A tunnel collapse in Pipalkoti, Uttarakhand has claimed at least eight lives, with rescue teams recovering eight bodies from the site. Two individuals remain unaccounted for, and search operations are ongoing to locate them. The incident has prompted emergency response efforts in the region. Authorities continue to work at the site as the full circumstances of the collapse are being investigated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, continuing a tradition dating back to 2014. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera drew attention to Modi's pocket square, suggesting the Tricolour appeared to be displayed incorrectly. Khera quipped on social media that the PM seemed to be celebrating Ireland's Independence Day rather than India's, referencing the similarity between the two flags. The jibe was a pointed political dig at the Prime Minister over what the opposition framed as a symbolic misstep on a nationally significant occasion.
A flash flood and landslide struck two separate locations in Arunachal Pradesh, causing casualties and disappearances. Five Army personnel went missing following the incident in the affected region. Four labourers are feared dead after two shelters were washed away in Dibang Valley due to heavy rainfall-triggered flooding. A landslide also occurred separately in the Upper Subansiri district. Rescue and search operations are likely underway in both affected areas.
A ghostly legend surrounding a phantom Number 7 bus has long haunted a stretch of road in North Kensington, West London. The supernatural tale is closely linked to a real fatal accident that occurred in 1934, though historical records suggest the ghostly narrative may have predated the crash itself. Over time, the legend gained wider traction, weaving together verified events with local folklore. Experts note that urban legends frequently evolve by merging factual incidents with myth, making it difficult to separate history from fiction. The story remains a compelling example of how tragedy and storytelling can intertwine to shape a community's cultural memory.
Flash floods and a landslide in Arunachal Pradesh have claimed four lives, according to a Times of India report. Five Army personnel are currently missing following the incident. The disaster appears to have been triggered by a landslide accompanying the flooding. Search and rescue operations are likely underway to locate the missing soldiers. No further details on the exact location or timeline were available in the provided information.
Maharashtra's Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has set a target to construct over 5.09 lakh homes in Mumbai by December 2030. The authority plans to achieve this through cluster redevelopment and revival of stalled housing projects. Digital tools, including the Netram monitoring system, will be used to improve project oversight and efficiency. The separate Dharavi redevelopment project, which also includes economic rehabilitation for local businesses and infrastructure upgrades, is targeted for completion by 2033.
Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi has indicated that a third installment in the Awarapan franchise is a possibility. He made the remarks during a promotional event held in Mumbai, where he also teased a potential storyline for the film. His comments came on the heels of Awarapan 2, which featured a rescue mission set in Bangkok. Hashmi credited the enthusiasm of fans as a key factor behind the consideration of continuing the series.
Emraan Hashmi's Awarapan 2 has recorded a strong start at the box office, posting what is described as a career-best opening day for the actor. The film, a sequel to the 2007 cult classic, was released during the busy Independence Day weekend alongside several other major titles. Despite the crowded release schedule, Awarapan 2 has emerged as the leading performer among this week's new releases. The sequel comfortably outpaced its competition, including Batwara 1947, building further momentum heading into its second day. With a reported Rs 28 crore global opening, the film is now targeting Rs 30 crore by the close of Day 2.
India celebrated its 80th Independence Day in 2026 with events held across the country. Prime Minister Modi led the national celebrations, which included a flag hoisting ceremony and the singing of the national anthem. The occasion was marked by patriotic gatherings and official functions in various cities and states. The day commemorates India's independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
August 15, 1947 was experienced in strikingly different ways by the key figures of the independence era. While Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his iconic midnight address in New Delhi, Mahatma Gandhi was in Noakhali, far from the celebrations. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, as the new nation of Pakistan came into being, was hosting a lunch even as many observed fasts marking the partition. Poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz also marked the historic day in his own distinct manner. The contrasting activities of these figures reflect how differently independence and its accompanying tragedy were felt across the subcontinent.
Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal achieved a rare milestone during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, having now played 30 Test matches across 30 different venues. He has never played two Test matches at the same ground in his career so far. His Test journey began in Roseau in July 2023 and has spanned venues across the Caribbean, South Africa, India, England, Australia, and now Sri Lanka. This unusual record draws comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar, who had a similar stretch early in his career.
A simple household hack suggests placing aluminium foil beneath an ironing board cover to make ironing more efficient. The foil works by reflecting heat back up through the fabric, creating a dual-sided heating effect. This allows clothes to be smoothed out in fewer strokes compared to standard ironing. The technique requires no special equipment, as regular kitchen foil can be used. The method is said to reduce overall ironing time and make the chore feel less tedious.
Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called on the Central government to restore control over examinations to state governments. He made the appeal invoking the principle of federalism, arguing that such matters rightfully belong under the state list. Abdullah emphasized that the Centre should act in the 'true spirit of federalism' when dealing with subjects traditionally governed by states. His remarks reflect ongoing tensions between regional governments and the Centre over the division of administrative powers.
