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The cabinet expansion of the new Nitish Kumar government, which recently broke away from the NDA and joined RJD-led alliance, will take place on Tuesday. Around 30 members will be inducted from different constituents of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ or the Grand Alliance and the swearing-in will take place at 11.30 AM inside the Raj Bhavan.`

The state cabinet can have up to 36 ministers, including the chief minister. The induction of ministers on Tuesday is expected to keep a few berths vacant for future expansion. An in-principle agreement has been reached that the RJD, which is the largest party in the state assembly, will have a lion’s share of ministerial berths, followed by Kumar’s JD(U). Congress’ state in-charge Bhakt Charan Das has said that the party is tipped to get three ministerial berths, two of which will be filled on Tuesday.

According to Congress sources who did not wish to be named, Afaque Alam and Murari Gautam have been handpicked as part of the party’s strategy to back a Muslim and a Dalit. Earlier, the names of Shakil Ahmed Khan, an AICC secretary and one of the most vocal MLAs, besides Rajesh Ram, were doing the rounds.

In her maiden national address on the eve of 75th anniversary of India's independence, President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said that it should be a collective resolve of the citizens to fully realise the dream of our freedom fighters by 2047, when the country will celebrate a century of years as an independent nation.

Murmu, who assumed the country's highest office on July 25, also lauded India's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. “When the world was suffering due to economic consequences of the pandemic, India got itself back on track, and is again moving forward at a rapid pace. At present, it is one of the fastest growing major economies in the world,” she said.

Prime Minister was on Monday seen sporting a white turban with saffron and green stripes, showcasing the shades of the ‘Tiranga’. PM Modi is known for his unique headgears on such occasions, and this year’s turban has a special message as India completes 75 years of Independence. Notably, the prime minister had also urged citizens of the country to use ‘Tiranga’ as their profile picture on social media accounts between August 2 and August 15.

The Centre had initiated the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign this year in an effort to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and promote awareness about the Tricolour.

Despite his reluctance to assume charge as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis joined rebel Sena leader Eknath Shinde’s government in the state, as directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief J P Nadda.

“We needed our own person who knew the state and administration in and out to be in the government. That is why Fadnavis was asked to bear the responsibility of the deputy CM of the state,” a senior functionary, who was involved in the government formation by virtue of his designation, had then reasoned.

Justice D Y Chandrachud on Friday called for a change in the working pattern of the Supreme Court and said there is a need to change the way lawyers work in the apex court.

During the hearing today, the judge said,"Each one of you must realise that court's time is valuable. We invest our time in reading files and then advocates come and simply ask for adjournment. I fail to understand why you have to file a case when you don't want to argue?"

The judge made the remark when a lawyer appearing before him sought adjournment in the case.