🇮🇳 Protest over Vande Mataram at Thrissur

The Rashtraraksha Samithi held a parallel Independence Day celebration in protest at Thekkinkadu Maidan in Thrissur. They objected to the Kerala government's decision not to include the full Vande Mataram rendition in the official program on Saturday. The protest saw them singing Vande Mataram fully while the district administration held its official event. BJP State vice-president K.K. Anish Kumar criticized the CM, urging adherence to the Constitution. Congress criticized the event, calling it a challenge to the administrative system. 🇮🇳

🕊️ Chhattisgarh celebrates first Independence Day post-Maoist freedom 🕊️

Chhattisgarh celebrated its first Independence Day after being declared free from Maoists on March 31, 2026. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addressed the event at the Police Parade Ground in Raipur. Over 39 lakh people in Bastar division benefited from 100 per cent saturation of 31 schemes and 14 community facilities. The government is focusing on Bastar's development, welfare, and legal reforms like the Uniform Civil Code. New initiatives include 36 new schools sanctioned and a Rs 4,824-crore income scheme.

🏅 IPS officer Nupur Prasad gets President's Medal

IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI probe into Sushant Singh Rajput's death, has been awarded the President's Medal for Meritorious Service. She is a 2007-batch AGMUT cadre officer from Delhi Police, who recently rejoined the force after her CBI stint. The recognition comes following the CBI submitting closure reports in 2025, finding no foul play in the June 14, 2020, death. Prasad previously served as DCP of Shahdara and currently works as JCP in the Economic Offences Wing. This medal acknowledges her dedication and resourcefulness in her demanding police career. 🏅

🔥 ADOR's new spot in HYBE building sparks fan drama

A corporate document revealed ADOR, SOURCE MUSIC, and the new label ABD are housed on the 16th floor of HYBE's Seoul HQ. This development caught fans' attention due to the complicated history involving NewJeans, ILLIT, and LE SSERAFIM. In April 2024, Min Hee Jin accused BELIFT LAB of copying NewJeans for ILLIT, leading to legal battles. SOURCE MUSIC was also involved after allegations regarding LE SSERAFIM's debut affecting NewJeans' schedule. Fans are reacting to this proximity with a mix of awkwardness and humor regarding the ongoing label conflicts.

🚨 Bengaluru man arrested over Pakistan Army plot

A 25-year-old man from West Bengal was arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly planning an attack on the Pakistan Army. The accused, Asaful Malik Bin Abed Malik, was detained in Bommasandra Industrial Area on August 11. Investigators found he linked up with an alleged TTP member, Imran Ahindar, via Facebook. Malik reportedly sought help to retaliate against the Pakistan Army over social media grievances. An investigation is ongoing, with a case registered under BNS, 2023. 😟

🚀 Kela's stocks: 7 rocketed up to 135% this year

Renowned investor Madhusudan Kela has disclosed holdings in about 19 stocks, valued at roughly Rs 2,665 crore as of August 14. Seven of these stocks have seen massive gains, with one surging up to 135% in the calendar year 2026. Conversely, five of his holdings have seen losses ranging between 15% and 30% during the same period. For instance, Rashi Peripherals jumped 133%, while Unicommerce eSolutions dropped 28%. Investors are closely watching these movements as Kela's portfolio continues to evolve. 📈

⚛️ India aims for 100GW nuclear power by 2047

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a massive push for nuclear energy capacity, targeting 100 GW by the year 2047. This expansion is happening across India, with five new nuclear reactors set to become operational within this decade. The country achieved a major milestone with the PFBR at Kalpakkam attaining first criticality in April this year. Nuclear power is crucial for supporting rising demand from AI, semiconductors, and data centers. Furthermore, India is pushing for 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

💼 India's tax department updates foreign asset disclosure rules

The Income Tax Department has officially notified the specific rules for the foreign assets disclosure scheme. This important update concerns taxpayers across India regarding their international holdings. The window for filing under this scheme opens starting from August 16th. This mechanism is designed to bring greater transparency to undeclared foreign wealth. Taxpayers should prepare accordingly as the filing period approaches.

🇮🇳 BJP slams Congress over Vande Mataram singing controversy

A controversy erupted on Saturday, August 15, 2026, after Sonia Gandhi was seen gesturing during the full rendition of Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters. The BJP alleged that she opposed the singing, demanding an apology from the Congress party. Congress countered this claim, stating she was merely asking for a chair for Mallikarjun Kharge during the ceremony. Jairam Ramesh defended the party, claiming the gesture was unrelated to the song's rendition. This issue surfaces amidst new laws making insult to the national song an offense.

🚨 Police use tear gas as Qaumi Insaaf Morcha tries to enter Chandigarh

Police deployed tear gas and water cannons on supporters of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha on Saturday, August 15, 2026. This action was taken as protesters tried to forcibly enter Chandigarh from the Yadavindra Public School border. Protesters attempted to breach barricades, even using tractors, while staging a protest in Mohali. Despite police appeals, the demonstrators remained determined to move towards the city. Security agencies maintained a heavy police presence at the border to manage the situation. 🛑

🔥 Activist alleges Pakistani airstrike killed 30 civilians

Baloch activist Mir Yar Baloch has called for US sanctions against Pakistan over an alleged airstrike. He claims the military operation in Surab's Gidar Goandhan area killed 30 civilians, including women and children. This incident occurred on August 12, and evidence is allegedly shown in video footage. Balochistan's Republic is pushing the US to halt military support and impose economic sanctions. Mir Yar Baloch also plans to bring the matter before the International Criminal Court.