Times of India

Karnataka's government faces internal pressure following the leak of a caste census report. Vokkaliga and Lingayat leaders are contesting the population estimates, claiming higher numbers. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar convened a meeting with Vokkaliga legislators to address their concerns. The leaked report suggests a 10.

Karnataka's potential increase in caste-based reservations faces legal challenges, mirroring the fate of similar laws in other states. While the Supreme Court deemed the 50% quota cap not entirely inflexible, it primarily applies to SC/ST/OBC reservations.

Violence erupted in Bengal over the new waqf law, with Bhangar witnessing intense clashes where mobs attacked police, leaving 16 officers injured. The unrest, triggered by police preventing an ISF rally, contrasted with a crackdown in Murshidabad, resulting in numerous arrests and internet suspensions.

Following violent clashes sparked by the new waqf law, Hriday Das fled Murshidabad with his family after losing relatives and his home. Scores of others sought refuge in neighboring Jharkhand and Malda, highlighting the widespread fear and displacement. While some families have been escorted back by police, uncertainty lingers in the affected areas.

Political tensions escalate in Bengal's Murshidabad as Trinamool Congress and BJP clash over ongoing violence. TMC accuses protesters of serving BJP's agenda by disrupting life, while BJP demands President's rule, citing a breakdown of law and order. TMC alleges opposition and BSF involvement in stirring unrest, aiming to divide communities.

A fire erupted at Lucknow's Lokbandhu Hospital on Monday night, sparking widespread panic and the urgent evacuation of over 200 patients, including those in critical condition. The blaze, suspected to be caused by a short circuit in the women's medicine and emergency ward, rapidly filled the second floor with thick smoke.

India's political spectrum united to honor B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, solidifying his position as a universally respected figure. Leaders like PM Modi and Sonia Gandhi paid floral tributes, mirroring celebrations by Ambedkar's followers.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has branded the BJP-RSS as "enemies" of Ambedkar, alleging they only offer lip service for political gain. Kharge claimed Ambedkar blamed V.D. Savarkar for his 1952 election defeat and urged PM Modi to read Ambedkar's letter detailing this.

Justice B.R. Gavai emphasized the Constitution's pivotal role in maintaining India's unity and stability over the past 75 years, despite challenges. He lauded B.R. Ambedkar's contribution to uplifting marginalized communities, citing President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi as examples.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a gathering in Hisar on Ambedkar's birth anniversary, strongly criticized the Congress party for allegedly disrespecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during his lifetime and attempting to erase his legacy. Modi highlighted development initiatives under the BJP government, contrasting them with the performance of Congress-led administrations.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that concealing a criminal case during job application constitutes "moral turpitude," even if the applicant is later acquitted. This decision upheld the cancellation of a job offer to Ram Bhuvan Yadav at the Itarsi ordnance factory, who had a pending criminal case he failed to disclose.

The Supreme Court's recent judgment on presidential powers concerning state bills has sparked debate. The court suggested the President seek its opinion on a bill's constitutionality under Article 143, even though it's not mandated. This raises concerns about judicial overreach into the legislative process and the practicality of reviewing numerous state bills.

An Olive Ridley turtle, tagged in Odisha in 2021, has made a remarkable 3,500km journey to Maharashtra's Konkan coast. This is the first recorded instance of such a long migration for the species. The turtle laid 120 eggs, challenging previous assumptions about distinct populations on India's east and west coasts, highlighting the interconnectedness of nesting sites.

The Karnataka High Court has instructed Google India and its executives to provide bank guarantees covering 50% of the penalties levied for alleged FEMA violations. These penalties, totaling Rs 5.45 crore, stem from transactions involving distributor fees to Google Ireland and equipment purchases from Google US. The Enforcement Directorate claims these transactions, lacking RBI approval, constitute unauthorized commercial loans.

Telangana has become the first state to implement sub-categorization of Scheduled Caste reservations, classifying 59 sub-castes into three groups. This move, coinciding with Dr. Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary, allocates 1% reservation to Group I, 9% to Group II, and 5% to Group III.