Home Minister calls for early resolution of pending water-related issues in south India
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (August 20, 2026) emphasised the need for early resolution of pending water-related issues concerning southern States through joint meetings involving the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Inter-State Council, and the respective States. Addressing the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting at Mamallapuram near Chennai, Mr. Shah said while protecting the interests of one’s own State was not wrong, if it results in other States being deprived of water for years, no actual interest was being served.
Wider engagement with universities and youth can bring new, unconventional ideas: PM Modi after high-level meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (August 20, 2026) called for greater engagement between government departments, universities, and the youth to integrate fresh perspectives into policymaking. As part of his ongoing outreach to younger generations, PM Modi said that such a wider engagement can birth new and unconventional ideas. Chairing the third high-level meeting with secretaries, PM Modi emphasised the importance of collective effort and cited the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic and the West Asia crisis, when officials across departments worked together.
