The DMK has announced its exit from the INDIA bloc, citing "betrayal" by the Congress and asserting its independent political path. The party accused Congress leaders, including TNCC chief B Manickam Tagore, of making unsavoury remarks and acting as "sleeper cells," which contributed to the DMK's electoral setbacks. The DMK warned Congress leaders against further criticism and stated it would not participate in Congress-led agitations.
Ranabaali fails to deliver the highs matching the ambitious setup, notes Arjun Menon.
Zoho cofounder Sridhar Vembu dismisses exaggerated fears about AI's catastrophic potential and global development pauses. He advocates for India to adopt an independent AI strategy, fostering partnerships while avoiding entanglement in US-China tech rivalry. Vembu stresses extensive investment in foundational R&D across sectors, distinguishing it from costly frontier AI model development. He also highlights concerns about AI's impact on human judgment, skill erosion, and job disruption, particularly in software engineering, while remaining optimistic about new economic opportunities.
Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu argues that predictions of AI's catastrophic outcomes are overstated and a global pause in AI development is improbable. He urges India to adopt an independent AI strategy, focusing on extensive foundational R&D across sectors, while remaining wary of market monopolisation attempts by major tech players. Vembu also highlights concerns about AI's impact on human judgment, skill development, and job markets, particularly for junior professionals.
An Independent candidate for the Rejinagar assembly bypoll in West Bengal, Saiful Islam, was arrested in a five-year-old case related to a clash during the 2021 state elections. This follows another bypoll nominee's arrest, highlighting pre-election tensions. The AJUP chief also faces a notice, and a party secretary was arrested with illegal arms and fake currency.
The Indian Olympic Association has established a four-member independent inquiry committee, led by retired High Court judge Deepa Sharma, to investigate allegations of harassment and intimidation against Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh. These accusations were made by former women's team captain Asunta Lakra, who claims she was threatened after raising concerns about alleged sexual harassment of girls in Jharkhand. The Sports Ministry directed the formation of this panel, while Hockey India faces a separate inquiry against Lakra for allegedly threatening a young player.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent review of the world football body's decision-making framework.
Independents have secured nearly two-thirds of urban wards in Bharatpur and Deeg districts, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's home turf, significantly outperforming the BJP and Congress in local body elections. This unexpected surge sets the stage for a political battle as both major parties vie for the support of these Independent councillors to form civic boards.
Indian men's cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir, the BCCI, and former cricketer Irfan Pathan led tributes on India's 80th Independence Day, honouring freedom fighters and extending greetings to all Indians.
The ruling BJP has increased its lead over the Congress in the Rajasthan urban local body elections, winning 3,587 wards against Congress's 3,050. Independents also performed strongly, securing 2,024 wards. While BJP secured a clear majority in Udaipur, Congress won in Ajmer and Pali. Bharatpur, the Chief Minister's hometown, saw Independents leading. These elections are a crucial test for the Bhajanlal Sharma-led BJP government ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls.
The Indian cricket team marked the nation's 80th Independence Day by hoisting the Tricolour in Galle, Sri Lanka, ahead of their opening Test match against the host nation.
Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, along with other prominent sports personalities like VVS Laxman, Mithali Raj, and Suresh Raina, extended heartfelt wishes to the nation on its 80th Independence Day, celebrating India's freedom, diversity, and the spirit that unites its people.
As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, hotels and restaurants across Delhi and other states are rolling out a diverse array of special offerings. These include themed culinary festivals showcasing regional Indian cuisines, fusion menus, live music performances, and attractive discounts. From royal Wazwan feasts to contemporary global blends and staycation packages, establishments are providing unique experiences for patrons to commemorate the occasion over the long weekend.
Independence doesn't come wrapped in one colour, one career or one definition. For some women, it looks like leading the boardroom. For others, it's booking that solo holiday, chasing a dream, owning their femininity or simply refusing to fit into a box.
Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka in Galle, becoming the second Indian, and first Test centurion, to achieve this feat on Independence Day, joining Virat Kohli in an elite list.
The Revolutionaries never draws you into its world nor explains the mind and motivation of its heroes or even the mood within a nation they're going through so much trouble for, observes Sukanya Verma.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his fourth shortest Independence Day speech on Saturday, lasting 75 minutes, marking his shortest address in four years. This analysis compares his recent speech lengths to his previous addresses and those of other former prime ministers.
US states, including Delaware, New York, and New Jersey, are issuing proclamations to commemorate August 15 as 'India Day', recognising India's independence and the significant contributions of the Indian American diaspora to the American fabric.
Two prominent temples in Madhya Pradesh, the Pashupatinath Temple in Mandsaur and the Bade Ganesh Temple in Ujjain, observed India's Independence Day on August 11, four days ahead of the national celebration. This unique tradition stems from their adherence to the Hindu calendar, specifically Shravan Krishna Chaturdashi, which corresponded to August 15, 1947, and fell on August 11 this year. Special rituals, flag hoisting, and a Tiranga Yatra marked the early celebrations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a torch at Israel's Independence Day celebrations. The invitation also extends to brave Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who recently averted a potential hijacking of a Tel Aviv-bound flight. Netanyahu highlighted the strong, long-standing ties and joint fight against terrorism between India and Israel.
Vummidi Ethiraj, the renowned jeweller instrumental in crafting India's historic 'sengol' sceptre, has passed away at the age of 99. His demise has drawn condolences from President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all acknowledging his significant contribution to India's civilisational heritage through his craftsmanship.
Durgapur's Aaleina Sen, an Under-11 karateka, won a gold medal in Kumite and a bronze in Kata at the 20th All India Independence Cup Karate Championship.
Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa has formally requested the Union Home Ministry to initiate a CBI investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Jhota was shot on October 13 while exposing illegal drug sales, and the incident has sparked outrage in Punjab. Khalsa expressed concerns about the local police probe and the accused's alleged criminal history, questioning the issuance of an arms license.
Indian hockey fans, including a significant diaspora presence and supporters from abroad, created a vibrant, festive atmosphere in Amstelveen for the World Cup opener against Wales on Independence Day, driven by increased expectations following recent Olympic successes.
Virtual Eye will now provide the full suite of DRS technology to assist umpires and enhance the viewing experience during India's tour of New Zealand involving five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests.
Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station have conveyed special greetings to the people of India as the nation prepares to mark its 80th Independence Day, holding the Indian tricolour and underscoring the enduring partnership between the two countries in space exploration.
Essel Group founder Subhash Chandra has called for an independent audit to examine the group's borrowings, defaults, and repayments, stating that approximately 43,000 crore of its 45,000 crore total debt has been repaid.
The BJP's Sikkim unit has supported the appointment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam as governor, despite opposition allegations linking him to the "VIP" in the Ankita Bhandari murder case. The party called for an independent and impartial probe by the CBI, which recently met Bhandari's parents, and stressed that justice must be free from political influence.
A panel of retired Supreme Court and High Court judges, part of an Independent Commission on Special Intensive Revision (SIR), held a public hearing on Thursday to address widespread deletions from India's electoral rolls. Testimonies from affected citizens, including a former MP and a Delhi resident declared deceased by the Election Commission, highlighted significant issues. The SIR process, initiated in 2025, has led to the removal of approximately 13 crore voters nationwide, with substantial deletions reported in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
This year's Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort uniquely featured the national song 'Vande Mataram', marking 150 years of its profound legacy and historical significance in India's freedom struggle.
The Supreme Court registry has identified over 10 defects in the petition filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders concerning alleged large-scale voter deletions and irregularities in electoral rolls. Issues include missing ID cards, illegible pages, and a court fee shortfall. The petition seeks an independent audit of the Special Intensive Revision process.
For the first time in Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered at the Red Fort complex during the 79th anniversary on August 15, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem, marking 150 years of the National Song's legacy.
India's largest bank, SBI, is investigating the suspected exposure of 3,897 customer records containing personally identifiable information on the dark web. The bank received alerts on October 16 and has initiated cyber incident response protocols, engaging an independent cybersecurity agency. While a detailed assessment is underway, SBI states the incident has not materially impacted its core business operations. This comes as CERT-In also warned last week about autonomous AI agents accessing confidential data and reported a compromise of eMudhra's private keys.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans to modernise India's civil defence volunteer force, stating that the existing system, designed for conventional wars, is inadequate against contemporary threats targeting critical infrastructure like refineries, banks, and data centres.
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.
The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition figures on Thursday regarding alleged large-scale voter deletions and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The petition seeks an independent audit of these deletions and modifications, and a direction to prevent further deletions without due process.
An assistant sub-inspector of Kolkata Police has been arrested for allegedly molesting a 21-year-old woman civic volunteer outside a Durga Puja pandal in south Kolkata. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday night, and a video of the alleged act has gone viral.
The Cabinet Secretariat declined to act on complaints from two Election Commissioners regarding a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner's conduct, citing that the communications were in an "individual capacity" and not an official stance from the Election Commission as a whole. This decision was based on concerns about potential interference in the constitutional body's functioning.
CPI(M) leader John Brittas was allegedly manhandled and injured by Delhi Police personnel during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Rajya Sabha MP was taken to RML Hospital for examination. Brittas has written to the President, Rajya Sabha chairman, and CJI seeking an independent investigation into the alleged assault, claiming he was dragged, assaulted, and abandoned. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned the incident, and other political leaders like M A Baby and Manoj Jha visited Brittas, criticising the police action and alleging brutality against protesters. The protest was organised to demand Kumar's resignation over alleged electoral roll irregularities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to opposition parties to support the delimitation-linked Women's Reservation Bill, highlighting its 40-year struggle. The bill aims to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and increase Lok Sabha seats, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. Despite previous setbacks and ongoing efforts to secure numbers, the government continues to push for this crucial legislation.
