के लिए अन्याय और अत्याचार सह रहे ये बुंदेलखंड निवासी सम्मान और समर्थन के हक़दार हैं।आदिवासी भाई-बहनों की इस लड़ाई में, मैं और… pic.twitter.com/graNKRt4IE— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 19, 2026"The problems, demands, struggles, and personal ordeals of the tribal brothers and sisters who are carrying out a satyagraha against the Ken-Betwa project — their own account. For years, these residents of Bundelkhand have been enduring injustice and oppression solely for their rights; they deserve respect and support," Mr. Gandhi said in his post."In this fight of our tribal brothers and sisters, the Congress and I stand with them," Mr. Gandhi said.In the video, a tribal representative is heard claiming that the project would affect 21 tribal-dominated villages and impact approximately 4.6 million (46 lakh) trees as well as the Panna Tiger Reserve.According to the representative, around 11,500 acres of land belonging to approximately 7,000 families would be lost to the project. They urged Rahul Gandhi to raise the issue of alleged harassment by the administration in Parliament and to join the movement.In the video, Mr. Gandhi assured them that he would visit the site and pressure the government.The Rs 44,605-crore Ken-Betwa Link Project is the country’s first river-linking project under the National Perspective Plan. It aims to irrigate 1.062 million hectares of land, provide drinking water to about 6.2 million people and generate hydropower in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region spanning Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Published - August 19, 2026 03:28 pm IST
Several States are recording a spike in H1N1 cases, among other influenza-like illnesses, viral fevers, and respiratory tract infections. Experts say there is no cause for alarm, but advise that children with asthma and other chronic conditions might require special intervention.The H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, is a subtype of influenza A, and can cause respiratory illness, with symptoms including fever or chills, cough, sore throat, a runny or blocked nose, headache, tiredness, and muscle or body aches. In some cases, patients may also experience vomiting and diarrhoea.Six times more casesDelhi has recorded a sharp rise in H1N1 cases, with over 1,300 infections reported this monsoon season — nearly six times higher than the same period last year.The national capital had recorded 1,344 H1N1 cases by early August, compared with 229 cases during the corresponding period last year. Government hospitals have set up separate isolation wards, and health officials have urged vulnerable groups, including children and older adults, to take extra precautions. Special wards have been set up at hospitals to manage the surge in cases.A Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official also said cases had gone up compared to last year, with Mumbai recording 309 cases between June 1 and August 15 this year, compared to 72 cases during the same period in 2025.Limited testingBengaluru doctors say they are seeing a noticeable rise in influenza-like illness, viral fever, and respiratory tract infections among children. Doctors have also confirmed H1N1 cases, though testing is restricted to children with severe or persistent symptoms and those with severe acute respiratory illness.At the State-run Vani Vilas Women and Children Hospital, paediatrics head Chikkanarasa Reddy P.S. said respiratory complaints and fever account for nearly 80% of the daily paediatric out-patient load, so only children with more aggressive symptoms are being tested. In Bengaluru’s Clarence High School alone, over 500 cases of influenza-like illness have been reported, with two confirmed cases of H1N1 among students, sparking concerns about transmission in classrooms and other crowded indoor settings.At the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, director Narendra Babu said the hospital was seeing a steady flow of viral fever cases and confirming around two to three H1N1 cases a day among those tested.Private sector paediatricians are reporting a sharper rise. Vikas Satwik, senior paediatrician and neonatologistat Motherhood Hospitals, said school-going children account for a substantial share. Sujatha Thyagarajan, lead and head of paediatric intensive care and paediatric emergency at Aster Women and Children Hospital, said H1N1 and other influenza A infections were rising earlier than the usual seasonal pattern.‘Early testing needed’In Chennai, J.K. Reddy, a senior paediatrics consultant at Apollo Children’s Hospital, said they have been seeing cases of H1N1 among children for the past two weeks, with a slight rise in cases this week. He advised that children suspected of having influenza should be tested within 24 to 48 hours of developing symptoms. Anti-flu drugs are more effective if started in the first few days of fever. Government doctors also confirmed they are seeing patients with symptoms of flu-like illness, but since routine testing for H1N1 is not conducted at government hospitals, it is difficult to classify them.Janani Sankar, medical director at the Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital in Chennai, said: “Most of the children are managed as outpatients. Some of them with extreme fatigue, severe body pain, and lack of oral intake needed hospitalisation. We are yet to see children with H1N1.”Ravinder Nayak, Telangana’s Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, said the number of H1N1 cases in the State was lower than in the corresponding period last year. Vijay Kumar, superintendent of Niloufer Hospital, Telangana’s premier State-run tertia
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. File. | The Lok Sabha secretariat has sought a response from Mr. Gandhi to two separate complaints of "breach of privilege" filed by BJP MPs Anurag Thakur and Sanjay Jaiswal for his remarks against Mr. Shah during a debate on the anti-paper leak bill. The secretariat has asked Mr. Gandhi to submit his response to the allegations against him by August 28."Idiot is not an unparliamentary word. Calling anyone silly is not unparliamentary. The usage of the word hurts those who are silly. It's government silliness if Gandhi has been issued any notice," Mr. Raut told reporters.Recalling Bollywood blockbuster "3 Idiots", which had received a national award, the Rajya Sabha member argued that if “idiot” is an unparliamentary word, then the Censor Board should be banned.Mr. Raut alleged the Union Home Minister does not come to Parliament and answer questions."All idiots are being brought together, and the governments are being run in Maharashtra and the country," he alleged.On Yoga guru Ramdev reportedly warning of a potential new protest over alleged corruption in education and recruitment examinations, Mr. Raut said the former seems to have realised the changing direction of political winds in the country."Ramdev seems to have realised that the current government will change. He knows about possible raids by Central agencies after the government is changed and is exercising caution," Mr. Raut claimed. Published - August 16, 2026 05:25 pm IST
Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur with Pradeep Bhandari. File | The ruling party demanded that the Congress publicly apologise within 24 hours for the "insult" to the national song if it has even an "iota" of patriotism.The remarks came in the wake of the BJP's allegations that Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge showed "utter disrespect" towards Vande Mataram when it was sung at the party's Independence Day event on Friday (August 14).The Congress denied the allegation, asserting that there was no attempt to stop the singing of the full version of the national song and that Sonia Gandhi was only asking for a chair for party chief Mallikarjun Kharge as he had been standing for some time.Addressing a press conference here, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said the Opposition to Vande Mataram by Rahul and Sonia Gandhi on Independence Day points towards a mindset of a "dimagi Naxal ecosystem"."Can any patriot, can any Indian who believes in the Constitution of India, respects the Tricolour of India, respects India's freedom fighters and believes in India's sovereignty and integrity, ever get angry at the invocation of Vande Mataram on Independence Day?" he said."The Congress has not only insulted the freedom fighters but also the Constitution of this country, its sovereignty and integrity, and the 140 crore people of this country," Mr. Bhandari said.The "dimagi Naxal" reference came from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address to the nation, in which he warned against "dimagi Naxals" who have entrenched themselves in the system and urged people to identify and isolate them.Accusations against Congress Flag hoisting by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and former president of AICC, Sonia Gandhi | "If you look carefully at the video, when Vande Mataram is being invoked at the Congress Party headquarters, Sonia Gandhi indicates with her hand that they should stop. She gestures that Vande Mataram should be stopped at the Congress Party headquarters.”"When she is not listened to, she again gestures for the second time and says that it must be stopped." Mr. Bhandari claimed Rahul Gandhi could be heard saying, "We don't need to sing Vande Mataram" after its rendition was completed and played a purported audio clip before the media.The BJP spokesperson said Sonia and Rahul Gandhi should apologise within 24 hours to every patriotic Indian who is "deeply angry and enraged" by the Congress' conduct.He alleged that the Congress' Opposition to Vande Mataram is part of its policy of opposing anything patriotic and questioned whether Rahul Gandhi is fit to be the Leader of Opposition."Any leader of Opposition who considers the Parliament of this country supreme can never insult the national song," Mr. Bhandari said.He also alleged that the Congress government in Kerala skipped Vande Mataram at an official event, saying this shows that the party's conduct at its headquarters is not an isolated incident.Mr. Bhandari also attacked senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram over his response to Modi's "dimagi Naxal' remark. Chidambaram on Sunday (August 16) said he is proud to be a 'dimagi Naxal'."And this country's Gen Z and youth are Gen P, Gen Patriotic, Gen Nationalist. They know that on Independence Day, when 140 crore Indians are holding the tricolour, celebrating with happiness and pride and taking the resolve of Viksit Bharat 2047 under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, only the Gand
Officials say that SIT was reportedly focusing on why the investigation stalled despite GST intelligence flagging the wire transfer of ₹126 crore to a foreign entity through banking channels in 2025, which automatically triggered a service tax obligation of ₹22.68 crore to the State exchequer. File | Officials said the investigation will likely lay the legal groundwork for a sweeping anti-corruption enquiry into the high-profile plan that turned into a fiasco amid a storm of hype and despite the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s active backing. According to government officials privy to the enquiry ordered by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, the SIT, headed by GST Deputy Commissioner C Brijesh, is poised to record statements from the tax enforcers who initially flagged suspected levy dodging in 2025. They said the SIT was reportedly focusing on why the investigation stalled despite GST intelligence flagging the wire transfer of ₹126 crores to a foreign entity through banking channels in 2025, which automatically triggered a service tax obligation of ₹22.68 crore to the State exchequer. The tax enforcers had also issued several notices to the firm, to no avail under the LDF government.Officials said the sponsoring firm, under renewed government scrutiny, belatedly responded to the GST notices in early August. They said the company took the legal defence that it owed no service tax since the event never took place.They said the government might refer the finding that the sponsoring firm registered itself as a company, allegedly with paltry capital, just weeks before approaching the LDF government with the high-profile scheme, to the Registrar of Companies and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), based on a legal opinion predicated on the SIT’s findings. The ongoing multi-department probe, officials said, also covered whether the LDF government had wrapped up the agreement with the sponsor without open tendering, soliciting expressions of interest from other potential bidders, clearance from the Law and Finance Departments, cabinet concurrence and proper market value assessment to determine whether the firm had the budgetary capacity to execute the high-value commercial enterprise.If the multi-department enquiry reveals cognisable offences, including those with penal consequences under the GST Act and infringement of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the UDF government, officials said, would have the latitude to refer the findings to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau for further investigation. They said the banking data on outward remittances made by the sponsor could also trigger investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), based on the SIT’s findings or the registration of a vigilance case, if at all. Published - August 16, 2026 12:49 pm IST
A drone view shows job aspirants and students taking out a massive ‘Tiranga Yatra’ procession to protest against the Jharkhand government over the JPSC and JSSC-CGL exam paper leak issues at Albert Ekka Chowk, in Ranchi, on August 15, 2026. | The protesters also said that they would burn effigies of the Chief Minister and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi across all 24 districts of the State on Sunday (August 16, 2026), alleging that the ruling JMM-Congress alliance “failed to take concrete action” on their demands.They also demanded that Mr. Gandhi withdraw support from the JMM-led coalition if the “CM is not listening” to him. Students march with the national flag from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk to demand cancellation of the JSSC CLG and JPSC papers on the day of the 80th Independence Day, in Ranchi on August 16, 2026. | The protest under JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch entered its 22nd day, with thousands of students and job aspirants, including two wheelchair-borne demonstrators who were on fast, participating in the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, the site of the ongoing agitation, to Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi. Carrying the national flags, the protesters raised slogans such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”. Specially-abled job aspirants in wheelchairs lead a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ procession taken out by students and job seekers under the banner of JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch near Albert Ekka Chowk on August 15, 2026. | We seek his resignation as both the JMM and the Congress are playing politics with us. We also demand that Rahul Gandhi withdraw support from the JMM-led coalition if the CM is not listening to him,” JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch leader Ravindra Paswan said.The protesters said they would not withdraw the demonstration until the government addresses their demands, including the cancellation of examinations in which alleged irregularities were found and an independent probe into the recruitment process.The platform of the protesting students has sought a CBI investigation or an inquiry by a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand into the alleged exam irregularities. The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch has also demanded cancellation of the JSSC-CGL test and certain Jharkhand PSC examinations that it considers suspicious.The protesters appealed to students across Jharkhand to assemble in Ranchi for the proposed gherao of the CM’s residence on August 20 and said they would not withdraw agitation until their demands are met.They also targeted Mr. Gandhi, saying he had expressed support for students but that “no concrete action” had followed.The students’ platform demanded that Congress withdraw support from the JMM-led government if it is unwilling to act on their concerns.“We demanded CM Hemant Soren’s resignation as the government failed to cancel JSSC-CGL and the JPSC examinations in which irregularities were found,” the student leader said. Published - August 16, 2026 02:20 am IST
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy hoisted national flag on the occasion of 80th Independence Day, at Golconda Fort in Hyderabad on August 15, 2026 | Revanth Reddy on Saturday (August 15, 2026) said the State’s economy had made significant progress over the past 32 months, with its per capita income reaching ₹4,18,931 in 2025-26. He also said the State’s per capita income was about 91% higher than the national average, citing the latest Reserve Bank of India statistics.Speaking after hoisting the national flag at the historic Golconda Fort in Hyderabad on the occasion of 80th Independence Day, the Chief Minister said the government was working to transform Telangana into a $1 trillion economy by 2034 and a $3 trillion economy by 2047. The State was also aiming to increase its share of the national GDP to 10%, he said. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy hoisted national flag on the occasion of 80th Independence Day, at Golconda Fort in Hyderabad on August 15, 2026 | Reddy said the government was developing ‘Bharat Future City’ as the country’s first net-zero smart city and a global hub for artificial intelligence, data centres, advanced manufacturing, research, innovation and emerging technologies.“We are striving to rebuild Telangana and put it on the path of development. In the 32 months since our government assumed office in December 2023, we have restored systems that had been damaged in a planned manner,” he said.Nearly ₹1.70 lakh crore for agriculture and farmer welfareMr. Reddy said the government believed that the State could prosper only when farmers prospered. The government had spent nearly ₹1.70 lakh crore on agriculture and farmer welfare during the past 32 months, he said.On the sharing of river waters with Andhra Pradesh, he said Telangana would not compromise on its rightful share of Krishna and Godavari rivers.He said pending irrigation projects, including Thummadihatti and the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, were being taken up on priority. The government would ensure irrigation water reached the last acre of the ayacut, he said.Recalling that the Young India Skills University had been established to provide skill training to youth along with education, he said, “As many as 1,190 people had received training in advanced skills, of whom 838 had secured jobs in reputed companies”.The Chief Minister said investments worth ₹1.29 lakh crore had been secured through TG-iPASS, creating the potential for more than 78,000 jobs.Memorandums of Understanding worth ₹5.75 lakh crore were signed at the Telangana Rising Global Summit-2025, he said. The State would host the Telangana Rising Global Summit again this year to showcase investment opportunities in the State.He said the government had launched the Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy-2026 to position Telangana among the world’s leading life sciences clusters. Efforts were also under way to attract investments in semiconductors, electronics and advanced manufacturing, he said. Public representatives, officials including Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju, DGP C.V. Anand, were present. Published - August 15, 2026 12:27 pm IST
Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday (August 13, 2026) called for a "peaceful revolution" in the way India chooses its political leadership, saying the country needs a major change if it is to remain a "respectable nation" by 2047.In a video message ahead of Independence Day, Mr. Wangchuk also called for "India’s second Independence movement", urging citizens to suggest "selfless, fearless men and women of character and substance" who can help shape the country's future.He said he had been unwell over the past few days and had spent time thinking about the country and its future."Fifty years ago, the neighbouring countries that were behind us, or were equal to us, have now gone miles away from us," he said, naming Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh."If we talk about per capita GDP, and if this continues, then in 2047, we will not be a developed country, but we will not even be able to show our face in the world market," he said.Mr. Wangchuk congratulated those who had sought change and protested over the past two months, saying the agitation had also seen a change in the Union Education Ministry."I would like to congratulate you, on one hand, that you wanted change and you protested in the last two months. And even though there was change...the Minister of Education resigned. But the next Minister of Education, I don't see any miracle from him either," he added.THIS INDIPENDENCE DAY, I NEED YOUR HELP...This country needs a peaceful revolution, at least in how we chose our leaders... if we are to remain even a respectable nation by 2047.Close to half of our MPs have criminal cases and a third have serious charges like murder, rape &… pic.twitter.com/10byPuzwtX— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) August 13, 2026Mr. Wangchuk said the country's progress was closely linked to its education system."And as long as education is behind, the future of the country will also be behind," he said.He said the issue of governance could not be reduced to one political party, claiming that dissent had been suppressed by governments of different parties."Voice was raised against one party's government in Delhi, and that voice, then in another states, another party government, they also did the same injustice, and suppressed it in the same way. So it's not even a matter of parties," he said.Mr. Wangchuk also referred to the political change that followed the anti-corruption movement of 2012-13, saying the subsequent change in government had not eliminated corruption and injustice."But today, after 12 years, corruption and injustice have taken on a new form. But it is also 2-3 times bigger than that, and is staring into our eyes, and is scaring us," he said.He called for a fundamental change in the manner in which political leaders are chosen."So we need a very big change, we need a revolution, we need a peaceful revolution in this country, so that we can move forward with the right leaders," he said."Because the biggest shortcoming is in choosing our leadership. Until the leaders are right, the entire country will be on the wrong path," he added.Raising concern over the criminal cases declared by elected representatives, Mr. Wangchuk said there were still several leaders who followed the path of truth and deserved respect."But do you know, if you look at our Parliament, then almost half of the Parliament members are accused of crimes. One third are seriously accused of murder, rape, kidnapping. So how can the country develop in such a situation?" he said.He stressed that his criticism was not directed at any particular political party or the opposition."And I am not talking about any particular party or opposition, I am talking about the country," he said.Mr. Wangchuk said he wanted to bring together people from across the country to discuss what needed to change."I want to consult the best minds in the country wherever they are, to brainstorm about what must change and how," he said.He clarified that he was looking beyond people wh
The Muslim Youth League State General Secretary and MLA, P.K. Firoz, has demanded an enquiry by the State Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau into the previous LDF government’s failed attempt to bring Argentine Football Association (AFA) and its star player Lionel Messi to Kerala and the huge amount -- approximately ₹130 crore -- that is said to have changed hands between the private sponsor that had been chosen by the LDF government, a television news broadcasting company, and the AFA in violation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and other regulations.At a press conference here on Tuesday, Mr. Firoz claimed that it was on the basis of the complaint given by the Muslim Youth League that the Sports Special Secretary, N. Prasanth had conducted an enquiry into the “Messi affair”, which revealed grave irregularities as well as the fact that shady financial transactions had taken place on behalf of Kerala government and the AFA .He claimed that though the Muslim Youth League had raised several pertinent questions at the time, about the manner in which the then LDF government had found a private sponsor to promote the visit by AFA and the alleged contract the LDF government had entered into for the entire event, including the refurbishing of Kochi Jawaharlal Nehru stadium at ₹70-100 crore. The LDF government had been unwilling to divulge any details, he said.Mr. Firoz said that the LDF government had kept mum about the entire affair, till the private sponsor himself came forward and revealed that he had already paid ₹126 crore in advance to the AFA on account of their visit to Kerala, which never materialised. He pointed out that the AFA, including its president and treasurer, were facing multiple financial and disciplinary investigations spanning the United States and Argentina, and that the US FBI was currently investigating commercial transactions and money laundering allegations against the AFA as well as a third agency with ties to AFA.Mr. Firoz demanded to know how a television broadcasting company got involved in the murky financial deals surrounding the AFA and what was the role played by the then Sports Minister, V. Abdurahiman, in the entire affair, as it was he who had made the trip to Spain to bring AFA to Kerala and made the grand announcement about the same. Published - August 12, 2026 12:53 am IST
Students holding placards take part during 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march over alleged JPSC and JSSC-CGL examination paper leak, in Ranchi on Monday. | Jharkhand students’ protests LIVE- August 11, 2026The Opposition party said the BJP thinks that if a "fake crowd" is sent to the Jharkhand movement to make it look bigger, then the public outrage that has arisen against it will die down.Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal shared a video clip purportedly showing youth allegedly being sent by the BJP to participate in the Jharkhand student protest against exam irregularities.In a post in Hindi on X, Mr. Venugopal said, "Behold another example of the petty politics of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. Some boys from the BJP Yuva Morcha are being transported from West Bengal in trucks to Jharkhand, and an attempt is being made there to give a different colour to the ongoing non-violent student movement.""They think that if a fake crowd is sent to the Jharkhand movement to make it look bigger, then the public outrage that has arisen against them will die down. Modi ji, stop thinking of and treating the people of India as fools," the Congress leader said. Venugopal said."Therefore, stop trying to serve your own ends under the guise of Jharkhand's youth. There is no place left in this country for your such conspiracies," he said.His remarks come a day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhicondemned the use of force against students protesting in Jharkhand and called on the State government to continue to hear the protesters out and resolve their issues immediately.The Congress is part of the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand.Mr. Gandhi's remarks came after police in Ranchi used water cannons, lobbed tear gas shells, and lathi-charged job aspirants as they breached barricades and attempted to reach the state assembly, protesting the alleged recruitment exam irregularities."My message to protesting students in Jharkhand is clear. We condemn any violence against peacefully protesting students," he said during a press conference."It does not matter where it is happening. We condemn it, we are against it, we do not recommend it, and we do not support it. We are very clear," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said."As long as protests are peaceful, we are against any attack on it with violence," he added.Earlier, in a post on X, Mr. Gandhi had said the use of force against students protesting in Jharkhand is wrong."Students have a right to peaceful protest, and only dialogue can yield solutions. The Jharkhand government must continue to hear these students out and resolve their issues immediately," he said.Several protesters claimed they were injured in the police action, which took place when they reached the final barricade near the Jagannathpur Temple on the road to the Jharkhand Assembly, which was in session. Published - August 11, 2026 10:46 am IST
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