India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi: Amid the conflict in the Middle East, for the first time in decades the US has moved to automatically register eligible men, in an effort to overhaul its military draft system. This is the first time such has step has been taken since the Vietnam war in the 1960s, when the US last enforced such a step. According to a New York Post report, under the Selective Service System (SSS), automatic registration would begin by December 2026. The Congress has approved this new system in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. Under this new legislation, federal data would be integrated so that eligible men are automatically integrated into the draft database. As per the present legislation, men aged between 18 to 25 need to register with the Selective Service in a month after turning 18. If anyone fails to do so, it would be treated as felony, and is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, imprisonment up to five years, and loss of access to government benefits and jobs. Non-registrants may also be denied federal student loans, government employment at the federal, state and local levels. Under the existing federal law, the agency also accepts late registrations up to age 26. It has been found that despite stringent penalties, registration rates have been slipping nationwide. In 2024, the SSS had reported to the Congress that the share of eligible men who registered has dropped from 84% in 2023 to 81% in 2024. Several US states have already linked draft registration to driver's licence applications. However, under the new system, the registration would be automatic nationwide. This might be seen as an effort to modernise the system, something that has not changed since the Vietnam War. "This statutory change transfers responsibility for registration from individual men to SSS through integration with federal data sources," the agency said. It also added that the new system will "streamlined registration process and corresponding workforce realignment."
PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is all set to embark on 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' from Bihar's Rohtas district on August 17 to register a protest against how the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls was being conducted in the state. This comes at a time when the Opposition is ratcheting up its protest against the SIR and casting aspersions on the integrity of elections. AICC general secretary (organisation) and MP KC Venugopal held a meeting with the INDIA bloc leaders at Sasaram in Rohtas district on Wednesday and reviewed preparations for Rahul Gandhi's visit to Bi ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Congress on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court order putting on hold several key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act as a win for the constitutional values of justice, equality, and fraternity, and asserted that it goes a long way towards undoing the "mischievous intentions" underlying the original statute. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the Supreme Court's order on the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 represents a substantial victory not just for the parties that opposed this arbitrary law in Parliament but all those members of the Joint Parli ...Read More >
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Friday condemned the "unjust and illegal war imposed on Iran" and requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use his influence to end the war in the interest of humanity. He made the statement in the Legislative Assembly as the Leader of the House after several National Conference MLAs pressed for it, even as BJP legislators maintained that the Iran crisis is an international issue and does not fall in the domain of the House. "On behalf of mysel ...Read More >
Thiruvalla (Kerala), Apr 4 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Congress of making "provocative" statements aimed at straining India's relations with West Asian nations to politically harm him and thereby, gain political mileage. Strongly lashing out at the Congress and its allies, Modi said that they were only concerned with winning the elections. "I want to say this clearly, elections will come and go, but the safety of Indians, especially those from Kerala in the Middle East, is my top priority, and I will ensure it," the PM said at an NDA rally here. Modi said that ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 7 (ANI): BJP spokesperson NV Subhash on Tuesday slammed Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, saying she was shedding "crocodile tears" for people of Keralam living in the Gulf region amid the West Asia conflict. Speaking to ANI, NV Subhash called Priyanka Gandhi's speech in Keralam an attempt to garner votes in the 2026 Keralam Assembly election. He also lauded the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's diplomacy for bringing back several Indians stuck in Europe and West Asia amid the ongoing wars across the globe. The BJP leader said, "Today, the Ga ...Read More >
Donald Trump claims he prevented a war between India and Pakistan. He says he used the threat of halting trade deals to de-escalate tensions. Trump mentions phone calls with leaders from both nations. He also notes a meeting with Pakistan's Army Chief. India maintains that the ceasefire understanding came from direct talks between military officials.US President Donald Trump on Wednesday repeated his claim that he stopped the war between India and Pakistan and told the two countries that America ...Read More >
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the government's bill to replace MGNREGA, saying it would weaken the Act's guarantee of 100 days of employment for the poorest. She also questioned the government's practice of renaming schemes, highlighting the costs involved and changes in control, as the new bill gives the Centre authority over fund allocation instead of gram panchayats. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday attacked the government over its bill to replace MGNREGA, s ...Read More >
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has barely begun, but it has already delivered its first major controversy. Following Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) six-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, a pointed remark from captain Ajinkya Rahane has triggered a wider debate - forcing Cricket Australia (CA) to step in with a clarification. At the centre of the storm is Cameron Green, KKR's high-profile signing worth INR 25.20 crore, who did not bowl a single over despite MI's dominant chase of 220. KKR seemed in control after posting a commanding 220/4, but the script ...Read More >
India is concerned with a U.S. Senator's proposal to slap a 500% tariff on goods imported in America from countries buying Russian oil, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, adding that the world's third-largest crude oil importer has conveyed these concerns to the U.S. lawmakers. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has proposed a bill to impose a huge tariff on any country buying Russian oil. In an interview with ABC News this weekend, Senator Graham said that President Donald Trump appears to be on board for the bill to be moved forward. "If you're buying products from Russia ...Read More >
Medak: Telangana State BJP President N. Ramchander Rao on Friday appealed to the people to give the committed party an opportunity to meet the aspirations of the poor and downtrodden. Addressing a large gathering of party workers in Medak, the BJP chief remarked that citizens have experienced the rule of the BRS and the Congress party and have had bitter experiences with the deceitful practices of both. He urged people to support the BJP wholeheartedly in the upcoming local body elections as a way to teach the ruling Congress party a lesson for its unfulfilled promises. Rao emphasized that t ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who was last seen in 'The Miranda Brothers', is heaping praise on the recently released film 'Saiyaara', and its team. On Saturday, the actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a special note for the film and its makers after it witnessed a stellar opening day. He wrote, "Another melodious example of a love story shattering all myths and formulas of the industry. Honest heart wrenching love story wins again in 2025! #Saiyaara". 'Saiyaara', which stars Aneet Padda, and marks the debut of Ahaan Panday, is helmed b ...Read More >
New Delhi: Congress said that the BJP-led government has been exposed and that "the truth has prevailed" as a Delhi court on Tuesday refused to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) prosecution complaint in the alleged National Herald money laundering case. In a major relief to Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court held that the complaint filed by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was not maintainable. Apart from Sonia and ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, 1 Apr: The Congress on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the government over the rise in prices of certain essential commodities, alleging that the Modi government has completely "destroyed" the country's strategic and economic policies. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said while the common citizens are hoping for relief, the BJP leadership remains entirely focused on "looting the public and plundering the nation amidst this crisis." In a post in Hindi on X, Kharge said, "The Modi government has completely dismantled the country's strategic and economic policies - a di ...Read More >
Rahul Gandhi accused Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma of corruption and alleged that the BJP leadership is operating a "land ATM" to benefit corporates. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that he is the "most corrupt Chief Minister" in the country and accusing the BJP leadership of facilitating corporate interests at the cost of the public. Addressing an election rally in support of party candidate Raton Engti for the B ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Signalling the government's intent to move ahead with the impeachment motion of Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said that main opposition parties have given their in-principle approval to support the motion in the upcoming monsoon session scheduled for July21-August 21. Rijiju said that the government is yet to decide whether the motion would be brought in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. For the Lok Sabha, signatures of a minimum 100 MPs is required. The requirement is the support of at least 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha. H ...Read More >
The Delhi High Court overturned a Central Information Commission order. The order had directed CBSE to release BJP leader Smriti Irani's Class X and XII records. The court stated her educational qualifications weren't statutory requirements for her public office. This decision came as the court allowed CBSE's petition challenging the CIC's previous directive. The Delhi High Court on Monday set aside an order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) directing CBSE to provide copies of the Clas ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Election Commission on Saturday filed an affidavit in Supreme Court declaring that it alone has full discretion to conduct a special intensive revision (SIR) or general revision of electoral rolls before a general elections, assembly polls or bye-elections to a constituency.Opposing a PIL by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay requesting SC to direct EC to conduct periodic SIR of electoral rolls in all states, especially in those witnessing large-scale illegal migration of Bangladeshi nationals, EC said any direction from apex court would breach the commission's statutorily conferred exclusiv ...Read More >
Thane, Apr 5 (PTI) A family from Maharashtra's Thane district was allegedly swindled of more than Rs 1.66 crore by a man who exploited their fear of "black magic" and promised them divine remedies through elaborate rituals and pilgrimages, police said on Sunday. The Kasarvadavali police district on April 2 registered a first information report (FIR) against Manjunath Shetty, a resident of Andheri in neighbouring Mumbai, based on the family's allegations that they were manipulated into paying the accused over a period of two years to "neutralise black magic" performed by a relative, an officia ...Read More >
Mumbai, Apr 6 (PTI) The Congress on Monday hit out at the Shiv Sena (UBT) over the latter's accusation that the grand old party was using regional outfits as "crutches", and not treating them as "equal stakeholders" in the Opposition alliance. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant criticised the editorial in the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece 'Saamana', alleging that the newspaper's executive editor, MP Sanjay Raut, appears confused on several occasions between his roles as a politician and journalist. In a strongly-worded post on X, he noted that while a journalist's duty is to point out s ...Read More >
Jammu- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reviewed the ongoing restoration work of the historic Mubarak Mandi complex, which was the power centre of the Dogra kings in Jammu, and stressed on enhancing its heritage appeal. The Mubarak Mandi Complex is one of Jammu's most significant architectural heritage sites and is envisioned as a comprehensive cultural centre, housing museums, conference venues and heritage hospitality services. Accompanied by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Yudhvir Sethi during the visit, the chief minister was briefed in detail on the multi-phas ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday took strong action against the police officers allegedly responsible for the Bengaluru stampede, suspending several high-ranking officials, including the city's police commissioner. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a one-man commission to probe the lapses that triggered the deadly stampede. "Cubbon Park Police Station police inspector, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, cricket stadium in-charge, additional commissioner of police, commissioner of police have been susp ...Read More >
Jammu, Jul 18 (PTI) Senior officials of the Jammu and Kashmir government reviewed the arrangements for the smooth conduct of the 13-day-long Budha Amarnath pilgrimage in Poonch district that will begin on July 28. Deputy Inspector General of Police Tejinder Singh reviewed security in Poonch and stressed ensuring the safety of the devotees. "The first batch will depart from the Bhagwati Nagar basecamp in Jammu on July 28, moving towards the Mandi tehsil in Poonch in a regulated convoy amid full security arrangements," a spokesperson said. Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspec ...Read More >
Srinagar: The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) unit of Jammu and Kashmir Police is conducting searches at ten locations across four districts in the Valley. An official told news agency -- Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the raids are part of an ongoing investigation into a terror-crime case linked to a terrorist sleeper cell and recruitment module handled by Jaish commander Abdullah Ghazi from across the border. The searches are underway at one location in Pulwama, six in Ganderbal, one in Srinagar, and two in Budgam district -- (KNO) ...Read More >
New Delhi, Sep 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Congress on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court's interim order staying some provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, describing it as a "substantial victory" for the constitutional values of justice, equality, and fraternity. "The Order is an important one because it goes a long way towards undoing the mischievous intentions underlying the original statute," said Jairam Ramesh, Congress MP and General Secretary in-charge communications. In a message on X, Ramesh said, "The Supreme Court's order today on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 represents a substant ...Read More >
PM Modi accused the Congress of creating unnecessary panic and harming India's foreign relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a scathing attack at Congress over its statements on the ongoing West Asia conflict, accusing the party of putting Indian lives at risk, particularly those from Kerala working in the region. Addressing a rally in Keralam, he warned that comments made by opposition leaders could have serious consequences for Indians living in conflict-hit areas. He a ...Read More >
The opposition had submitted notices against the CEC. Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan on Monday rejected separate notices from the opposition to move a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar from his post. The opposition had submitted notices to the Lok Sabha speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairman against the CEC, alleging "partisan and discriminatory conduct in office", "deliberate obstruction of investigation of electoral fraud" and "mass ...Read More >
Guwahati: The Congress filed a complaint with the Election Commission on Monday, demanding the cancellation of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's candidature, contending that he did not mention his wife's alleged offshore assets in the poll affidavit. The move by the opposition party came a day after it posed three questions to the Assam CM -- whether his wife or family owns property in Dubai, has companies in Wyoming in the USA, or has placed their assets in shell companies. Sarma has denied the charge. Polling for 126 Assembly seats in Assam is slated for April 9. In the complaint to Chi ...Read More >
The Election Commission is expected to review the complaint In a fresh political development in Assam, a Congress delegation led by former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday filed a complaint before the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Guwahati against Assam Chief Minister and BJP candidate from Jalukbari constituency, Himanta Biswa Sarma. The delegation included Congress candidate from Jalukbari Smt. Bidisha Neog and Guwahati City District Congress President Swapan Das. The c ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: In a move aimed at 'cleaning the political space', the Election Commission on Thursday initiated proceedings for delisting 345 regisered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs) that had failed to fulfil the statutory obligation of contesting even a single election in the last six years and the offices of which could not be located at the address mentioned in their registration documents.These 345 RUPPs are registered in different states and Union territories across the country.The Commission on Thursday said that it had come to its notice that of the over 2,800 RUPPs currently regist ...Read More >
Lucknow, Jul 17 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh's capital city has secured the third position in the category of urban spaces with population exceeding 10 lakh, while Prayagraj was adjudged the Cleanest Ganga City in the ninth edition of the Swachh Survekshan. Lucknow also became the first city in the state to achieve a 7-star Garbage Free City rating in the 2024-25 survey. Gorakhpur achieved double success, ranking third in the Safai Mitra Surakshit Sheher category and fourth among cities with a population between 3 to 10 lakh. Agra has been recognised as the Emerging Clean City of Uttar Pradesh, securi ...Read More >