Delhi Police has implemented a multi-layered security cover at the Red Fort for Independence Day celebrations, deploying advanced technologies like the Abhigyan app for fingerprint scanning and Facial Recognition System (FRS) vans to identify suspicious individuals. This enhanced security, involving thousands of personnel, CCTV surveillance, anti-drone systems, and snipers, aims to ensure a safe event amidst intelligence inputs.
A new UN Security Council report has 'officially attributed' the November 2025 Red Fort terror attack in New Delhi, which killed about 15 people, to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The report highlights AQIS's evolution into a regional terrorist entity and its efforts to establish networks.
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.
The National Investigation Agency's (NIA) chargesheet in the 2025 Red Fort blast case alleges that the accused followed the 'Lone Mujahid Pocket Book/How to Become an Assassin', an AQAP-linked manual detailing explosives and covert operations. The chargesheet identifies Umer Un Nabi, who died in the explosion, as the alleged mastermind and 'operational in-charge' of a revived Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) module.
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.
"Those behind the conspiracy will be brought to justice!" Modi said in a post on X.
Security agencies are searching for a third car believed to be connected to the Red Fort blast case. While two vehicles have been traced, a third, suspected to be a Maruti Brezza, remains untraced.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 10 accused in connection with the Red Fort area car bomb explosion case, which resulted in 11 fatalities and extensive property damage.
The US Department of State's Consular Affairs, in a "security alert", said that "while the cause of the explosion is unknown at this time, the Government of India has placed several Indian states on high alert."
Opposition parties in India are demanding a thorough and speedy investigation into a car blast near the Red Fort in Delhi that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. They are also raising concerns about the security situation in the national capital and questioning the government's handling of the matter.
The Delhi Police conducts daily drills as part of preparations for the program scheduled for 15th August, they added.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) alleges that Kashmiri students are facing profiling, eviction, and intimidation in northern states after the Red Fort blast in Delhi, urging Prime Minister Modi to intervene.
The footage shows some commuters instinctively rushing further inside the station, seeking safety as the impact of the explosion becomes apparent.
According to sources, a man named Tariq from Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, who has been arrested, is said to have given the Hyundai i20 car to Umar Mohammad.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen president Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday condemned a video of Red Fort suicide bomber, saying suicide is 'haram' in Islam and the killing of innocents is a 'grave sin'.
A UN Security Council report indicates that Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) was reportedly linked to a terror attack on the Red Fort in New Delhi. The report also highlights JeM's activities, including the establishment of a women-only wing and its presence in the region.
The outcome of the investigations essentially formed the basis for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to issue a sweeping directive on November 28 last year, mandating that app-based communication services like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal must be continuously linked to an active, physical SIM card within the device.
The police sounded a high alert in Delhi. Seven fire tenders were rushed to the spot with police cordoning off the area, the Delhi Fire Services said.
The police suspect the recces were part of a larger conspiracy to target the historic monument on January 26, which might have failed due to intense patrolling in the area at the time.
Delhi Police have significantly ramped up security measures across the national capital ahead of Independence Day. This includes deploying advanced technology like facial recognition systems and the Abhigyan app, installing thousands of CCTV cameras, and putting up posters of 19 wanted terrorists. Multi-layered security is in place, especially around the Red Fort, with a large deployment of personnel and anti-drone systems to prevent any security breaches.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday took custody of three doctors and a preacher who were arrested in connection with the November 10 car blast outside the Red Fort in which 15 people were killed.
A blast near Delhi's Red Fort has claimed the lives of 12 people, including a young man from Uttar Pradesh, a DTC conductor, and a taxi driver.
Security agencies are probing three bullet cartridges, two of them live rounds, recovered from the debris near the Red Fort blast site, a source said on Sunday.
Thousands of security personnel, 200 CCTVs and two high-mast, high-resolution cameras and 60 sniffer dogs of paramilitary forces and Delhi Police will also be part of the extensive security arrangement.
The bilingual -- Hindi and English -- invitation cards for I-Day anniversary celebrations carry this image on the top right corner of the invite, while the silhouetted image of the Chenab bridge, the world's tallest railway arch bridge, sits at the lower side of the cards, which have largely being issued online via 'Aamantran' website of the Ministry of Defence.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made near the Red Fort where a group of protesters climbed to the ramparts of the fort and unfurled flags on Tuesday.
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.
Kharge, however, unfurled the national flag at his residence and later at the Congress headquarters where the Independence Day function was also attended by Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that India's Olympic performance can significantly improve by increasing participation in sports where the nation currently lacks representation. Speaking at the Khelo India Dialogue, Modi highlighted that India competes in only half of the Olympic sports, leading to a missed opportunity for medals. He also reiterated his vision for sports as a nation-building process, not just about winning medals, and mentioned a nationwide talent hunt for young children.
Sources claimed that in the meeting, it was also discussed to close the Red fort from 20th January to 27th January and a clarification was sought from Delhi Police.
The prosecution in the Red Fort shootout case on Friday said there was strong evidence that Shahanshah Alam had secured a fake ration card and a driving license for alleged Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist and main suspect Ashfaq Ahmed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cautioned the nation about "intellectual Naxals" who he claims are embedded in the system, manipulating policies and posing a threat to society. Speaking on Independence Day, Modi urged citizens to identify and isolate these ideological supporters of Naxalism, highlighting their historical influence in power corridors and their role in promoting violence and anarchy.
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.
Conglomerate has become the first corporate house in India's history to adopt a historical monument, in a Rs 250 mn contract spanning five years.
Lunch boxes, water bottles, remote-controlled car keys, cigarette lighters, briefcases, handbags, cameras, binoculars, umbrellas and similar items will not be allowed at the Red Fort premises, he said.
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.
Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj has been granted three weeks' interim bail by a Delhi court in a case involving the alleged assault on the father of a student activist during a Jantar Mantar protest. Bhardwaj was previously in judicial custody after being detained following public outrage over his claims of assault and political connections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the risks posed by the 'weaponisation' of resources and strategic sea routes, urging India to achieve greater self-reliance in energy to mitigate vulnerabilities to overseas supplies and geopolitical tensions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced a 'Sapta Dhara' (seven-stream) reform framework, aiming to propel India into a developed nation by 2047. This comprehensive plan focuses on key sectors including manufacturing, agro-food processing, technology, logistics, defence, green and blue economy, and soft power, leveraging the nation's youth potential.
The sentence in the Red Fort attack case was to be pronounced on Saturday but was deferred till Monday.
