Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 80th Independence Day address, expressed strong confidence that India will achieve developed nation status by 2047, urging citizens to embrace big dreams and unwavering resolve to realise 'Viksit Bharat'. He highlighted India's economic transformation and significant growth in various sectors, including defence production, electronic manufacturing, and mobile phone production.
India's women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed satisfaction with the team's 6-1 victory over South Africa at the FIH Women's World Cup but emphasised the need for improved precision in passing and finishing. Despite topping their group, Marijne cautioned against complacency, highlighting the upcoming crucial match against England. He also praised forward Lalremsiami, who found added motivation from her Arjuna Award nomination.
India's men's hockey team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, secured a 3-1 victory over Wales in their Hockey World Cup opener. Harmanpreet, who scored two goals, expressed satisfaction with the win, emphasizing the importance of a strong start. Despite conceding a late goal, the team remains confident and focused on a podium finish.
The Enforcement Directorate has seized handwritten notes and digital evidence during searches related to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter, Veena T. The agency alleges these notes detail fund transfers to Dubai and amounts handled beyond her known income, linking her to a money laundering probe involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and her defunct company, Exalogic Solutions. Political leaders have condemned the probe as a vendetta.
The Supreme Court, in a 6:3 majority verdict, has ruled that the expansive, labour-friendly definition of 'industry' from its 1978 Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board judgement will not be used for interpreting the Industrial Relations Code of 2020. However, the 'triple test' from the 1978 verdict will still apply to pending cases under the now-repealed 1947 Industrial Disputes Act.
Deepak Mhaskey, an academic and former member of the board of Engineers India Limited, has been appointed as the new head of the BJP's social media department, taking over from Amit Malviya, who led the department for 11 years. Malviya expressed confidence in the new leadership to further strengthen the party's digital communication.
Tamil Nadu's DMK and PMK parties have called for a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of three Tamil men by Karnataka Forest Department personnel. The incident, which occurred on August 15, has sparked protests and led to an FIR being filed against forest officials, with political leaders demanding justice and compensation for the victims' families.
Abhijeet Dipke, convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has called for Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse's resignation, alleging that government schools are in a 'pitiable condition' and lack basic facilities, claiming 'ministers' dogs get better facilities' than students.
Students in Jharkhand are intensifying their protests against alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations, demanding Chief Minister Hemant Soren's resignation and planning to gherao his residence on August 20, while the CM assures impartial investigations and systemic reforms.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu expressed disappointment after her pre-quarterfinal defeat at the World Championships, suggesting her opponent Wang Zhi Yi's mid-match cramps might have been tactical. Sindhu also reflected on her own performance, acknowledging the need for greater patience and improved stroke-making, while vowing to continue her pursuit of a sixth World Championships medal.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has expressed strong confidence in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ability to contribute significantly to India's 2027 ODI World Cup campaign, stating they will 'add great value to the team and help India win the World Cup'.
Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has issued an apology to law students, particularly those from NALSAR, for any hurt caused by the recent controversy surrounding their convocation and enrolment, urging them to make independent decisions.
The Supreme Court of India will commence hearings on two significant constitutional matters: the interpretation of legislative privileges of MLAs concerning freedom of speech and expression, and the power of state legislatures to impose additional sales tax levies. Both issues will be heard by seven-judge Constitution benches, with one case stemming from a 2003 plea by journalist N Ravi regarding breach of privilege.
Three tribal girls tragically died and three others were hospitalised after being bitten by a venomous snake at a residential school hostel in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. The district administration has launched a detailed inquiry to investigate the incident, assess safety measures, and determine accountability.
'I do not believe there is one way of playing Test cricket. You have got to be adaptable and play the situation.' 'It is never the same throughout five days, there is different challenges and you have got to adjust to the ebbs and flows throughout.'
An accidental firing incident occurred at Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport when a passenger's licensed pistol discharged during security screening, injuring a female security personnel and another individual. Both injured parties have been hospitalised, and legal action is being initiated.
Ariha Pangambam from Manipur has made history by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in the senior women's individual event at the Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships. The 22-year-old gymnast expressed pride in her achievement, hoping to inspire young athletes, and shared insights into the challenges faced during the competition, including adapting to a wooden floor, and her journey from artistic to aerobic gymnastics.
Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, from a sample taken during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca in June. The volatile Australian owned up to his "huge mistake" in a public apology, citing the physical and mental toll of recent injuries.
Kerala University vice-chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal on Saturday said those who do not say Vande Mataram do not know who their mother is.
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has described India as his 'second home,' stating he felt more welcomed and supported by Indian cricket fans than in Australia, attributing this strong connection to his IPL career and the country's appreciation for the sport.
Iran has strongly rejected former US President Donald Trump's assertion that the Strait of Hormuz is 'NEW U.S. TERRITORY', with top officials warning that his 'delusions' would be 'corrected' and highlighting the gap between Washington's claims and its actual influence over the strategic waterway.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, requesting a debate on the ongoing student protests concerning the NEET paper-leak issue. Shah expressed his readiness to participate and answer all questions, emphasising that dialogue and discussion are crucial for democratic solutions.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the men's doubles quarterfinals at the World Championships, securing a potential third medal. However, India faced a setback with the elimination of two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and Ayush Shetty in their respective singles matches. The women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also reached the quarterfinals.
A 30-year-old nurse was found dead in a Kolkata hospital washroom, with preliminary investigations suggesting a possible overdose of an anaesthetic drug. Police are probing all angles, including mental stress, while an internal health department committee has been formed.
Bangladesh secured a historic nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin, marking their first-ever Test win on Australian soil and stunning the No. 1-ranked Test side.
Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain visited flood-affected areas in Golaghat, Assam, expressing deep concern over the severe destruction and urging authorities to prioritise providing housing for the displaced families.
India's Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded with significantly low productivity, marked by frequent disruptions and protests from the Opposition, primarily the Congress, leading to minimal debate on key legislation.
Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has strongly advocated for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, citing its importance in eliminating discrimination, especially against women. Her remarks come as the West Bengal government examines a draft UCC. Nasreen also expressed dismay over a disruption at her felicitation ceremony in Kolkata, where poet Joy Goswami was prevented from speaking.
Dutch hockey legend Taeke Taekema believes the Indian women's hockey team possesses the talent to replicate China's remarkable journey to an Olympic silver medal, provided they focus on fundamental skills and secure qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics.
Premier League club Liverpool FC has finalised a deal to sell a minority equity stake to a consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia.
The Supreme Court has urged the CBSE to reconsider the implementation of its three-language policy for Class 9 students, emphasising that children should not be subjected to undue pressure. The court highlighted concerns about infrastructure, the starting point of the policy, and the definition of 'native' languages.
Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar's magnificent 10-wicket match haul and Devdutt Padikkal's century spearheaded India's dominant 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test, with skipper Shubman Gill praising Suthar's long-term potential for Indian cricket.
JNU Professor Emerita Zoya Hasan's Independence Day speech at a private school in Delhi was cancelled following a protest by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The school and police cited security concerns, a decision criticised by Sahmat, which alleged pressure from the VHP.
India's foreign exchange reserves saw one of their largest weekly expansions, surging by USD 14.136 billion to reach USD 707.002 billion during the week ended August 7, according to the Reserve Bank of India.
'For someone who found his patriotism for India while living in America, this is a very momentous occasion.'
India captain Shubman Gill has publicly supported Devdutt Padikkal amidst discussions about the team's number three batting position, emphasising the need for young players to develop. Gill also addressed the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, viewing it as an opportunity for other bowlers to step up and create pressure, especially on subcontinent pitches. He also praised Galle as a picturesque and historic venue for the upcoming 50th Test match.
Researching Japan was like going down a rabbit hole. There is just so much to see and do, but I finally decided we would stick to the 'Golden Route' of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, notes Radhika Mittal.
Two MDMK MLAs, T M Rajendran and R Senthil Selvan, have refused to resign from their Assembly seats despite demands from MDMK General Secretary Vaiko. They assert their status as DMK legislators, having won on the DMK's 'Rising Sun' symbol, and have pledged loyalty to DMK leadership, including M K Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Hollywood actor Brad Pitt believes artificial intelligence could be a boon for mid-budget filmmaking by making visual effects more accessible. However, he expresses caution regarding AI's use in replicating actors' performances and raises concerns about body scanning and digital likeness ownership. Pitt also shared his thoughts on AI-generated music and his upcoming film projects.
Watch Rishabh Pant closely and one can see that his ability to clear the boundary comes from his hand speed, powerful wrists, swing of the bat and remarkable balance. Above all, he has the courage to play those shots despite the fact that Test batting manuals never demand them.
