Amid Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent call for a “Language Andolan” after alleged assaults on Bengali-speaking migrants outside the state — and her accusation that the BJP is targeting Bengalis through citizenship and voter list revisions — West Bengal’s film fraternity has revived its long-standing demand for primetime slots for Bengali films in all theatres. Leading actor-producers Rituparna Sengupta and Dev, filmmakers Kaushik Ganguly and Srijit Mukherji, SVF heads Shrikant Mohta and Mahendra Soni, among others, wrote to Banerjee alleging that distributors and exhibitors push single-screen theatres and multiplexes to give primetime to Bollywood films sidelining Bengali releases. They noted that such bias is absent in southern states or Punjab, where local films dominate prime slots. The state government has responded with a directive: all cinema halls and multiplexes in West Bengal, except GTA areas, must screen at least one Bengali film in primetime (12 noon–9 pm) for 120 days a year. Filmmaker Aniket Chattopadhyay called it timely, but Eastern India Motion Pictures Association chairman Ratan Saha warned that some theatres could face losses where Bengali viewership is low. The move coincides with Tollywood’s united front ahead of the August 14 release of Dhumketu starring Dev and Subhashree Ganguly. The industry claims distributors of Hrithik Roshan–Kiara Advani’s War 2 have pressured halls to allot all four shows to the Bollywood release during the lucrative Independence Day weekend. This sparked outrage from the Bengali film industry which petitioned Banerjee for fair screen sharing. Clearly, the fight is about survival of Bengali cinema for the next decade. With Dhumketu and War 2 set to collide, Tollywood vows this battle will redefine Bengal’s box-office rules. 

While the Maharashtra government aspires to be a $1 trillion economy by 2030, the ground reality reflects a different scenario. Anandacha Shidha, a ration kit at Rs 100 for its 265.2 lakh ration card holders in state, costing exchequer Rs 350-400 crore per annum, has been discontinued this Ganesh festival citing lack of resources. Food, civil supplies and consumer protection minister Chhagan Bhujbal attributed the cut to the strain caused by the Rs 45,000 crore Ladki Bahin Yojana. A minor diversion of Rs 20-30 crore could have been handled but such a huge allocation was bound to strain other schemes, he explained. The Food & Civil supplies ministry received budgetary allocation of Rs 526 crore in the 2025-26 budget. The ministry’s other major flagship scheme, Shiv Bhojan thali, where a lunch thali is made available for Rs 10 and which costs exchequer Rs 140 crore annually, though continues for now, could be curtailed. About 3.97 crore thalis were disbursed from 1884 Shiv bhojan centers till November 2024. Social spendings have also registered a dip in recent years. Three departments — Social Justice and Special Assistance, Tribal Development & Food, and Civil Supplies — registered a 8.36% cut or Rs 4,476,93 lakh lesser than allocated spending in the 2023-24 budget. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had assured that the Rs 1,500 Ladki Bahin Yojana will not be discontinued. The BJP had promised to increase it to Rs 2100 in its election manifesto. Analysts have been warning of Maharashtra falling in a debt trap with debts crossing the Rs 10-lakh crore mark leading to a per capita debt of Rs 72,761.

Shruti Haasan is drop dead gorgeous…a classic beauty, inherited from both Kamal and Sarika. The powerful range of her voice often rock’s a stage with her talent and superb stage presence. But something has held back her climb to the top as an actor who could have given Nayanthara and Trisha a run for their money. Talent, looks and DNA of provenance, 39-year old Shruti has done over 45 films in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi from her debut in 2009. Her latest movie is Coolie with Rajinikanth. Even as Coolie’s promos are out like mushrooms in the monsoon, Shruti too has found her media voice …“acting with Rajini Sir is a blessing I have longed for. She is banking on Coolie big time. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, who directed Kamal’s blockbuster Vikram (a film that pulled Kamal from his lean time) teamed up with Shruti for an album….Inimel (from now onwards), a pairing that was not too lauded . But it was Shruti’s stepping stone for Coolie; Lokesh asked her directly if she would join the Rajini film. Who wouldn’t like to act with the legend? Recently she basked in Kamal’s political success as she toured Parliament when he took his oath as a Rajya Sabha MP. The buzz is also strong..her performance in Coolie is one for the arc lights… Shruti Haasan …you deserve to be at that summit. 

With eight scalps at ‘The Oval’ Prasidh Krishna has definitely given a boost to his fledgling Test career. The 191cm tall fast bowler was expected to play a big role in the five-Test series in England especially with uncertainties surrounding the linchpin Jasprit Bumrah. His performance in the three Tests at Leeds, Edgbaston and ‘The Oval’ was like a curate’s egg; he salvaged a lot with 4 for 62 and 4 for 126 in the cliffhanger of final Test and rubber. The important thing was that he took eight of England’s 20 wickets, with the livewire, game-changer and clincher Mohammed Siraj scalping nine! There is no denying that Krishna — who underwent quadriceps related surgery in February 2024 — held his nerves and demonstrated skill control to support Siraj; he beat and bowled Jos Tongue neck and crop to mount pressure on the home team that was forced to send Chris Woakes with his damaged left hand in sling and beneath the sweater with 16 runs separating the two teams. Krishna was hammered for 220 runs at Leeds and 111 runs at Edgbaston and was dropped for the two subsequent Tests at Lords and Old Trafford before the team chose him ahead of Anshul Kamboj once the call was made to rest Bumrah. Quickest in India’s pace pack, Krishna got rid of four batters in the first innings for 62, but was carted by Joe Root and Harry Brook to concede 126 in the second, but timely blows took his tally to eight in the match for 22 wickets in six Tests. Krishna had played out of his skin, indeed. 

Those with feeble memories or who do not believe in miracles or a windfall can approach a car driver in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in Maharashtra. Reportedly, Javed Shaikh, driver of Shiv Sena MP Sandipan Bhumre has become owner of a land parcel whose market valuation is said to be around Rs 2,000 crore. Shaikh is the beneficiary of a ‘gift’ of three acres of land in the city. The donors are the family of the famous Nawab Salar Jung of Hyderabad. But the government valuation is different. When the news hit headlines, the local Economic Offences Wing asked the state revenue department to evaluate the land plot. Even as Shaikh is dealing with a notice issued by the Income-tax department, the revenue authorities have reportedly informed EOW that the value of the land as per government’s calculations is over Rs 241 crore.  Had there been a purchase agreement, the state government could have earned around Rs 17 crore by way of stamp duty and registration. However, as the land has been transferred in the name of Shaikh through a legal document called ‘Hibaanama’ (Gift Deed), no payment to the government is involved. Shaikh has asked for more time to appear before I-T authorities, whispers in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar suggest. Meanwhile Bhumre, a staunch follower of deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, has pleaded unawareness about the whole affair. 

On a day when Rahul Gandhi led a Opposition charge against the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar, KN Rajanna, ST/Dalit minister in Karnataka was forced to resign for criticising his “vote theft” charge in Mahadevapura assembly segment.  Rajanna, a close aide of chief minister Siddaramaiah was forced to quit to strengthen Rahul’s battle against SIR in Bihar. Or so it seems. However, it is not clear if making a ST/Dalit leader– he belongs to the Valmiki community — is a politically wise move ahead of Bihar polls. Rajanna had questioned Rahul’s charge that the EC “colluded” with the BJP to allow more than one lakh bogus votes in the Mahadevapura assembly constituency. Rajanna pointed out that objections were invited after draft electoral rolls were prepared under our government. “What were we doing then? Shouldn’t we have checked the draft electoral rolls”. It is being said Rahul’s “vote chori” bogey in Mahadevapura assembly segment that falls in Bangalore Central Lok Sabha seat had simply also caught CM by surprise. He didn’t expect his deputy CM DK Shivkumar (DKS) to raise the issue of “vote chori” in Mahadevapura — which mainly has a floating population of I-T employees. The CM had assumed deputy CM as Karnataka PCC chief would have known better and expected him to flag the issue of vote chori in Bangalore Rural (Lok Sabha) from where his brother DK Suresh had lost. DKS, it is learnt, deliberately picked up Mahadevpura seat to earn brownie points with the Gandhis and help him become CM by year-end. It must be said CM Siddaramaiah was seen warmly receiving PM Modi at the Bengaluru airport over the weekend.

Colourful analogies were the highlight of the general council meeting of PMK, the party of the Vanniyars. The ongoing fight for control of the party between father and son Dr Ramadoss and Anbumani proved so exasperating that not even a high court judge could bring about a reconciliation. The meeting in Mahabalipuram went ahead to elect Anbumani as president for three years and Vadivel Ravanan and Thilagabama as general secretary and treasurer for another year.  “In temples, sometimes the deity gets angry, and we perform rituals to please them. Here, the problem is not with the deity, but with the priests,” Anbumani said while referring to intermediaries who were preventing a patch up in the party’s first family. The dispute arose principally over the choice of alliance, with the son preferring the BJP-led NDA in the LS polls of 2024 while Dr Ramadoss wanted to go with AIADMK.  Since AIADMK will lead the BJP and others in the AIADMK+ coalition into the assembly polls, there should be no reason for father and son to fight now. Of course, the choice rests with the PMK on whether to align with Vijay’s TVK, the new player on the block. The issue might boil down to money as the fund flow for the polls will be in the hands of Anbumani if he is accepted as the president of the party and not with Dr Ramadoss who was the founder and chief patron of the party. Anbumani still respects his dad and is hoping he will come around to be united again but it is something that the “deity” will have to decide. Meanwhile, the DMK is happy to see confusion reign in any party that opposes it.

Call it election fervour or a pilgrim’s progress, PM Narendra Modi has single-handedly opened up the Temple Parikrama to India’s devotion driven pilgrims. It’s a debatable point to talk about our country being more aware of the Himalayan Shrines and Kasi sacred spots, even the Buddhist temple trails. Has the same importance not been given to the Southern edifices of stunning and amazing temple architecture, the sagacity of the Royal lineage of Cholas and other kings who designed and built temples as the focal point of all cultural, artistic and socioeconomic aspects of life? Every visit of the PM has now showcased these divine wonders. The media has carried the visuals not just pan India but globally. This focus has indirectly enhanced tourism. After multiple visits, Modi is expected to visit Tamil Nadu again on August 28-29 to go to Thiruvannamalai and the majestic Arunachaleswarar Temple. This holy site holds great importance for the Ashram of Saint Ramana Maharshi. Modi is expected to host his Mann Ki Baat from the Chidambaram Temple (the astonishing rock sculptures here portray the 108 Karanas of Bharata Natyam. The Navagraha (nine planets) circuit is perhaps the most inspiring and informative …from Suryanar Koil to Saturn’s abode at Thirunallar (the only Navagriha place which is on the outskirts of TN). There are numerous myths and scientific lores…for example, the Sun’s rays resplendently light up the inner sanctum of Suryanar Koil on Makar Sankranti day …like the SUN temple at Konarak. The mythology and significance of the pantheons is not explained to the tourists. The Vatican has developed audio wearables for every sanctum for guiding the tourist. Maybe our PM can intervene and make it a truly spiritual and fulfilling visit to the Navagraha circuit.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh’s statement about how the Indian Air Force (IAF) took down six Pakistan Air Force aircraft during Operation Sindoor should hopefully be the last word for those, particularly the Congress who have been doubting our military operations against Pakistan. “We have at least five fighters confirmed killed and one large aircraft which could be an ELINT aircraft or an AEW&C aircraft which was taken out from a distance of about 300 km, which is the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill that we can talk about.” This is the first time a senior officer of the armed force had officially confirmed bringing down Pakistan air assets. Air Chief Marshal also credited the political leadership for giving the forces the full freedom to plan and execute the attacks. “A key reason for success was the presence of political will. There were very clear directions given to us. No restrictions were put on us….” said Air Chief Marshal Singh. LoP Rahul Gandhi and his deputy Gaurav Gogoi had questioned in the Parliament why PM Modi suddenly stopped Operation Sindoor on the evening of May 10. Without realising that Op Sindoor was a high-tech war fought with sophisticated indigenously developed missile systems such as Akash and the Brahmos, Gogoi had even sought to know why our aircrafts had not entered Pak air space. It was inconceivable for Congress leaders that Pak targets could be taken without crossing the border. That’s why Air Chief Marshal Singh recalled that it  had been difficult to convince people about India’s Balakot attack(2019) without evidence. He shared “before and after” satellite images of the terror targets that were struck during the May 7 attack.

PM Narendra Modi’s terse responses to President Donald Trump’s incessant tariffs tantrums (complaints former wasn’t dialling him up) now witnesses secret backroom parleys by the latter to pre-empt his own tariff deadline. Scheduled U.S. delegation visit come August 25 notwithstanding, American officials are already parked at New Delhi trying to salvage a negotiated outcome to ink an official trade agreement according to sources. Trump’s ‘Washington sanctions’ met deadpan reactions this side of the global south and the ‘been there done that’ attitude borne out of India’s legacy of past precedents. Then PM, Indira Gandhi steered India through global sanctions imposed at U.S. behest over our nuclear proliferation stance notwithstanding the world boycotting India. BJP PM, Atal Behari Vajpayee withstood American pressures to join global nuclear club with Pokhran aplomb. India’s requisition for U.S. cryogenic engines was similarly stalled so the country developed indigenous space launch capabilities providing more tech savvy, cheaper space launch expertise today. Trade tariffs @ 25% and identical penal sanctions won’t budge Modi to bend India like Beckham. Modi’s silent stance ensures sudden choreographed escalations over racial tensions in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Australia, UK don’t precipitate. Silent Modi has ramped up Indian responses with Russian President Vladimir Putin confirming to visit India. Russian intelligence cited security concerns to reschedule intended visit as an honoured guest of India in August itself. Modi will meet China President Xi Jinping next even as India’s second naval base INS Jatayu set up on Minicoy, the largest among Lakshadweep’s many islands, afforded it needed naval heft in the Indian Ocean region.

Politics in Maharashtra, nowadays, is dominated by unexpected happenings. The latest to test this phenomenon is Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray and his spokesman Sanjay Raut. The incident concerned is an INDIA bloc meet in New Delhi on Thursday.  Attended by about a hundred top opposition personalities, Uddhav, his son Aaditya and Raut were seen sitting in the last row at the venue, which was Rahul Gandhi’s residence. As soon as the clips of the meet were flashed by TV channels, detractors of Uddhav and his Sena were overjoyed. Seizing the opportunity to throw barbs at the adversary, they demeaned Uddhav for gulping such ‘an insult to Maharashtra’ by agreeing to sit in such an insignificant place. A silent protest was held in Mumbai to ‘apologise’ to Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray in front of his statue for his son’s meek acceptance of this humiliation. Significantly, just a few hours ago, Uddhav had declared in the national capital that no third party would be involved in his Sena’s alliance with cousin Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena for the coming local body elections. Uddhav’s announcement is interpreted as a signal to the Congress party that it should not depend on the Sena (UBT) for the show of strength. Given the way politics in Delhi is played, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s Sena has lost no time in capitalising on the incident. A retaliation by Uddhav is on the cards.

Bungalow No 5, Sunehri Bagh Road, is the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s new official address. With voter fraud as the main menu of the house warming, Rahul played the host at his new residence on August 7 evening. His mother Sonia and Priyanka let him have all the spotlight and attention. He was seen interacting with all guests. Congress allies like Dr Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference and UBT Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray and his wife Rashmi were among the guests.   He made a PowerPoint presentation to top opposition leaders on the “vote theft” in Karnataka — the one that he had done for the press earlier. Rahul claimed that internal surveys conducted by the Congress had projected wins in 16 of Karnataka’s 28 Lok Sabha seats, but the party ended up winning only 9. He used this discrepancy to allege “definite voter fraud,” once again pointing fingers at the Election Commission. Experts feel this line of reasoning is deeply flawed. Internal polls are neither transparent nor independently verified, and often reflect the optimism of campaign teams more than ground realities. If internal polls were a foolproof benchmark for electoral outcomes, then by that logic, the BJP should have cried foul for not crossing the 400-seat mark it had projected. He questioned how the BJP, despite completing two terms at the Centre, managed to secure a third consecutive win. “Anti-incumbency hits every party in every democracy,” he said, suggesting that the absence of such sentiment pointed to manipulation. The absence of anti-incumbency is not proof of fraud. Voters re-elect governments when they perceive stability, delivery, and leadership, particularly in the absence of a compelling alternative. India has seen this before under leaders like Nehru and Indira Gandhi, just as Germany did under Angela Merkel.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy’s controversial remarks about eliminating anyone whether rich or in any position,” if he comes against Rahul Gandhi’s command or rule”, Telangana is going to write his death order. His remarks had gone viral as he was seen to be taking on PM Narendra Modi on behalf of Rahul Gandhi. Telangana Congress leaders are however now convinced that Reddy, who had initially been in BJP, was perhaps indulging only in a mock fight or noora kushti to please the Gandhis and earn their trust. Apparently, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi conveyed to Telangana Congress leaders visiting him that Revanth Reddy speaking strongly against PM Modi and attacking him served a purpose. Perhaps, he was doing it with PM Modi’s blessings. “Unless you attack me, the Congress leadership will not trust you,” Modi had advised CM sometime back. It may be noted that CM Reddy’s remarks were made at a Congress protest rally held to push for President’s assent to the bill passed by the Telangana government to ensure 42% reservation for OBCs in local governance. It was seen as a strong message being sent across to PM Modi. However, within hours after Revanth Reddy’s warning, Telangana CMO clarified that the CM had used only a figurative political expression such as — mithi mein mila denge — to emphasise state’s strong resolve to defeat “anti-democratic forces” through “democratic means”.

In a significant political shake-up, West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee has appointed her nephew and party’s national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, as the leader of the TMC Parliamentary Committee. He replaces veteran leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay who has been ailing for some time now. The move comes as Mamata appears to brace for anti-incumbency ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections after three terms in office. Simultaneously, Mamata replaced senior advocate and Sreerampore MP Kalyan Banerjee as Chief Whip with Barasat MP Dr Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar. Birbhum MP Shatabdi Roy has been promoted as Deputy Leader of the party in Parliament. The reshuffle underscores the TMC’s need for stability and strategic leadership at the national level as Parliament becomes a key platform for the Opposition to confront the BJP. Sources say Kalyan’s removal stems from his inability to contain a prolonged feud with Krishnanagar MP Mahua Moitra. At a recent internal meeting, Mamata expressed anger over some MPs damaging the party’s image, sharply criticising Kalyan for poor coordination and for not stepping up during the absence of leaders like Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Saugata Roy. An incensed Kalyan tendered his resignation and questioned Mamata’s understanding of Parliament’s workings. Despite Abhishek urging him to remain quiet until the INDIA bloc dinner hosted by Rahul Gandhi on August 7, Kalyan continued to attack both Mamata and Mahua publicly. While Mamata initially resisted accepting his resignation, persistent defiance left her and Abhishek with no choice. The overhaul also signals Abhishek’s growing influence and a generational shift within the TMC, long marked by tension between the old and new guards.

Trade unionism seems to have lost focus in India. It has failed to reform itself to keep pace with economic reforms and globalisation, and changing job scenarios. It is also facing the biggest leadership crisis. The poor public and industry response to the nationwide strike call by 10 central trade unions on July 9, 2025 once again exposed the irrelevance of such an action in a country where the informal sector employs nearly 44 crore workers today, representing 85% of the total workforce. The informal sector encompasses a wide range of activities and workers, including those in agriculture, construction, small factories, domestic work, and various other self-employed and micro-enterprise roles. Workers in this sector don’t enjoy job or wage protection. As a result, the old-style trade unionism has become irrelevant in the present-day scenario. The so-called central trade unions exist mostly in the public sector where they play some constructive role in the collective bargaining, especially for periodical wage settlement. The shrinking public sector is a matter of concern to them. However, they could do little when the government decided to hand over the control of IPCL, a highly profit-making public sector enterprise to the Ambani group’s Reliance Industries. Trade unions also made no attempt to prevent total privatisation of BALCO in favour of Anil Agarwal-promoted Sterlite Industries (now Vedanta) . Of course, the prestigious VSNL to the Tata Group. Between 2014 and 2024, the government disinvested from as many as 179 central PSEs without any resistance from the trade unions. This explains why workers do not trust trade unions. Today’s trade unions lack the leadership of those in the 1970s such as Sripad Dange, BT Ranadive, Satish Loomba, George Fernandes, Mahesh Desai. Few will disagree that currently, the trade union movement in India lacks proper leadership and focus, particularly in the face of economic reforms and globalization.

The release of Son of Sardaar 2 was notably overshadowed by a fierce competition with Dhadak 2, as both films contended for screen space during the ongoing box office success of Saiyaara. Despite the latter’s impressive performance, which left exhibitors reluctant to allocate screens to Son of Sardaar 2, the film ultimately managed to secure a substantial release. The makers had hoped that by postponing their film by a week, they would allow Saiyaara to run its course, thus creating a safer release window. However, to their dismay, Saiyaara continued to dominate the box office, raking in significant revenue even in its second weekend. Opening with a disappointing collection of Rs 7.25 crore on Day one, Son of Sardaar 2 fell short of expectations, particularly given its substantial production budget of approximately Rs 70 crore. It experienced a modest increase on Day two at Rs 8.25 crore and Rs 9.25 crore on Day three (Sunday), bringing its weekend collection to around Rs 25 crore. This figure is considered inadequate for a film of its scale, as even the prequel was just an average fare released in 2012. Critics and audiences alike were quick to point out the film’s outdated humor and weak character development, particularly in Ajay Devgn’s portrayal of the titular “Innocent Sardar.” The casting of Devgn in a role that required a more innocent and naïve demeanor felt misaligned, leading to a perception of the character as a caricature rather than a relatable figure. The writing and overall execution suffered from a lack of freshness, which significantly diminished the film’s appeal. Ultimately, the failure of Son of Sardaar 2 can be attributed to a combination of poor script choices by Ajay Devgn , drawing unfavourable comparisons to his past disasters like Bhola and Auro Me Kaha Dum Tha.

Controversial film ‘Khalid ka Shivaji’ will be removed from the Cannes listings through legal and administrative action following a public outcry, which had alleged that the movie distorts history and hurts public sentiments. Maharashtra cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar said that it will be investigated how the film was submitted to the Cannes Film Festival by the state machinery in his department. The principal objection is that the film wrongly portrays the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The state government has requested the Centre to revoke the film’s censor certification and halt its screenings. As a result, Central authorities have issued urgent notices to the film’s producers and director Raju More. There are half a dozen objections cited by the film’s critics but the main pertains to a depiction that Shivaji Maharaj had constructed a mosque at his capital, Raigad. Clarifying his side, More has claimed that there are mentions of such a construction in several references. For instance, the Kulaba Gazetteer published by the Union government in 1964 says on page 928 about the mosque and even gives its measurements. Similar mentions are found, he said, pleading that it is the job of the historians to write history and film makers create their works based on that information. In a retort, Hindu Mahasangh leader Anand Dave has appealed to all cinema hall owners in Pune not to screen the movie, alleging that history was tampered with due to such depictions. Dave has taken a strong objection to the film’s title itself.

“The best brains of the nation may be found on the last benches of the classroom”. This was former President of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam’s take on students dubbed as backbenchers for lagging behind in academic and co-curricular activities. Kerala, which has made advanced strides in the education and health sector, however has a different take on the backbencher concept. General Education Minister, V Sivankutty has pointed out that being branded a ‘backbencher’ could impact a student’s confidence level. The state government is considering a proposal to change the seating arrangement in classrooms from the conventional row system to U-shaped model.  A committee of experts is being constituted to suggest the best seating pattern for the state’s education system. Interestingly, the Minister has derived his inspiration from a Malayalam movie Sthanarthi Sreekuttan  in which a school student proposes a change in the conventional seating pattern after being humiliated for being a backbencher. A section of academics has welcomed the proposal as it would enable the teacher to give equal attention to all students. According to J Prasad, former director of the State Council for Educational Research and Training, the semi-circular seating arrangement has been informally implemented in schools where classrooms have been built according to latest infrastructure standards. The general take is that such seating arrangements will ensure that teachers have direct eye contact, proximity towards students and two-way engagement, making the classroom sessions more vibrant. However, there is a contrarian view too. Some academicians are asking how superficial changes to classroom seating could improve the teaching-learning process? There is no scientific study to establish the efficacy of a semi-circular seating arrangement, says Prof Amruth G Kumar, Department of Education, Central University of Kerala.

Has the U.S. President Donald Trump’s punitive tariff war with India pushed PM Narendra Modi to have his sort of “Indira is India” or rather “Modi is India” moment! Well, almost unwittingly yes. A day after U.S. President imposed another 25% levy on India taking the total to 50 %, making it among the highest imposed by the U.S. on any country for buying Russia oil, PM Modi gave a veiled response to President Trump’s tariff threats on India, saying that India will “never compromise” on interest of its farmers. “For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers,” he said. India has been under the U.S. pressure to open its market to dairy products. New Delhi was particularly resisting U.S. dairy products because milk is secured from meat-fed bovine. “I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it and I am ready for it. India is ready for it,” he said, ‘his words were so much like the late PM Indira Gandhi. Meanwhile NSA Ajit Doval who interacted with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow amidst U.S. tariff tantrums announced that Putin would visit India later this month. Interestingly, business leaders rallied behind the government. Anand Mahindra felt Trump’s tariff threat could unleash “unintended consequences”. He wondered, “Just as the 1991 forex reserves crisis triggered liberalisation, can today’s global ‘Manthan’ over tariffs yield some ‘Amrit’ for us? Shouldn’t India seize this moment to shape a virtuous consequence for itself?” Modi’s robust stand against U.S. tariff must have surely surprised Rahul Gandhi who had jibed him about his hands being tied because of cases against Adani in the U.S.

A much-relieved Delhi Police posted on X   that “the case of snatching of a chain” of Congress MP from Mayiladuthurai Sudha Ramakrishnan (R Sudha) has been solved. “The accused has been arrested and the chain has been recovered.” The police had cracked the case within 48 hours. The chain snatching was posed as a political challenge to Union Home Minister Amit Shah who recently emerged as India’s longest serving home minister (2258 days) — outdoing LK Advani’s (2,256 days) record. Shah must have surely got the whip cracking on the Delhi Police to deliver as the embattled Congress MP dragged his office into her travails. It is being said the police scanned 1500 CCTVs and over 200 people quizzed to zero in on the alleged chain snatcher.  It almost seems like a throwback to what happened in October last year when French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou was robbed of his mobile phone in Chandni Chowk. Delhi Police had managed to recover it after making a few arrests. The gold chain was snatched on August 4 from Congress MP by a bike-borne snatcher in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri. The MP was on a morning walk with fellow lawmaker, DMK’s Rajathi Salma, near the Polish Embassy. She also wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who oversees law and order in Delhi, and said her chain was snatched by “a man wearing a full helmet” on a scooter. The MP had raised questions of women security in a high-security zone like Chanakyapuri, which houses embassies and protected institutions.

Is the time upon Indian cricket to take a call on the residual ODI careers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? A true giant of cricket across formats, Kohli and Sharma have bid adieu from the Twenty20 and multi-day Test cricket, but have not done so from the one-day limited overs internationals. Their timing to leave the scene from the Twenty20 format was perfect as it came after India’s Twenty20 World Cup triumph in the West Indies. The two chose to quit the Test format a few days leading to the team selection for the five-Test series in England. Now, with India coming out shining in England (2-2 draw) and Shubman Gill weighing in as batter and captain, will the decision-makers (the BCCI, selection committee) and the head coach Gautam Gambhir) brainstorm to overhaul the ODI team for the three-match series in Australia in October; three match series against South Africa at home in November. The ODI series in Bangladesh scheduled for August 2025 has been put off. Sharma would be 40+ and Kohli 38 + when the ICC World Cup arrives in 2027. It would not be prudent to pick them in 2025 and dump them in 2027. Five months ago India won the ICC Champions Trophy under Sharma’s leadership. There has been a cathartic change in Indian cricket with Gill taking charge and delivering results. The onus is on the selection committee, Gambhir and Gill (should he be nominated captain for white ball men in blue teams) to not to delay making it known their idea of India’s ODI team for the immediate future and the next World Cup.

Before Donald Trump’s ‘Tariffs @ 25%’ plus penal fines over Russian oil (another 25%) started impacting India, acute shortages of rice, ‘desi masalas’ have hit the U.S. supermarkets. India won’t export to the U.S. except on its own terms with tacit responses launched including PM Narendra Modi’s strategic alliances with Russia, China, Iran and FTAs with EU/UK already inked dry even as France is next in line. India assiduously rejected Trump’s tantrum to open up her markets allowing American farms/dairy products while refocusing its exports re-spread widely into Europe, Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia and host of nations open to barter without being U.S. centric. PM Modi’s exhortation to ‘Be Indian, Buy Indian’ aimed at absorbing trade imbalances over reduced U.S. exports will assimilate into Indian consumption rationalizing inflationary trends. Iran has upped the ante against Trump’s trade hegemony tariff plan, assured steady oil supply to long-time friend India. Interestingly, Chinese vessels are India’s resort for Russian oil imports even as oil carriers purchases and indigenous fabrication on scale is ongoing. China’s economy depends on manufacturing/exports and yet, recently sluggish trends have forced its realignment with India, which, on the other hand, ramped up the manufacturing sector with Apple, Samsung, Tesla also emphasizing Modi’s ‘Make (it) in India’ theme. Independence Day, come August 15, may witness Putin’s surprise visit to India after NSA Ajit Doval, MEA S Jaishankar visits to Russia. Modi has built up oil storage, stocked up reserves for 60 days as the Andaman & Nicobar islands have revealed high oil reserves. EU’s shopping spree for Russian gas and gold comes as Uncle Sam prospects Pakistan dry for oil (in Balochistan) where he is in for a nasty surprise welcome as well.

Having remained silent and absent from the INDIA Bloc’s public engagements for a while, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has made her stance unmistakably clear — she’s aligned with regional parties in the broader national agenda to defeat the BJP in upcoming assembly elections.  Acting on Mamata’s suggestion, Opposition parties are set to gherao the Election Commission of India’s office in New Delhi on August 8 calling out widespread allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. With elections due this year in Bihar, as well as next year in non-BJP-ruled states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, the issue is rapidly gaining traction as a national political flashpoint. Ahead of the protest, top leaders from the INDIA Bloc will convene in New Delhi on August 7 to finalise the gherao strategy. According to party sources, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee will attend the meeting and also dinner hosted by Rahul Gandhi. Discussions may include not only the logistics of the EC gherao but also preparations for the Vice-Presidential election scheduled for August 9.  It may be recalled that on July 21, Didi warned the TMC would not hesitate to gherao the EC if the names of legitimate voters were found to be removed from Bengal’s electoral rolls under the SIR. In effect, Mamata has reasserted her political clout within the INDIA Bloc — not just through participation, but by driving the narrative on what she sees as a fundamental threat to democracy through electoral roll manipulation.

In an interesting twist to politics in Tamil Nadu and Kerala ahead of assembly elections in the two states next year, it is being said a section of Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu are keen on sealing an electoral alliance with popular film star Vijay who has floated Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Party MPs like ManickamTagore are reportedly sending delegations from the state to lobby with the AICC leadership on advantages of dumping its traditional ally, the DMK and opt for a political newbie like actor Vijay’s TVK. While the 2026 election would be actor Vijay’s first political foray into electoral politics, what is giving the Congress’s confidence to invest in him is his popularity rating among the Tamil Nadu youth and his ability to reach out to young and depressed classes. Congress leaders also feel the DMK is not in a good shape and is facing a lot of political headwinds as of now. Of course, a Congress tie-up with TVK is not being pushed by Manickam Tagore alone. It is being said that AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, who hails from Kerala, also feels having a tie-up with the TVK would boost Congress prospects in neighbouring Kerala assembly polls. He feels Vijay’s campaign in Kerala could boost UDF prospects as his films are popular in Kerala too. As of now in TN, AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami is an early starter and his campaign tours have begun to draw huge response.  With BJP making right organisational change by appointing Nainar Nagendran to head its state unit, AIADMK-BJP tie-up does pose a strong challenge to the incumbent DMK.

Delhi Police kicked up a language row when it wanted to proceed against eight Bangladeshi nationals “residing illegally in India”. It made the mistake of seeking help of Banga Bhawan — that houses the West Bengal government’s office in Delhi – to identify texts written in “Bangladeshi” language and wanted it translated. Obviously, Delhi Police dealing with the matter were not aware that Bangladesh and West Bengal were united by Bengali language and there was nothing like” Bangladeshi” language, only Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas. Quickly, seizing upon the language issue, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee slammed the premier police agency’s faux pas. She pointed out how the Delhi Police functioned under the direct control of the Union Home Ministry and felt the government was describing Bengali as “Bangladeshi” language! It was left to BJP’s Amit Malviya to defend the Delhi Police. He said, “Nowhere in the Delhi Police letter is Bangla or Bengali described as a ‘Bangladeshi’ language. To claim otherwise and call upon Bengalis to rise against the Centre is deeply irresponsible.” Explaining further he said Delhi Police is absolutely right in referring to the language as Bangladeshi in the context of identifying infiltrators. The term is being used to describe a set of dialects, syntax, and speech patterns that are distinctly different from the Bangla spoken in India. The official language of Bangladesh is not only phonologically different, but also includes dialects like Sylheti that are nearly incomprehensible to Indian Bengalis. There is, in fact, no language called “Bengali” that neatly covers all these variants. “Bengali” denotes ethnicity, not linguistic uniformity. So when the Delhi Police uses “Bangladeshi language,” it is a shorthand for the linguistic markers used to profile illegal immigrants from Bangladesh — not a commentary on Bengali as spoken in West Bengal.

It is for good reason that the government asserted that Operation Sindoor has only been paused and isn’t over yet. Now that the Parliament has deliberated on the military operations, it is being said that the PMO and Ministry of Defence are assessing the possibilities of Pakistan resorting to misadventure again. Reason: Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir is in Beijing. He has met the Chinese vice-president and foreign minister. Reports have also come about that the Pakistani army has reactivated terror camps that were destroyed by India during Operation Sindoor in both Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. India’s Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan has warned Pakistan to desist from activating terror bases of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen. Terror launch pads and training centres have been set up in Looni, Phutwal, Jamila Post, Umranwali, Chaprar, Chhota Chak and Janglora jungles. Pak Army has installed thermal imaging systems, foliage penetrating radars and satellite surveillance equipment in at least 13 ISI terror launch pads that were closed after Operation Sindoor. These launch pads have been activated in Kel, Dudhniyal, Jura, Leepa Valley, Pachhiban Chaman, Naiyali, Jaknote, Chakati and Nickale. Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar addressed his cadre in Bahawalpur and appealed for funds, while Lashkar commanders are collecting funds by organising rallies. Presently, an impression is being created in Pakistan as if the U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to browbeat India. China has become the protector and guardian of Pakistan. The impoverished nation is also getting loans from multilateral organisations. In such circumstances, one should not be surprised if Gen Asim Munir starts losing his mental balance.  One thing is certain. If Pakistan carries out a misadventure again, it will have to pay a heavy price.  

Are all the stars aligned against India? It would appear so if its captains can lose 15 tosses in a row. The chances of that happening are said to be 0.003 %. Of the 15, Shubman Gill lost five, emulating Virat Kohli who did that in England in 2018. But beyond the mathematics of such bad luck, there are serious conspiracy theories floating around, one of which is that everyone is conspiring to ensure Team India does not win or even draw the series in England. The tourists have had reason to believe one of the umpires, the Australian Paul Reiffel, was not too much in their favour in any decision-making. They had a run-in with a biased groundsman who thinks Indians should be at least 2.5 metres away from his pitch while the Kiwi coach of Team England was welcome to walk all over it. What may have proved most crucial between India standing a chance to win and trying to save it was the ball change at Lord’s. With the out of shape Dukes ball, barely 10 overs old and swinging and seaming and producing wickets, the Indians took a disastrous call to have it changed. And they were given a 30-over old ball as replacement which did nothing in the air or off the pitch. When they sought to switch back to the ball they had just changed, they were refused — and rightly too, as those are the rules. That ball change suited the home team which left Team India 193 to win rather than a much smaller target and India lost by 22 runs. Whether it was the stars, a conspiracy or poor cricket, the result is India’s chances of going ahead 2-1 at Lord’s were lost and they were left fighting to square the series in the Oval Test on that biased groundsman’s pitch.

Coolie is an endangered species even in the busiest of railway stations dominated by all pervasive airline luggage. Yet the megalith entertainment company, SUN Pictures chose this archaic title for the 50th year of Rajini’s super stardom, an enviable success many a hero yearns for. Coolie, certified A, is a big budget, big production teeming with big stars from other languages…big music and naturally big stakes for all concerned. Why did director Lokesh Kanagaraj, who has a whole universe named after him, choose this archaic title for hero Rajini? Maybe he carries the entire load of the film on his superstar back, despite the alphabet language soup of regional stars Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Shruthi Hassan and Pooja Hegde pitching in their weight. Pan India, Coolie is insured to bring in fans of each star …the sum of the parts exceeding expectations. Cinema is truly challenging for number crunchers. To add sound to the music, Anirudh has drummed up a storm with his style of Gen Z music. His hit numbers Powerhouse (Rajini, of course), Chikkudu Vibe, Monica (item song for which Pooja Hegde has swivelled her svelte self) have already stormed Spotify and YouTube. Chennai’s iconic launch pad, the Nehru Stadium went turbo on Coolie’s audio launch. Milling crowds clashed …delirious fans and genuine pass holders had a free for all according to media reports! But quickly quelled by the guards even as Rajini stood up in the sun roof car and acknowledged the cheering crowds. Age cannot wither his style nor custom stale the variety. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal has completed his batting duties on his first tour of England. As an opening batter, the left-hander can be termed a success because he coped well in easy and difficult conditions to make 411 runs in 10 outings, with two centuries and as many half, for a strike rate fractionally lower than 70.  Those who saw him play a shot that can be described as “unwarranted, nay, reckless” — as he did in the second innings of the third Test at Lord’s — feel that his response to fast bowler Jofra Archer in the seventh ball he faced was a gift to England. He was dismissed for 0 and India lost the Test by 22 runs. The argument that, India — in spite of the swashbuckler’s don’t care attitude when his team required only 193 to win — should have won the Test and taken a 2-1 lead midway through the series is correct, but his fans and critics as well believe that someone playing his third full series — England in India, Australia in Australia and England in England — lacked common sense on that occasion. After a century plus start, in the first innings of the Leeds Test, Yashasvi finished the series with a second century in the second innings of the Oval Test, but here was a heavy duty left hander who could have gone past 500, just as his captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja did. England would have indeed told Jaiswal that he could have done a bit more with the bat!

Forty-nine-year old Smriti Irani, who took a long break from the entertainment world after plunging into politics, is now back with a bang with her most iconic TV serial Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi on Star Plus. Will her second innings after be successful? But she is not the first to re-enter the acting world.  Big B, Govinda staged a successful comeback. In recent times, Kangana Ranaut, who was successfully elected on a BJP ticket from Mandi Lok Sabha constituency in 2024, is also scripting her return to the big screen. Tanu Weds Manu girl will be seen on screen with Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan, also a force to reckon with in the political world. Successful Kollywood star Khushbu Sundar who entered politics long ago, changed several parties, has been appointed vice president of Tamil Nadu BJP cell. This articulate speaker is also making sure her acting career is also chugging along. The two leading ladies of the 70s Hema Malini and Jaya Bachchan continue to be in active politics…not chasing roles barring a few ads and occasionally signing up for movies. But when it comes to male stars like Vinod Khanna, Shatrugan Sinha and Rajesh Khanna they have not been a spectacular hit in politics. Sure, Sinha became a minister but could not keep that title for too long. Shotgun, a diehard BJP man was forced to quit BJP to join Congress and later TMC. After a long stint in both Samajwadi Party and Congress, Raj Babbar re-entered Bollywood. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari is more of a spokesperson and is seen focusing more on making music videos and songs. Ravi Kishan who is an MP is facing some resistance in UP politics and therefore is looking for more work in TV, OTT and films.  It’s an art to manage both worlds. 

The big news is India and Philippines ties are taking a strategic leap. After a gap of 17 years, the Philippine’s President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, elected in 2022, is on a five-day visit to India. This visit is being dubbed as a landmark diplomatic engagement between Philippines and India. President Marcos India visit coincides with 75th anniversary of Indo-Philippines diplomatic relations, the discussions will revolve around India-Philippine bilateral military defence cooperation particularly BrahMos missiles, training exchanges, regional security, maritime law and shared Indo-Pacific vision and deepening India-Philippine overall relationship with regard to science & technology.  This is because the Philippines is already an integral pillar of New Delhi’s Act East Policy, Vision Mahasagar and the Vision of Indo-Pacific. However, President Marcos’ visit is now being watched with keen interest by geo-political experts. What will be cooked between New Delhi and the Philippines this time? Is it just a symbolic push for further mutual cooperation spread between regional security? The buzz is India would push for Indo-Pacific power dynamics empowering Philippines further through defence cooperation to support New Delhi’s Act East Policy. The Philippine President’s first trip to India is also coinciding with the first planned naval exercise between the two countries in the South China Sea. Ex- Indian Ambassador to Philippines, Amit Dasgupta says India has already secured Philippines trust to become a key dependable pillar in Philippines maritime security by demonstrating its effectiveness in its Brahmos missiles, he indicated that Indian drones could be another attraction for Philippines considering India’s success story at the recent Indo-Pak war. 

Kolkata-based tech giant RS Software (India) Ltd has taken its first step into developing a global payments integration platform to ease international trade flows, following its pivotal role in building India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in 2015. The company is set to invest over Rs 100 crore over the next five years to further strengthen its payments network across India — an ambitious move aligned with India’s rising influence in the fintech space. With the government entering into several bilateral agreements to enable members of the Indian diaspora to use UPI for payments abroad, RS Software is actively working with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to integrate these international payment systems. The integration of bilateral payment platforms is currently underway across 10 countries, including the UAE, Singapore, and France. RS Software MD & CEO Raj Jain confirmed the development, noting that UPI’s growing global footprint has opened the door for India to collaborate with other nations on digital payment interoperability. According to Jain, RS Software has been instrumental in executing many of these bilateral integrations alongside NPCI. The company sees immense opportunity in addressing longstanding challenges in cross-border transactions, which in 2024 reached a total value of $162 trillion. These transactions often suffer from high fees, sluggish settlement times, and lack of transparency. Jain feels there is the need to make low-value cross-border payments simpler and more efficient. To closely focus on the next phase of development, the company recently appointed Samik Roy as COO. Roy will be overseeing the integration of international digital payment systems and expanding the company’s global footprint. 

In a landmark deal, Tata Motors announced its intention to buy the commercial vehicle business of Iveco group of Italy. The transaction is valued at approximately $4.4 billion. This supposedly strategic acquisition is ostensibly designed to catapult Tata Motors into the league of truly global commercial vehicle manufacturers, significantly expanding its capabilities, reach and resilience in a dynamic global market. What does this signify? A quick trip down time machine will put things in perspective and help understand the changing times and emerging market dynamics. Once upon a time, Iveco had a very strong partnership with Chennai-headquartered Ashok Leyland Ltd. (ALL), the flagship company of the Hindujas. The Italian group had both technical and financial relationship with Ashok Leyland, an arch rival of Tata Motors in the domestic market. Somewhere along, the alliance between Iveco and Ashok Leyland ended for assorted reasons. The Indian dream of the Italian group could not travel to its logical destination. Ashok Leyland subsequently aligned with the Japanese firm to roll out Hino model engines. Given this backdrop, long-time watchers of the automobile industry in India are expecting the acquisition of the commercial vehicle business of Iveco by Tata Motors to seriously alter the domestic playing ground. How will this play out in the coming days? Well, the fingers are crossed at the moment. 

The 2013 film Raanjhanaa directed by Aanand L Rai, stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, featuring an unconventional pairing of Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor. Its memorable music and poignant direction marked a significant milestone in Indian cinema, propelling Rai into the realm of celebrated directors. The film’s narrative, with its bittersweet ending, resonated deeply with audiences, creating a lasting emotional impact akin to classics like Sadma, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and Ek Duje Ke Liye. In the age of artificial intelligence, the temptation to alter established narratives for the sake of novelty or entertainment poses a significant threat to the integrity of original works. The notion of revisiting Raanjhanaa to create a happier ending, albeit under the guise of innovation, undermines the artistic vision of its creators, including the director and writer. Once a film is released into the public domain, it becomes a shared experience, and any post-release alterations—especially those that disregard the original intent—can be seen as a disservice to the creative process. Eros International, the rights holder of Raanjhanaa pursuing an alternate ending without the director’s consent is not just an inappropriate approach; it sets a troubling precedent for other producers. Such actions could lead to a slippery slope where the creative authority of filmmakers is undermined, allowing producers to alter endings at will. Using AI to trivialize or distort established narratives is a misuse of technology. As we navigate the intersection of technology and creativity, it is crucial to uphold the sanctity of original narratives, ensuring that the heart of storytelling remains intact.

Guess who played a very active role in the recently signed Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK? Param Shah, Group Head — Strategic Communications & Government Relations Arvind Ltd. Shah who has Ph D in management had joined the Ahmedabad-based company some time ago.  The reason he could significantly contribute to the FTA is because of his earlier role as director at FICCI UK and Europe. Shah, under the guidance and leadership of Baroness Parashar, submitted the memorandum, and it has been meaningfully incorporated into the final India-UK Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreement (CETA) that marks a historic leap in the bilateral partnership.  It may be mentioned that final CETA eliminates tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, directly supporting value-added manufacturing. Before FICCI UK, he was Head, Gujarat State Council, FICCI from 2009 till 2017, followed by his UK stint. Recognising his immense industry knowledge and networking edge, Arvind’s vice chairman Kulin Lalbhai created this role to woo him back to India from the UK. Shah is expected to look after all seven group companies. Insiders say this is a role that involves both Global and India-related work of the companies. Before Shah entered the scene, Lalbhai used to handle this portfolio. Shah’s will also help the Group’s non-business entities, including Ahmedabad University, CEPT University, Ahmedabad Education Society, and ATIRA’s Government and Corporate Affairs related matters. 

On a day the Election Commission of India (EC) published voter rolls in Bihar after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) adhering to its first deadline, it rebuffed charges of the ‘voter theft’ accusations levelled by LoP Rahul Gandhi, saying that the EC “ignores such baseless allegations”. On his part, Rahul claimed that an independent probe by the Opposition had revealed that the EC was allegedly involved in a massive “vote theft” to benefit the ruling BJP. He apparently warned those within the Commission of working against India, and “this is no less than treason. We will find you wherever you are, even if you are retired.” Rahul claimed that the Opposition’s suspicions grew after the results of the Madhya Pradesh and Lok Sabha elections. “Those only deepened after the Maharashtra Assembly polls — especially when we saw that 1 crore new voters had been added to the final voter list. That’s when we launched our own six month investigation”. He claimed his probe had uncovered an “atom bomb”.  If Rahul fancied SIR in Bihar helped him unite the Opposition, he may be up for a shock. SIR is not having much traction in Bihar. Even RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav is not focussing on it. Bihar Congress leaders admit no one wants to hype the SIR bogey as they feel it would put off general category voters. With Bihar SIR protest heading nowhere, one hears that Rahul is planning to take voter theft to Karnataka in the Bangalore Central Lok Sabha seat where the BJP won by 32,707 votes. He claims thousands of new voters aged “way above 18 years” were enrolled in one seat, a point endorsed by CM Siddaramaiah. Besides, deputy CM DK Shivkumar has not been able to reconcile the loss of Bangalore Rural (Lok Sabha) seat contested by his brother DK Suresh.

Donald Trump’s ‘dead economy’ slur upon India/Russia has irked India that officially eschewed interest to purchase the fifth-generation F35 fighter jets. Short Post reported earlier on India’s reluctance to buy the American planes. The U.S. president Trump’s disparaging India talks will adversely impact the U.S. instead. Well-placed sources said, “India’s trade relations with the USA also included wide-ranging exposure to American bond markets for relationship building as indirectly sought by the USA. Trump’s undiplomatic language dissipated this informal American pressure and will evaporate Indian government/private sector spending on American treasury bonds hereon.” Over five years, demand for the U.S. government bonds declined to historically lowest levels (-17%). With foreign governments emulating India’s scaling down of financial spreads in the U.S. bonds and the American Federal Reserve also scaling down its own exposure over rising interest rates, the economic outlook for the Trump government, which raises $2 trillion annually to service its fiscal deficit, appears bleak. India partnered the U.S. economically to encourage her emphasis on exports to the USA. Trump’s belligerent stance repeatedly failed to get India to buckle down over higher tariffs pressures, again put off till August 8, with U.S. dairy and agricultural products imposition upon Indian markets staved off effectively. While concerns linger regarding its pharma and auto sectors India doubled down on indigenous manufacturing that coincidentally is coming of age today. Indian PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ exhortation to Gen ‘Z’ to manufacture semiconductor chips witnessed 20 varieties already past the testing phase, set for launch in six months. Similarly, 48,000 indigenously fabricated Close Quarter Battle) carbine assault rifles developed in collaboration between DRDO and Bharat Forge, set to reach 70,000 units...

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced a substantial 30% hike in honorarium for community Durga Puja organisers, raising the amount from Rs 85,000 last year to Rs 1.10 lakh per club. Playing high on Hindutva card, with approximately 45,000 clubs organising community pujas across the state, the move will cost the state exchequer an estimated Rs 495 crore. Didi also urged electricity supply companies to offer an 80% rebate to puja committees on power usage. The announcement, coming just months before the State Assembly elections, sparked sharp criticism from the Opposition parties, which termed the hike a “bribe” by the ruling Trinamool Congress. Emphasising the cultural and emotional significance of Durga Puja in Bengal, the CM urged organisers to prioritise safety and crowd control over competition. She encouraged clubs to deploy more volunteers and maintain separate entry and exit routes in pandals. She also appealed to the puja committees to support returning migrant workers who, she claimed, have faced mistreatment in BJP-ruled states. This year’s Durga Puja festivities will take place in the last week of September, followed by the annual carnival on October 5.

Maharashtra’s chief minister Devendra Fadnavis whose ministers have been facing much Opposition heat for their resignations, has finally stated that there would be no more resignations coming in from his ministers. Fadnavis, who maintains an impeccable reputation, both with his public acts and deeds, has been much upset with the shenanigans of his coalition ministers and even publicly criticised them for sullying the image of his government. He seems to have been forced to go with them for now. Fadnavis clearly seems to have given in to Ajit Pawar’s alibi that any kind of resignation would have been akin to playing into the hands of the Opposition. In the case of the agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate, it was a case of fighting a more personal battle for Ajit Pawar, since the campaign against Kokate was being led by his own nephew Rohit Pawar with whom he does not have a good equation. With the face saver of reshuffle for Kokate, Ajit Pawar scores an ace by not yielding in to the campaign against his ministers and also gains an upper hand over the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP. As regards the ministers of the other coalition partner Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, his personal interventions with the home minister Amit Shah seems to have saved his ministers from Fadnavis’ wrath. Shinde has been rushing to Delhi multiple times including right in the midst of the monsoon assembly session after three of his ministers faced much heat over Sena MLA assaulting canteen staff, and other operating ladies bars. The Opposition has already taken the toll of one minister, Dhananjay Munde, within the first year of Devendra Fadnavis 3.0 term.

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam has set the political cat among the pigeons. His meetings with chief minister MK Stalin, the first in a morning walk that was said to be coincidental and the second a formal meeting at the CM’s residence, may have opened a whole new avenue before the 2026 polls. There is a likelihood that Stalin will welcome OPS and his rump element from the AIADMK into the DMK+ fold because he believes in all forces joining a larger alliance like the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar. In political terms, OPS may have very little to offer in terms of vote catching abilities, but his coming into the alliance would deliver an anti-AIADMK and anti-BJP message that may resonate with voters. Before ‘walking’ towards a DMK embrace just after he was refused a meeting with the PM on his recent visit to TN, OPS flirted with the idea of joining actor-politico Vijay if only to irritate the AIADMK+ combine. What Stalin sees in all this is an opportunity to gather all the forces he can so that he will be in a stronger bargaining position against the VCK, which has of late been showing some signs of hitching its fortunes to Vijay as a rising star. There is a possibility of DMK inviting Dr Ramadoss and his Vanniyar vote base into the fold in case VCK gets too ambitious in seat-sharing. And in all this, Stalin is dealing from a position of strength as he has the state machinery behind him to ward off what little anti-incumbency that may have gathered so far in his 50 months in office.

One can understand the sadness in Abhimanyu Easwaran’s father, Ranganathan Easwaran, who has been waiting patiently for his son to be capped in Test cricket. Abhimanyu has proved his mettle as an opening batter in first class cricket for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, for teams in the Duleep Trophy and for India ‘A’. The right hander has played 103 matches, amassed 7841 runs with 27 x 100s and 31 x 50 plus scores. He has played 89 one-day matches, scored 3857 runs, with 9 x 100s and 23 x 50 plus scores. Abhimanyu has been around for a dozen years, and perhaps one with these numbers would have played for India. The fact, unfortunately though is, he has not, while the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan have marched forward. Abhimanyu has been part of two big five-Test series in Australia and England and the team management have not found it ripe and fit for him to pad up even once. With Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal and KL Rahul, being the opening pair in the last two and a half years, the Sharma-Rahul Dravid team could not find a place for him. Ditto with Sharma and Gautam Gambhir and now Shubman Gill and Gambhir have not looked at him, when on this tour of England, there appeared to be openings. Those who have mattered on this tour — Captain, Coach and the Chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar — did not seem to have the confidence to pick him ahead of the middle order batters Karun Nair — on a comeback– or the left-hander Sudharsan. Abhimanyu’s father is peeved because his son has scored runs, has been picked in the squad, but not capped yet. The big question now is whether Abhimanyu will make the Test cut at all!

Surprisingly, under the BJP-led chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the law and order situation in Odisha has been going from bad to worse with rape, mineral theft, bashing up government officers becoming the order of day.  Speculation is rife that the state government is mulling to take a leaf out of UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s playbook and implement gangster law. Women safety has become the top priority. Bhabani Shankar Bhoi Talasara,  BJP MLA and Dy speaker in Odisha Assembly has given his suggestion in writing to the government to incorporate UP style gangster law in Odisha. It is learnt that CM Majhi seems inclined to adopt his suggestions. Questions are being asked whether the Majhi government has the guts to copy and implement Yogi’s model of empowering police to contain crime including encounters to contain goonda raj? With the Opposition baying for his blood Majhi has no elbow room and will be forced to implement the law.

Former ATS officer Mehboob Mujawar’s sensational disclosure that he had been ordered to arrest RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in connection with the Malegaon Bomb blast case has created a no-win situation for the Congress party, which has retreated somewhat from its intransigent stand about the NIA court verdict that has acquitted all seven accused. Mujawar has named then top police boss Parambir Singh though not directly Hemant Karkare, who led the investigation in the initial months. Alarmed by the threat of a Hindu backlash, former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan has declared that the term ‘Saffron Terror’ should be replaced with ‘Sanatan Terror’ by arguing that terror has no religion. Chavan adopted this tactic after former Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde was blamed all around for coining the term Saffron Terror. Similarly, most top Congress leaders have desisted from commenting on the issue. To add to the party’s woes, Mujawar said he had been inducted into the ATS with the object of establishing the blast as an act of saffron terror. Mujawar declined to oblige the brass as arresting Bhagwat would have been much beyond his sphere, he said. Mujawar expressed happiness over the verdict and said he was happy that he, too, had contributed in this direction to a small extent. Mujawar was implicated in several cases but was acquitted in all of them. However, his long police career was destroyed, he lamented.

Khushbu Sundar is the classic evolutionary survivor. She walked into the DMK and instantly became Kalaignar’s favoured acolyte. Quitting the DMK, she had a brief flirtation with the Congress and a stormy exit in 2020 leading to her entry into the BJP’s power establishment. She remains a high-profile activist and was rewarded with a post in the Women’s Commission. But a leadership status eluded her, despite her avowed talent as a public speaker. In every TV debate, she could shine with her English fluency and general knowledge. She was no glamour actress wallflower, depending on her star attraction to make heads turn …she could hold her own, authoritatively. Perhaps it is this power profile …perhaps her Muslim identity …or even her fluency in Tamil that has now raised her status to vice president, TN BJP. What timing! Just as she was about to work her attraction quotient of this mint new status, two entrants to the DMK camp have bunged a lethal spanner on her and the BJP. DMDK President Premalatha Vijaykanth has walked into Stalin’s charmed circle. And OPS, another survivor of doubtful worth has also sashayed into the DMK camp. Khushbu, already facing the handicap of a nationalist party facing two local Dravidian establishments in TN, has to now face the combined onslaught of me-too aspirants who are bound to affect the poll logic. Khushbu still tries her best…she appealed to TVK newbie chief Vijay to join the BJP alliance to unseat the DMK.

The retention of controversial minister Manikrao Kokate in the team of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has generated angry reactions across Maharashtra. Kokate was divested of his agriculture portfolio after he was caught playing rummy on his mobile phone in the legislature session. Now, he has been transferred to the Sports and Youth Welfare department though there were vociferous demands for his removal altogether. Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has shielded Kokate to the discomfiture of the Mahayuti alliance, it is felt. A much-maligned politician, Kokate has been disrobed by social worker Anjali Damania, whose chagrin for his continuation has no bounds. Damania has described how Kokate has changed eight parties over the past 26 years. His wealth in 2014 was Rs 6 crore, which shot up to Rs 21 crore in 2019 and swelled to Rs 48 crore in 2024, Damania has stated.  Damania is a crusader who has embarrassed many high and mighty with one disclosure after another. Her baring of Kokate’s ‘progress’ has come as little surprise since the minister is known for his audacious behaviour for quite some time. Kokate’s nemesis was NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar, who first circulated the clip showing Kokate playing rummy on his mobile inside the house. Fadnavis had indicated that Kokate will face a penalty. However, the mere transfer of Kokate is not considered adequate.

Senthil Balaji, the TN ex minister out on bail continues to make headlines going by the caustic questions posed by the Madras HC: “We need a cricket stadium to accommodate 2000 accused and many more involved in the jobs for money scam in which Senthil Balaji, a confidante of the DMK was jailed. Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi of the Supreme Court went hammer and tongs at the government lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi. If every case has over1000 persons as criminally accused and over 500 witnesses, this case can never end during the lifetime of the main perpetrators. Is this a dilatory manoeuvre? The Cash-for-Jobs scam is of a scale not often heard …the special court has yet to serve summons to the accused from far flung areas of TN, a task that won’t get done by December 2025. The next mammoth protocol will be serving copies of all documents and charge-sheets filed by the Greater Chennai Corporation. Each accused will have to be served 3207 documents (covering one lakh pages). But what is even more challenging is the fact that these very accused are also the ones who have lost their money …a pathetic status, though bribing is illegal. According to Gopal Sankara Narayanan, the lawyer appearing for the accused, it is heart wrenching when “even grandmothers who pawned jewellery to get jobs for their grandchildren have been pulled into this scam ring”.  Those who collected the money should be brought to justice. But as the Bench remarked “this whole investigation is like a rudderless ship”. Justice Kant suggests that clubbing of cases against both accused and witnesses may, just may find light at the end of the tunnel.

A day after the U.S. President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on Indian goods, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal informed the Parliament that the government would closely examine the implication and assured that all necessary steps will be taken to protect India’s national interest. He further informed the Parliament that India and the U.S. started talks for a just, balanced and mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) in March 2025 and “the goal of this was to finish the first stage of the agreement by October-November 2025.” In contrast the Congress led by LoP Rahul Gandhi latched on to Trump’s jibe about India being a “dead economy” shockingly with such glee that it is unexplainable. It was as if they were happy that some economic pain or cost was going to be inflicted on India. In a post on X,  Rahul  had  even gone on to  back up Trump’s claim about the state of India’s economy —  listing   reasons for  why the economy failed under PM Modi. Of course, it wasn’t Rahul alone who was happy about the Trump Tariff jab. Former FM P Chidambaram too seemed happy. He posted that “The 25% tariff on all Indian exports to the United States PLUS penalty for buying Russian oil is a big blow to India’s trade. The U.S. ‘Dosti’ is no substitute for diplomacy and painstaking negotiations”. He was obviously targeting external affairs minister S Jaishankar. Rahul’s close aide Jairam Ramesh who has been counting  how many times Trump claimed that he had  stopped Op Sindoor midway was quite clear  that the 25% tariff  was a huge setback to PM Modi and India. He went on to say  “Taareef hi tareef mein tariff lag gaya…There were no gains from Howdy Modi and Namaste Trump. So what did we get from this (India-U.S.) friendship?”

Before replying to the Op Sindoor debate in Rajya Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chose to deal with criticism coming from the secular political parties about nomenclatures of military operations. Making it clear that names were not chosen by the government  but by the defence personnel, Shah went on to corner former Maharashtra  CM Prithviraj Chavan who had slammed the government  for knowing “nothing except naming operations on the basis of religion”. Chavan had also questioned why gunning down of Pahalgam attackers was called Operation Mahadev. It is another matter that the operation was named apparently after Mahadev Ridge inside the Dachigam forest in Kashmir where the terrorists were hiding (according to media reports). Hitting back at Chavan, Shah pointed out that the Congress simply did not want to understand that ‘Har Har Mahadev’ was not just a religious slogan.  It was the slogan of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj too.” They see everything from the angle of Hindu-Muslim”, he said. Chavan had claimed that the BJP “wanted to mix Hindutva in whatever it does. They are trying to polarise the situation into a Hindu versus Muslim conflict.” He had also questioned the naming of “Operation Sindoor” — India’s retaliatory strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Meanwhile, the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha was quite upset that PM Modi had replied to their debate, even as they were told it would be Shah who would be replying to the Op Sindoor debate.

The century old Registered Post service of the Indian Postal service is being discontinued. It is being merged into a smarter and efficient — Speed Post, according to a circular issued by the Department of Posts. For over a century the registered letter was looked upon as a symbol of credibility, assurance and formality. Whether it be a job offer, legal notice, bank notices, government intimation or a personal letter, Registered Post was not just a service but a part of people’s lives. The Department has given operational streamlining, improved tracking facility and customer convenience as the reason for its merger with Speed Post. As per the circular, all functional guidelines mentioning Registered Post must be amended by July 31, 2025. Terms like Registered Post and Registered Post with Acknowledgement Due — once the very heart of postal communication will be replaced by Speed Post. The launch of the combined service starts from September 1, 2025. Although the transformation may appear trivial when compared to the new age private courier apps and instantaneous tracking services, it has a profound cultural and administrative transformation. Although the Department of Posts assures that speed post will now include all aspects of Registered Post, such as tracking and acceptance of receipt, the issue remains whether it will be able to restore the same measure of trust and ceremonial importance. The age of digital information has already eroded the significance of hard copy letters, but Registered Post was able to maintain its position due to its application in official and legal transactions.

PM Narendra Modi ticked off Congress MP(Sholapur) Praniti Shinde who had dubbed Op Sindoor as “media tamasha” in her Lok Sabha speech. Without taking her name, Modi charged the Congress of mounting a savage attack on Pahalgam victims by setting up an ordinary member to attack the operations of armed forces. Such description of Op Sindoor was dubbed as severe and heinous akin to an acid (tezaab) attack on the Pahalgam survivors, “spreading acid” in the country.  Exposing Congress’s betrayal, Modi said, “Got the world’s support. But sadly, no support from the Congress”. Politically it is interesting that Praniti’s insensitive comment came up for mention in Modi’s intervention. Daughter of former Union Home Minister and Maharashtra CM Sushil Kumar Shinde, Praniti  was once wooed by Maharashtra BJP to join the party. However, considered close to Rahul Gandhi — she has been part of his Bharat Jodo Yatra — has firmly entrenched herself in the Congress’s charmed inner circle. On his part Modi tried answering all issues raised by the Opposition in the Lok Sabha regarding Operation Sindoor. He observed that while the country was moving ahead at a fast pace towards self-reliance, the Congress was becoming dependent on Pakistan for issues. “Unfortunately, Congress is importing issues from Pakistan.” He slammed the Opposition for doubting the timing of Operation Mahadev that involved gunning down terrorists involved in Pahalgam attack. With reference to a third country’s involvement, Modi made it clear “No country in the world has stopped India from any action in its defence against terror”. On May 9 night, “U.S. Vice President (JD Vance) tried to reach out to me 3-4 times, but I was busy with meetings with the armed forces”.

Home Minister Amit Shah hit out at Congress leader P Chidambaram for his statement that the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack were “homegrown”, and his demand for proof that they were from Pakistan. Shah criticised the opposition leader for trying to ‘save Pakistan’ and declared, “When he says this, it means they (the Congress) are giving a clean chit (to Pak).” In a typically combative speech, Shah also said, “I thought the opposition would be happy to know the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack are dead… but it seems they are upset…” During the debate on Operation Sindoor, he elaborated on the operations in Kashmir, including the discovery of Pak-made chocolates and Pak government ID cards in the pockets of the terrorists gunned down. He also said ballistic tests on assault rifles — an American-made M9 and Russian AK-47s — recovered confirmed their use in Pahalgam. “Six forensic experts confirmed this to me on a video call… that these are the same bullets used in the Pahalgam attack,” he said. Trying to draw DMK MP Kanimozhi into a conversation, he sought to know from her why the Opposition was always giving a “clean chit” to Pakistan.  The DMK leader in a light-hearted way denied that she endorsed Chidambaram’s line. However, when her turn came to speak, Kani, who travelled on a government delegation to speak about Op Sindoor, spoke very negatively. It is quite possible that she wanted to show that she is not close to the BJP. In view of CM Stalin’s failing health, it is being said Kani fancies herself a chance to be the next CM. It is being said senior DMK leaders may not find deputy CM Udhyanidhi Stalin as acceptable to succeed his father.