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Chhattisgarh CM Vishnudev Sai expanded his cabinet to 14 ministers, inducting Gajendra Yadav, Guru Khuswant Saheb, and Rajesh Agarwal. Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel called it unconstitutional, questioning Centre’s approval and accusing BJP of breaking norms. BJP defended the move, citing the 15% rule with 90 MLAs, similar to Haryana’s model.
Schools in Gautam Buddh Nagar will stay closed today, August 21, on account of the Guru Dronacharya Mela at Dankaur, aimed at easing traffic and ensuring student safety. The annual event commemorates Mahabharata’s Guru Dronacharya. Schools will also remain shut on August 26 for Onam and August 27 for Ganesh Chaturthi, resuming classes afterward.
The US sanctioned four ICC judges and prosecutors, including France’s Nicolas Guillou and Canada’s Kimberly Prost, over actions against Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the court a “national security threat.” Sanctions block assets and bar entry, also targeting prosecutors from Fiji and Senegal for backing warrants against Israeli leaders.
A plea in the Supreme Court seeks a special investigation team led by a former judge to probe Rahul Gandhi’s vote theft allegations of electoral roll manipulation. Filed by advocate Rohit Pandey, it cites Gandhi’s August 7 claims of “criminal fraud” involving BJP and EC, and requests independent audits, transparency, and machine-readable voter rolls.
Bernie Sanders has backed President Trump’s plan to convert federal chipmaker grants into government equity stakes, marking rare support. The policy, affecting firms like Intel with $10.9 billion in grants, stems from the 2022 Chips Act. Sanders said taxpayers deserve returns, noting it mirrors an earlier amendment he and Elizabeth Warren had proposed.
Israel will call up 60,000 additional reservists, nearly doubling troop numbers in Gaza to 120,000, signaling a wider offensive despite ceasefire talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt. Netanyahu approved expanding operations into Gaza City to target Hamas strongholds, drawing criticism as the UN warns of starvation and mass Palestinian displacement.
India faces growing US pressure over Russian oil imports, but Russia’s envoy calls it “unjustified”. Despite Western sanctions, India defends its energy choices as market-driven. Russia’s oil share surged from 1.7% to 35.1%. Diplomatic tensions rise as Washington imposes steep tariffs, yet India maintains trust in its strategic ties with Moscow.
Opposition MPs slammed the BJP’s proposed bill allowing arrest of senior officials, including the PM, for 30 days without trial on serious charges, calling it “draconian” and “unconstitutional.” Citing Arvind Kejriwal’s 2024 arrest, they warned it could legalize political targeting, destabilize opposition governments, and favor ruling parties, risking a ̶...
The NIA conducted raids at 9 Tamil Nadu locations, including Dindigul, Tenkasi, and Kodaikanal, in the 2019 murder of PMK functionary Ramalingam. One arrest was made, Imthathullah, for allegedly sheltering absconding offenders linked to the case. The probe, taken over by NIA in 2019, involves PFI members. Several arrests and ongoing searches continue.
A two-day Group of Ministers meeting on GST overhaul begins in New Delhi, with FM Nirmala Sitharaman addressing the panel at 2 PM. The Centre proposes a simplified two-slab system of 5% and 18%, a 40% rate for select demerit goods, and reduced GST on health and life insurance. GoM recommendations will go to the GST […]
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, will be introduced in Lok Sabha today by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to enhance ease of business and living. It proposes decriminalising 300 minor offences and rationalising penalties. Aimed at “Viksit Bharat 2047,” the Bill may be referred to a Select Committee for detailed scrutiny.
The Indian Air Force plans to induct 114 multirole fighter jets in four to five years via a fast-tracked global tender. With Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 squadrons retiring by 2037, contenders include Rafale, Gripen, F-16, and newcomer F-15 Strike Eagle. The move aims to maintain squadron strength and prepare for a two-front war.
US Vice President JD Vance will visit India later this month with Second Lady Usha Vance, marking his second foreign trip since taking office and her first visit to her ancestral country in this role. The visit comes amid rising India-US tensions over tariff cuts, Politico reported.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the hijacking of a train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province and expressed deep concern over the hostages, urging their immediate release. Calling attacks on civilians unacceptable, his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, issued a statement after gunmen opened fire on a passenger train.
Pakistani forces rescued 104 hostages after rebels hijacked the “Jaffar Express” in Balochistan, killing 16 militants in a fierce gunfight. The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility, demanding the release of Baloch prisoners. The rebels threatened to destroy the train and execute hostages if demands weren’t met within 48 hours.