The regulations exclude proposals dedicated exclusively to socially and educationally backward classes, SC/STs and economically weaker sections, proposals in remote, tribal or aspirational districts notified by the competent authorities and courses designed solely for persons with disabilities.
A parliamentary panel has criticized the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for design flaws and over-reliance on builders, leading to premature failures in newly constructed concrete highways. The committee highlighted the indiscriminate shift to concrete roads without proper assessment, resulting in poor quality and wasted funds.
On August 11, a bench of Justices Pardiwala and R Mahadevan took a stern view of the stray dog menace and ordered the Delhi-NCR to start removing stray dogs from all localities within eight weeks and house them in dedicated dog shelters to be set up by civic authorities.
Rahul Gandhi's lawyer filed a statement in a Pune court citing a threat to his life in a defamation case related to remarks against Savarkar, without Gandhi's consent. Gandhi strongly disagreed with the statement, prompting his lawyer to withdraw the application. The complainant, Satyaki Savarkar, alleges Gandhi falsely claimed V.D.
The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) intensified its protest against the Election Commission (EC) and the BJP, accusing them of vote theft. They put up banners labeling the EC as «Vote Chor Commission» outside its Delhi office, following Rahul Gandhi's allegations. They vowed to continue their agitation under the leadership of Gandhi “against vote theft” until the EC provides a digital voter list.
The opposition has been protesting in both Houses of Parliament against the revision of electoral rolls, alleging that the EC's exercise is aimed at «disenfranchising voters» in Bihar ahead of the assembly elections due later this year. They have been demanding a discussion on the issue in both Houses. The ECI published the draft voter list on August 1.
On August 11, a bench of Justices Pardiwala and R Mahadevan took a stern view of the stray dog menace and ordered the Delhi-NCR to start removing stray dogs from all localities within eight weeks and house them in dedicated dog shelters to be set up by civic authorities.
Asaduddin Owaisi, president of AIMIM, has criticised the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation's order to close meat shops and slaughterhouses on Independence Day. Owaisi argues that the ban infringes upon citizens' rights to liberty, privacy, livelihood, culture, nutrition, and religion, questioning the connection between eating meat and celebrating independence.
The Supreme Court's order to remove stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and house them in shelters has sparked outrage. Estimates suggest Delhi has up to 10 lakh stray dogs, and activists claim housing them could cost the government ₹10,000 crore.
Opposition parties in India have criticized the appearance of three military officers from Operation Sindoor on a television program. The officers were featured on 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', an entertainment show. Concerns were raised about the appropriateness of discussing a military operation on a private entertainment platform.
At least 14 police personnel were injured after a mob attacked a police team and damaged police vehicles in Assam’s Hojai district on Tuesday, August 12. The incident took place in the Digholbali area, news agency ANI reported.
The Supreme Court has observed that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, requiring 11 documents, is more voter-friendly than the previous summary revision's seven. Despite arguments against excluding Aadhaar, the court highlighted the inclusionary nature of the extensive document list. Petitioners, however, argued that the documents have limited coverage among the population, citing low passport ownership.
BJP has retaliated against Congress's 'vote chori' allegation, asserting that Sonia Gandhi's name appeared on electoral rolls in 1980, before she became an Indian citizen. Amit Malviya highlighted this as a violation of electoral law. Anurag Thakur presented alleged discrepancies in Congress-held constituencies, accusing the party of historical electoral malpractices.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on August 21. This meeting follows increased tariffs imposed by the US on Indian imports. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval recently met Russian President Vladimir Putin. Discussions during that meeting were not disclosed. Putin is expected to visit India before the end of 2025.
The application process for Haj 2026 has concluded. Applicants are awaiting the Qurrah draw on August 13. The draw will be livestreamed on the Haj Committee of India website. Provisionally selected pilgrims must pay the advance fee by August 20, 2025. Vijayawada is a new embarkation point. A shorter, 20-day Haj package is available for 10,000 pilgrims.
An infiltration attempt along the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir's Uri sector was foiled by the army, resulting in the death of a soldier during the exchange of fire. Security forces have been on high alert following intelligence inputs suggesting possible infiltration attempts from across the LoC and the international border.
The central government clarified in Parliament that it has no intentions of enacting legislation to declare the cow as the national animal, citing that animal preservation falls under the exclusive legislative powers of state legislatures according to the Constitution. However, the Centre is actively promoting cow protection and rearing through the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, initiated in 2014.
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has assured to review a plea challenging the Supreme Court's recent directive to relocate all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters. The matter was brought to the CJI's attention, highlighting a previous order by another bench against the killing and relocation of community dogs, emphasizing compassion for all living beings.
In a tragic incident in Kushinagar, a 30-year-old mentally challenged woman, Madhuri, was allegedly killed by stray dogs. Her body was discovered in a paddy field near Arjun Dumri village, with parts eaten away. She had been missing since Monday. Locals report a persistent stray dog problem in the area, with previous incidents involving livestock.
The Supreme Court has shielded 'The Wire' editor Siddharth Varadarajan from arrest under Section 152 of the BNS, cautioning against implicating journalists for news articles. Justices emphasized that a news report doesn't inherently threaten national unity, even while hearing a case against the validity of Section 152.
Following the Dharali disaster, Uttarakhand has halted construction in disaster-prone zones. CM Dhami prohibited construction near water sources and ordered identification of vulnerable areas. The directive aims to prevent future construction in sensitive regions and hold officials accountable, prioritizing disaster management and citizen safety in the state.
