India

Homoeopaths Barred from Practising Other Medical Systems, Panel Rules

India's Homoeopathy regulatory panel has reaffirmed that homoeopathic practitioners are prohibited from practising any system of medicine other than homoeopathy. The rule has been formally stated as part of the regulatory framework governing homoeopathic professionals. However, the regulation includes a specific exception for practitioners who are working under government health programmes. This carve-out ensures that state-run healthcare initiatives are not disrupted by the restriction. The move is aimed at maintaining clear boundaries between different systems of medicine in India.

Trump Dismisses Concerns Over Extended USS Abraham Lincoln Deployment

President Donald Trump has brushed aside concerns about the prolonged deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. When asked by reporters whether families of crew members were worried about the extended mission, Trump flatly stated they were not. Trump also suggested the deployment duration was not nearly long enough, signaling his intent to maintain a strong naval presence. The comments come amid heightened attention to US military positioning in the region.

'Our blood has been sucked': J&K CM Omar hits back at Pak PM Shehbaz over IWT

‘Imagine the audacity’: Mahua Moitra alleges late-night eviction bid from Circuit House

Allahabad HC Judge Warns Against AI Replacing Human Consciousness

An Allahabad High Court judge spoke at a dialogue focused on human consciousness in the era of artificial intelligence. He cautioned that over-reliance on AI poses a risk to core human capabilities. The judge stressed that artificial intelligence should not be allowed to substitute human consciousness. His remarks highlighted growing judicial concern over the societal implications of unchecked AI adoption.

NTA to Release UGC-NET, CSIR-NET Provisional Answer Keys on August 16

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the provisional answer key for UGC-NET 2026 will be released on August 16. The answer keys will be made available on the NTA's official website. Alongside UGC-NET, the provisional answer keys for CSIR-NET and ICAR AIEEA (PG) and AICE (PhD) 2026 will also be published on the same date. This simultaneous release covers multiple major national-level examinations conducted by the agency.

India Reviews Bangladesh's Request for Extra Diesel Supply Amid Energy Crunch

India is considering a request from Bangladesh for additional diesel supplies, according to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. He confirmed that an existing fuel supply arrangement between the two countries is already in place. The decision on extra supplies will be evaluated based on India's own domestic fuel requirements. No timeline or quantity details were provided regarding the potential additional shipment.

Two Pharmacy Students Drown at Dam While Filming Reels in Maharashtra

Two 21-year-old pharmacy college students, Mohini Gautre and Amruta Khedkar, drowned at a dam after visiting it with a group of around 15 classmates following college hours. The two were standing on the dam wall taking selfies and filming a reel on their mobile phones when the incident occurred. One of the girls fell into the water, and her friend jumped in, apparently in an attempt to save her. Neither of the two survived the incident, according to police. The tragedy highlights the growing dangers of filming social media content in unsafe locations.

How 1830s London estate agents used cosmorama tech to sell luxury homes

Long before digital virtual tours existed, London estate agents in the 1830s used cosmorama technology to market high-end properties to wealthy buyers. The technique involved detailed painted images viewed through specially designed lenses, creating an immersive sense of space and depth. This approach was primarily used to showcase luxury urban homes and large countryside estates. The marketing strategy predated modern online property listings by well over a century, making it a remarkably forward-thinking sales tool for its era.

India Marks 80th Independence Day; PM Modi to Speak at Red Fort

India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day with national festivities centered at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the nation from the iconic monument, as is customary on the occasion. In a notable first, the national song 'Vande Mataram' will be performed as part of the official Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. The inclusion of 'Vande Mataram' marks a significant addition to the traditional ceremonial programme held annually on August 15.

Berlin's Volksbühne cancels Black-only pool event following public backlash

Berlin's Volksbühne theatre cancelled a planned six-hour exclusive swimming event intended solely for Black communities after facing significant public criticism. The temporary pool, which cost €300,000 to install, was set to be closed to the general public on August 14. Organisers had justified the restricted-access event by citing security concerns, pointing to incidents where Black children and teenagers had experienced racist and right-wing harassment at swimming events. However, the backlash over the exclusionary nature of the event led to its cancellation.

India Faces Critical Decisions on Aircraft Carrier Strategy Ahead of 2026

India is confronting a pivotal moment in its naval aviation history, weighing the future of its aircraft carrier programme. The debate traces back decades, including INS Vikrant's role during the 1965 era, highlighting a long-standing strategic investment in carrier operations. Aircraft carriers offer a unique military capability — projecting airpower from international waters without relying on foreign territory. Unlike submarines or missile systems, carriers provide both a visible deterrent and flexible operational reach. As 2026 approaches, India must decide how to shape its carrier fleet to meet evolving maritime security demands.

NALSAR Students Persist in Opposing CJI Surya Kant as Convocation Chief Guest

Students at NALSAR University of Law are maintaining their demand that Chief Justice of India Surya Kant not be invited to their convocation ceremony. The students had earlier submitted a formal representation to the vice-chancellor objecting to the CJI's invitation. Alumni and members of the Cockroach Janta Party have voiced support for the students' position. Alumni argued that the demand is justified and consistent with NALSAR's established norms. Activists associated with the CJP movement have also backed the students' stance on the matter.

Daily Horoscope Predictions for All 12 Zodiac Signs: August 15, 2026

An astrologer has prepared daily horoscope readings for all 12 zodiac signs for August 15, 2026. The predictions are based on an analysis of current planetary movements and star alignments. Each sign receives a tailored forecast reflecting the astrological influences of the day. The readings aim to give readers insight into what celestial events may mean for them personally.

Omar Abdullah Backs Indus Waters Treaty Suspension, Slams Pakistan PM

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly supported India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. He criticized Pakistan's Prime Minister, accusing the neighboring country of exploiting the treaty at the expense of Jammu and Kashmir's people. Abdullah stated that residents of the region have long borne the negative consequences of the decades-old water-sharing agreement. His remarks came amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following a recent security incident in the region.

US Rebrands Indo-Pacific Command to PACOM, Reaffirms India as Critical Partner

The United States has renamed its Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) back to PACOM, signaling a sharper military focus on the Western Pacific region. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge A. Colby explained that the change reflects Washington's strategic emphasis on the Western Pacific and the first island chain. Despite the renaming, US officials stressed that India continues to be viewed as a critical power in the broader regional framework. The move indicates a recalibration of US military priorities in the Asia-Pacific theater.

India Post Makes First-Ever Drone Delivery of National Flag in Himachal Pradesh

India Post achieved a historic milestone by delivering a national flag via drone in Himachal Pradesh, marking the first such delivery in the country. The initiative was launched virtually by Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia. The event took place on the eve of Independence Day, according to an official statement. The move signals a step forward in leveraging drone technology for postal services in remote and hilly regions of India.

Allahabad High Court Flags Unregulated Fee Disparity Across Private Hospitals

A Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, comprising Justices Rajan Roy and Manjive Shukla, has flagged a significant disparity in fees charged by private hospitals. The court passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation filed by a local NGO called We The People. The bench highlighted the absence of adequate regulation governing private hospital charges. The matter has been scheduled for its next hearing on September 21.

US State Governors Send Greetings Ahead of India's 79th Independence Day

Governors from four US states — Washington, South Dakota, Montana, and Alaska — have extended formal greetings to India ahead of its Independence Day on August 15. The messages were shared in a statement issued by the Consulate General of India in Seattle. The gesture comes ahead of the official flag-hoisting ceremony marking the occasion. Such outreach reflects the ongoing diplomatic and cultural ties between Indian communities in the US and local state administrations.

India Yet to Decide on Attending Taliban's Victory Day Event in Delhi

The Taliban is marking August 15 as 'Victory Day', commemorating the fall of Kabul in 2021 when US and NATO forces completed their withdrawal from Afghanistan. An event related to this occasion is reportedly being held in Delhi. The Indian government has been asked whether its officials will attend the Taliban-organized celebration. New Delhi has not yet issued a clear confirmation or denial regarding official participation. The decision carries diplomatic significance given India's complex engagement with the Taliban-led Afghan government.