Some see in the CJP the potential of weakening the Opposition. Hence the BJP/RSS's 'softly softly catchee monkey' approach, with co-option being the ultimate aim, points out Aditi Phadnis.
The Nagaland Baptist Church Council has voiced strong opposition to any directive making the singing of 'Vande Mataram' compulsory, especially for Christians. They argue that patriotism should not be reduced to forced conformity and that India's constitutional values of liberty, pluralism, and freedom of conscience must be respected. The council also called for dialogue and sensitivity from state institutions.
Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, has announced his retirement from the national team, a decision he described as 'a decision that hurts the soul.'
Celtic suffered a devastating exit from the Champions League after squandering a four-goal aggregate lead against Austrian side LASK, losing 5-4 overall.
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.
BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee, a descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has demanded an unconditional apology from Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi. This demand follows an alleged incident at the AICC headquarters on Independence Day, where Chatterjee claims there were attempts to prevent the full singing of "Vande Mataram," which he described as a "shameless repetition of a historical mistake."
On Uttam Kumar's birth centenary, actor Prosenjit Chatterjee shares intimate memories of the Bengali matinee idol, recounting how 'Uttam-jethu' not only launched his career but also profoundly influenced his father, Biswajit Chatterjee, and remained a guiding force for their family.
From forgettable turns to award-worthy performances, these actors have brought visually impaired characters to life on screen in the last decade.
'Ultimately, everything has to be shared. That's why you have that talent. To share it. Unless you share, it won't continue.'
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his bewilderment at how the current generation of cricketers, primarily raised on T20 cricket, has managed to seamlessly adapt to the rigorous demands of Test cricket. He compared their transition to pop singers mastering classical ragas, highlighting the significant technical and mental adjustments required. Manjrekar's comments come as young Indian players, many with IPL backgrounds, are actively participating in Test series, showcasing their versatility across formats.
'People usually send audition videos, but I didn't even send one because I never planned to participate.' 'I had gone there to prepare my students for the auditions.' 'Eventually, I ended up competing and became the winner.'
Police in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, have registered a case against two Congress corporators for allegedly disturbing communal harmony after they refused to sing the national song 'Vande Mataram' during a municipal corporation session.
Looking at the unconfirmed list of contestants lining up for the 20th edition of Bigg Boss.
Hi is a charming, feel-good romcom powered by Nayanthara and Kavin's chemistry, but its predictable second half keeps it from becoming truly delightful, notes Sreeju Sreedharan.
A R Ameen, A R Rahman's only son, escaped with minor injuries after his Porsche was involved in a collision with a cab in Chennai.
Naseeruddin Shah, alongside director Imtiaz Ali and the cast, offered insights into the upcoming film Main Vaapas Aaunga at its trailer launch, praising the script and sharing their unique experiences.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has moved a government resolution mandating the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the commencement of all government events, emphasising the state's linguistic and cultural rights amidst a Union Home Affairs Ministry advisory on Vande Mataram.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have lodged a formal complaint against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at the Urwa police station in Karnataka on Sunday, following a controversy during the recitation of the national song Vande Mataram at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Independence Day.
Parliament has passed The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making any insult to the national song Vande Mataram a criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment up to three years or a fine.
Kerala University vice-chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal on Saturday said those who do not say Vande Mataram do not know who their mother is.
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has seen its revenue grow by over 9 per cent to 7,064 crore, driven by the strong performance of SonyLIV, Sony SAB, and Sony Entertainment Television (SET), said Gaurav Banerjee, head of SPNI.
Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked inside a gurdwara near Nanded, Maharashtra, by a 'sewadar' (volunteer) named Jaspal Singh. The accused, a Pune resident, has been arrested, and police are investigating his motive, though he initially cited anger over the drug menace in Punjab. Badal sustained minor injuries and is stable.
'I could place her in any song situation, sad, happy, bhajan, cabaret, fun song... she took just a few minutes to catch the tune.'
On World Photography Day, Arun Khanna pays tribute to this year's theme, Home, with a photo essay on Nature's master nest-maker -- the Baya Weaver Bird.
The Union home ministry directed all the states and Union territories on Monday to adhere to the Flag Code, underlining that while flags made of paper may be waved by the public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, those should not be discarded or thrown on the ground after the events.
The Indian government plans to introduce a bill in the Rajya Sabha to make obstruction or insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. This amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, aims to grant 'Vande Mataram' the same statutory protection as the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', with penalties up to three years' imprisonment.
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.
A group of eleven women were booked for allegedly creating a nuisance and disturbing other passengers on the Bengaluru metro by singing loudly. The incident occurred on March 15th, leading to delays and inconvenience for fellow commuters.
What remained at Shivaji Park was not Gen Z anger but of momentum -- a generation that had, in its own telling, made an emperor bow, and intends to keep singing and meme-ing about it.
'...there was a big party. The way he hugged me, I understood that deep friendship. And he understood the pain that I had gone through during my cancer.'
What made Kaun Banega Crorepati special was the simplicity of the game, a clean Q & A format taking pride in delivering knowledge when not testing it. But the strain of advertising, destroying one medium after another, bears down on the latest edition, observes Sukanya Verma.
August 15 was the date of India's Independence, so why did transfer of power happen at the stroke of midnight August 14-15?
How did a melancholic Kishore Kumar classic from 1964, remixed decades later, become the unlikely soundtrack to a Gen Z protest?
'It's something a 95 year old and a 5 year old can both fully enjoy. There are not many films like that today.'
Spain's national football team celebrated wildly in their dressing room after defeating France 2-0 to secure a spot in the World Cup final. The team's official social media shared a video of the joyous moments, highlighting their unity and confidence as they aim for another World Cup title.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accused anti-India forces of using social media to spread rumours and mislead society, calling it a 'medium' for conspiracies against the country. He also criticised the alleged historical neglect of Indian revolutionaries in favour of one political family.
An emotional Mirabai Chanu said her historic third successive gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games came only after a 'lot of sacrifices', as the Olympic medallist battled stress and injuries over the past couple of years.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued fresh directions to all state governments, Union Territory administrations, and central ministries, reiterating the rules governing the singing and playing of the National Anthem and the National Song, calling for their strict compliance.
Argentina's conduct after their World Cup final defeat to Spain has come under fire, with players and fans facing criticism for their actions during the trophy presentation and post-match celebrations.
Max, Min And Meowzaki is not something Bollywood audiences are used to in their cinema that thrives on melodrama and noise. Still, it captures a slice of city life that has made space for cat lovers, movie buffs and Carnatic rockers, discovers Deepa Gahlot.
