India

Lionel Messi will visit India in December 2025 for his “GOAT Tour,” starting in Kolkata on December 12. The tour includes concerts, football events, statue and mural unveilings, and a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi

He urged participation in Rahul Gandhi’s upcoming ‘Matdata Adhikar Yatra’ to protest alleged electoral roll irregularities and voter disenfranchisement

Officials said the children suffered dehydration due to hot, humid weather. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later visited them at SSKM hospital

I-Day address announces GST relief, new reforms, and defence projects by 2035

CM promises housing for all by 2029, Polavaram completion by 2027

A suspected LPG cylinder explosion in Chinnayyanapalya’s Shriram Colony killed an 8-year-old boy and injured 12 others, damaging multiple houses. Locals doubt the cylinder theory, citing the blast’s unusual force. Police are investigating the possibility of a suspicious object.

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