India

Telangana has seen a sharp and concerning rise in Medical Terminations of Pregnancy (MTPs), with numbers tripling in two years, reaching 16,059 in 2024-25. Experts link the surge to curtailed maternal welfare schemes, raising public health concerns

The Finance Ministry has proposed a simplified two-tier GST system with “standard” and “merit” slabs, aiming to reduce taxes on essential and aspirational goods. Linked to PM Modi’s Independence Day pledge, reforms target relief for citizens, MSMEs, and sustainable long-term growth

Prime Minister Modi, in his 79th Independence Day address, unveiled ambitious plans including India’s first semiconductor chip, indigenous jet engines, 10-fold nuclear power expansion, GST reforms, a ₹1 lakh crore youth employment scheme, and missions on demography, energy independence, and economic growth by 2047

Daily Horoscope: Your stars are bringing good tidings for you. Check out your astrological predictions for Aug 15, 2025. May the day bring you happiness

Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir’s first elected Chief Minister in eight years, unfurled the national flag at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium on Independence Day. The event marked the return of an elected government, with celebrations subdued in respect for Kishtwar flood victims

India’s 79th Independence Day at Red Fort honoured ‘Operation Sindoor’ with grandeur, featuring Agniveers in the anthem, aerial tributes, indigenous gun salute, and diverse invitees. The historic event showcased unity, pride, and India’s self-reliance, extending patriotic celebrations nationwide into the evening

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a decade-long initiative to secure India’s key establishments through indigenous technology, combining advanced security systems with self-reliance in defence and critical infrastructure.

A massive cloudburst in J&K’s Kishtwar district killed 45 people, injured 120, and left many missing. Rescue operations involving Army, NDRF, and SDRF continue, with health infrastructure bolstered for critical care.

Tripura police arrested two persons belonging to Triupura United National Force (TUNF) and seized explosives. The arrested planned blasts on Independence Day, police said

PM Modi, in his Independence Day address, praised soldiers of Operation Sindoor, declaring Pakistan still disturbed by the massive destruction and warning against nuclear blackmail, vowing strong retaliation against any future misadventure.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat cautions Indians can afford to be complacent about independence

Sania Mirza and former Indian hockey stars mourned the passing of Dr Vece Paes, ex-Olympian and father of Leander Paes, recalling his dedication to athlete welfare and sports medicine

India’s kho kho teams, winners of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, have been invited as special guests to the 79th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort — a first in the sport’s history

Indian athletes and officials hailed the National Sports Governance and Anti-Doping Bills 2025 as landmark reforms, praising PM Modi for prioritising transparency, athlete welfare, safe sport policies, and governance reforms

RBI pause reflects a wait-and-watch approach amid global uncertainties and the impact of the previous rate cuts

Jawaharlal Nehru inherited a broken country and built its foundations; Narendra Modi leads an era of rapid transformation and assertive nationalism

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara told the Legislative Assembly on Thursday that legal action would be taken against the key witness in the Dharmasthala "mass burial" case if his allegations are proven false. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to a fair, apolitical investigation led by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

President Droupadi Murmu approved 127 Gallantry Awards, 40 Distinguished Service Awards, and 290 Mentions-in-Despatches on India’s 79th Independence Day. Awards honour exceptional courage, gallantry in operations including Operation Sindoor, and meritorious service across military and paramilitary forces

BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal faces legal action after a case was filed against him at the Roza police station in Kalaburagi for allegedly making provocative remarks that could incite communal tension. The complainant accuses Yatnal of offering a cash reward to Hindu men marrying Muslim women.

Visitors can access designated areas from 4 pm to 7:30 pm for 79th Independence Day, with ID required and prohibited items barred

The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to upload district-wise details of about 65 lakh voters omitted from Bihar’s draft electoral rolls after the SIR. The list must include reasons and be searchable via EPIC numbers before August 19

BJP MLA Pooja Pal praised UP CM Yogi Adityanath for his “zero-tolerance” approach against crime, citing justice in her husband’s murder case. The Samajwadi Party expelled her for anti-party activities, sparking political debate over law, order, and party discipline

Pooja Pal praised UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s zero-tolerance approach on crime, citing justice in her husband’s murder case. Samajwadi Party expelled her for anti-party activities, sparking political debate over law, order, and accountability in Uttar Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh faced multiple cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides across several districts, causing damage to bridges, roads, vehicles, and houses. The Indian Army conducted night rescues in Kinnaur, while restoration and damage assessments continue in affected areas