🇮🇳 School ideas for Independence Day 2026

Schools are being prompted to start planning engaging activities for the upcoming Independence Day celebration in 2026. Educational institutions across the country are encouraged to explore fresh and innovative themes for their events. Specific details regarding scheduling and theme suggestions were shared on a recent educational platform. This push aims to make the national day's observance more meaningful and interactive for the student body. Schools are advised to start brainstorming creative projects well in advance of the August 15th date.

🏏 Neel Patel ready for intense India cricket test 🏏

Australian U-19 all-rounder Neel Patel is preparing for the upcoming tour of India for three one-day and two four-day matches. He is part of the 16 players selected to travel to Rajkot and Ahmedabad starting on September 13. Patel notes that Indian conditions, like heat and flatter wickets, are very different from what he grew up playing in Australia. This tour will seriously test his batting skills, especially in challenging, hot conditions. He is focusing on developing his back-foot game to adapt to these unique playing environments.

🚢 India-US navies sharpen underwater skills in Kochi

The Indian and US navies have started a five-day specialized bilateral exercise focused on Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. This eighth edition aims to boost interoperability between their diving and EOD teams through cross-training and drills. The exercise runs until August 14, 2024, allowing specialists to compare mine clearance methods. This is crucial given the conflict in West Asia and securing India's maritime trade routes. Both navies aim to share best practices to tackle complex underwater threats collaboratively. 🚢

💉 Should boys get HPV vaccine? Experts weigh in

India launched its national HPV vaccination program on February 28, 2026, offering free doses to over 11.5 million 14-year-old girls across government facilities. Doctors argue that focusing only on girls misses the full scope of HPV's threat, which affects both sexes. High-risk HPV in men is linked to throat, anus, and penis cancers, not just cervical cancer. Vaccinating boys is crucial for herd protection, as seen in countries like Australia and the UK. While the government focuses on girls first, the vaccine is available privately for boys, and awareness needs to grow. 💉

⚡ CESC unit buys six ReNew Solar power companies

CESC's renewable energy platform, Purvah Green Power, has agreed to acquire a 100% equity stake in six operating solar and wind power companies from ReNew Solar Power. This massive deal is valued at an Enterprise Value of ₹4,859 crore, marking a major move in the Indian power sector. The acquisition will boost Purvah's total contracted capacity from 3.4 GWp to 4.8 GWp by October 31, 2026. This transforms Purvah from a development platform into a scaled operator with cash-generating assets. Over 90% of the acquired capacity is locked in under 25-year PPAs with SECI.

📱 Motorola Edge 70 Neo leaks show 200MP camera

Leaked renders are showing off the upcoming Motorola Edge 70 Neo smartphone ahead of its release. This new device was spotted in Motorola's Android 17 testing program in India. The renders feature a 200-megapixel camera and show four color options: dark green, light blue, olive green, and pale pink. The phone boasts a flat display with slim bezels and a prominent square camera island on the back. It is expected to join the Edge 70 series, which saw releases from December 2025 onwards. 📱

💧 Rijn River flow hits record low; waterway could split

The water flow in the Rijn River at Lobith has reached a new low, dropping below the 1947 record of 620 cubic meters per second. This situation is affecting the Rijn River in the Netherlands and Germany. The discharge averaged 614 cubic meters per second over the past 24 hours, reported by NOS. Experts noted this early and unprecedented low flow is due to early snowmelt and lack of rain. This could split the waterway into two navigable sections, impacting major ports. 😥

✨ How Benne Dosa hit Rs 350 Crore mark

Harsh Goenka explained the massive success of Benne Dosa, turning a small eatery into a major brand. The restaurant, located in Mumbai, features a focused menu centered on the Davangere-style benne dosa. Starting as a modest 12-seater in 2024, its valuation is now reported at around Rs 350 crore. Success stems from affordable pricing, self-service engagement, and the social media buzz created by long queues. The business has since expanded its presence into Delhi. 🚀

🎬 Excel Entertainment launches new filmmaker support program

Excel Entertainment is celebrating its 25th anniversary in the Hindi film industry. Co-founders Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar unveiled Excel Origins to back upcoming talent. This new initiative specifically targets filmmakers who are under the age of 30. The program aims to spot distinctive writers and directors and help them develop original stories across various formats. Sidhwani and Akhtar plan to empower young creators for the next 25 years of cinema. 🎬

🇮🇳 How to upload your Har Ghar Tiranga selfie for Independence Day

The campaign encourages citizens to participate in the Har Ghar Tiranga initiative for Independence Day 2026. This drive is being conducted across various parts of India. Participants are asked to upload their selfies featuring the national flag between August 13th and August 15th, 2026. The goal is to boost national pride and visibility of the flag across social media platforms. People should follow the official guidelines for a successful upload.

🌊 Assam floods hit hard: Death toll climbs to 100

The death toll from Assam's floods has risen to 100 as fresh flooding impacts several districts across the state. Officials reported that approximately 1,37,590 people are affected across 10 districts, with 11,933.46 hectares of crop submerged. Golaghat is the most affected district with 68,239 people impacted, while Sivasagar has 39,495 affected. The Dhansiri (South) river is flowing above the danger level at Golaghat and Numaligarh. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 59 medical teams deployed across the affected areas. 🌊