Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has proposed a major electoral reform by seeking to lower the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections from 25 years to 21 years. The Chief Minister has also proposed reducing the eligibility age for contesting Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections from 30 years to 25 years. Telangana is expected to convene a special Assembly session in early August to pass a resolution urging the Centre to amend the relevant laws. Linking the proposal to the recent NEET paper leak protests, Revanth Reddy said India's youth deserve greater representation in politics and governance. He questioned why 21-year-olds, who are eligible to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers and contest local body elections, cannot contest parliamentary or assembly elections.

Telangana CM Proposes Lowering Election Contest Age to 21 | Gen Z in Politics?

In a major political development, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has officially assumed additional charge of the Ministry of Education, following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The Centre moved swiftly to ensure continuity in the Education Ministry after weeks of unprecedented nationwide student protests. Pralhad Joshi, who continues to hold the portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting him with the responsibility and pledged to discharge his duties with humility, dedication, and honesty. The appointment follows a month-long agitation led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities. The protest officially ended after the third round of talks between the Centre and CJP, during which the government accepted the protesters' key demands, including the resignation of the Education Minister, withdrawal of FIRs against protesters, and consideration of a five-point charter on examination reforms.

Pralhad Joshi Takes Over Education Ministry | Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns | CJP Ends Protest

The death toll from the NHPC tunnel collapse in Namchi, Sikkim, has risen to 22, with rescue teams continuing operations to locate the remaining victims. Specialized rescue personnel remain on the ground as authorities monitor the situation and provide support to affected families. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has received over 17 lakh enumeration forms during the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Karnataka. Officials have urged voters to submit their forms before the August 8 deadline, even if voter mapping details are unavailable.

Sikkim Tunnel Collapse Death Toll Rises To 22 | Karnataka Voter List Revision Sparks Concern

In today's top India news:

Bombay High Court cancels the bail of Shiv Sena Corporation member Mahesh Mhatre in the assault case involving hospital staff.
Bulldozer action carried out against an office linked to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee over alleged building violations.
Olympic medalists Mirabai Chanu and Neeraj Chopra to lead India's contingent at the 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust receives numerous applications for its first Chief Executive Officer amid donation misappropriation allegations.

Bombay HC cancels Shiv Sena leader's bail | Abhishek Banerjee office demolished | Commonwealth Games

Here are today's top India news headlines.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir busted a terrorist hideout during a joint operation in Poonch district, recovering a large cache of Pika rifle ammunition before destroying the hideout.

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the immediate deployment of a central team to assess the state's worsening drought situation caused by a major monsoon rainfall deficit.

In Kalaburagi, Karnataka Police foiled the escape attempt of a POCSO convict after he and two other prisoners broke out of jail. One accused sustained a bullet injury during the police operation.

Heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods and severe soil erosion in Assam's Chirang district, leaving several families displaced and damaging homes, farmland, and village infrastructure.

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