India

BJP Accuses Sonia Gandhi of Opposing Vande Mataram; Congress Pushes Back

The BJP levelled an accusation against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, claiming she attempted to stop the singing of Vande Mataram at a public event. BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya alleged that Gandhi appeared visibly agitated when the song continued past its opening stanzas. The Congress party has firmly denied the charge, calling it baseless. The dispute has sparked a fresh political row between the two parties over the national song.

Opinion: Tracing India's Journey Through PM Modi's Independence Day Speeches

Dad rescues 10-year-old girl from Myrtle Beach rip current, then is swept away

Stopped from leaving hospital for Independence Day event, says Jharkhand protest leader Mahato

Steve Smith equals Joe Root's Test catching world record of 218 catches

Australian batter Steve Smith has equalled Joe Root's world record for non-wicketkeeper catches in Test cricket, reaching 218 dismissals. Smith achieved the milestone during the first Test against Bangladesh, taking three catches at second slip. Notably, Smith reached this landmark in significantly fewer matches than Root, highlighting his exceptional fielding efficiency. The feat places Smith at the top of the all-time Test catching leaderboard among non-wicketkeepers.

Another strong earthquake strikes Indonesia after 7.7 magnitude quake

Railway Board approves shift of 5 trains from Howrah, Santragachi to new terminals

Karnataka to Appeal Supreme Court Over Cauvery Water Release Amid BJP Row

A political controversy has erupted in Karnataka after BJP claimed that Cauvery water was released from the KRS reservoir to Tamil Nadu late at night. The issue carries significant consequences for farmers and political stakeholders in the Mandya region. The Karnataka government is now planning to challenge the water release directive before the Supreme Court. Officials are considering a token release as a way to demonstrate partial compliance while the legal proceedings continue.

Airtel Discontinues Popular Rs 299 Prepaid Plan, Prices Rise 3-4%

Airtel has discontinued multiple prepaid recharge plans, including its widely used Rs 299 option. The move is expected to push overall prepaid pricing up by approximately three to four percent. Customers who were on the Rs 299 plan will now need to shift to the Rs 349 pack as an alternative. This transition marks a noticeable increase in monthly expenses for a significant portion of Airtel's prepaid subscriber base.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Collapses on Stage at Tirupati Independence Day Event

An Andhra Pradesh minister fainted during an Independence Day event held in Tirupati. The incident occurred after he had been standing on stage and delivering a speech for over an hour. He suddenly lost his balance and collapsed, leaning to one side. The minister was on stage when the episode took place, drawing immediate attention from those present at the event.

UK searches for air-conditioned homes double amid intensifying summer heatwaves

Searches for homes equipped with air conditioning in the United Kingdom have surged by over 100% this summer. The spike is being driven by repeated heatwaves that have pushed property buyers to prioritise cooling features when house-hunting. Many households are also making practical modifications to manage rising indoor temperatures. Concerns are growing about whether Britain's existing housing stock is adequately suited to handle increasingly hot summers. The trend signals a notable shift in buyer priorities within the UK property market.

7.7-Magnitude Quake Kills 38 in Eastern Indonesia, Buildings Collapse

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 38 people and causing widespread structural damage. Rescue teams are actively working to reach survivors amid challenging conditions on the ground. Relief operations are being hampered by landslides and large-scale power outages affecting several areas. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning following the quake, but it was lifted after ocean conditions were assessed as stable.

Andhra City's Gandhi Mandiram Keeps Freedom Movement Legacy Alive

The Gandhi Mandiram, located in Shanti Nagar Colony in an Andhra city, serves as a dedicated space to honour Mahatma Gandhi and his ideals. The site functions as a memorial where visitors can reflect on Gandhi's life, values, and his role in India's freedom struggle. The establishment represents a community-driven effort to preserve the memory of one of India's most iconic historical figures. It stands as a reminder of the principles Gandhi championed, keeping his legacy relevant for newer generations.

IPL Cricketer Abishek Porel Denied Bail in Rape and Blackmail Case

Delhi Capitals and Bengal cricketer Abishek Porel has been denied bail in a rape and blackmail case involving a medical student. He was arrested in Hooghly, West Bengal, on August 11 and subsequently remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. The complainant alleged that Porel had promised to marry her before later threatening to circulate private photographs. She also accused him of illegally confining her during an incident that took place in April.

Indian Business Leaders Share Independence Day Messages, Pledge Societal Goals

On India's Independence Day, several prominent business figures used social media to share their reflections and commitments. Zoho's Sridhar Vembu stressed the importance of strengthening research and development across industries. Mahindra Group's Anand Mahindra framed freedom as a shared achievement for all of humanity. Lenskart's Peyush Bansal highlighted the widespread need for corrective eyewear in India and launched a campaign to address vision problems among millions of citizens.

Why Kerala government skipped Vande Mataram on Independence Day despite Congress-led states complying

Study Finds Gut Bacteria May Be Linked to Psychopathic Traits

A new study has identified a potential link between gut microorganisms and psychopathic behavior. Researchers observed differences in gut and oral bacteria among participants who scored differently on psychopathy assessments. Metabolic byproducts, including glucose and taurine, also showed distinct patterns across the groups studied. The findings point to a possible relationship between gut health and certain psychological traits. Scientists say further research is needed to better understand these gut-brain interactions.

Rahul Gandhi to take ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ to Pune on August 22, focus on women’s issues

Ukraine strikes Russian aerospace facility and MiG-31 base in overnight attacks

Inside India's First Hours of Independence: Celebrations, Challenges and Chaos

India gained independence from British rule at midnight on August 15, 1947, marked by Jawaharlal Nehru's iconic 'Tryst with Destiny' speech. The historic moment was celebrated across the nation as power was formally transferred to the newly formed Indian government. Lord Mountbatten assumed the role of India's first Governor-General in the immediate aftermath of the transfer of power. However, the euphoria of freedom was quickly tempered by the enormous challenges of governance, nation-building, and the widespread turmoil triggered by the Partition.