Rejig Triggers Unease In Punjab BJP, Old Guard Pushes Back

The Jharkhand student protest over alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations continues to intensify in Ranchi. Protesters are demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination, a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities, and comprehensive reforms to ensure transparency and fairness in future recruitment. The agitation has also seen a hunger strike by student leaders and has drawn political attention, with several parties extending support while questions are being raised over the response of the state government.Watch our complete report on the latest developments, the students' key demands, the political reactions, and what this controversy means for government recruitment in Jharkhand.n18oc_the-hard-facts

Kolkata Durga Puja committees held khuti pujas to launch 2026 preparations, with newly elected BJP MLAs/ministers joining and taking patron roles.

Measured reactions greet Taslima Nasrin’s return to Kolkata after 19 years, as leaders warn against provocation and urge peace amid political criticism.

Bengaluru, Aug 3 (IANS) Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Congress government over the reinduction of B. Nagendra into the State Cabinet, alleging that the ruling party had rewarded a “tainted” leader despite the alleged Valmiki Development Corporation scam. Ashoka said the Congress government should be ashamed of inducting Nagendra into the Cabinet, alleging that a leader accused in the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for the Scheduled Tribe community had been rewarded with a ministerial berth. Referring to the alleged Rs 187‐crore scam in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, Ashoka alleged that money meant for the welfare of poor Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries had been diverted and that Nagendra had now been welcomed back into the Cabinet despite the controversy. He claimed that the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had himself admitted on the floor of the Assembly that irregularities had taken place in the Valmiki Development Corporation. “Despite this, the Congress has once again rewarded B. Nagendra with a ministerial berth without any sense of accountability,” Ashoka alleged. The BJP leader accused the Congress government of failing to fix responsibility in major controversies during its tenure. He alleged that no one had been held accountable in the alleged Rs 187‐crore Valmiki Corporation scam and also referred to the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede tragedy, in which 11 people lost their lives during the IPL victory celebrations, claiming that no responsibility had been fixed in that incident either. Questioning Nagendra’s reinduction, Ashoka alleged that funds meant for the education, housing and welfare of Scheduled Tribe communities had been looted instead of being utilised for public welfare. He also accused the Congress high command of rewarding leaders despite the allegations against them and termed the Cabinet berth a betrayal of the people of Karnataka, particularly the Valmiki community. Ashoka further alleged that the Congress government was protecting corruption and shielding those accused of wrongdoing. He asserted that the people of Karnataka would not forgive what he described as corruption, commission practices and the protection of those facing allegations, and claimed that the tenure of what he termed the “loot government” was nearing its end. Ashoka also launched a fresh attack on Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, alleging that he had failed to exercise the constitutional authority vested in him while constituting the State Cabinet. He said the Constitution gives the Chief Minister the exclusive prerogative to decide which MLAs should be sworn in as Ministers. “It is entirely the Chief Minister’s discretion to decide which legislators should take oath as Ministers. The Constitution has vested this authority in the Chief Minister,” he said. Questioning the manner in which the Cabinet was constituted, Ashoka alleged that Shivakumar was not exercising the powers vested in his office. “But what is happening in your government?” he asked. The BJP leader went on to describe Shivakumar as a “rubber‐stamp Chief Minister,” alleging that he was unable to exercise his constitutional authority independently. “What is the use of having a rubber‐stamp Chief Minister who is incapable of exercising that authority?” Ashoka said. He further challenged the Chief Minister to resign if he was unable to function independently. “If you have even a little self‐respect, you should immediately resign and go home,” Ashoka said. Ashoka’s remarks came hours after the Congress government expanded the State Cabinet by inducting 19 legislators as Ministers. --IANS mka/dan

Guwahati, Aug 3 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday defended the state government’s decision to provide Rs 15,000 as interim assistance to flood‐affected families, saying the financial aid was only the beginning of a larger rehabilitation exercise and not the final compensation package. Addressing reporters during his visit to flood‐ravaged areas of Nazira in Sivasagar district, the Chief Minister dismissed criticism over the amount, asserting that the government would continue extending support to affected families until rehabilitation is completed. “Those who are making fun of us do not know us. The people of Nazira and Sivasagar know that the government stands with them and will continue to help them for a long time,” Sarma said. He said it would be incorrect to judge the government’s flood response solely based on the interim relief amount. “Those who feel Rs 15,000 is too little have a very limited understanding. This is not the end of the government’s assistance. The people know that we are with them and that is why they are not questioning our intentions,” the Chief Minister said. Sarma stressed that the government’s immediate focus remains on assisting flood‐hit families rather than responding to political criticism. “This is the time to stand beside the people. They will judge us by the work we do on the ground and by how effectively we help them rebuild their lives,” he said. The Chief Minister also announced the next phase of the state’s rehabilitation programme, stating that special training sessions for damage assessment teams will be organised in Jorhat on August 7 and Nazira on August 8. Following the training, teams comprising teachers and government officials will conduct door‐to‐door surveys in flood‐affected areas to prepare a comprehensive assessment of damage to houses, property and livelihoods. The survey will form the basis for determining compensation and rehabilitation assistance. Sarma spent the day reviewing relief and restoration work in Sivasagar district and interacting with flood‐affected residents. He reiterated that the government remains committed to supporting victims through both immediate relief and long‐term rehabilitation measures. --IANS tdr/dan

Guwahati, Aug 3 (IANS) Assam Education and Information Technology Minister Ranoj Pegu on Monday sought to allay concerns over the safety of the NHPC Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project, stating that the dam is structurally safe and is being operated under stringent monitoring and national safety protocols. Pegu visited the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project at Gerukamukh to review its operational preparedness amid concerns raised by downstream residents following the recent floods in Assam. During the inspection, the minister reviewed the dam structure, reservoir, control room and the Early Warning System installed at the project. He also held discussions with NHPC engineers and officials regarding the operational mechanisms and flood management measures being followed at the hydroelectric facility. According to the minister, the 116‐metre‐high dam currently has its reservoir filled up to 92 metres while maintaining a 15‐metre flood cushion to absorb excess inflows during the monsoon and help moderate downstream flooding. He said around 3,800 cubic metres of water per second (cumecs) is presently being released downstream in a regulated manner. Pegu noted that the project recorded its highest inflow of nearly 13,800 cumecs during the recent spell of heavy rainfall on July 13. Of this, approximately 12,500 cumecs was discharged in a controlled manner, while the remaining water was retained in the reservoir to reduce the intensity of floods downstream. “After personally inspecting the project and interacting with the engineers, I am convinced that the Lower Subansiri Dam is safe. The release of water is carefully regulated, and all operations are being carried out under the prescribed safety protocols,” the minister said. He added that reservoir levels are under continuous surveillance and the dam is being operated in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Dam Safety Authority. Reassuring people living in downstream districts such as Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Majuli, Pegu said there was no reason for panic, as the project has the capacity to temporarily store excess monsoon inflows and release water in a calibrated manner to help mitigate flood risks. He reiterated that the safety of downstream communities remains the government’s foremost priority and that all agencies are working in close coordination to ensure the responsible operation of the project. --IANS tdr/dan

Mumbai, Aug 3 (IANS) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday directed MahaRail authorities to launch a wide-reaching public awareness drive and conduct local seminars to clear misunderstandings around the Rs 12,200-crore Thane Internal Metro Project. The decision follows objections raised by residents and local public representatives regarding the ongoing work. During a virtual review meeting, DCM Shinde instructed officials to resolve public grievances immediately and take all stakeholders into confidence. He mandated MahaRail to organise interactive workshops and display informative hoardings during the upcoming Ganeshotsav festival to explain the project’s scope and address concerns directly. Approved to ease severe traffic congestion and streamline daily commutes to Thane railway station, the 29-kilometre internal Metro line includes 26 km of elevated route across key areas of Thane City and 3 km of underground route connecting the existing Thane station to the proposed new Thane station. Currently, 9.5% of the overall construction is complete, with work on stations and casting yards progressing steadily. The line will integrate with Metro Line 4 at Rayladevi and Metro Line 5 at Balkum Naka, providing seamless connectivity across different parts of the city. During the meeting, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik advocated rerouting the line through Samata Nagar, Lokmanya Nagar, and Aai Mata Temple toward Shivai Nagar, noting that the adjustment would directly benefit over 100,000 residents. Responding to the proposal, DCM Shinde directed MahaRail to complete a comparative study within three weeks to evaluate passenger benefits and minimise residential displacement. Addressing specific objections raised by residents of Eden Woods, Hiranandani Estate, and Chendani Koliwada, DCM Shinde instructed officials to find quick, actionable solutions to resolve their localised concerns. Highlighting the project's national importance, Shinde noted that the internal Metro was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and features on the central government's priority list for urban development. Member of Parliament Naresh Mhaske emphasised the need to build consensus among elected leaders, while DCM Shinde urged local representatives to take the lead in addressing citizens' doubts. The review meeting was attended by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, MP Naresh Mhaske, MLAs Niranjan Davkhare, Adv Madhavi Naik, and Ravindra Phatak, along with Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, MahaRail CEO Shravan Hardikar, and key administrative officers. The Deputy CM’s directives come a day after former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S Oka, at the interactive session, criticised Thane’s urban planning, specifically highlighting the Thane Internal Ring Metro and other mega projects as potentially illegal and lacking public consultation. Justice Oka noted that projects like the Ring Metro do not appear in the municipal corporation's statutory Development Plan (DP) under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, making their execution legally indefensible. He stated that executing major infrastructure works without taking citizens into confidence or allowing proper public participation goes against constitutional rights. True growth means affordable housing, clean environment, and safe streets for all—not just building flyovers and metro lines. The representatives of citizens' organisations claimed that the internal circular Metro project threatens close to 3,000 mature trees in Thane and declared they will raise objections against large-scale loss of green cover. --IANS sj/uk

Bengaluru, Aug 3 (IANS) Karnataka Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka on Monday claimed that the Congress government’s Cabinet expansion had exposed deep divisions within the ruling party, pointing to resignations, protests and expressions of dissent by legislators overlooked for ministerial berths. Ashoka alleged that the Cabinet exercise had sparked widespread dissatisfaction among Congress leaders and workers across the state. He claimed that Indi MLA Yashavantharayagouda had resigned, while Sagar MLA Belur Gopalakrishna had announced that he would resign on Tuesday over the developments. Ashoka further said senior Congress MLA Tanveer Sait had expressed displeasure with the party high command, alleging that ministerial positions had been awarded to those who had worked against the party, while loyal leaders had been ignored. The BJP leader also referred to protests by supporters of Congress MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar after she was left out of the expanded Cabinet. According to Ashoka, Congress legislators from Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts, which were not represented in the new Cabinet, are scheduled to hold a meeting on Tuesday amid calls for mass resignations. He also pointed out that Raichur, Yadgir and Karwar districts had not received representation in the Cabinet. Criticising the Congress government, Ashoka alleged that despite implementing welfare schemes for women such as Gruha Lakshmi and Shakti, it had failed to induct even a single woman into the expanded Cabinet. The Opposition leader further alleged that the Congress had spent the last three years embroiled in disputes over power‐sharing arrangements and was now facing controversy over the Cabinet expansion. “Even after three years in office, the Congress government has failed to take off,” he alleged. Ashoka claimed that Karnataka would continue to suffer until the Congress government was voted out, accusing the ruling party of failing to provide stable governance and asserting that the people of the state would hold it accountable. Bringing an end to months of speculation and prolonged political suspense, the Congress government on Monday finally decided to expand the Karnataka Cabinet, with the party high command approving the induction of 19 legislators as Ministers. Among the 20 names announced for induction, 19 legislators were sworn in as Cabinet Ministers in the Congress government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at a ceremony held at the Glass House in Lok Bhavan on Monday, marking the long‐awaited expansion of the State Cabinet. Although Congress MLC Gayathri Shanthegowda’s name figured in the list of ministers announced by the party, she did not take the oath. Congress insiders said the party high command has kept her berth vacant following strong opposition and rebellion over the Cabinet reshuffle. --IANS mka/dan

NIMS Hyderabad completes 1,000 robotic-assisted surgeries in under 3 years; most free under Aarogyasri and CMRF, across urology, gastro, oncology.

Boltt smartphone plans are now official, with Fire-Boltt preparing to enter India’s smartphone market under the Boltt brand, according to the company’s official teaser site. The page, hosted at Boltt.com, positions the upcoming phones as the next step for a company best known for wearables and connected consumer devices. The teaser does not reveal model [...]

Gen Z celebrates Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur bypoll win in Patna, citing anger over paper leaks, unemployment, delayed jobs and crackdowns.

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso reflected on his difficult Real Madrid spell, saying the 'scar' has healed as he prepares for his first Premier League season at Stamford Bridge.

Prashant Kishor has scripted a landmark victory in the Bankipur Assembly by-election, giving the Jan Suraaj Party its first-ever Assembly seat and ending the BJP's decades-long dominance in the constituency. The victory marks Kishor's successful electoral debut and is being viewed as a significant development ahead of Bihar's future political contests.Following the result, Prashant Kishor described the verdict as a message from the people on Bihar's leadership, while BJP leaders said they accepted the public mandate and would review the outcome. The result has intensified political debate over whether Bihar voters are increasingly looking beyond the traditional BJP-RJD contest.n18oc_the-hard-factsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

Amid Iran war, Netanyahu said India remains one of the key countries with which Israel is strengthening ties.