The scheme, announced as an election promise by the TVK government, is aimed at children born in government hospitals. The initiative is scheduled to be formally launched on September 15, the birth anniversary of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravidian leader CN Annadurai.

Babies born from June 22 to be covered

Children born in government hospitals from June 22 will be eligible for the scheme. June 22 is the birthday of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

For the initial four-month period, the government plans to distribute 1,28,499 gold rings. Each ring will contain approximately one gram of 22-carat gold.

The total gold requirement for this batch is estimated at around 128.5 kg, while the government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 755.83 crore for supplying 4,41,667 rings over a full year.

The final expenditure could change depending on fluctuations in gold prices, as the government has agreed to pay for the gold at prevailing market rates.

The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) has awarded the first set of orders to Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers in a 70:30 ratio.

Joyalukkas will supply 89,949 rings, while Kalyan Jewellers will provide 38,550 rings.

According to the state government, 11 companies participated in the tender conducted on July 14. Joyalukkas emerged as the lowest bidder after quoting a service charge of just Rs 0.01, excluding the cost of the gold.

The company said its quote was a symbolic service charge, while expenses such as processing, insurance, transportation and BIS certification were included.

After the quoted price was shared with the other bidders, Kalyan Jewellers reportedly agreed to match the same rate.

Gold price to be paid separately

Officials estimate that the government will spend approximately Rs 14,850 per gram for the gold component based on current market rates in Tamil Nadu. The government has clarified that the price of gold will be paid according to the prevailing market rate, meaning the final cost of the scheme could vary as gold prices change.

Joyalukkas has also said that the gold component makes up the major portion of the overall procurement value.

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Opposition questions tender process

The tender process has triggered a political debate in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Opposition parties, including the DMK and AIADMK, have questioned the procurement process, particularly the winning bidder's one-paisa service charge. They have also raised concerns about the decision to route the procurement through TNMSC.

Opposition leaders pointed out that competing bidders had quoted additional charges ranging from around Rs 411 to more than Rs 15,000.

The government has defended the scheme, saying it is intended to encourage childbirths in government hospitals and improve public confidence in the state's healthcare system.

Health Minister Arunraj said the initiative would help strengthen people's trust in government medical facilities while marking the birth of children in public hospitals.

According to the government, the Thaimaman Gold Ring Scheme is designed to celebrate motherhood and the birth of children while encouraging families to choose government hospitals for deliveries.

The first batch of rings is expected to cover eligible children born between June and September, with the larger one-year target set at 4,41,667 rings.

RP Singh, a member of the Punjab BJP core committee, visited Sukhbir Singh Badal at his residence in Sultanpur to enquire about his health. Sukhbir Badal has been recovering at his Delhi farmhouse after being attacked in Nanded, Maharashtra.

The meeting comes at a time when senior SAD leaders have openly indicated that the possibility of the two parties coming together again cannot be ruled out.

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Speaking about his meeting with Sukhbir Singh Badal, RP Singh said the political situation and the need to work towards Punjab's development were discussed.

He also expressed concern over the law and order situation in the state, describing the current situation as serious.

RP Singh said the Punjab Assembly elections 2027 would be about more than simply determining which political party comes to power.

"The current situation in Punjab is precarious. The 2027 elections in the state are no longer about who will win or lose. They are about saving Punjab," Singh said.

Notably, the BJP and SAD were long-standing allies before their relationship ended in September 2020 amid differences over the farm laws.

The possibility of reviving the alliance was also discussed ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but talks did not lead to an agreement. 

For now, no formal alliance has been announced, but the latest meeting and statements from leaders on both sides have added to speculation about a possible BJP-SAD reunion.

The FIR was filed after the issue gained political attention, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staging a sit-in at Parliament Street police station on Friday and demanding action over the alleged use of a pellet gun during the protest.

Rahul Gandhi, along with Lochab, first went to the Mandir Marg police station seeking registration of an FIR. When the request was not accepted, they moved to the Parliament Street police station, where Rahul Gandhi met Central Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma.

The meeting did not resolve the matter, following which Rahul Gandhi and Lochab sat on a dharna at the police station, which also houses the DCP's office.

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Jairam Ramesh had earlier said the Congress would continue its agitation until the police registered an FIR and shared its number.

“Our demand is simple;  register an FIR and give us the FIR number,” Ramesh said.

Lochab suffered pellet injuries

According to the Congress, Lochab was taking part in a protest against the alleged Staff Selection Commission paper leak and was not associated with any political party. The party alleged that he was injured after the police used a pellet gun during the July 20 demonstration.

Lochab reportedly suffered pellet injuries to his eyes and abdomen and subsequently underwent surgery at the AIIMS Trauma Centre.

Police action followed a complaint submitted by Lochab. Sources said he had approached the police with his lawyers on August 14 and submitted a written complaint, but an FIR was not registered at that time.

The matter was again raised through email and phone on August 17, but there was reportedly no acknowledgement from the police, according to sources.

The Congress has accused the BJP of attempting to communalise the issue and divert attention from the allegations surrounding the protest.

Rahul Gandhi had questioned why an FIR had not been registered over Lochab's injuries and described the alleged use of pellet guns against protesters as a serious matter.

Rahul Gandhi shared the heartfelt message on the occasion of Rajiv Gandhi’s 82nd birth anniversary. He spoke about the difficult years his mother went through following Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in 1991 and said he and his sister Priyanka Gandhi were among the few people who truly understood what she had endured.

Mama,

I last saw you and Papa together more than 35 years ago. Since the day Papa left, I have watched you face everything life threw at you with never-ending courage and dignity. Only Priyanka and I really know what you have been through, and how difficult your life after Papa… pic.twitter.com/OYumcZ2hnC

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 20, 2026

Addressing Sonia Gandhi affectionately as “Mama”, Rahul recalled the last time he saw his parents together, more than 35 years ago.

“Since the day Papa left, I have watched you face everything life threw at you with never-ending courage and dignity. Only Priyanka and I really know what you have been through, and how difficult your life after Papa truly was,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi also expressed his happiness and pride over Sonia Gandhi’s decision to share her life story through her upcoming memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love.

He said he understood how difficult it must have been for someone as private as his mother to open up and share deeply personal experiences with the world.

“Today, on his birthday, I can see Papa smiling and looking down proudly at his beautiful Sonia,” Rahul Gandhi said in his post.

On my father’s birthday today, I think he would have been especially proud of my mother for having written her story with so much heart and honesty.

For me, it’s one of the greatest love stories of our time. I feel privileged to have witnessed it and I am happy that through her…

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) August 20, 2026

Priyanka Gandhi calls her parents relationship a great love story

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also remembered her parents on Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary and shared an emotional message about Sonia Gandhi.

She said Rajiv Gandhi would have been proud of his wife for telling her story with “so much heart and honesty”.

Describing her parents' relationship as “one of the greatest love stories of our time”, Priyanka said she felt privileged to have witnessed their bond.

She added that Sonia Gandhi’s memoir would give readers an opportunity to know her not only as a public figure but also as a woman who was brave, loyal, compassionate, strong and full of life.

“Love you, ma and so, so proud of you,” Priyanka ended her post.

Sonia Gandhi’s memoir to release in November

Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, is scheduled to be released on November 10. Publisher Alfred A Knopf announced the publication earlier this week, while Penguin Random House India is yet to confirm the book’s India release date.

The memoir is expected to offer a personal account of Sonia Gandhi’s journey, beginning with her childhood in post-war Italy and her eventual marriage to Rajiv Gandhi.

The book also explores her transition into one of India’s most prominent political families and the personal tragedies that shaped her life.

Among the experiences covered are Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, the death of Sanjay Gandhi and her relationship with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi also writes about learning Hindi and adjusting to life in India.

Her decision to enter politics following Rajiv Gandhi’s death and her refusal to become Prime Minister after the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance came to power in 2004 are also part of the memoir.

Sonia Gandhi has described writing the book as a difficult experience, saying it required her to open up about memories and emotions she had kept “deep inside”.

Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary

Rajiv Gandhi was born on August 20, 1944. He served as India’s Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989. He was assassinated in 1991 by a suicide bomber linked to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. Rahul Gandhi was 20 years old at the time.

The Election Commission has asked voters not to panic if they receive a notice. The notice is part of the verification process and voters can establish their eligibility by submitting the required documents within the given time.

The Election Commission's voter service portal also provides dedicated options to search names in the previous SIR roll and to submit documents against notices issued during SIR 2026.

The documents required during the verification process depend mainly on the voter's date of birth. The rules also provide an important benefit to people whose names, or those of their parents, can be linked to the relevant old electoral roll.



Why are some Punjab voters receiving SIR notices?

During SIR, electoral records are being checked and linked with earlier rolls. If a voter's current entry cannot be mapped with the previous record, the Election Registration Officer (ERO) may seek additional documents.

A notice does not automatically mean that a person's name has been deleted from the voter list. It means the voter may have to provide information or documents to establish the required details.

The Election Commission has also provided an online facility through its voter portal for submitting documents against an SIR notice.

First check the old SIR voter list

Before collecting a large number of documents, voters should first check whether their own name or a parent's name appears in the previous SIR electoral roll.

The ECI's portal has a “Search your name in last SIR E-Roll” facility. The search can be carried out using elector details and other information. The Commission has also cautioned that spellings may differ between old and current records, so voters may need to try variations of a name while searching.

For Punjab, the relevant old electoral record mentioned in the SIR process is the January 1, 2003 electoral roll.

If the required old record is found, it can make the verification process much easier. ECI material says electors whose names are present in the January 1, 2003, roll are required to submit the Enumeration Form along with an extract of the roll, without needing additional documents.

Which documents are required according to age?

The document requirement changes according to the voter's date of birth.

1. Born before July 1, 1987

If the ERO asks for documents, a person born before July 1, 1987 has to provide a document establishing their date or place of birth.

Examples of documents that may be used include birth certificate, Indian passport or matriculation or educational certificate issued by a recognised board

The Election Commission's SIR guidelines specifically provide for a document relating to the elector for this category.

2. Born between July 1, 1987, and December 2, 2004

People born during this period may have to provide two documents:

One document relating to themselves

One document relating to either their father or mother

The purpose is to establish the required personal and parental link during verification.

3. Born after December 2, 2004

For voters born after December 2, 2004, the requirement is generally three documents:

One document belonging to the voter

One document belonging to the father

One document belonging to the mother

This is because the verification requirement extends to both parents for this age group.

What documents can be used?

The documents required will depend on the issue mentioned in the notice. For date-of-birth verification, documents that clearly mention the date of birth can be useful. These may include a birth certificate, Indian passport, recognised board certificate, PAN card or driving licence, subject to the applicable SIR document requirements.

For place of birth or eligibility-related verification, documents such as a relevant residence or domicile certificate, passport or government/local-body family register may be considered where applicable.

Voters should read the notice carefully and submit documents according to the specific requirement mentioned by the ERO rather than submitting unrelated papers.

What if your name is already in the 2003 voter list?

This is one of the most important points for voters. If the voter's own name or the name of a parent appears in the January 1, 2003 electoral roll, the old record can help establish the electoral link. The ECI has made the previous SIR electoral data available through its voter service portal. Therefore, voters who receive a notice should first check the old roll before arranging additional documents.

What if your name is in the 2003 list but is still unmapped?

There can be cases where a person's name appears in the old electoral roll but the present entry has not been successfully mapped. This may happen because of differences in spelling, personal details or other information between the old and current records.

In such cases, voters should not ignore the notice. They should check the old record carefully and submit the required information or documents as instructed by the ERO.

The ECI's online search facility itself notes that spellings can vary between older SIR records and current electoral details.

What should you do after receiving an SIR notice?

Voters receiving a notice should follow these steps:

Step 1: Read the notice carefully and identify the reason for verification.

Step 2: Check your name and, where relevant, your parents' names in the January 1, 2003 electoral roll.

Step 3: Identify the documents required according to your date of birth and the issue mentioned in the notice.

Step 4: Keep copies of the required documents ready and submit them within the deadline mentioned in the notice.

Step 5: Follow the instructions provided by the ERO/AERO for physical submission or verification.

The ECI voter portal also currently provides an option to submit documents against a notice issued under SIR 2026.

Can documents be submitted online?

Yes. The Election Commission's Citizen Service Portal provides online services related to SIR 2026, including an option to submit documents against a notice.

Voters can use the official ECI voter portal for SIR-related services and to search the previous electoral roll.

If a voter is unable to complete the process online, they should follow the instructions in the notice and contact the election office concerned.

Keep the submission receipt safe

After submitting documents or an online response, voters should keep the acknowledgement or receipt safely.

It can be useful later if there is any question about whether the documents were submitted within the required period.

Voters should also avoid ignoring an SIR notice simply because their name appears on the current voter list.

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1. What is SIR 2026?

SIR stands for Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. It is a process used by the Election Commission to verify and update voter records.

2. Why did I receive an SIR notice?

You may receive a notice if your current electoral entry could not be mapped or verified against the relevant previous electoral records and the ERO requires additional information or documents.

3. Does receiving a notice mean my vote has been cancelled?

No. A notice is part of the verification process. If you receive one, follow the instructions and submit the required documents within the specified time.

4. What should a person born before July 1, 1987 submit?

If documents are requested, the person generally needs a document relating to themselves to establish the required date or place of birth.

5. What is required for people born from July 1, 1987 to December 2, 2004?

They generally need two documents — one for themselves and one for either their father or mother.

6. What documents are required for those born after December 2, 2004?

They generally need three documents — one for themselves, one for their father and one for their mother.

7. Why is the 2003 voter list important?

The January 1, 2003 electoral roll can provide an important link for establishing an existing electoral record. ECI material says electors whose names are in that roll do not need to submit additional documents beyond the specified electoral-roll extract and Enumeration Form.

8. Where can I search my old voter record?

The ECI's Citizen Service Portal has a “Search your name in last SIR E-Roll” facility. It allows voters to search using elector details and other information.

9. Can I submit documents online after receiving a notice?

Yes. The ECI voter portal provides a “Submit Document Against Notice issued” facility under SIR 2026.

10. What should I do if I am confused about the SIR process?

Read the notice carefully and contact the election officials concerned  for clarification. The Election Commission's voter service portal lists 1950 as its toll-free contact number.

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The Krishnanagar court passed the order on Wednesday after Mahua Moitra did not appear before it despite repeated directions and summonses. The court has also asked the authorities to submit a report on the execution of the warrant on August 28.

Court takes action over repeated non-appearance

The case was filed against Mahua Moitra over allegations that she made remarks that insulted women and amounted to hate speech. The court had earlier issued pre-cognisance summons to the TMC leader.

The 3rd Judicial Magistrate at Krishnanagar Court noted that Mahua Moitra had failed to appear despite several summonses. On Tuesday, the court had specifically directed her to be present on Wednesday.

However, she did not appear before the court.

In its order, the court said Mahua Moitra’s repeated failure to follow its directions showed a lack of seriousness towards complying with the proceedings. The judge said the court had no option left but to issue an arrest warrant.

Lawyer says she will not appear

During the hearing, Mahua Moitra’s lawyer reportedly told the court that she would not appear before it at any stage. The court viewed the statement seriously. The MP’s lawyer also expressed concern that she could face heckling or harassment outside the court premises if she came to appear in person.

Charges mentioned in complaint

According to a senior official of the Krishnanagar Police District, the complaint includes allegations under several sections of law.

These include provisions related to insulting the modesty of a woman, promoting enmity between groups, outraging religious feelings, criminal intimidation and hate speech.

The court has now directed that the arrest warrant be executed and that a report be submitted on August 28.


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Meanwhile former Punjab BJP general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh has been named Gujarat's in charge of the party, which is also the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Senior general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Vinod Tawde has been given party's charge in Uttar Pradesh.

Notably, the post of BJP in-charge in Punjab fell vacant after the death of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in the Air India Flight 171 crash on June 12, 2025.

Currently, BJP's Haryana in-charge Poonia has also been given the charge of Haryana.

Poonia, a former Rajasthan BJP president, will work in Punjab with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who has been tasked with OBC outreach. 

Pathak’s move is significant because he is among the latest senior AAP leaders to cross over to the BJP. His new role gives him a place in the BJP’s national organisation at a time when the party is preparing for a politically important election cycle.

The development also brings Raghav Chadha, another former AAP MP who is now with the BJP, into focus. Whether Chadha gets a role in the expected Union Cabinet reshuffle following the organisational changes remains to be seen.

BJP balances experience with new faces

The BJP has retained several experienced leaders while giving organisational responsibilities to younger faces. Former Union minister Smriti Irani has returned to a key organisational position as one of the party’s national general secretaries. Former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje will continue as a national vice president.

The composition of the new team also indicates an effort to maintain a wider regional balance.

Leaders from Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha and the Northeast have been given prominent organisational responsibilities, suggesting that the BJP is looking to strengthen its presence beyond its traditional strongholds.

Women get greater representation

Women account for six of the BJP’s 13 national vice presidents. The new team also includes four women secretaries and one woman general secretary. Two members of the team are from the Muslim community.

The representation is part of the BJP’s broader effort to project its national organisation as socially and regionally diverse.

Key appointments across the organisation

Apart from  Vasundhara Raje, the BJP’s national vice-presidential team includes Tirath Singh Rawat, Ram Madhav, Baijayant Panda, D Purandeswari, Rekha Verma and Manpreet Singh Badal.

Other national vice presidents are Varshaben Narendrabhai Doshi, Bharati Pravin Pawar, Lal Singh Arya, M Nagaraj, Tariq Mansoor and Madhuchhanda Kar.

At the organisational level, BL Santhosh will continue as national general secretary (organisation). He will be supported by joint general secretaries Shiv Prakash and Saudan Singh.

BJP strengthens communication machinery

The party has also made changes to its communications and digital teams. Anil Baluni has been appointed media coordinator and will be assisted by joint coordinators Ashish Usha Agarwal, Pradeep Bhandari and Siddharth Yadav.

Deepak Mhaskey has been given charge as social media coordinator. He will work with joint coordinators Priti Gandhi, Shivanand Dwivedi, Alok Bhatt and Arun Yadav.

The appointments underline the growing importance of digital communication in the BJP’s political strategy. With political parties increasingly using social media to reach voters directly, the party has placed its communication structure alongside its traditional organisational machinery.

Pathak’s induction has political significance

Pathak’s appointment deserves attention beyond the list of organisational posts. His shift from the AAP to the BJP reflects the continuing movement of political leaders across parties. For the BJP, bringing in leaders with experience of working in the AAP’s organisational and election machinery could help it understand the political dynamics of states where the two parties compete.

Pathak had been associated with the AAP’s national organisation and election strategy. His induction into the BJP therefore carries an element of political signalling, particularly as the BJP prepares for elections in several states.

The move also adds another dimension to the growing list of former AAP leaders now associated with the BJP.

What it could mean for Raghav Chadha

The organisational reshuffle also puts the spotlight on Raghav Chadha. Chadha, who was earlier a prominent face of the AAP, is now with the BJP. His political future could become clearer if the Union Cabinet is reshuffled after the BJP’s organisational changes.

For now, there is no confirmation that Chadha will be inducted into the Union Cabinet. But his name is likely to remain part of the political discussion as the BJP adjusts its organisational and governmental teams.

A team built for the next election cycle

Taken together, the appointments show a BJP seeking to combine organisational experience, regional representation and a younger leadership layer. The emphasis on the southern and eastern states, the greater presence of women and the strengthening of communication and social media teams point towards a broader electoral strategy.

At the same time, the induction of former opposition leaders such as Pathak shows that the BJP continues to draw political capital from outside its traditional organisational base.

The new team, therefore, is not merely a routine organisational exercise. It comes at a politically significant moment and provides an indication of how the BJP is preparing its machinery for the elections ahead.

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The party aims at strengthening regional representation by introducing mix of seasoned leaders and younger faces taking charge of key posts.

The list includes prominent leaders as Manpreet Singh Badal, Smriti Irani and Vasundhara Raje, bringing together senior politicians with experience across different states and organisational roles.

Former Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal has been appointed national vice president of Punjab, while Tarun Chugh will assumed central office incharge's role.

While congratulating the newsly appointed office-bearers, Nitin Nabin said that the team's energy and experience would provide a new momentum to the organisation. 

Wider women representation

Meanwhile, another major development is the return of former Union minister Smriti Irani as one of the general secretaries of the BJP. Former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje continues as BJP's national vice president.

Out of 13 national vice presidents, six are women, signalling a push for wider women representation in the party's core roles. There are also four women secretaries and a woman general secretary, apart from two from the Muslim community.

Union minister Piyush Goyal has been appointed the BJP’s national treasurer, with Rajesh Mangal named national joint treasurer.

The party also announced appointments to its organisational and outreach wings. Sambit Patra has been made the North-East coordinator, while Tarun Chugh has been appointed central office in-charge.

FULL LIST OF OFFICE BEARERS ANNOUNCED BY BJP

National Vice Presidents

Vasundhara Raje Scindia — Rajasthan

Tirath Singh Rawat — Uttarakhand

Ram Madhav — Delhi

Baijayant Jay Panda — Odisha

D Purandeshwari — Andhra Pradesh

Rekha Verma — Uttar Pradesh

Varshaben Narendrabhai Doshi — Gujarat

(Dr.) Bharti Pravin Pawar — Maharashtra

Sardar Manpreet Singh Badal — Punjab

Lal Singh Arya — Madhya Pradesh

Prof. M. Nagaraja — Karnataka

Prof. Tariq Mansoor — Uttar Pradesh

(Dr.) Madhuchandra Kar — West Bengal

National General Secretary (Org.)

Shri BL Santhosh — Delhi

National Joint General Secretaries (Org.)

Shivprakash — Mumbai

Saudan Singh — Chandigarh

National General Secretaries

Vinod Tawde — Maharashtra

Sunil Bansal — Delhi

Biplab Kumar Deb — Tripura

Smriti Irani — Uttar Pradesh

Satish Poonia — Rajasthan

Gajendra Patel — Madhya Pradesh

Harish Dwivedi — Uttar Pradesh

Sanjay Bhatia — Haryana

National Secretaries

Kavita Patidar — Madhya Pradesh

K. Surendran — Keralam

Dr. Bhola Singh — Uttar Pradesh

Dr. Pradip Varma — Jharkhand

Jagdish Ishwarbhai Patel — Gujarat

Dr Sandeep Pathak — Delhi

Phangnon Konyak — Nagaland

Sangeeta Yadav — Uttar Pradesh

Anil Antony — Keralam

M. Venkateshan — Tamil Nadu

Manoj Tigga — West Bengal

Siddharth Shambhu — Bihar

Dr. Swadesh Singh — Delhi

Mriganka Deo Barman — Assam

Rohan Gupta — Gujarat

Jai Prakash — Delhi

National Treasurer

Shri Piyush Goyal — Maharashtra

The account's information indicated that it had been created earlier this month. Instagram's account history also showed that its username had been changed once. There was no clear information available about who was operating the account.

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The sudden appearance of the Instagram handle came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to ‘dimagi Naxals’ during his Independence Day address. While speaking about India's fight against Maoism, PM Modi said the government had succeeded in eliminating armed Naxals from forest areas and reducing the threat posed by the insurgency. However, he cautioned that another challenge remained.

Referring to them as ‘dimagi Naxals’, or intellectual Naxals, the Prime Minister said such elements were still present and could pose a danger from within society.

The term subsequently drew attention online, with the ‘Dimagi Naxal Party’ Instagram account also gaining followers at a rapid pace.

Who was behind Instagram handle?

It remains unclear who created or operated the account. The Instagram profile did not publicly identify its owner or administrator. It is also not clear whether the account was created by an individual, a group or as a social media experiment.

The account's sudden growth and disappearance have raised questions about its purpose and the identity of the people behind it.

Instagram is owned by Meta

Instagram is owned by Meta, the US-based technology company founded by Mark Zuckerberg.

The development comes at a time when Meta has faced renewed scrutiny over how its platforms are managed, including questions around content policies and enforcement.

For now, there is no confirmed information linking the ‘Dimagi Naxal Party’ account to any particular organisation or individual.

The account's disappearance means that its posts and activities are no longer publicly accessible, leaving its brief rise on Instagram open to speculation.

According to the sources, the Congress leaders said that the seating arrangements and other ceremonial protocols were not in accordance with their positions.

The absence of Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi came amid an ongoing controversy over the seating arrangements at national events.

In 2024, Rahul Gandhi, who had been appointed the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was seated in the fifth row during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. The Congress strongly criticised the arrangement, claiming it was an insult to the office of the Leader of Opposition. However, the Defence Ministry said the seating plan had been changed to accommodate Olympians attending the event.

Rahul Gandhi and Kharge also did not attend the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in 2025.

The Congress has raised similar concerns about the seating arrangements at other national events. During the Republic Day celebrations in 2026, the party objected after Gandhi and Kharge were reportedly seated in the third row.

However, the Defence Ministry maintained that the seating arrangements for the 2025 and 2026 Republic Day celebrations followed the Table of Precedence, which determines seating and protocol at official ceremonies based on constitutional rank and official position, rather than political affiliation.

For the first time since Independence, the census will collect caste-related information for all communities. The 2011 Census had 29 questions and only sought information on whether a person belonged to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST).

The upcoming Census 2027 questionnaire has a separate caste-related question at number 10, covering SC, ST and caste details.

The questionnaire will also seek information linked to mobile numbers, Aadhaar, voter ID, bank accounts and Covid-19 vaccination.

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Census 2027: What information will be collected?

The 40 questions have been divided into five broad sections covering different aspects of an individual's personal and social life.

1. Identity and family details

The first section will collect basic information about individuals and their families. People will be asked about their name, relationship with the head of the household, gender, date of birth and age. Questions will also cover marital status, age at marriage, spouse's name, nationality, religion and SC, ST and caste details.

Information about parents will also be recorded.

2. Education, language and digital literacy

The census will also focus on education and language. Questions will cover disability, mother tongue and other languages spoken, literacy and digital literacy. Respondents will also be asked whether they are currently studying at an educational institution. Details about their highest educational qualification, stream and subject will also be recorded.

3. Employment and economic activity

The employment section will have eight questions covering a person's work and economic activity. People will be asked whether they worked during the previous year, along with details of their occupation and the sector in which they work.

The questionnaire will also cover the worker's category, non-economic activity, whether the person is looking for work or available for work, and the mode or place of work-related travel.

4. Birth, migration and place of residence

Another section will focus on birth and migration-related information.

Questions will cover a person's place of birth, previous place of residence, reason for migration and the length of stay at the current or previous location. The permanent residential address will also be recorded.

Women will be asked about the number of children born alive, the total number of children they have had and the number of children born during the previous year.

5. Aadhaar, bank accounts and other documents

The final section will seek information related to certain documents, banking and mobile connectivity. People will be asked where they received their Covid-19 vaccination, the number of bank accounts they have and their mobile number.

The questionnaire will also ask whether Aadhaar, voter ID, passport and driving licence are available.

Census 2027 to be India's first digital census

Census 2027 will be India's first digital census. Information will be recorded digitally and people will also have the option of providing their details themselves through the self-enumeration facility. The exercise will be carried out under the Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990.

The government has said that personal information collected during the census will remain confidential. Under Section 15 of the Census Act, census information cannot be made public, disclosed under the Right to Information Act or used as evidence in a court.

Why was Census 2021 delayed?

The previous census was scheduled to take place in 2021 but was postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Census 2027 will now be conducted across the country with coordination from the Centre. State governments and Union Territory administrations will assist in carrying out the exercise.

11,718 crore approved for Census 2027

The Union government has approved a budget of Rs 11,718.24 crore for Census 2027. The exercise will cover the entire country and will be implemented with coordination between the Centre, states and Union Territories.

India observes Independence Day on August 15, while Pakistan celebrates its national day on August 14. The difference often raises a historical question: if both countries emerged from British India at the time of Partition, why do they have different Independence Day dates?

Historical records provide a more complicated answer than the dates on today's calendars suggest.

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The legal foundation for the creation of India and Pakistan was the Indian Independence Act, 1947, passed by the British Parliament in July 1947.

The Act provided for the creation of two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, from August 15, 1947. In legal terms, therefore, both countries were established under the same legislation and at the same point in time.

The formal transfer of power, however, took place through separate ceremonies because the last Viceroy of India, Lord Louis Mountbatten, had to be physically present in both Karachi and Delhi.

Why Pakistan's ceremony was held on August 14

Mountbatten's schedule is one of the main reasons behind the different dates followed today. He travelled to Karachi and attended the transfer-of-power ceremony there on August 14, 1947. He then returned to Delhi for India's independence ceremonies on August 15.

During his address to Pakistan's Constituent Assembly on August 14, Mountbatten referred to the new government taking charge the following day.

Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, also described August 15 as the birthday of the country's independent and sovereign state in a radio address.

Historical accounts, including the biography of Mountbatten by Philip Ziegler, have documented August 15 as the date specified for the independence of both dominions.

Mountbatten could not be in Karachi and Delhi at the same time

The practical problem was simple: the transfer of power required the Viceroy's presence. Mountbatten was still the representative of the British Crown when power was handed over in Pakistan. He could therefore participate in the Karachi ceremony on August 14.

He then travelled to Delhi for the Indian independence ceremonies the next day.

Historian KK Aziz, in Murder of History, argued that this sequence should not be interpreted as meaning that Pakistan legally became independent a day earlier.

The Indian Independence Act had specified August 15 as the date on which the two dominions would come into existence.

The role of August 14 and 15 ceremonies

Records held by the University of Southampton's Broadlands Archives, which contain Mountbatten's papers, also document the two-stage process. A ceremony was held at Karachi's Legislative Assembly on August 14, after which Mountbatten flew back to Delhi. The following day, August 15, the formal independence ceremonies took place in India.

Later on August 15, a resolution was passed declaring India's independence and inviting Mountbatten to serve as the country's first Governor-General.

Did Ramadan influence Pakistan's date?

Another explanation is linked to the Islamic calendar.

The night of August 14-15, 1947 coincided with the 27th night of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. The night is widely associated with Laylat al-Qadr, considered one of the holiest nights in Islam.

Because Pakistan was established as a Muslim-majority country, some historians have suggested that the coincidence may have influenced the eventual choice of August 14 as the country's national day.

However, the historical record does not establish this as the sole reason for the change.

Could time zones have played a role?

Time zones provide another explanation that is sometimes cited. Pakistan's standard time is 30 minutes behind India's. As a result, when it was midnight in Delhi on August 15, the local time in Karachi was still 11.30 pm on August 14.

However, this factor alone does not explain the legal date of independence. The Indian Independence Act continued to specify August 15 as the date for the creation of the two dominions.

Pakistan officially adopted August 14 later

Pakistan formally began observing August 14 as Independence Day in 1948, a year after Partition. The decision is generally attributed to a cabinet meeting chaired by Pakistan's first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan.

The original written minutes of that meeting are not publicly known. Historians have instead pointed to several possible considerations, including the August 14 transfer-of-power ceremony in Karachi, its connection with the 27th night of Ramadan and the desire to establish a separate national day from India.

Since then, Pakistan has consistently celebrated August 14 as its Independence Day.

August 15 still appears in Pakistan's early history

The date August 15 did not completely disappear from Pakistan's early national history. Pakistan's first commemorative postage stamps, issued after independence, carried references to August 15.

The historical record therefore shows that the different dates celebrated today emerged from a combination of legal provisions, the timing of the transfer-of-power ceremonies, Mountbatten's travel schedule and later political and national decisions.

While India marks August 15 and Pakistan marks August 14, the story of their independence is rooted in the same dramatic transfer of power that ended British rule and divided the subcontinent in 1947.

The surgery lasted around 90 minutes. Doctors said Sukhbir Singh Badal suffered a sharp injury to his right hand and a tendon injury. His condition is now stable and he is out of danger.

An official said the former Punjab deputy chief minister is expected to be discharged from the hospital on Friday and may be flown to Punjab in the afternoon.

Sukhbir Badal undergoes 90-minute surgery

Sukhbir Singh Badal was taken to Yashosai Hospital after sustaining an injury to his right hand during the attack. A doctor treating the Akali Dal leader said the surgical procedure continued for about one-and-a-half hours. “There was a tendon injury and a sharp wound. The affected nerve was treated,” the doctor said.

A plastic surgeon also treated Sukhbir Badal's ulnar artery. Doctors said he is currently out of danger and his condition remains stable.

Attack took place inside Nanded gurdwara

According to the police, Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked by a person disguised himself as a Nihang inside Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat on the outskirts of Nanded city.

The incident took place while Sukhbir Singh Badal was present at the gurdwara. He suffered an injury to his right hand and was subsequently taken to hospital for medical treatment. The police have not yet established the motive behind the attack.

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A police official said arrangements were likely to be made to take Sukhbir Singh Badal back to Punjab by air on Friday afternoon.

The accused has been identified as Jaspal Singh. Police said they are still investigating why he allegedly attacked the SAD chief.

It is learnt the accused has been living alone in Nanded. He has degrees in commerce and law and is based with his family in Pune.

A case has been registered against him under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The charges include attempt to murder, voluntarily causing hurt using dangerous weapons or means, and voluntarily causing grievous hurt to a public servant to prevent him from performing his duty.

Addressing a press conference, Bikram Singh Majithia strongly condemned the Nanded incident and said the failed attack should not be treated as an isolated event. He said Sukhbir Singh Badal was saved from a potentially fatal attack by the intervention of people present at the gurdwara.

Majithia says Sukhbir Badal targeted at a gurdwara again

Majithia said the Nanded incident was the second time Sukhbir Singh Badal had been targeted at a major Sikh religious site.

Referring to the December 2024 incident outside Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, he said the two incidents should be examined together instead of being treated separately.

According to Majithia, Sukhbir Badal had been visiting different gurdwaras in Nanded with his family and was participating in religious activities before the attack.

He said the family had travelled to Nanded to pay obeisance and perform seva, and photographs and videos from the visit showed Sukhbir Singh Badal receiving respect at the Takht and other gurdwaras.

‘A person going to Guru Ghar cannot go with violent intent’

Majithia said violence has no place inside a gurdwara and strongly criticised anyone who enters a religious place with the intention of harming another person.

He said wearing Sikh attire or a turban does not by itself make someone a follower of the Guru.

“A Sikh follows the path shown by the Guru. A person who attacks people at a gurdwara cannot be described as a Sikh merely because of his appearance,” Majithia said during the press conference.

He also recalled the Sikh teachings of Naam Japo, Kirat Karo and Vand Chhako, saying the principles of Sikhism are based on devotion, honest living and sharing.

Majithia raises questions over earlier attack

A major part of Majithia's press conference focused on the December 2024 attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal outside the Golden Temple.

He referred to the alleged attack by Narain Singh Chaura, a former Khalistani militant, and questioned how the accused was able to get close to Sukhbir Badal despite the security arrangements in place at the time.

Majithia alleged that the earlier investigation was not conducted properly and claimed that the accused was released on bail within a few months.

He argued that a more thorough investigation into the earlier case could potentially have helped prevent another attack.

Questions over police officers and security arrangements

Majithia also raised questions about the role of police officers who were involved in security arrangements during the earlier incident.

He referred to police officials, including Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, and questioned whether all aspects of the earlier case had been properly investigated.

Majithia said authorities should examine whether there were any intelligence or security failures and whether information available to law enforcement was acted upon appropriately.

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He also questioned why the earlier case did not lead to a more comprehensive investigation into the alleged background and network of the accused.

Majithia called for a CBI probe into the latest attack and said the investigation should be independent and comprehensive. He said the inquiry should establish who planned or carried out the attack? Whether the Nanded incident had any connection with the earlier attack on Sukhbir Badal. Whether there were intelligence or security lapses. Whether anyone assisted or facilitated the alleged attacker. Whether the earlier investigation overlooked important leads.

He said the objective should be to uncover the complete truth rather than conduct a superficial inquiry.

Majithia warned against what he described as a repeat of the handling of the earlier attack. He said the latest incident should not end with a routine investigation and insisted that all available evidence and possible connections must be examined. He also appealed for stronger security for Sukhbir Singh Badal and his family.

Soon after, the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die, officially bringing the session to a close. The Rajya Sabha followed suit, also being adjourned sine die with the National Song.

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This first-of-its-kind gesture in Parliament comes just days after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to a new law that gives legal protection to Vande Mataram. Under this law, deliberately disrupting or preventing the singing of the National Song is now a punishable offence, putting it on a par with the legal protection already given to the National Anthem.

Even before this, the government had laid down protocols for how and when the song should be sung at official events. A Union Home Ministry order dated January 28 specified that all six stanzas be sung on occasions such as the President's arrival, the unfurling of the Tricolour and addresses by governors.

A session marked by repeated disruptions

While the day ended with a symbolic and unifying moment, the session itself had been anything but smooth. The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die after facing repeated disruptions and sharp exchanges between the treasury benches and the Opposition right through the day.

In a departure from usual practice, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla skipped the customary valedictory address, in which he typically reviews the House's performance and productivity over the session.

Ever since the session began on July 20, proceedings were frequently stalled. Two issues dominated much of the disruption, the police action against student protesters during the NEET paper leak agitation and the controversy surrounding the alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram Mandir.

Govt offered to debate, Opposition kept up the pressure

A day earlier, on Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said he was open to a full debate on the issues raised and was willing to respond to each query from the Opposition. He had also asked the Speaker to consult Opposition parties and set aside time for a proper discussion on the students' issue.

Even on the final day, the Opposition did not let up, raising slogans against the government inside the House.

Rival protests outside Parliament

The divisions that had defined the session spilled out into the Parliament complex as well. Rival protests broke out between the BJP and the Opposition at Makar Dwar. The BJP targeted Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, accusing them of staying silent on the ongoing protests in Jharkhand, while Opposition parties continued to push their own set of demands.

As the curtains came down on the Monsoon Session, it closed on two contrasting notes. A rare moment of national unity through Vande Mataram and the continuing political tug-of-war that had defined much of the session.

Speaking at the launch of former President Ram Nath Kovind’s autobiography, Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, PM Modi said the younger generation should not allow social media trends and influencers to shape their choices without thought.

“Reels ka zamaana hai… influencers aapko kaheen kaa kaheen le jaatey hain.. aapne dekha hoga railway stations par likha rehta hai un logo n me liye joh jaldi mein bridge se nahi patri se jaatey hain… Short cut will cut you short,” the Prime Minister said.

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PM Modi cited Kovind’s life as an example of how determination, hard work and resilience can help a person overcome difficult circumstances. He recalled that Kovind lost his mother at a very young age and was raised by his father. Despite facing hardships early in life, Kovind went on to become the President of India. “Kovind ji considers his father his hero by rising to occupy the highest office in the country,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister said the journey of the former President showed that people should not allow difficult circumstances to decide their future.

‘The higher you rise, the more humble you should become’

PM Modi also spoke about Kovind’s humility, recalling his interactions with him during Kovind’s tenure as President. “When I would call on Kovind ji at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he would always walk me to my car, breaking protocols. I used to tell him not to do this, but he never lost sight of his humility,” Modi said.

He added that success should not make a person distant from others and stressed that greater achievements should be accompanied by greater humility.

PM Modi links Kovind’s journey with Viksit Bharat

The Prime Minister said India’s goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat would depend heavily on the efforts of its young population. He said the country needs young people who are prepared to face challenges rather than those who are discouraged by difficulties.

Modi also recalled the contributions and vision of Mahatma Gandhi, B. Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, among other social reformers, who dreamed of creating an India where even the poorest and most disadvantaged people could get opportunities to progress.

“Personalities like Kovind ji did not just transform their own lives through their labour and ability... they also played a role in realising that centuries-old dream, that vision,” the Prime Minister said.

The autobiography, Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, traces Kovind’s life, struggles and public service, offering an account of his journey from a difficult childhood to the highest constitutional office in the country.

The remark, made during a public statement that quickly went viral, targeted what Udayakumar described as a pattern of government appointments favouring people connected to Vijay's film career.

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In the video circulating widely online, the former minister claimed that the TVK-led government has been handing out official positions to individuals who earlier worked with Vijay on his movies, including producers and technical crew members.

He listed several such appointments, alleging that people from Vijay's film circle had been placed in key government roles, including temple trustee, Tamil Nadu's special representative in New Delhi, personal secretary to the Chief Minister, head of the state film training institute and government advisors.

Building on this list, Udayakumar sarcastically asked when Trisha, who has starred alongside Vijay in multiple films, might be next in line, this time for the post of Deputy Chief Minister.

As of now, neither the Chief Minister's office nor any of the individuals named by Udayakumar have issued an official response to the remarks.

The announcement has added to speculation about a possible SAD-BJP alliance for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, although neither party has confirmed any electoral understanding.


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After a meeting with senior SAD leaders at his Chandigarh residence on Saturday, Sukhbir Singh Badal said the Women’s Reservation Bill should be implemented without further delay. He said women should receive their due representation in legislatures at the earliest.

Sukhbir Singh Badal said the SAD draws inspiration from the teachings of Sikh Gurus, which emphasise the dignity, equality and equal rights of women.

He also pointed to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), saying it had already set an example by providing reservation for women in its House.

SAD supports uniform increase in Lok Sabha seats

The Akali Dal has also backed the Centre’s proposal for a uniform 50% increase in Lok Sabha seats for all states, instead of linking the delimitation exercise directly to the 2011 Census. He said both women’s reservation and delimitation should be implemented immediately.

SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema said the party had earlier opposed delimitation based on the 2011 Census. However, after discussions within the party, the leadership decided to support the proposal for a uniform expansion of Lok Sabha seats.

Cheema said the SAD wanted a fair system that ensures equal representation for all states.

Centre seeks support for two major measures

The two proposals are expected to remain among the key political issues during the remaining part of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

The Centre is seeking support for legislation that would provide 33% reservation for women in legislatures from 2029. The proposed delimitation exercise could also increase the strength of the Lok Sabha to 816 seats.

The delimitation proposal has faced opposition from several parties, particularly in southern India.

Opponents have argued that states such as Tamil Nadu could be disadvantaged because they successfully implemented population-control measures and therefore have slower population growth.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the proposed exercise could weaken Tamil Nadu's representation in Parliament and urged political parties across the country to oppose it.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, meanwhile, has denied reports that a special Parliament session from August 16 to 18 was being considered to pass the two measures. Consultations with political parties are continuing during the ongoing session.

Fresh speculation over SAD-BJP alliance

The SAD's support for the Centre's proposals has also intensified speculation about a possible political rapprochement between the BJP and Akali Dal in Punjab. Sukhbir Singh Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday, bringing the former allies back into the political spotlight.

The BJP and SAD had shared a 24-year-old alliance before parting ways in 2020 over the now-repealed farm laws.

Asked about the possibility of the two parties joining hands again, Daljit Singh Cheema said only that the two leaders had met.

Reacting to comments by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal about a possible BJP-SAD tie-up, Cheema said the remarks reflected the “fear of AAP”.

On whether an alliance was being discussed, Cheema said he would stick to the decisions taken by the party.

With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approaching, political attention is likely to remain focused on whether the renewed engagement between the SAD and BJP develops into a formal electoral understanding.

With Abaan's death, the once-powerful Ahmed family's next generation has met a grim fate. Of Atiq Ahmed's five sons, two have now died while the remaining two are in jail and one is reportedly living with one of a family members. HIs wife is absconding since 2023.

'Save me': Eyewitness recalls Abaan's final moments

The accident occurred around 10.30 am near the Poonch police station area, about 70 km from Jhansi. Abaan was travelling with four friends in a Hyundai Creta SUV from Prayagraj to Jhansi to meet his elder brother, Ali Ahmed, who is lodged in Jhansi Jail.

The SUV reportedly lost control and crashed into a road divider with tremendous force. The impact was so severe that the vehicle was flung into the air before crashing back onto the road, leaving it completely mangled.

Eyewitness Deepak Yadav, who rushed to the scene, said the doors of the SUV were jammed. Using an iron rod, he and others managed to force them open.

"The first person I pulled out identified himself as Abaan. He pleaded, 'Save me,' before losing consciousness," Yadav told the media.

Abaan and his friend Sonu died in the accident, while Mohammad Zaid, Umar Ahmed and Aslam sustained injuries and were admitted to Jhansi Medical College. Doctors said their condition is stable.

Police investigating multiple possibilities

The police are probing the exact cause of the crash. Eyewitnesses claimed a calf suddenly appeared on the road, forcing the driver to swerve before the SUV hit a divider. However, injured survivor Umar Ahmed said the driver lost control after the vehicle struck a brick lying on the road.

Investigators have also noted that the road was slippery due to light rain and overspeeding may have contributed to the accident. A forensic team has examined the spot, and statements of eyewitnesses and survivors are being recorded.

Atiq Ahmed's family: Father killed, sons dead or in jail

Abaan's death marks another tragedy for the family of Atiq Ahmed, who was shot dead along with his brother Ashraf Ahmed in Prayagraj in April 2023 while under police escort.

The family's current status is stark:

Atiq Ahmed – Shot dead in 2023.

Asad Ahmed – Killed in a police encounter in Jhansi in 2023.

Abaan Ahmed – Died in a road accident in Jhansi on Thursday.

Ali Ahmed – Lodged in Jhansi Jail.

Umar Ahmed – Imprisoned in Lucknow.

Another brother also remains in judicial custody in connection with criminal cases.

Meanwhile, their mother, Shaista Parveen, has been absconding since 2023 in the Umesh Pal murder case. She remains a wanted accused, and there is no official confirmation on whether she will attend Abaan's funeral.

Abaan's body has been sent for post-mortem at Jhansi Medical College. After the autopsy, it will be handed over to the family for the last rites in Prayagraj.