80th Independence Day: PM Modi’s 75-minute speech shortest in four years

On Independence Day, PM Modi announces AI training for 1 crore youth, free online coaching

PM Modi Highlights India's Economic Rise in Independence Day Address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his Independence Day speech reflecting on India's transformation over his 12-year tenure. He noted that defence production has quadrupled during this period, signalling a major shift in the country's military manufacturing capacity. Electronic manufacturing has also seen dramatic growth, expanding seven times under his government. Modi framed India's journey as a shift from being among the economically vulnerable 'Fragile Five' nations to becoming the world's fastest-growing major economy.

Israeli Settlers Redirect Palestinian Spring Water to Fill West Bank Tourist Pool

A natural spring in the Jordan Valley, long used by Palestinians in the village of Fasayil, has been diverted by Israeli settlers for a tourist swimming pool. The spring has served as a vital resource for generations, supporting agriculture, livelihoods, and supplementing unreliable domestic water supplies in the area. The diversion highlights ongoing tensions over resource access in the West Bank, where Palestinians frequently face restrictions on water use. Residents of Fasayil depend heavily on the spring given the irregular nature of Israeli-controlled water distribution to Palestinian communities.

US May Maintain Indefinite Naval Blockade of Iran, Says Defense Secretary

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has indicated that American naval forces could remain stationed in the region for an indefinite period. The deployment is aimed at enforcing a blockade against Iran, which has already caused significant economic harm to the country. Hegseth made the remarks directly to reporters, signaling no clear end date to the military presence. The move comes amid concerns over declining global oil supplies linked to the ongoing pressure campaign against Iran.