Karnataka Cabinet Recommends Suspension of KPSC Chairman Amid Allegations of Favoritism The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to recommend the suspension of Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, who faces allegations of favoring his two daughters in the selection process for Industrial Extension Officer positions. One of the daughters is accused of submitting a false income certificate, which falsely claimed the family’s annual income was ₹40,000. The Cabinet’s decision to re-propose the suspension follows a procedural lapse in the initial process, where the Governor had suspended Sahukar and sent the matter for Cabinet ratification. However, the Cabinet’s subsequent action aims to address this procedural gap, with the recommendation now forwarded to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot for further action. Gehlot is expected to escalate the matter to President Droupadi Murmu for resolution. This development follows a significant legal ruling by the Karnataka High Court on August 18, which overturned the Governor’s earlier suspension order. The court ruled that the Governor’s decision was “illegal” due to the absence of aid and advice from the Council of Ministers. The court ordered Sahukar’s reinstatement, emphasizing that the Governor’s authority to suspend officials without ministerial consultation was invalid. The Advocate-on-Record for the Governor had previously informed the court that President Murmu, acting on the Governor’s recommendation, had referred the case to the Supreme Court for an inquiry into the allegations against Sahukar. However, the Supreme Court noted that the issue in Sahukar’s case involved a different legal point, leaving the matter unresolved.#president_droupadi_murmu #karnataka_cabinet #kpsc_chairman #shiva_shankarappa_s_sahukar #governor_thaawarchand_gehlot
President Droupadi Murmu Approves UPI Fee Regulations and Tax Law Amendments The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has given her assent to two significant bills aimed at regulating fees on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions and amending tax laws to boost economic growth. The bills, which were passed by Parliament on August 10, 2026, provide the government with the legal framework to impose charges on UPI and RuPay card transactions while ensuring user-friendly policies for digital payments. The first bill, titled the "Amendment to the Income Tax and Other Laws Act, 2026," and the second, the "Amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007," were approved by the President after being cleared by the legislature. The Payment and Settlement Systems Act amendment grants the government the authority to levy fees on electronic transactions conducted through UPI and RuPay debit cards. This includes the power to specify which payment methods or transactions will be exempt from the "merchant discount rate" (MDR) charges. Currently, banks and payment system providers are prohibited from charging users for transactions made via UPI or RuPay debit cards. However, the amendment allows the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which oversees UPI operations, to decide on MDR charges. The NPCI will now be responsible for determining which categories of business transactions will be subject to these fees, ensuring a balance between user convenience and financial sustainability for service providers. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted during parliamentary discussions that UPI transactions will remain free for users, but future MDR charges will apply only to specific business categories.#president_droupadi_murmu #unified_payments_interface #finance_minister_nirmala_sitharaman #national_payments_corporation_of_india #parliament
President Droupadi Murmu Approves 78 Gallantry Awards, Including Posthumous Honors, Ahead of Independence Day President Droupadi Murmu has approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous honors, for personnel of the armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) on the eve of Independence Day. The Ministry of Defence announced the awards, which recognize acts of bravery and distinguished service rendered during various military operations. The recipients include members of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces, with several honors conferred posthumously to those who lost their lives in the line of duty. The awards encompass a range of gallantry medals, including nine Kirti Chakras, seven of which were awarded posthumously. Among the recipients of the Kirti Chakra are Lieutenant Colonel Maneo Francis PF of 21 Para (Special Forces) and Major Jitendra Rathee of 2 Para (Special Forces). Havildar Gajendra Singh of 2 Para (Special Forces) was also honored posthumously. Additionally, six personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces and other forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs received the Kirti Chakra posthumously. These include Head Constables Jagbir Singh and Bashir Ahmad, Special Grade Constables Jaswant Singh, Balvinder Singh, and Tariq Hussain, as well as Inspector Sunil Kumar of the Special Task Force. The Shaurya Chakra, another prestigious gallantry award, was conferred on 19 personnel, including one posthumous recipient. The awardees include Major Paramveer of the Garhwal Rifles, Major Tarun Vasudevan of the Corps of Engineers, and Major Keshav Kumar of 12 Dogra. Lieutenant Commander Shivam Kumar of the Navy and Squadron Leader Sudhir Kumar of the Air Force were also recognized with this honor.#indian_army #president_droupadi_murmu #navy #air_force #central_armed_police_forces
Bill Criminalising Insults to ‘Vande Mataram’ Becomes Law After President Murmu’s Assent President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the 2026 Prevention of Insults to National Honour Amendment Bill on Thursday, making it law. The legislation criminalises insults to the national song, Vande Mataram, granting it the same statutory protection as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on July 30 through a voice vote, despite protests by Opposition MPs who demanded a discussion on police action against youth protesters during demonstrations on July 20. The Rajya Sabha had cleared the bill a day earlier. The protests on July 20 were linked to allegations of mismanagement in the conduct of competitive examinations. The new law mandates that intentionally preventing the singing of Vande Mataram or disrupting an assembly where it is sung can result in imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. This aligns with the 1971 Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, which already penalises insults to the national anthem, flag, or Constitution with similar penalties. The legislation faced criticism from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the Lok Sabha, with MP Kanimozhi accusing the government of advancing a “Hindutva agenda” under the guise of nationalism. In response, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai defended the bill as a matter of “Indian pride,” emphasizing that it was not directed against any state or ideology. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Congress of insulting Vande Mataram through “appeasement politics.” The Union government is commemorating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.#lok_sabha #president_droupadi_murmu #rajya_sabha #bharatiya_janata_party #dravida_munnetra_kazhagam
President Murmu gives assent to Bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) gave her assent to a legislative amendment that criminalises intentional disruption or prevention of the singing of the national song "Vande Mataram," granting it the same legal protections as the national anthem "Jana Gana Mana." The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, became law following the President’s approval, a move that aligns the national song with the anthem in terms of legal safeguards. The Lok Sabha had passed the Bill on July 30, 2026, while the Rajya Sabha cleared it a day earlier. The legislation expands the scope of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, which previously prohibited acts such as preventing the singing of the national anthem or causing disturbances during its performance. Under the amended law, similar penalties now apply to disruptions of "Vande Mataram" singing. Offenses under the new provisions carry a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, with repeat offenders facing a minimum of one year’s imprisonment. The amendment marks a significant shift in legal recognition of "Vande Mataram," which has historically held a revered status in India’s cultural and political landscape. The Bill explicitly states that the song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, is to be accorded equal status with the national anthem. This recognition was affirmed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the President of the Constituent Assembly, who declared in 1950 that "Vande Mataram" would be honored equally with "Jana Gana Mana." The Union Home Ministry announced that "Vande Mataram" will be sung for the first time at the Independence Day function from the ramparts of the Red Fort.#president_droupadi_murmu #red_fort #union_home_ministry #bankim_chandra_chatterjee
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Mourns Passing of Renowned Indian Shooter and Coach Jaspal Rana The sudden death of Jaspal Rana, a celebrated Indian shooter and coach, has sent shockwaves through the nation’s sporting community. Rana, 49, passed away due to complications related to heart issues, marking a profound loss for Indian sports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, calling his death “a profound loss to the nation” and highlighting Rana’s dual legacy as an elite athlete and a dedicated mentor. Modi praised Rana’s “extraordinary achievements in shooting” and his “unwavering commitment to excellence,” emphasizing his role in shaping young talent. President Droupadi Murmu also extended condolences, noting Rana’s status as an Asian Games gold medallist and his enduring impact as both an athlete and coach. She underscored his “dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence,” stating that his contributions would continue to inspire future generations. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya echoed these sentiments, describing Rana as an “incredible contributor” to Indian shooting and a “legend” whose legacy would endure. Rana’s career spanned decades of excellence, beginning with his rise as a top pistol shooter. He secured gold medals at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan, and later became a pivotal figure in nurturing India’s shooting talent. His coaching efforts produced notable athletes, including double Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker. Fellow shooters and coaches, such as Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra and silver medallist Vijay Kumar, recalled Rana’s influence. Bindra called him “part of a generation that helped shape Indian shooting,” while Kumar lamented the loss of a “good coach” and teammate.#president_droupadi_murmu #prime_minister_narendra_modi #jaspal_rana #manu_bhaker #sports_minister_mansukh_mandaviya
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Raghav Chadha Meet President Murmu in Delhi Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Raghav Chadha arrived in Delhi on Monday to meet President Droupadi Murmu. The delegation, comprising nearly 90 AAP legislators, traveled in three Volvo buses. Mann emphasized the need for legal safeguards against political dissent, stating that no five individuals should be allowed to claim the party’s split. He criticized the use of legal threats and security measures to suppress dissent, accusing the BJP of leveraging state machinery to target AAP leaders. Chadha, who had recently resigned from AAP, accused the party of engaging in retaliatory politics after his departure. He alleged that AAP leaders who left the party faced harassment, including fabricated FIRs and threats of legal action. Chadha claimed that the party’s actions were akin to “revenge politics” and warned of escalating tensions. He highlighted the disparity in power between AAP, which controls only one state, and the BJP, which governs 21 states, suggesting that AAP’s survival in Punjab is uncertain. Chadha also criticized the government for using agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to intimidate critics. He cited examples of targeted actions against former AAP leaders, including Harbhajan Singh Bhaggi, whose family was allegedly harassed, and Rajinder Gupta, whose factory was raided by the Punjab Pollution Control Board. Chadha claimed that Gupta’s legal battle against the raid was ongoing, with a court order temporarily halting punitive actions. Security measures for the AAP leaders were also a point of discussion.#president_droupadi_murmu #punjab_cm_bhagwant_mann #aap_leader_raghav_chadha #enforcement_directorate_ed #central_bureau_of_investigation_cbi
AIIMS Nagpur emerging as quality medical hub: President Murmu President Droupadi Murmu highlighted AIIMS Nagpur’s role as a rising center for quality medical education, research, and healthcare during the institute’s second convocation on Wednesday. Addressing the event, she emphasized the institute’s motto, “Swasthyam Sarvārtha Sādhanam” (good health is the means to achieve all goals), and urged graduating students to uphold ethical standards and compassionate care as they enter their professional careers. Murmu stressed that medicine must remain a service to humanity, prioritizing compassion, integrity, and a patient-centric approach despite rapid technological advancements. She noted that doctors not only treat diseases but also instill hope and strength in patients and their families. The convocation was attended by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister for Health Prataprao Jadhav, alongside faculty members, students, and their families. Dr Anant Pandhare, president of AIIMS Nagpur, and Dr (Prof) Prashant P Joshi, executive director and CEO of the institute, were also present. Murmu praised the institute’s contributions to national healthcare progress, citing flagship initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. She mentioned that over 43.5 crore Ayushman Arogya cards have been issued, providing coverage of up to Rs5 lakh per family annually. The President highlighted the establishment of nearly 1.85 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and improvements in infrastructure, critical care, and digital health services. She also acknowledged efforts to eliminate diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy.#president_droupadi_murmu #aiims_nagpur #chief_minister_devendra_fadnavis #ayushman_bharat_pradhan_mantri_jan_ayogya_yojana #governor_jishnu_dev_varma
President Droupadi Murmu to Confer Degrees at AIIMS Nagpur Convocation President Droupadi Murmu will attend the second convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur, on April 15, where 210 students will receive their degrees and gold medals. The ceremony will honor graduates from diverse medical and healthcare disciplines, including 129 MBBS students, 29 MD/MS candidates, 35 BSc(Hons) Nursing graduates, five MSc recipients, and 12 allied and healthcare professionals. The event will take place in the presence of prominent dignitaries, faculty members, and families of the graduates. Among the notable attendees will be Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union minister of state for AYUSH and health Prataprao Jadhav, AIIMS Nagpur president Dr Anant Pandhare, and executive director and CEO Dr Prashant P Joshi. The convocation will celebrate the academic achievements of the graduating batch, which represents a significant milestone in their careers. The AIIMS Nagpur convocation marks the culmination of years of rigorous study and dedication for the students. The institute, known for its excellence in medical education and research, has consistently produced skilled professionals who contribute to healthcare advancements. The event underscores the importance of recognizing academic excellence and the role of institutions in shaping future medical leaders. The ceremony will also highlight the collaborative efforts of the university’s faculty and administrative staff, who have supported the students throughout their academic journey. The presence of high-profile officials and industry leaders at the event reflects the broader recognition of AIIMS Nagpur’s contributions to medical science and public health.#president_droupadi_murmu #devendra_fadnavis #aiims_nagpur #prataprao_jadhav #maharashtra_governor_jishnu_dev_varma
President Murmu criticises Bengal Government for protocol failures at Darjeeling event President Droupadi Murmu expressed disappointment with the West Bengal Government for failing to follow proper protocol during her visit to an event in Darjeeling district. The President also lamented the absence of state ministers at the gathering, which she described as a personal affront. “I am also a daughter of Bengal... Mamata Didi is also my sister, my younger sister. I don’t know if she was angry with me; that’s why this happened,” Ms. Murmu said, referring to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She emphasized that the presence of state leaders during her visits is essential, stating, “If the President visits a place, the Chief Minister and the Ministers should also come. But she did not.” The State Government had relocated the International Santhal Conference, where the President was participating, from Bidhannagar to Gossainpur in Bagdogra, citing concerns about overcrowding. Murmu criticized this decision, arguing that the original venue had sufficient space to accommodate attendees. “Had the programme been held there, it would have been better. There is ample space there, and many people could have attended,” she said. The President accused the state administration of prioritizing logistical convenience over the welfare of tribal communities. “Today’s programme is being held at such a place that it is difficult for people to come here. Perhaps the State Government does not want the welfare of tribals, and that is why they were prevented from coming here,” she added. The event was initially scheduled for Bidhannagar under Phansidewa but was moved to Gossainpur, located on the outskirts of Siliguri.#mamata_banerjee #west_bengal_government #president_droupadi_murmu #international_santhal_conference #darjeeling_district
