Politics, policy, business, and public life across India, from national and regional outlets. Fast-moving, frequently noisy, and worth following closely, which is exactly why it works as a short daily read.
Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has sharply criticised the Maharashtra administration over the financial relief provided to families of deceased Adivasi students. Dipke alleged that the kin of more than 590 tribal children who died in state ashram schools over two years received only Rs 2 lakh each. He argued on social media that the sum was negligibly small and likely less than what some politicians spend annually on their pets.
The political leader attributed the high number of student fatalities to state neglect, inadequate care, and administrative mismanagement in residential facilities. Questioning the value the authorities place on indigenous children, Dipke condemned the lack of basic safeguards across state-run boarding schools. His remarks came amid growing anger across Maharashtra following several recent student deaths in tribal districts.
Simultaneously, student groups in Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik launched demonstrations demanding better facilities and the recruitment of Scheduled Tribe candidates into public sector roles. The agitation began after three young girls died from snakebites at an ashram school in Gadchiroli district. Demonstrators are also pressing the state government to provide Rs 10 crore in insurance coverage for every student living in tribal hostels.
Elemental Architects created a 1.5‑acre family house outside Kannur that remains cool in Kerala’s heat without air conditioning. The design uses terracotta roofs, perforated clay walls, and high angled ceilings that direct warm air upward and out through specially positioned windows. Natural airflow is guided by jali lattices on the northern façade, creating a self‑pumping ventilation system that cools the interior. The building’s skeleton is built from locally sourced laterite stone, which has low thermal conductivity and can absorb moisture, helping to regulate humidity in the humid climate. The roof consists of two layers of clay tiles separated by a gap, reducing heat transfer from direct sunlight. After a 21‑day trial, the homeowners reported never needing to switch on an AC unit, noting that fans were sufficient and indoor temperatures remained comfortable. Elemental Architects has applied these principles to dozens of other projects, suggesting a potential shift toward sustainable, energy‑free cooling solutions in hot regions.
Congress lawmakers claimed the rising sugar price spike is a 35‑crore‑rupee scam orchestrated by the ruling BJP to profit black‑market traders during the festive season. The party said the government knew of a 30‑lakh‑metric‑tonne shortfall at the start of the year but did nothing to remedy it. Congress MP Randeep Surjewala cited a 32 per cent diversion of sugarcane for E20 petrol as another factor behind the shortage. He noted that sugar mills had projected 275 lakh metric tonnes for 2025‑26, while the government had promised 343 lakh. Surjewala said the government remained silent from May to August as prices leapt from ₹40 to ₹75 per kilogram. He criticised the August import order of 10 lakh tonnes from Brazil, calling it “hogwash” because the sugar would arrive after the festival period. The MP warned that consumers would lose an estimated ₹36,000 crore as sellers profit from the artificially created shortage. The allegations add to growing scrutiny of the BJP’s handling of commodity prices ahead of Diwali.
Manan Mishra, the 14‑year‑old chairman of the Bar Council of India, is under scrutiny as critics demand he resign. The Supreme Court recently warned the Bar Council against issuing blanket orders and is awaiting a response within two weeks. Mishra’s tenure has been marked by delays in state bar council elections, prompting the Court to intervene in November to enforce timely voting. He was elected unopposed last year, raising questions about the council’s democratic processes. Advocates argue that the council’s power to regulate lawyers has been exercised without sufficient accountability. The debate highlights a broader deficit in oversight across Indian institutions, including the Bar Council. If Mishra does not step down, reforms may be limited, potentially undermining the council’s legitimacy. The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the need for transparent governance within the legal profession.
The eighth death anniversary of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was marked with tributes from the Government of Uttar Pradesh and its people. Vajpayee served as Prime Minister from 1998 to 2004 and was known for his commitment to national security and good governance. He was a key figure in Indian politics for over six decades, serving in various roles including MP, Foreign Minister, and Leader of the Opposition.
Telugu actor Faria Abdullah faced criticism for participating in Hyderabad's Bonalu celebrations. She responded to trolls, explaining her diverse upbringing and love for Islam. Abdullah emphasized the importance of seeing magic and God in everything, promoting unity, peace, and love.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the country's youth in his Independence Day speech, highlighting their crucial role in achieving a developed India. He emphasized the importance of connecting with the youth and prioritizing their needs. However, the speech also included an unrelated comment about the beach.
Chandrashekhar Azad, leader of the Bhim Army, has criticized the government's education bills, stating that they have not brought about the necessary changes. He has also expressed concerns about the fairness of the examination system, citing instances of paper leaks and biased treatment of students.
In his 80th Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for India to become a developed nation by 2047. He highlighted the country's progress in various sectors, including defence production, electronics manufacturing, and digital transactions. Modi also stressed the importance of self-reliance and the need for India to move away from depending on other countries.
In his 80th Independence Day address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of self-reliance for India. He called on Indians to enhance their capabilities and protect their own interests, citing initiatives such as Make in India and Vocal for Local.
In her 1984 Independence Day speech, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi addressed the nation, emphasizing the importance of unity and the need to protect India's freedom. She spoke about the challenges facing the country, including communal riots and economic hardships, and called for a united effort to overcome these obstacles.
Thousands of students in Jharkhand are protesting, but their message is being conveyed through food. The students are serving biryani and other items, with some even ordering food from outside. The protest is a unique way of expressing their views without resorting to politics.
A former education secretary has spoken out against the use of one-shot exams to select students, arguing that it is a flawed system that prioritizes rote memorization over understanding and application. He suggests that a more comprehensive assessment of students' abilities, including their aptitude and participation in extracurricular activities, would be a more effective way to evaluate their potential. The issue is particularly pressing in India, where many children lack access to pre-primary education, which is critical for brain development.
Kangana Ranaut criticized Rahul Gandhi for his handling of opposition demands, accusing him of confusing the issue and resorting to tantrums. She claimed that the opposition has no genuine issues to discuss, instead resorting to protests. The comments come amidst ongoing tensions between the government and opposition in India.
Thousands of students in Jharkhand are protesting against the irregularities in the state's education system. State universities in Jharkhand are facing issues with delayed sessions, teacher shortages, and inadequate infrastructure. Students are struggling to complete their courses on time due to the lack of teachers and facilities.
Protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and Jharkhand's Ranchi have been compared, with the latter being seen as more peaceful and student-led. The main difference lies in the target of the protests, with Delhi's being against the BJP government and Ranchi's against the local JMM Congress alliance government.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced relief efforts for areas affected by the recent floods. The state government has allocated funds for repair and reconstruction of damaged schools, Anganwadi centers, and homes. The Chief Minister has also assured that compensation will be provided to those affected by the floods.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claims she experienced chest pain after her vehicle was attacked with stones. She alleges police and BJP involvement in the incident. Banerjee's party, the Trinamool Congress, has been targeted in recent protests.
Rahul Gandhi has responded to allegations that he did not support students protesting in Jharkhand. He denied the claims, saying he did not make a social media post after the incident. The government has been questioning the character of the students involved, but Gandhi has remained silent on the abuse they have faced.
A new initiative is using WhatsApp to educate children in rural India. The program, called Rocket Learning, provides teachers with structured lesson plans, videos, and activities to help them teach young learners. The platform also allows parents to connect with teachers and receive updates on their child's progress. While there are challenges to implementing this program, such as reliable internet connectivity and digital literacy, the impact on children's learning is already being seen.
India's new rural jobs scheme, VB G Ram Ji, has faced a 50% collapse in its first month of implementation, according to official government audit figures. The scheme replaced the MNREGA program, which had been in place for over a decade. The data shows a significant drop in rural job generation, with 7.67 crore person days of work generated in July 2026, compared to 15.33 crore in the same period last year. The number of rural households who received work also dropped by 51.45%. The government has attributed the drop to the weather and the administrative structure of the new scheme, which allows for a pause in employment guarantee during peak agricultural sowing and harvesting seasons.
Student protests in Jharkhand state, India, turned violent after police charged batons at the demonstrators. The protests are over exam irregularities and a lack of job opportunities for young Indians. A criminal investigation is ongoing, and at least a dozen people have been arrested.
Thousands of students in Jharkhand protested against the JPSC and JSSC exams, demanding changes to the selection process. The protesters, led by Singh Munda, marched in Ranchi and vowed to continue their fight for justice. The government has been accused of being autocratic and suppressing the voice of students.
Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has spoken about her emotional Commonwealth Games medal win, revealing the struggles she faced in the four years leading up to the event. Despite injuries and family problems, Chanu persevered and was overcome with emotion when her national flag was raised and the national anthem played during the medal ceremony.
A heated debate is unfolding in India's parliament over a recent crackdown on students in Delhi. The opposition is demanding accountability from the ruling party, while the ruling party is accusing the opposition of wrecking the economy and dividing people for political gain.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been working to shape India's education system for decades, with a focus on promoting Hindutva ideology and Indian knowledge systems. The organization has established a network of schools and educational institutions that teach RSS ideology, and has influenced policy and politics through its affiliated organizations. Critics argue that this is an attempt to replace one ideological framework with another, and that the RSS's efforts to decolonize education are actually a form of ideological indoctrination.
Two years after the horrific gang rape at RG Kar Medical College, a ground report by The Indian Express finds that campus security and student protection remain a concern. Despite promises from the West Bengal government, many safety measures are still not in place, including continuous checking of outsiders, effective filtering of personnel, and installation of panic buttons and punching systems. Junior doctors at the college express their concerns and frustrations with the lack of progress in improving safety.
The BJP's dismissal of a hunger strike by Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk has sparked controversy, with critics pointing out that the party is disregarding a long-standing tradition of using hunger strikes as a form of protest in India. Historically, hunger strikes have been a powerful tool for the weak to challenge the strong, and have been used by protesters in various parts of the country, including Kashmir and Hyderabad. The BJP's actions have been seen as a departure from this tradition, and have raised questions about the party's commitment to democratic values.
The protest at Japal Singh Munda Stadium in Jharkhand shares similarities with the Jantar Mantar movement, but with a different demographic and mood. The crowd is largely made up of people in their late 20s and 30s, driven by accumulated anger and a sense of betrayal. The protest is marked by raw anger, helplessness, and anguish, with citizens expressing support in tangible ways.
Rahul Gandhi addressed students in Prayagraj, emphasizing the importance of youth potential and data in India's future. He highlighted the country's large youth population and the need for education and job opportunities. Gandhi also spoke about the role of data in creating artificial intelligence and the need for fair recruitment processes.
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has undergone a transformation in his image, adopting more liberal positions. This has led to confusion among his loyalists and critics. Bhagwat's statements on DNA, mosques, and LGBTQ rights have sparked debate. His views on engagement with Pakistan have also been seen as a shift from the government's official position.
India and Russia are deepening their strategic partnership, with a trade target of $100 billion and increasing investment in various sectors. The partnership has been strengthened through annual summits and the signing of a free trade agreement. Indian workers are also finding diverse work opportunities in Russia, with over 100,000 skilled workers currently employed.
TMC MP Menaka Guruswamy questioned the Rajya Sabha's censorship and limits on free speech, accusing the government of stifling opposition voices and reconfiguring states. She criticized the Home Minister's role in the process and warned that the Parliament of India is being reduced to rubble.
Students in Jharkhand have continued their protest despite assurances from the government that they will consider their demands. The government has promised reforms and improvements for students, but the students are firm on their demands and will continue their movement until they are met. The talks between the students and the government will continue in a phased manner.
Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the government's E20 petrol policy, claiming it damages cars and increases expenses. The BJP has hit back, pointing out that Gandhi's own car is compatible with the higher ethanol blend. The issue has become a talking point in Indian politics.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet in the NEET 2026 paper leak case, naming 13 accused individuals, including NTA insiders and teachers. The leak is alleged to have occurred from the confidential section of the National Testing Authority, where paper setters work. The CBI used digital forensics, handwriting experts, and electronic devices to crack the case, which started in October 2025. The leak is a procedural failure, with no frisking, surveillance, or monitoring of paper setters.
India's Ministry of Tourism has partnered with Netflix and YouTube to promote Indian tourist destinations globally through cinematic storytelling. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that these partnerships can create wonders in promoting Indian tourism. The partnership aims to showcase India's diverse regions and cultural heritage to the world.
A senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of promoting Taliban-style politics in India. He claims the organization is weakening the Left movement and influencing the government's policies.
A recent discussion on the Indian podcast Hafta explored the root causes of India's problems. Experts shared their insights on the country's economic, social, and political issues. The conversation aimed to spark a deeper understanding of the complexities facing India.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has assured students that the state government is taking allegations of irregularities in recruitment examinations seriously. The students have been protesting for 12 days, demanding a CBI and ED probe into the allegations. The government has promised to deliver justice within the constitutional and legal framework.
India's youth are frustrated with the country's education system and lack of job opportunities. A movement, dubbed the 'Cockroach Movement,' has emerged, with thousands of young people protesting against the government's handling of exam scandals and unemployment. The movement has gained momentum, with the education minister resigning and the government promising reforms. However, the underlying problems remain, with many graduates struggling to find stable employment and facing poor wage prospects.