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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major National Highway projects, the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), in Delhi on Sunday. The projects--the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II)--have been developed under the Government's comprehensive plan to decongest the capital, with the objective of greatly improving connectivity, cutting travel time, and reducing traffic in Delhi and its surrounding areas.&nbsp;These initiatives reflect Prime Minister Modi's vision of creating world-class infrastructure that enhances ease of living and ensures seamless mobility. The 10.1 km long Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway has been developed at a cost of around Rs. 5,360 crore.&nbsp;&nbsp;The section will also provide multi-modal connectivity to Yashobhoomi, the DMRC Blue Line and Orange Line, the upcoming Bijwasan railway station and the Dwarka Cluster Bus Depot. This section comprises: Package I: 5.9 km from the Shiv Murti intersection to the Road Under Bridge (RUB) at Dwarka Sector-21. &nbsp;Package II: 4.2 km from Dwarka Sector-21 RUB to the Delhi-Haryana Border, providing direct connectivity to Urban Extension Road-II. &nbsp;The 19 km long Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway was earlier inaugurated by the Prime Minister in March 2024. &nbsp;PM Modi also inaugurated the Alipur to Dichaon Kalan stretch of Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) along with new links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, built at a cost of around Rs 5,580 crores. It will ease traffic on Delhi's Inner and Outer Ring Roads and busy points like Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-09. The new spurs will give direct access to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, improve industrial connectivity, cut city traffic, and speed up goods movement in the NCR. &nbsp;Meanwhile, hundreds of supporters have gathered to welcome PM Modi at the Mundka-Bakkarwala Village Toll Plaza in Delhi. PM Modi had also interacted with the construction workers of the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) before the inauguration. (ANI)&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The initiative of the Urban Extension Road-II project reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of creating world-class infrastructure that enhances ease of living and ensures seamless mobility. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major National Highway projects, the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), in Delhi on Sunday. The projects--the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II)--have been developed under the Government's comprehensive plan to decongest the capital, with the objective of greatly improving connectivity, cutting travel time, and reducing traffic in Delhi and its surrounding areas. These initiatives reflect Prime Minister Modi's vision of creating world-class infrastructure that enhances ease of living and ensures seamless mobility. The 10.1 km long Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway has been developed at a cost of around Rs. 5,360 crore. The section will also provide multi-modal connectivity to Yashobhoomi, the DMRC Blue Line and Orange Line, the upcoming Bijwasan railway station and the Dwarka Cluster Bus Depot. This section comprises: Package I: 5.9 km from the Shiv Murti intersection to the Road Under Bridge (RUB) at Dwarka Sector-21. Package II: 4.2 km from Dwarka Sector-21 RUB to the Delhi-Haryana Border, providing direct connectivity to Urban Extension Road-II. The 19 km long Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway was earlier inaugurated by the Prime Minister in March 2024. PM Modi also inaugurated the Alipur to Dichaon Kalan stretch of Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) along with new links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, built at a cost of around Rs 5,580 crores. It will ease traffic on Delhi's Inner and Outer Ring Roads and busy points like Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-09. The new spurs will give direct access to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, improve industrial connectivity, cut city traffic, and speed up goods movement in the NCR. Meanwhile, hundreds of supporters have gathered to welcome PM Modi at the Mundka-Bakkarwala Village Toll Plaza in Delhi. PM Modi had also interacted with the construction workers of the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) before the inauguration. (ANI) Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The initiative of the Urban Extension Road-II project reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of creating world-class infrastructure that enhances ease of living and ensures seamless mobility.&nbsp;

PM Modi inaugurates Dwarka Expressway, Urban Extension Road-II project in Delhi-NCR

At least seven people were killed, while several others were injured in two incidents of cloudburst and landslide in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district. Following the cloudburst, the Rail operations in certain sections were affected, causing temporary disruptions due to heavy rainfall. The authorities are taking necessary measures to restore normalcy in the area while ensuring safety.&nbsp;Uchit Singhal, Sr DCM Jammu Division of Northern Railway, said in a statement that heavy rains have resulted in water going beyond the danger level at Bridge-43 between Kathua and Budhi. As a result, the train movement on the up line has been temporarily suspended, and up trains are being operated via a temporary single line on the down line track.&nbsp;“Multiple calls are being received with respect to track damage. It is to clarify that due to heavy rains, water is flowing above the danger level through Br-43 between Kathua and Budhi. In the wake of this, temporarily till the water level subsides, up-line movement has been suspended and in the meantime, up trains are being moved via a temporary single line through the DN line track. A few trains have been short-terminated and short-originated, including the cancellation of local passenger trains. Details will be shared shortly,” he said.&nbsp;Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Central government is closely monitoring the situation, adding that rescue and relief operations are being undertaken by the local administration. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have also been deployed to the site.&nbsp;Four people died due to flooding triggered by the cloudburst in Jodh Ghati, while two lost their lives in a landslide in Janglote.&nbsp;<h2>CM announces ex-gratia</h2>&nbsp;Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his grief over the loss of lives and damage due to the landslide incidents in several parts of the district and the cloudburst in Kathua. He also announced ex-gratia assistance from the CM’s Relief Fund: Rs 2 lakh for each deceased; Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured; Rs 50,000 for minor injuries; Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged houses; Rs 50,000 for severely damaged houses; Rs 25,000 for partially damaged houses. &nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Central government is closely monitoring the situation, adding that rescue and relief operations are being undertaken by the local administration. 

At least seven people were killed, while several others were injured in two incidents of cloudburst and landslide in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district. Following the cloudburst, the Rail operations in certain sections were affected, causing temporary disruptions due to heavy rainfall. The authorities are taking necessary measures to restore normalcy in the area while ensuring safety. Uchit Singhal, Sr DCM Jammu Division of Northern Railway, said in a statement that heavy rains have resulted in water going beyond the danger level at Bridge-43 between Kathua and Budhi. As a result, the train movement on the up line has been temporarily suspended, and up trains are being operated via a temporary single line on the down line track. “Multiple calls are being received with respect to track damage. It is to clarify that due to heavy rains, water is flowing above the danger level through Br-43 between Kathua and Budhi. In the wake of this, temporarily till the water level subsides, up-line movement has been suspended and in the meantime, up trains are being moved via a temporary single line through the DN line track. A few trains have been short-terminated and short-originated, including the cancellation of local passenger trains. Details will be shared shortly,” he said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Central government is closely monitoring the situation, adding that rescue and relief operations are being undertaken by the local administration. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have also been deployed to the site. Four people died due to flooding triggered by the cloudburst in Jodh Ghati, while two lost their lives in a landslide in Janglote. CM announces ex-gratia Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his grief over the loss of lives and damage due to the landslide incidents in several parts of the district and the cloudburst in Kathua. He also announced ex-gratia assistance from the CM’s Relief Fund: Rs 2 lakh for each deceased; Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured; Rs 50,000 for minor injuries; Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged houses; Rs 50,000 for severely damaged houses; Rs 25,000 for partially damaged houses.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Central government is closely monitoring the situation, adding that rescue and relief operations are being undertaken by the local administration.&nbsp;

Kathua cloudburst: Railway operations affected after bridge floods; J&K CM announces ex-gratia

In Greater Noida, a suburb of Delhi-NCR, a man was attacked while walking his pet dog. On Sunday (Aug 17), the assailant, while calling all dogs and animal lovers a menace, cited the Monday (Aug 11) Supreme Court directive against stray dogs before attacking him, alleged the pet parent. Police intervention was necessary as the situation escalated violently. The dog involved in this incident was an 8-year-old Black Labrador, arguably one of the most docile dog breeds, who at the time of the incident, was unwell. "My dog was just watching the entire incident quietly—he didn’t even attempt to bite or attack the man," said the pet dog's owner. He added that the attacker, a resident of the same society, shockingly even tried to get himself bitten by the dog Dollar. He "wanted my dog to bite him so that a case could be filed against both of us," he alleged.<h2>SC order weaponises animal haters</h2>Notably, in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's street dog order, cases of animal lovers, pet parents being harassed, and street dogs being targeted by people are being reported from across India. In Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, at least a dozen dogs were picked up and have allegedly been locked away in an abandoned slaughterhouse without any food or water. This comes as the top court's order has been stayed while a special three-member panel examines the matter, its legality, and the repercussions. So, what is happening? Can authorities and the public relocate the dogs now? Here's all you need to know.<h2>What did the Supreme Court say in its controversial order on street dogs?</h2>On Monday (Aug 11), the Supreme Court of India, taking suo motu cognisance of the stray dog population in Delhi-NCR, directed authorities to begin removing street dogs from all localities. They have been asked to catch stray dogs and house them in dedicated dog shelters to be set up by civic bodies. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said that all localities should be made free of stray dogs and there should not be any compromise. It also instructed that no captured animal will be released back on the streets. The Supreme Court justices also ordered contempt proceedings against any individual or organisation that attempts to obstruct the authorities from carrying out the capture drive. "If any individual or organisation comes in the way of picking stray dogs or rounding them up, we will proceed to take action against any such resistance," said Justice Pardiwala.So, is it a done deal? Can authorities catch and relocate street dogs?No. Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Wednesday (Aug 13) said that he would look into the Supreme Court order banning stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR. Subsequently, on Thursday (Aug 14) the case was relisted in front of a special three-judge panel reserved the August 11 order. "Local authorities are not doing what they should be doing. They should be here taking responsibility," said a Bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath and also comprising Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria underscored. The top court declined to grant a stay on the directions issued to civic bodies by a Division Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan. However, the apex court's official order is yet to officially be issued to the MCD, which means strays being rounded up and relocated is, for now, not sanctioned by the court.&nbsp;

A Noida man was assaulted while walking his pet. Meanwhile, in HP's Bilaspur, over 10 dogs were locked in an abandoned slaughterhouse. These highlight the rising harassment of pet lovers and animals, even as a 3-judge panel has reserved the order, meaning civic bodies cannot yet relocate dogs

In Greater Noida, a suburb of Delhi-NCR, a man was attacked while walking his pet dog. On Sunday (Aug 17), the assailant, while calling all dogs and animal lovers a menace, cited the Monday (Aug 11) Supreme Court directive against stray dogs before attacking him, alleged the pet parent. Police intervention was necessary as the situation escalated violently. The dog involved in this incident was an 8-year-old Black Labrador, arguably one of the most docile dog breeds, who at the time of the incident, was unwell. "My dog was just watching the entire incident quietly—he didn’t even attempt to bite or attack the man," said the pet dog's owner. He added that the attacker, a resident of the same society, shockingly even tried to get himself bitten by the dog Dollar. He "wanted my dog to bite him so that a case could be filed against both of us," he alleged. SC order weaponises animal haters Notably, in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's street dog order, cases of animal lovers, pet parents being harassed, and street dogs being targeted by people are being reported from across India. In Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, at least a dozen dogs were picked up and have allegedly been locked away in an abandoned slaughterhouse without any food or water. This comes as the top court's order has been stayed while a special three-member panel examines the matter, its legality, and the repercussions. So, what is happening? Can authorities and the public relocate the dogs now? Here's all you need to know. What did the Supreme Court say in its controversial order on street dogs? On Monday (Aug 11), the Supreme Court of India, taking suo motu cognisance of the stray dog population in Delhi-NCR, directed authorities to begin removing street dogs from all localities. They have been asked to catch stray dogs and house them in dedicated dog shelters to be set up by civic bodies. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said that all localities should be made free of stray dogs and there should not be any compromise. It also instructed that no captured animal will be released back on the streets. The Supreme Court justices also ordered contempt proceedings against any individual or organisation that attempts to obstruct the authorities from carrying out the capture drive. "If any individual or organisation comes in the way of picking stray dogs or rounding them up, we will proceed to take action against any such resistance," said Justice Pardiwala. So, is it a done deal? Can authorities catch and relocate street dogs? No. Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Wednesday (Aug 13) said that he would look into the Supreme Court order banning stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR. Subsequently, on Thursday (Aug 14) the case was relisted in front of a special three-judge panel reserved the August 11 order. "Local authorities are not doing what they should be doing. They should be here taking responsibility," said a Bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath and also comprising Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria underscored. The top court declined to grant a stay on the directions issued to civic bodies by a Division Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan. However, the apex court's official order is yet to officially be issued to the MCD, which means strays being rounded up and relocated is, for now, not sanctioned by the court.

A Noida man was assaulted while walking his pet. Meanwhile, in HP's Bilaspur, over 10 dogs were locked in an abandoned slaughterhouse. These highlight the rising harassment of pet lovers and animals, even as a 3-judge panel has reserved the order, meaning civic bodies cannot yet relocate dogs

SC order on stray dogs weaponised? Over 10 dogs abandoned without food in HP slaughterhouse, Delhi-NCR man attacked while walking pet Labrador

Visiting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Sunday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, kick-starting his two-day visit to the Himalayan nation. Misri met Prime Minister Oli at his office in Singha Durbar, according to a statement from the PM's secretariat. During the meeting, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, and other officials from Nepal's Foreign Ministry were present. Misri is in Kathmandu on a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. The Foreign Secretary, who arrived in Kathmandu this morning, is scheduled to hold several high-level meetings throughout the day. These include meetings with Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel, former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, and former Prime Minister and CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The visit comes as part of preparations for an upcoming official trip by Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to India, scheduled for August 29. Discussions are expected to focus on setting the agenda for that visit. During Misri's stay, the foreign secretaries of both countries will review and discuss various aspects of Nepal-India relations, including cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, and regional development. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as part of the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two neighbours, stating, "This visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen and advance bilateral relations. Nepal holds a high priority under India's Neighbourhood First Policy." The visit also lays the groundwork for a planned meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, a site of deep spiritual and cultural significance believed to be where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.&nbsp;

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri began his two-day Nepal visit with a courtesy call on PM KP Sharma Oli in Kathmandu. His trip, seen as groundwork for Oli’s upcoming India visit on Aug 29, includes meetings with top Nepali leaders to set the agenda on trade, energy, and connectivity.


Visiting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Sunday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, kick-starting his two-day visit to the Himalayan nation. Misri met Prime Minister Oli at his office in Singha Durbar, according to a statement from the PM's secretariat. During the meeting, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, and other officials from Nepal's Foreign Ministry were present. Misri is in Kathmandu on a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. The Foreign Secretary, who arrived in Kathmandu this morning, is scheduled to hold several high-level meetings throughout the day. These include meetings with Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel, former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, and former Prime Minister and CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The visit comes as part of preparations for an upcoming official trip by Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to India, scheduled for August 29. Discussions are expected to focus on setting the agenda for that visit. During Misri's stay, the foreign secretaries of both countries will review and discuss various aspects of Nepal-India relations, including cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, and regional development. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as part of the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two neighbours, stating, "This visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen and advance bilateral relations. Nepal holds a high priority under India's Neighbourhood First Policy." The visit also lays the groundwork for a planned meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, a site of deep spiritual and cultural significance believed to be where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri began his two-day Nepal visit with a courtesy call on PM KP Sharma Oli in Kathmandu. His trip, seen as groundwork for Oli’s upcoming India visit on Aug 29, includes meetings with top Nepali leaders to set the agenda on trade, energy, and connectivity.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meets Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli, sets stage for Modi-Oli talks in Bodh Gaya

Stephen Hawking, the renowned physicist known for his contributions to humanity's understanding of black holes, the cosmos, and the nature of the universe, once warned that if aliens make contact with us, they won't be kind and might view Earth as just another planet to plunder. The world-renowned scientist's warning has once again entered the spotlight as intrigue around UFOs and extraterrestrial life continues to escalate. This is amplified by reports of a possible alien warship that may strike around November and as US Vice President JD Vance revealed his "obsession" with the little green men. "I'm obsessed with the whole UFO thing. What’s actually going on? What were those videos all about? What’s actually happening?" He said recently while appearing on the Ruthless podcast. What did Stephen Hawking say about aliens? Is humanity in danger? All you need to know.<h2>Stephen Hawking's alarming warning on aliens and extraterrestrial vehicles</h2>Before his passing in 2018, Hawking was known to persistently caution against intentional efforts to communicate with aliens, especially those potentially far superior to humans. He warned that an intellectually superior species may view our planet as a world ready to plunder instead of approaching us with goodwill. In an ominous warning, he suggested that such contact may even jeopardise humanity's survival.In a 2010 episode of 'Into the Universe', the genius famously said that, "If aliens ever visit us, the outcome might be similar to when Columbus landed in America, which didn't turn out well for the Native Americans." Pointing at how historically dominant societies, when they encounter less developed cultures, tend to dominate and disregard suffering that isn't their own, he argued that humans only need to look at themselves "to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet". According to Hawking, it would be stupid to presume that a sophisticated civilisation would inherently embrace peace.Stephen Hawking further theorised that a developed alien species that possesses advanced interstellar travel capabilities would probably (like humans are currently doing) have depleted their natural resources. Thus, driving them to travel the cosmos to look for newer, resource-rich worlds. In such a case, Earth could look less like an ally and more like a viable conquest.Notably, Hawking was not alone in warning about how dangerous contact with aliens could be. Carl Sagan, an American astronomer and planetary scientist who dedicated his life to research on his research on the possibility of extraterrestrial life, is also known to have voiced a need for caution. He pointed out that alien psychology could be beyond our predictions.<h2>So, what should humans do?</h2>Staunchly shunning attempts to actively try to communicate with aliens, Stephen Hawking instead proposed passive monitoring was the way to go. However, some scientists argue that humanity has been beaming radio waves and signals into space for over a century. They posit that intelligent alien species may already know we exist, and if Hawking's warning was in fact a premonition, then we may already be doomed.

Before his death, Stephen Hawking consistently warned humanity against contacting aliens. As interest in UFOs and little green men comes to the fore, an ominous warning he made has also resurfaced. What did Stephen Hawking say about aliens? Is humanity in danger? All you need to know.

Stephen Hawking, the renowned physicist known for his contributions to humanity's understanding of black holes, the cosmos, and the nature of the universe, once warned that if aliens make contact with us, they won't be kind and might view Earth as just another planet to plunder. The world-renowned scientist's warning has once again entered the spotlight as intrigue around UFOs and extraterrestrial life continues to escalate. This is amplified by reports of a possible alien warship that may strike around November and as US Vice President JD Vance revealed his "obsession" with the little green men. "I'm obsessed with the whole UFO thing. What’s actually going on? What were those videos all about? What’s actually happening?" He said recently while appearing on the Ruthless podcast. What did Stephen Hawking say about aliens? Is humanity in danger? All you need to know. Stephen Hawking's alarming warning on aliens and extraterrestrial vehicles Before his passing in 2018, Hawking was known to persistently caution against intentional efforts to communicate with aliens, especially those potentially far superior to humans. He warned that an intellectually superior species may view our planet as a world ready to plunder instead of approaching us with goodwill. In an ominous warning, he suggested that such contact may even jeopardise humanity's survival. In a 2010 episode of 'Into the Universe', the genius famously said that, "If aliens ever visit us, the outcome might be similar to when Columbus landed in America, which didn't turn out well for the Native Americans." Pointing at how historically dominant societies, when they encounter less developed cultures, tend to dominate and disregard suffering that isn't their own, he argued that humans only need to look at themselves "to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet". According to Hawking, it would be stupid to presume that a sophisticated civilisation would inherently embrace peace. Stephen Hawking further theorised that a developed alien species that possesses advanced interstellar travel capabilities would probably (like humans are currently doing) have depleted their natural resources. Thus, driving them to travel the cosmos to look for newer, resource-rich worlds. In such a case, Earth could look less like an ally and more like a viable conquest. Notably, Hawking was not alone in warning about how dangerous contact with aliens could be. Carl Sagan, an American astronomer and planetary scientist who dedicated his life to research on his research on the possibility of extraterrestrial life, is also known to have voiced a need for caution. He pointed out that alien psychology could be beyond our predictions. So, what should humans do? Staunchly shunning attempts to actively try to communicate with aliens, Stephen Hawking instead proposed passive monitoring was the way to go. However, some scientists argue that humanity has been beaming radio waves and signals into space for over a century. They posit that intelligent alien species may already know we exist, and if Hawking's warning was in fact a premonition, then we may already be doomed.

Before his death, Stephen Hawking consistently warned humanity against contacting aliens. As interest in UFOs and little green men comes to the fore, an ominous warning he made has also resurfaced. What did Stephen Hawking say about aliens? Is humanity in danger? All you need to know.

Stephen Hawking’s terrifying alien attack warning resurfaces amid 'mothership' UFO fears: It is 'something we wouldn't want to meet'

The hill state of India's Himachal Pradesh has observed intense rainfall, cloudburst and flashfloods this monsoon so far. Heavy rainfall during the months of June and July has led to large scale devastation in the state, including the loss of lives. On Sunday (Aug 17) the state again witness multiple flash flood in Mandi district. The incident had disrupted road connectivity in the area (Mandi-Kullu stretch of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway).&nbsp;Panarsa, Takoli and Nagwain in the district are the areas affected by the flashfloods. No reports of human loss have been received in the incidents so far, said &nbsp;Sachin Hiremath, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mandi.&nbsp;The local authorities are working around the clock to restore access and resume services affected by rain and related incidents. Resident have also been advised to remain alert, avoid travel in vulnerable zones, and follow all weather related advisories.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Takoli, Himachal Pradesh: Multiple flash flood incidents reported today in Mandi district at Panarsa, Takoli and Nagwain areas along the Mandi–Kullu stretch of the Chandigarh–Manali National Highway. (Visuals from Mandi-Kullu Highway; Source: SP Mandi) <a href="https://t.co/1e5c6N0ZI4">pic.twitter.com/1e5c6N0ZI4</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1956930516629757970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Between June 20 and August 16, 136 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts in the state, &nbsp;while 125 lives were lost in road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), reported ANI.&nbsp;The districts of Mandi, Kangra, Chamba and Kullu have been the worst hit as most casualties and infrastructure damage have been reported from these areas. The death toll in Mandi alone is 26, while Kangra has recorded 28 deaths.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cloudburst-in-jammu-and-kashmir-s-kathua-district-4-dead-6-injured-breaking-news-1755400882998">Cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua District: 4 dead, 6 injured. Watch</a>&nbsp;The Public Works Department (PWD) alone has reported losses exceeding Rs 1.18 lakh crore, while agriculture and horticulture sector has reported a loss of over Rs 83,000 crore.&nbsp;Road connectivity is one of the worst-hit sectors, with regular blockages on major highways, including NH-05 (Kinnaur) and NH-305 (Kullu), due to landslides and flash floods.&nbsp;

The local authorities are working around the clock  in Mandi to restore access and resume services affected in the region by the flashfloods.

The hill state of India's Himachal Pradesh has observed intense rainfall, cloudburst and flashfloods this monsoon so far. Heavy rainfall during the months of June and July has led to large scale devastation in the state, including the loss of lives. On Sunday (Aug 17) the state again witness multiple flash flood in Mandi district. The incident had disrupted road connectivity in the area (Mandi-Kullu stretch of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway). Panarsa, Takoli and Nagwain in the district are the areas affected by the flashfloods. No reports of human loss have been received in the incidents so far, said Sachin Hiremath, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mandi. The local authorities are working around the clock to restore access and resume services affected by rain and related incidents. Resident have also been advised to remain alert, avoid travel in vulnerable zones, and follow all weather related advisories.

The local authorities are working around the clock &nbsp;in Mandi to restore access and resume services affected in the region by the flashfloods.

Multiple flash floods hit Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, major highway blocked

Jyoti Malhotra, the YouTuber from Hisar, has been named in a charge sheet by Haryana Police. Malhotra, a 33-year-old YouTuber, was arrested in May for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Haryana Police filed the charge sheet after completing its investigation into the alleged espionage case involving suspected links to Pakistani intelligence agencies, officials said Saturday (Aug 16). The court has fixed the next hearing for August 18. Malhotra, who runs the travel vlog channel 'Travel with Jo' with over 480 videos, including from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Thailand, was arrested in May this year after central agencies flagged her alleged contacts with Pakistani officials.<h2>Jyoti Malhotra to be taken to protection remand?</h2>Investigations revealed she had travelled to Pakistan multiple times and was in touch with personnel from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, including an official later expelled by India. According to officials, she allegedly met a Pakistani officer, Ahsan-ur-Rahim, in Delhi and shared sensitive information.Her lawyer, Advocate Kumar Mukesh, confirmed that the chargesheet has been filed and said they will review whether it contains evidence before moving a bail application. "The investigation against Jyoti has been completed, and a chargesheet has been filed in court. Now, the court has scheduled the next appearance for 18 August. Possibly, Jyoti will be taken to protection remand, and as per the rule process, the chargesheet copy will be provided to Jyoti..." he told ANI."We will review the chargesheet to determine if it contains any evidence, and based on that, we will prepare for the date application. As of now, the police do not disclose any information regarding her connection with ISI..." he added.<h2>Ahsan-ur-Rahim: Jyoti Malhotra's handler?</h2>Malhotra was one of the 12 people arrested across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in a coordinated crackdown on a suspected spy ring that sought to recruit Indian social media influencers.During the investigation, Malhotra, as per reports, revealed that in 2023, she visited the Delhi High Commission, where she met a man named Ahsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish. The exact nature of communication between Malhotra and Ahsan-ur-Rahim is yet to be released. Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan earlier said Malhotra had visited Pakistan multiple times and China once, and her travel records were inconsistent with her income. "Modern warfare is not only fought on the border. The PIOs are trying to recruit some social media influencers, and they use that to push their narrative. We received inputs from the central agencies, and we arrested Jyoti Malhotra," he said at the time. &nbsp;

Haryana Police filed a charge sheet against Hisar YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, accused of spying for Pakistan. Arrested in May, she allegedly met Pakistani officers and shared sensitive info. Court hearing is set for Aug 18.

Jyoti Malhotra, the YouTuber from Hisar, has been named in a charge sheet by Haryana Police. Malhotra, a 33-year-old YouTuber, was arrested in May for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Haryana Police filed the charge sheet after completing its investigation into the alleged espionage case involving suspected links to Pakistani intelligence agencies, officials said Saturday (Aug 16). The court has fixed the next hearing for August 18. Malhotra, who runs the travel vlog channel 'Travel with Jo' with over 480 videos, including from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Thailand, was arrested in May this year after central agencies flagged her alleged contacts with Pakistani officials. Jyoti Malhotra to be taken to protection remand? Investigations revealed she had travelled to Pakistan multiple times and was in touch with personnel from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, including an official later expelled by India. According to officials, she allegedly met a Pakistani officer, Ahsan-ur-Rahim, in Delhi and shared sensitive information. Her lawyer, Advocate Kumar Mukesh, confirmed that the chargesheet has been filed and said they will review whether it contains evidence before moving a bail application. "The investigation against Jyoti has been completed, and a chargesheet has been filed in court. Now, the court has scheduled the next appearance for 18 August. Possibly, Jyoti will be taken to protection remand, and as per the rule process, the chargesheet copy will be provided to Jyoti..." he told ANI. "We will review the chargesheet to determine if it contains any evidence, and based on that, we will prepare for the date application. As of now, the police do not disclose any information regarding her connection with ISI..." he added. Ahsan-ur-Rahim: Jyoti Malhotra's handler? Malhotra was one of the 12 people arrested across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in a coordinated crackdown on a suspected spy ring that sought to recruit Indian social media influencers. During the investigation, Malhotra, as per reports, revealed that in 2023, she visited the Delhi High Commission, where she met a man named Ahsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish. The exact nature of communication between Malhotra and Ahsan-ur-Rahim is yet to be released. Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan earlier said Malhotra had visited Pakistan multiple times and China once, and her travel records were inconsistent with her income. "Modern warfare is not only fought on the border. The PIOs are trying to recruit some social media influencers, and they use that to push their narrative. We received inputs from the central agencies, and we arrested Jyoti Malhotra," he said at the time.

Haryana Police filed a charge sheet against Hisar YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, accused of spying for Pakistan. Arrested in May, she allegedly met Pakistani officers and shared sensitive info. Court hearing is set for Aug 18.

‘Travel with Jo’ YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra charge-sheeted for allegedly spying for Pakistan

Amid criticism over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter rolls in Bihar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will start his Voter Adhikar Yatra—a 16-day march from Sasaram in western Rohtas district from Sunday (Aug 17). The march is aimed at protesting alleged manipulations in the voter lists.&nbsp;The Opposition that has been opposing the SIR, argues that the process has led to the deletion of 6.5 million names from the electoral rolls, which is a deliberate attempt to tamper with votes.Organised under the banner of the India Alliance, the march will witness the participation of senior opposition leaders, including &nbsp;Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) Tejashwi Yadav. Three Left parties, will also take part in the yatra.&nbsp;The yatra that the Congress say is a "fight to save the constitution" will culminate in a massive rally at Patna's historic Gandhi Maidan on September 1. There will be three break days during the Yatra - Aug 20, 25 and 31.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-coordinated-with-hindenburg-to-target-adani-reveals-mossad-reports-8997569">Rahul Gandhi 'coordinated' with Hindenburg to target Adani, reveals Mossad: Reports</a>&nbsp;Public meetings, padyatras, and hybrid rallies will be a part of the rally that will focus on highlighting fake voter registrations issues as claimed by the Congress. The slogan “Ab ki baar, vote choron ki haar” (This time, defeat for vote thieves) showcases the campaign’s aggressive tone.&nbsp;Taking to the micro-blogging site X, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday wrote, "Sixteen days, 20-plus districts, 1,300-plus kilometres. We are coming among the people with voter rights yatra. This is the right to protect the most fundamental democratic right - 'one person, one vote'. Join us in Bihar to save the Constitution."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-slams-ncert-s-partition-module-alleges-distortion-of-history-bjp-hits-back-1755355127648">Congress slams NCERT’s Partition module, alleges distortion of history; BJP hits back</a>&nbsp;The Special Intensive Revision process by the Election Commission aims at weeding out doubtful voters from the electoral roll. The voters who have failed to prove their Indian citizenship will not be able to vote in Bihar elections to be held later this year. &nbsp;

The Opposition says SIR process has led to the deletion of 6.5 million names from the electoral rolls and  is a deliberate attempt to tamper with votes in Bihar elections.

Amid criticism over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter rolls in Bihar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will start his Voter Adhikar Yatra—a 16-day march from Sasaram in western Rohtas district from Sunday (Aug 17). The march is aimed at protesting alleged manipulations in the voter lists. The Opposition that has been opposing the SIR, argues that the process has led to the deletion of 6.5 million names from the electoral rolls, which is a deliberate attempt to tamper with votes. Organised under the banner of the India Alliance, the march will witness the participation of senior opposition leaders, including Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) Tejashwi Yadav. Three Left parties, will also take part in the yatra. The yatra that the Congress say is a "fight to save the constitution" will culminate in a massive rally at Patna's historic Gandhi Maidan on September 1. There will be three break days during the Yatra - Aug 20, 25 and 31. Also Read: Rahul Gandhi 'coordinated' with Hindenburg to target Adani, reveals Mossad: Reports Public meetings, padyatras, and hybrid rallies will be a part of the rally that will focus on highlighting fake voter registrations issues as claimed by the Congress. The slogan “Ab ki baar, vote choron ki haar” (This time, defeat for vote thieves) showcases the campaign’s aggressive tone. Taking to the micro-blogging site X, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday wrote, "Sixteen days, 20-plus districts, 1,300-plus kilometres. We are coming among the people with voter rights yatra. This is the right to protect the most fundamental democratic right - 'one person, one vote'. Join us in Bihar to save the Constitution." Also Read: Congress slams NCERT’s Partition module, alleges distortion of history; BJP hits back The Special Intensive Revision process by the Election Commission aims at weeding out doubtful voters from the electoral roll. The voters who have failed to prove their Indian citizenship will not be able to vote in Bihar elections to be held later this year.

The Opposition says SIR process has led to the deletion of 6.5 million names from the electoral rolls and &nbsp;is a deliberate attempt to tamper with votes in Bihar elections.

Rahul Gandhi set to kick off 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' from Bihar. Check details

Seven people have died after a cloud burst in a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, said officials on Sunday (Aug 17). In addition, at least six people are feared trapped after flash floods and a landslide were triggered in Jodh village due to the cloudburst. As per reports, the entire area was flooded due to the cloudburst in the valley and jungles of Kathua. In particular, the Kathua-Pathankot National Highway and nearby areas, including the police station valley, have been affected by the cloudburst. Meanwhile, the Kathua River is in spate, i.e., the river has a high water level and is raging.A video purportedly from Kathua shows the area's police station submerged as water from the cloudburst floods the area. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kathua police station submerged on Sunday due to flooding because of a reported cloudburst in the region. Train service hit, highway also affected. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KathuaCloudburst?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KathuaCloudburst</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cloudburst?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cloudburst</a> <a href="https://t.co/8zlYfGcDPw">pic.twitter.com/8zlYfGcDPw</a>&mdash; SP Sharma (Shukla) (@sp_sharma07) <a href="https://twitter.com/sp_sharma07/status/1956913164768989424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Rescue operation underway</h2>Speaking about the situation in Jodh village, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma said rescue teams are on the spot and operations are underway.Meanwhile, in a post on X, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed that four casualties have been reported. He said that "damage has occurred to Railway track, National Highway while Police Station Kathua has been affected".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Spoken to SSP Kathua Sh Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloud burst in the Janglote area. 4 Casualties reported. In addition, damage has occurred to Railway track, National Highway while Police Station Kathua has been affected. The civilian Administration,…&mdash; Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJitendraSingh/status/1956923990565646520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Centre monitoring the situation:Amit Shah</h2>Union Minister Amit Shah, in a post on X, assured that the central government was closely monitoring the situation in Kathua. "Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration, and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site," he said. "Assured every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&amp;K," the post read.Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives due to rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua district.Calling it a "mind-numbing" tragedy, on X, he wrote, "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Hon'ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police &amp; administration."

Four people have died, and six others were left injured after a cloudburst in a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, said officials on Sunday (Aug 17).

Seven people have died after a cloud burst in a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, said officials on Sunday (Aug 17). In addition, at least six people are feared trapped after flash floods and a landslide were triggered in Jodh village due to the cloudburst. As per reports, the entire area was flooded due to the cloudburst in the valley and jungles of Kathua. In particular, the Kathua-Pathankot National Highway and nearby areas, including the police station valley, have been affected by the cloudburst. Meanwhile, the Kathua River is in spate, i.e., the river has a high water level and is raging. A video purportedly from Kathua shows the area's police station submerged as water from the cloudburst floods the area. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

Seven people have died, and six others were left injured after a cloudburst in a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, said officials on Sunday (Aug 17).

Death toll from cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua District rises to 7, six injured. Watch

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised.&nbsp;In a shocking incident in Delhi’s Hauz Qazi area, a 39-year-old man allegedly raped his 65-year-old mother on two occasions. The accused claimed that he was “punishing” his mother over suspicions that she was having an affair, according to the woman’s statement. The man was arrested after the woman approached the Hauz Qazi police station with her 25-year-old daughter on Friday (Aug 15) to file a complaint.&nbsp;The victim lives with her husband, a retired government employee, the accused son, and her younger daughter. The elder daughter, who is married, lives in the same neighbourhood with her in-laws. In the complaint, the woman said that the assaults happened after the family returned from a pilgrimage trip.&nbsp;“The woman stated that she had travelled to Saudi Arabia on July 25 with her husband, aged 72, and their daughter for pilgrimage. During the trip, her son allegedly called on her husband’s phone and accused her of having a ‘bad character’, demanding that his father return immediately to Delhi and divorce her,” a senior police officer said.&nbsp;When the family returned home on August 1, the accused allegedly assaulted his mother. “He made me remove my burqa, locked me in a room and beat me up. He told my husband that he had spoilt me,” the victim told police, according to an officer.&nbsp;Frightened for her safety, the woman went to stay with her elder daughter. When she returned on August 11, the accused insisted on speaking to her privately. “He locked her in the room and raped her. He said that he was punishing her for her previous conduct even as she pleaded that she was his mother,” the officer said.Initially, the woman did not report the incident out of fear and shame and began sleeping in her daughter’s room for safety.&nbsp;On Thursday (Aug 14), the accused allegedly entered the room around 3:30 am and raped her again. The next day, she confided in her younger daughter, who urged her to approach the police.&nbsp;A case has been registered under Section 64 (rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The accused has been arrested, and an investigation is underway.&nbsp;

A Delhi man was arrested for allegedly raping his mother twice after accusing her of having an extramarital affair and telling his father to divorce her.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. In a shocking incident in Delhi’s Hauz Qazi area, a 39-year-old man allegedly raped his 65-year-old mother on two occasions. The accused claimed that he was “punishing” his mother over suspicions that she was having an affair, according to the woman’s statement. The man was arrested after the woman approached the Hauz Qazi police station with her 25-year-old daughter on Friday (Aug 15) to file a complaint. The victim lives with her husband, a retired government employee, the accused son, and her younger daughter. The elder daughter, who is married, lives in the same neighbourhood with her in-laws. In the complaint, the woman said that the assaults happened after the family returned from a pilgrimage trip. “The woman stated that she had travelled to Saudi Arabia on July 25 with her husband, aged 72, and their daughter for pilgrimage. During the trip, her son allegedly called on her husband’s phone and accused her of having a ‘bad character’, demanding that his father return immediately to Delhi and divorce her,” a senior police officer said. When the family returned home on August 1, the accused allegedly assaulted his mother. “He made me remove my burqa, locked me in a room and beat me up. He told my husband that he had spoilt me,” the victim told police, according to an officer. Frightened for her safety, the woman went to stay with her elder daughter. When she returned on August 11, the accused insisted on speaking to her privately. “He locked her in the room and raped her. He said that he was punishing her for her previous conduct even as she pleaded that she was his mother,” the officer said. Initially, the woman did not report the incident out of fear and shame and began sleeping in her daughter’s room for safety. On Thursday (Aug 14), the accused allegedly entered the room around 3:30 am and raped her again. The next day, she confided in her younger daughter, who urged her to approach the police. A case has been registered under Section 64 (rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The accused has been arrested, and an investigation is underway.

A Delhi man was arrested for allegedly raping his mother twice after accusing her of having an extramarital affair and telling his father to divorce her.

Delhi son’s monstrous crime: Rapes elderly mother twice, calls it ‘punishment’

Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to go to space and the first to visit the International Space Station, landed in Delhi on Sunday (August 17). He was welcomed by the Delhi chief minister, Rekha Gupta, and Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh, his family, and a large crowd of people holding the Indian flag.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla arrives back in India. He is welcomed by Union MoS for Science &amp; Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta. He was the pilot of NASA&#39;s Axiom-4 Space Mission, which took off from NASA&#39;s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida,… <a href="https://t.co/FTpP1NaY0O">pic.twitter.com/FTpP1NaY0O</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1956822468900823144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Singh took to X and applauded Shukla for his achievements and called his visit a moment of pride for India.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-netanyahu-himself-a-problem-working-against-israel-denmark-to-sanction-israeli-pm-1755373182464">‘Netanyahu himself a problem, working against Israel’: Denmark to sanction Israeli PM?</a>&nbsp;"A moment of pride for India! A moment of glory for #ISRO! A moment of gratitude to the dispensation that facilitated this under the leadership of PM @narendramodi," the minister wrote.&nbsp;"India’s Space glory touches the Indian soil… as the iconic son of Mother India, #Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla lands at Delhi in the early hours of morning today. Accompanying him, another equally accomplished Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of the astronauts selected for India’s first Human mission Gaganyaan who was India’s designated backup for the mission to the International Space Station #ISS," he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-summit-plan-documents-left-in-alaska-hotel-printer-here-s-what-papers-revealed-1755374746957">US summit plan documents left in Alaska hotel printer? Here's what papers revealed</a>&nbsp;Shukla is expected to meet the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had mentioned him in his Independence Day address, and take part in the National Space Day celebrations on August 23.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-s-future-on-the-line-zelensky-and-trump-to-meet-in-washington-on-monday-european-leaders-invited-all-you-need-to-know-1755371420179">Ukraine’s future on the line? Zelensky and Trump to meet in Washington on Monday; European leaders invited - All you need to know</a>&nbsp;"Our Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned from the space station. In the coming days, he is returning to India," PM Modi had said in his address at the Red Fort while speaking about India's plans for its own space station.

Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to go to space and the first to visit the International Space Station, landed in Delhi on Sunday (August 17).

Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to go to space and the first to visit the International Space Station, landed in Delhi on Sunday (August 17). He was welcomed by the Delhi chief minister, Rekha Gupta, and Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh, his family, and a large crowd of people holding the Indian flag.

Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to go to space and the first to visit the International Space Station, landed in Delhi on Sunday (August 17).

Shubhanshu Shukla in Delhi: 2nd Indian in space comes back home

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed thanks to his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky for their wishes to him and the people of India on the 79th Independence Day. PM Modi said in a post on X, “Thank you PM Netanyahu for your warm wishes. May India-Israel friendship continue to flourish...may both countries further strengthen and deepen this relationship bringing peace, development as well as security to our people.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you PM Netanyahu for your warm wishes. May India-Israel friendship continue to flourish…may both countries further strengthen and deepen this relationship bringing peace, development as well as security to our people.<a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsraeliPM</a> <a href="https://t.co/gMSGDyNEKj">https://t.co/gMSGDyNEKj</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1956680079712403958?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had extended warm greetings to India on the occasion of its 79th Independence Day.&nbsp;In a series of posts on X, Netanyahu said, “Congratulations to my dear friend @PMOIndia @narendramodi and the people of India on your Independence Day.”Highlighting that India and Israel are proud democracies bound by history, innovation and friendship, Netanyahu said the best chapters of the partnership still lie ahead.“Israel and India are two proud democracies, bound by history, innovation, and friendship. Our nations have achieved much together and the best chapters of our partnership still lie ahead.”&nbsp;Prime Minister also thanked Ukrainian President on Saturday for his greetings and spoke of strengthening bilateral ties, while also expressing hope for peace and progress in Ukraine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you President Zelenskyy for your warm greetings. I deeply value the joint commitment to forging even closer ties between India and Ukraine. We earnestly wish our friends in Ukraine a future marked by peace, progress and prosperity.<a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> <a href="https://t.co/g5HYuCuIRo">https://t.co/g5HYuCuIRo</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1956678213742080017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In response to a tweet by the President of Ukraine, PM Modi said, “Thank you President Zelenskyy for your warm greetings. I deeply value the joint commitment to forging even closer ties between India and Ukraine. We earnestly wish our friends in Ukraine a future marked by peace, progress and prosperity.” Zelensky had congratulated the people of India, President Droupadi Murmu, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Independence Day. He said in a post on X, “This week we had a good, candid conversation with Prime Minister @narendramodi when I had an opportunity to personally convey my best wishes on this occasion. Our nations share the experience of standing up for freedom and dignity, as well as the pursuit of peace and development.”“We hope that India will contribute to efforts aimed at ending the war, so that our freedom and sovereignty are truly secure.” In his Independence Day address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Friday, PM Modi made several bold announcements that indicate India is poised to make significant progress into the future. He outlined plans for various initiatives, including the production of India’s first semiconductor chip, the development of jet engines, the creation of ₹1 lakh crore in youth employment opportunities, and a tenfold expansion of the nuclear programme.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made several bold announcements in his Independence Day address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Friday that indicate India is poised to make significant progress into the future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed thanks to his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky for their wishes to him and the people of India on the 79th Independence Day. PM Modi said in a post on X, “Thank you PM Netanyahu for your warm wishes. May India-Israel friendship continue to flourish...may both countries further strengthen and deepen this relationship bringing peace, development as well as security to our people.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made several bold announcements in his Independence Day address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Friday that indicate India is poised to make significant progress into the future.

PM Modi thanks Netanyahu, Zelensky for Independence Day wishes

On the Independence Day special of Kaun Banega Crorepati 17, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi gave a first-hand account of the unheard Operation Sindoor. She appeared alongside two other officers, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Lieutenant Commander &nbsp;Prerna Deosthalee left the nation in awe while sharing never-before-heard details about the top secret military offensive.&nbsp;Colonel Qureshi recalled the intensity of the attack and explained the choice of targets. “Bahawalpur was the headquarters of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, from where terrorists who attacked Pathankot and Pahalgam were trained. Muridke had the headquarters of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, where Ajmal Kasab and David Headley were trained. Therefore, we had to destroy these places." She said that Pakistan had sent 300-400 drones, which were taken down.Throughout the show, a track was humming in the background, leading people to a targeted feeling. Phrases like 'terrorist', 'new India', and 'new normal' were amply used. The show was flooded with a juxtaposition of ANI visuals of missile strikes and deliberate use of close-ups, &nbsp;cut together to create a film-like emotion. The episode was described as a “meticulously choreographed ode to Operation Sindoor”.&nbsp;"You have to trust the Indian armed forces; whenever there is any attack on the country, we have given a stern message to Pakistan, and we will keep on doing it in the future. We are a peace-loving nation and want to live in synergy with our neighbours. Our next-gen tech weapons are so advanced now that we made the operation possible without any civilian fatalities," said Colonel Qureshi.There was a video of a citizen hailing the army's shelling in Poonch, “We are so proud of our Army.” Amid the carefully staged episode, there was a phase when the first lady naval commander started Prerna Deosthalee, compared themselves to “Trishul”.&nbsp;“The navy was battle-ready. We managed the trade routes to stabilise the economy and also ensured deterrence, as a dual job. We also protected the maritime borders, as there were anti-national elements that entered in the past. Being part of this mission is a matter of pride and honour. 360 degrees of uncertainty with no room for error in the middle of the endless sea without borders. When we strike, we strike in a manner that the enemy would remember forever.”To show the raw authenticity, the reality show featured the daughter of Vyomika Singh, "I came home from school, and while I was surprised to see my mother on TV, I trusted her.” &nbsp;A tiny emotional moment in a dramatic setting.&nbsp;

KBC's Independence Day special with  Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Lieutenant Commander Prerna Deosthalee shared unheard details of Operation Sindoor,blending first-hand accounts, patriotic emotion and cinematic storytelling.

On the Independence Day special of Kaun Banega Crorepati 17, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi gave a first-hand account of the unheard Operation Sindoor. She appeared alongside two other officers, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Lieutenant Commander Prerna Deosthalee left the nation in awe while sharing never-before-heard details about the top secret military offensive. Colonel Qureshi recalled the intensity of the attack and explained the choice of targets. “Bahawalpur was the headquarters of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, from where terrorists who attacked Pathankot and Pahalgam were trained. Muridke had the headquarters of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, where Ajmal Kasab and David Headley were trained. Therefore, we had to destroy these places." She said that Pakistan had sent 300-400 drones, which were taken down. Throughout the show, a track was humming in the background, leading people to a targeted feeling. Phrases like 'terrorist', 'new India', and 'new normal' were amply used. The show was flooded with a juxtaposition of ANI visuals of missile strikes and deliberate use of close-ups, cut together to create a film-like emotion. The episode was described as a “meticulously choreographed ode to Operation Sindoor”. "You have to trust the Indian armed forces; whenever there is any attack on the country, we have given a stern message to Pakistan, and we will keep on doing it in the future. We are a peace-loving nation and want to live in synergy with our neighbours. Our next-gen tech weapons are so advanced now that we made the operation possible without any civilian fatalities," said Colonel Qureshi. There was a video of a citizen hailing the army's shelling in Poonch, “We are so proud of our Army.” Amid the carefully staged episode, there was a phase when the first lady naval commander started Prerna Deosthalee, compared themselves to “Trishul”. “The navy was battle-ready. We managed the trade routes to stabilise the economy and also ensured deterrence, as a dual job. We also protected the maritime borders, as there were anti-national elements that entered in the past. Being part of this mission is a matter of pride and honour. 360 degrees of uncertainty with no room for error in the middle of the endless sea without borders. When we strike, we strike in a manner that the enemy would remember forever.” To show the raw authenticity, the reality show featured the daughter of Vyomika Singh, "I came home from school, and while I was surprised to see my mother on TV, I trusted her.” A tiny emotional moment in a dramatic setting.

KBC's Independence Day special with &nbsp;Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Lieutenant Commander Prerna Deosthalee shared unheard details of Operation Sindoor, blending first-hand accounts, patriotic emotion and cinematic storytelling.

National TV spotlight: KBC brings forward emotional account of Operation Sindoor

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) released a special module to mark Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed on August 14. The day commemorates the victims and sufferings of people during the 1947 partition of India. The module content holds Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Congress, and then Viceroy Lord Mountbatten responsible for India’s division and has triggered a backlash. Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the NCERT’s module and alleged that it omits crucial facts and is a distortion of history.&nbsp;The module says that the Partition of India in 1947 was not the decision of one person alone but of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who pushed for Partition; the Congress, which agreed to it; and Lord Mountbatten, who was sent to implement it. Separate versions have been prepared for Classes 6-8 and Classes 9-12.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Partition created a long-term security problem for India</h2>&nbsp;The NCERT module further says that Partition created a long-term security problem for India, particularly in Kashmir, and that “one of our neighbouring countries has since used this issue to put pressure on India in different ways.”The module refers to the 1940 Lahore Resolution, where Jinnah argued that Hindus and Muslims represented “two different villages, philosophies, social customs, and literatures.”It further claims that when the British initially offered dominion status to keep India united, the Congress rejected the proposal.It adds that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel believed Partition was necessary to avoid civil war.The NCERT module further quotes Mahatma Gandhi: “I cannot be a party to Partition, but I will not stop Congress from accepting it with violence.”&nbsp;Eventually, Nehru and Patel accepted Partition, and on June 14, 1947, Gandhi convinced the Congress Working Committee to agree to the division.&nbsp;<h2>NCERT criticises Mountbatten for advancing the date</h2>&nbsp;The module strongly criticises Lord Mountbatten for advancing the date of independence. The transfer of power was initially set for June 1948, but was moved up to August 1947. The hurried demarcation of boundaries caused massive confusion.&nbsp;Congress party spokesperson Pawan Khera said in a press briefing, “Burn this document, as it doesn’t tell the truth. Partition happened due to the nexus between Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim League.”Khera accused the RSS of being a threat to the country and claimed that the idea of Partition was first raised by Hindu Mahasabha in 1938 and later repeated by Jinnah in 1940.&nbsp;“Is 1938 mentioned or not?” Khera asked, stressing that it was the year when the Hindu Mahasabha’s national conference in Gujarat declared that Hindus and Muslims could not live in one country.“Let us move forward to 1940. Is it there in the module?” he said, pointing out that Jinnah repeated the same idea at the Muslim League’s Lahore session.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1937 - Hindu Mahasabha Ahmedabad session, under the leadership of Savarkar, passed a resolution on the need for two nations 1940 - Muslim League Lahore session, under the leadership of Jinnah, passed the resolution for two nations. 1942 - Hindu Mahasabha &amp; Muslim league form… <a href="https://t.co/dqsvM1CLzt">pic.twitter.com/dqsvM1CLzt</a>&mdash; Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pawankhera/status/1956710642871685596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Khera added that in 1942, when Congress leaders resigned from provincial assemblies to join the Quit India movement, “Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim League made alliance regimes in provinces including NWFP, Bengal, Sindh. In the Sindh Assembly, the partition proposal was tabled by Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim League. Is it written in the NCERT module?”“Set fire to the book if all this is not mentioned in it,” Khera said. “Partition happened due to the jugalbandi of Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim League. If there is a villain in this history, then it is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Generations will not forgive them.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Culprits of Partition’</h2>&nbsp;In a section titled “Culprits of Partition,” the NCERT module states, “Ultimately, on August 15, 1947, India was divided. But this was not the doing of any one person. There were three elements responsible for the Partition of India: Jinnah, who demanded it; second, the Congress, which accepted it; and third, Mountbatten, who implemented it. But Mountbatten proved to be guilty of a major blunder.”&nbsp;It says, “In Punjab, even two days after 15 August 1947, millions of people did not know whether they were in India or in Pakistan.”&nbsp;The module begins with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2021 message announcing Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, and quotes his post on X: “Partition’s pains can never be forgotten. Millions of our sisters and brothers were displaced, and many lost their lives due to mindless hate and violence.”'Set this book on fire': Congress slams NCERT Partition module; BJP hits back&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">VIDEO | On special module of NCERT on partition, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain (<a href="https://twitter.com/ShahnawazBJP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShahnawazBJP</a>) says, &quot;I thank the NCERT for telling the truth, lakhs of people died during partition, Congress accepted it, if their leadership would have fought, the country would not have been… <a href="https://t.co/4oszX65xTN">pic.twitter.com/4oszX65xTN</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1956666429723517206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>‘Cong runs away from history when it is not convenient’</h2>&nbsp;BJP hit back at the Congress and accused it of “running away from history when it is not convenient.”&nbsp;“We have come to know about a special module of NCERT on Partition, but we cannot run away from facts. The fact is, who was at the helm at the time of Partition? They were the Muslim League, Congress led by Nehru, Mountbatten. And who could stop the Partition? Either the Muslim League or Congress. There are statements of Nehru in favour of Partition. At that point in time, the wrong steps that were taken in greed of power and appeasement politics are still making us suffer. Lakhs of people died, crores got displaced, and thousands were raped,” said BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla."They want to run away from history when it is not convenient; otherwise, they live in history. Congress is repeating the historic mistake of appeasement politics and greed for power. They don't want to face the truth. They should apologise for the way they divided people," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">VIDEO | Delhi: BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia at a press conference says, “Today, news is coming that changes have been made in NCERT textbooks, and a chapter on Partition has been included for students. The first to feel the pain of this truth coming out has been the Congress party… <a href="https://t.co/maBMFrx933">pic.twitter.com/maBMFrx933</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1956648646512140556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The module also mentions mass killings, the displacement of nearly 1.5 crore people, large-scale sexual violence, and trains of refugees arriving "filled only with corpses, having been slaughtered en route."&nbsp;One section notes, "Some horrors began even before Partition was finalised... The horrific events in Noakhali and Calcutta (1946), and Rawalpindi, Thoha, and Beval (March 1947) stand as chilling examples."&nbsp;The content highlights that the Muslim League's Direct Action Day in August 1946, accompanied by violence, was a turning point.

The module says that the Partition of India in 1947 was not the decision of one person alone but of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who pushed for Partition; the Congress, which agreed to it; and Lord Mountbatten, who was sent to implement it.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) released a special module to mark Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed on August 14. The day commemorates the victims and sufferings of people during the 1947 partition of India. The module content holds Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Congress, and then Viceroy Lord Mountbatten responsible for India’s division and has triggered a backlash. Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the NCERT’s module and alleged that it omits crucial facts and is a distortion of history. The module says that the Partition of India in 1947 was not the decision of one person alone but of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who pushed for Partition; the Congress, which agreed to it; and Lord Mountbatten, who was sent to implement it. Separate versions have been prepared for Classes 6-8 and Classes 9-12. Partition created a long-term security problem for India The NCERT module further says that Partition created a long-term security problem for India, particularly in Kashmir, and that “one of our neighbouring countries has since used this issue to put pressure on India in different ways.” The module refers to the 1940 Lahore Resolution, where Jinnah argued that Hindus and Muslims represented “two different villages, philosophies, social customs, and literatures.” It further claims that when the British initially offered dominion status to keep India united, the Congress rejected the proposal. It adds that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel believed Partition was necessary to avoid civil war. The NCERT module further quotes Mahatma Gandhi: “I cannot be a party to Partition, but I will not stop Congress from accepting it with violence.” Eventually, Nehru and Patel accepted Partition, and on June 14, 1947, Gandhi convinced the Congress Working Committee to agree to the division. NCERT criticises Mountbatten for advancing the date The module strongly criticises Lord Mountbatten for advancing the date of independence. The transfer of power was initially set for June 1948, but was moved up to August 1947. The hurried demarcation of boundaries caused massive confusion. Congress party spokesperson Pawan Khera said in a press briefing, “Burn this document, as it doesn’t tell the truth. Partition happened due to the nexus between Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim League.” Khera accused the RSS of being a threat to the country and claimed that the idea of Partition was first raised by Hindu Mahasabha in 1938 and later repeated by Jinnah in 1940. “Is 1938 mentioned or not?” Khera asked, stressing that it was the year when the Hindu Mahasabha’s national conference in Gujarat declared that Hindus and Muslims could not live in one country. “Let us move forward to 1940. Is it there in the module?” he said, pointing out that Jinnah repeated the same idea at the Muslim League’s Lahore session.

The module says that the Partition of India in 1947 was not the decision of one person alone but of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who pushed for Partition; the Congress, which agreed to it; and Lord Mountbatten, who was sent to implement it.

Congress slams NCERT’s Partition module, alleges distortion of history; BJP hits back

The tail of an IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft touched the runway at Mumbai Airport during a low-altitude go-around amid bad weather on Friday. The aircraft will undergo all necessary checks, repairs, and regulatory clearance before resuming operations, said an Indigo spokesperson. The incident happened during heavy rain and poor visibility in Mumbai.The airline spokesperson said, “On August 16, 2025, an IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft tail touched the runway while executing a low-altitude go-around due to unfavourable weather conditions in Mumbai.”“Thereafter, the aircraft carried out another approach and landed safely. Following the standard protocol, the aircraft will go through necessary checks/ repairs and regulatory clearance before resuming operations.”The airline said the safety of customers, crew, and aircraft remains the top priority for it.&nbsp;“At IndiGo, the safety of our customers, crew, and aircraft is our top priority. We are making all efforts to minimise any subsequent impact on our operations due to this incident,” the spokesperson added.Earlier in March, an IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft’s tail had touched the runway during landing at Chennai airport.&nbsp;In September last year, a Bengaluru-bound IndiGo A321 aircraft suffered a tail strike. The flight crew was de-rostered as part of the investigation.In 2023, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had penalised IndiGo by ₹30 lakh because of four tail strike incidents in six months. The DGCA is a statutory body of the Government of India to regulate civil aviation in India.During an audit of those incidents, the civil aviation regulator found deficiencies in IndiGo’s training and engineering procedure.&nbsp;Mumbaikars woke up to relentless rain on Saturday, with several areas recording over 200 mm of rainfall in a span of just a few hours. The heavy downpour flooded low-lying pockets and threw local train services off track.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had penalised IndiGo by ₹30 lakh in 2023 because of four tail strike incidents in six months after an audit of those incidents. The civil aviation regulator found deficiencies in IndiGo’s training and engineering procedure.

The tail of an IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft touched the runway at Mumbai Airport during a low-altitude go-around amid bad weather on Friday. The aircraft will undergo all necessary checks, repairs, and regulatory clearance before resuming operations, said an Indigo spokesperson. The incident happened during heavy rain and poor visibility in Mumbai. The airline spokesperson said, “On August 16, 2025, an IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft tail touched the runway while executing a low-altitude go-around due to unfavourable weather conditions in Mumbai.” “Thereafter, the aircraft carried out another approach and landed safely. Following the standard protocol, the aircraft will go through necessary checks/ repairs and regulatory clearance before resuming operations.” The airline said the safety of customers, crew, and aircraft remains the top priority for it. “At IndiGo, the safety of our customers, crew, and aircraft is our top priority. We are making all efforts to minimise any subsequent impact on our operations due to this incident,” the spokesperson added. Earlier in March, an IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft’s tail had touched the runway during landing at Chennai airport. In September last year, a Bengaluru-bound IndiGo A321 aircraft suffered a tail strike. The flight crew was de-rostered as part of the investigation. In 2023, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had penalised IndiGo by ₹30 lakh because of four tail strike incidents in six months. The DGCA is a statutory body of the Government of India to regulate civil aviation in India. During an audit of those incidents, the civil aviation regulator found deficiencies in IndiGo’s training and engineering procedure. Mumbaikars woke up to relentless rain on Saturday, with several areas recording over 200 mm of rainfall in a span of just a few hours. The heavy downpour flooded low-lying pockets and threw local train services off track.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had penalised IndiGo by ₹30 lakh in 2023 because of four tail strike incidents in six months after an audit of those incidents. The civil aviation regulator found deficiencies in IndiGo’s training and engineering procedure.

In safety scare, IndiGo plane’s tail touches runway at Mumbai airport amid rains

Amid the row over "vote theft" allegations, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday claimed that people are "dissatisfied" with the Election Commission's working. Speaking to reporters, Akhilesh Yadav said that questions have been raised on the poll body over several elections. He said, "From time to time, fingers have been pointed at the Election Commission, whether it is the election for village head, assembly election, Lok Sabha election, or any other election." "Ensuring free and fair elections and increasing people's trust in the institution is the Election Commission's responsibility... But we are seeing that people are dissatisfied with the way the Election Commission is working," the Samajwadi Party chief said. He claimed that no action was taken even after submitting an affidavit regarding a voter fraud of 18,000 votes. Yadav said, "Recently, the INDIA alliance raised its voice against vote theft, and the result was that even the Supreme Court had to agree with the Opposition's stance. We gave an affidavit regarding a voter fraud of 18,000 votes, but no action was taken. If action is taken against even a single officer of the Election Commission, then there will be no vote theft, vote robbery, or any such looting anywhere." "We have heard reports about people giving their vote in EVMs, and it turns out to be zero. There have been questions on how EMV's battery is fully charged even after being kept for months. So there has been a demand for ballot... Learn from America, Japan and Germany. Germany's Supreme Court said that voting through EVMs will be unconstitutional," SP chief further said. Akhilesh Yadav addressed the reporters after paying a tribute to warrior queen Avantibai Lodhi on her birth anniversary by garlanding her statue in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday shared a spoof video inspired by the film Laapataa Ladies, reiterating the Congress's "vote theft" allegations against the Election Commission and urging people to join the 'Vote Chori se Azaadi' campaign. Sharing the video on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "Chori chori, chupke chupke... ab or nahi, janta jag gayi hai, (Secretly, stealthily... No more now, the public has awakened)." The video shows a middle-aged man at a police station submitting a theft complaint. When asked by a policeman, "What has been stolen?" the man hesitates before replying, "Vote." The policeman reacts in shock and asks, "How's this possible?" The video ends with the message, “Theft of your vote is theft of your right.”&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;

Yadav claimed that no action was taken by Election Commission even after submitting an affidavit regarding a voter fraud of 18,000 votes.

Amid the row over "vote theft" allegations, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday claimed that people are "dissatisfied" with the Election Commission's working. Speaking to reporters, Akhilesh Yadav said that questions have been raised on the poll body over several elections. He said, "From time to time, fingers have been pointed at the Election Commission, whether it is the election for village head, assembly election, Lok Sabha election, or any other election." "Ensuring free and fair elections and increasing people's trust in the institution is the Election Commission's responsibility... But we are seeing that people are dissatisfied with the way the Election Commission is working," the Samajwadi Party chief said. He claimed that no action was taken even after submitting an affidavit regarding a voter fraud of 18,000 votes. Yadav said, "Recently, the INDIA alliance raised its voice against vote theft, and the result was that even the Supreme Court had to agree with the Opposition's stance. We gave an affidavit regarding a voter fraud of 18,000 votes, but no action was taken. If action is taken against even a single officer of the Election Commission, then there will be no vote theft, vote robbery, or any such looting anywhere." "We have heard reports about people giving their vote in EVMs, and it turns out to be zero. There have been questions on how EMV's battery is fully charged even after being kept for months. So there has been a demand for ballot... Learn from America, Japan and Germany. Germany's Supreme Court said that voting through EVMs will be unconstitutional," SP chief further said. Akhilesh Yadav addressed the reporters after paying a tribute to warrior queen Avantibai Lodhi on her birth anniversary by garlanding her statue in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday shared a spoof video inspired by the film Laapataa Ladies, reiterating the Congress's "vote theft" allegations against the Election Commission and urging people to join the 'Vote Chori se Azaadi' campaign. Sharing the video on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "Chori chori, chupke chupke... ab or nahi, janta jag gayi hai, (Secretly, stealthily... No more now, the public has awakened)." The video shows a middle-aged man at a police station submitting a theft complaint. When asked by a policeman, "What has been stolen?" the man hesitates before replying, "Vote." The policeman reacts in shock and asks, "How's this possible?" The video ends with the message, “Theft of your vote is theft of your right.” Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Yadav claimed that no action was taken by Election Commission even after submitting an affidavit regarding a voter fraud of 18,000 votes.

Akhilesh Yadav slams Election Commission, says 'people dissatisfied' with working

The prime minister’s bombshell announcement in his Independence Day speech promises a homegrown missile dome and jet engines to transform India into a global defence export giant. In a rousing Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dropped two major defence bombshells that could reshape India’s military landscape and attract billions in investment to defence stocks.&nbsp;The centrepiece announcement of ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’—named after Lord Krishna’s celestial spinning disc—is a comprehensive missile defence system that Modi promised would create an impenetrable dome over India by 2035. Think of it as India’s answer to Israel’s famous Iron Dome, but with a distinctly Indian flavour and ambition.<h2>Beyond just stopping missiles</h2>&nbsp;Unlike traditional missile shields, Modi’s vision extends far beyond intercepting incoming threats. The Sudarshan Chakra system will weave together cutting-edge surveillance technology, robust cybersecurity defences, and precision strike-back capabilities into one unified protective umbrella covering both military installations and civilian areas.&nbsp;The timing couldn’t be more significant. This announcement comes just weeks after Pakistan’s military chief reportedly threatened to target major Indian assets, including Reliance’s massive Jamnagar refinery, in any future conflict. It also follows recent terror attempts that Indian defences successfully thwarted, proving the system’s necessity.&nbsp;<h2>The jet engine challenge</h2>&nbsp;Modi’s second major call to action targeted India’s decades-old Achilles heel—jet engines. Despite launching the ambitious Kaveri engine programme nearly four decades ago, India still relies heavily on foreign suppliers for this critical technology. The Prime Minister’s direct appeal to young engineers and scientists reflects growing frustration with delays in partnerships with US giant GE Aerospace, which have pushed back delivery schedules for India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jets.&nbsp;<h2>Record-breaking defence boom</h2>&nbsp;The ambitious announcements come as India’s defence sector hits unprecedented heights. Defence production soared to ₹1.5 lakh crore in the past financial year—an 18% jump from the previous year and nearly double the 2019-20 figures. More impressively, defence exports rose to ₹23,622 crore, with international demand surging particularly for the BrahMos missile system after its demonstrated effectiveness in recent operations.&nbsp;<h2>The $6 billion export target</h2>&nbsp;The government has set its sights on reaching ₹50,000 crore (roughly $6 billion) in annual defence exports by 2029. This ambitious target positions India to become a major player in the global arms market, moving from defence importer to exporter.&nbsp;For investors, these announcements signal potential goldmine opportunities in defence stocks, as Modi’s vision requires massive public and private sector collaboration. The mission promises to harness India’s growing pool of technical talent while creating thousands of high-skilled jobs in the defence manufacturing sector.&nbsp;The Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech essentially threw down the gauntlet—transform India from a defence equipment buyer into a self-reliant military technology powerhouse that exports cutting-edge weapons worldwide. With the 2035 deadline, the clock is now ticking on one of India’s most ambitious military modernisation projects ever conceived.

The Sudarshan Chakra system will weave together cutting-edge surveillance technology, robust cybersecurity defences, and precision strike-back capabilities into one unified protective umbrella covering both military installations and civilian areas.

The prime minister’s bombshell announcement in his Independence Day speech promises a homegrown missile dome and jet engines to transform India into a global defence export giant. In a rousing Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dropped two major defence bombshells that could reshape India’s military landscape and attract billions in investment to defence stocks. The centrepiece announcement of ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’—named after Lord Krishna’s celestial spinning disc—is a comprehensive missile defence system that Modi promised would create an impenetrable dome over India by 2035. Think of it as India’s answer to Israel’s famous Iron Dome, but with a distinctly Indian flavour and ambition. Beyond just stopping missiles Unlike traditional missile shields, Modi’s vision extends far beyond intercepting incoming threats. The Sudarshan Chakra system will weave together cutting-edge surveillance technology, robust cybersecurity defences, and precision strike-back capabilities into one unified protective umbrella covering both military installations and civilian areas. The timing couldn’t be more significant. This announcement comes just weeks after Pakistan’s military chief reportedly threatened to target major Indian assets, including Reliance’s massive Jamnagar refinery, in any future conflict. It also follows recent terror attempts that Indian defences successfully thwarted, proving the system’s necessity. The jet engine challenge Modi’s second major call to action targeted India’s decades-old Achilles heel—jet engines. Despite launching the ambitious Kaveri engine programme nearly four decades ago, India still relies heavily on foreign suppliers for this critical technology. The Prime Minister’s direct appeal to young engineers and scientists reflects growing frustration with delays in partnerships with US giant GE Aerospace, which have pushed back delivery schedules for India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jets. Record-breaking defence boom The ambitious announcements come as India’s defence sector hits unprecedented heights. Defence production soared to ₹1.5 lakh crore in the past financial year—an 18% jump from the previous year and nearly double the 2019-20 figures. More impressively, defence exports rose to ₹23,622 crore, with international demand surging particularly for the BrahMos missile system after its demonstrated effectiveness in recent operations. The $6 billion export target The government has set its sights on reaching ₹50,000 crore (roughly $6 billion) in annual defence exports by 2029. This ambitious target positions India to become a major player in the global arms market, moving from defence importer to exporter. For investors, these announcements signal potential goldmine opportunities in defence stocks, as Modi’s vision requires massive public and private sector collaboration. The mission promises to harness India’s growing pool of technical talent while creating thousands of high-skilled jobs in the defence manufacturing sector. The Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech essentially threw down the gauntlet—transform India from a defence equipment buyer into a self-reliant military technology powerhouse that exports cutting-edge weapons worldwide. With the 2035 deadline, the clock is now ticking on one of India’s most ambitious military modernisation projects ever conceived.

The Sudarshan Chakra system will weave together cutting-edge surveillance technology, robust cybersecurity defences, and precision strike-back capabilities into one unified protective umbrella covering both military installations and civilian areas.

A shield for a billion people: Modi’s audacious vision for national security

After a historic visit to the International Space Station (ISS), Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will return to India on Sunday. Shukla, who has been training in the US for the Axiom-4 mission to ISS for the past one year is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi before leaving for his hometown Lucknow.&nbsp;He is expected to return to Delhi to participate in the National Space Day celebrations on August 22-23, reported PTI.&nbsp;Shukla shared a smiling picture of himself sitting in an airplane on Instagram and spoke about how excited he is to return to India and share his experiences on the ISS with people there.&nbsp;As I sit on the plane to come back to India, I have a mix of emotions running through my heart. I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past one year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family and everyone in the country for the first time post mission. I guess this is what life is -- everything all at once," Shukla wrote in the post.&nbsp;"Having received incredible love and support from everyone during and after the mission, I can't wait to come back to India to share my experiences with all of you," he further wrote.&nbsp;Shukla scripted history by becoming the first man from India to fly to NASA’s International Space Station under a private mission and only the second Indian to travel into space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Two astronauts were chosen and trained for several months. However, in the end, Shubhanshu Shukla got the chance to go to the space station.&nbsp;Nicknamed Shux by his crewmates, Shukla returned to Earth on July 15 onboard SpaceX’s Dragon space capsule. &nbsp;

Shukla shared a smiling picture of himself sitting in an airplane on Instagram and spoke about how excited he is to return to India and share his experiences on the ISS with people there.

After a historic visit to the International Space Station (ISS), Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will return to India on Sunday. Shukla, who has been training in the US for the Axiom-4 mission to ISS for the past one year is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi before leaving for his hometown Lucknow. He is expected to return to Delhi to participate in the National Space Day celebrations on August 22-23, reported PTI. Shukla shared a smiling picture of himself sitting in an airplane on Instagram and spoke about how excited he is to return to India and share his experiences on the ISS with people there. As I sit on the plane to come back to India, I have a mix of emotions running through my heart. I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past one year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family and everyone in the country for the first time post mission. I guess this is what life is -- everything all at once," Shukla wrote in the post. "Having received incredible love and support from everyone during and after the mission, I can't wait to come back to India to share my experiences with all of you," he further wrote. Shukla scripted history by becoming the first man from India to fly to NASA’s International Space Station under a private mission and only the second Indian to travel into space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Two astronauts were chosen and trained for several months. However, in the end, Shubhanshu Shukla got the chance to go to the space station. Nicknamed Shux by his crewmates, Shukla returned to Earth on July 15 onboard SpaceX’s Dragon space capsule.

Shukla shared a smiling picture of himself sitting in an airplane on Instagram and spoke about how excited he is to return to India and share his experiences on the ISS with people there.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to return to India, shares emotional post on social media

China's top diplomat will visit India next week for talks about their shared boundary, Beijing's foreign ministry said on Saturday, as the two countries eye resuming border trade five years after halting it."From August 18 to 20... (Chinese foreign minister) Wang Yi will, upon invitation, visit India and hold the 24th special representatives meeting on the China-India border issue," a spokesperson said in a statement.Past trade between the neighbours across icy and high-altitude Himalayan border passes was usually small in volume, but any resumption is significant for its symbolism.It stopped following a deadly 2020 clash between border troops.Indian media had reported earlier in the week that China's Wang was expected for talks in New Delhi on Monday.His Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Beijing in July.The two major economic powers have long competed for strategic influence across South Asia.However, caught in global trade and geopolitical turbulence triggered by US President Donald Trump's tariff regime, they have moved to mend ties.In recent weeks, Chinese and Indian officials have said the two countries were discussing resuming border trade.Agreements to resume direct flights and issue tourist visas also have been seen as part of an effort to rebuild their relationship.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India from August 18–20 for the 24th round of talks on the long-standing boundary issue, Beijing confirmed Saturday.

China's top diplomat will visit India next week for talks about their shared boundary, Beijing's foreign ministry said on Saturday, as the two countries eye resuming border trade five years after halting it. "From August 18 to 20... (Chinese foreign minister) Wang Yi will, upon invitation, visit India and hold the 24th special representatives meeting on the China-India border issue," a spokesperson said in a statement. Past trade between the neighbours across icy and high-altitude Himalayan border passes was usually small in volume, but any resumption is significant for its symbolism. It stopped following a deadly 2020 clash between border troops. Indian media had reported earlier in the week that China's Wang was expected for talks in New Delhi on Monday. His Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Beijing in July. The two major economic powers have long competed for strategic influence across South Asia. However, caught in global trade and geopolitical turbulence triggered by US President Donald Trump's tariff regime, they have moved to mend ties. In recent weeks, Chinese and Indian officials have said the two countries were discussing resuming border trade. Agreements to resume direct flights and issue tourist visas also have been seen as part of an effort to rebuild their relationship.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India from August 18–20 for the 24th round of talks on the long-standing boundary issue, Beijing confirmed Saturday.

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi to visit India Aug 18–20 for key border negotiations

At least 60 people have been killed after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in Chasoti village of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday (Aug 14). The disaster struck along the Machail Mata Yatra route, sweeping away yatris and residents and leaving behind widespread destruction. The Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, local police and the district administration are carrying out joint rescue operations. J&amp;K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced ex-gratia relief for the victims.<h2>Rescue operation underway</h2>Citing sources, ANI news agency reports that the Indian Air Force has been put on standby, as the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, local police and the district administration carry out the rescue operation. Two Mi-17 helicopters and one Advanced Light Helicopter have also been kept at the ready in Jammu and Udhampur for possible deployment.In a statement, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday (Aug 15) confirmed that 60 bodies had been recovered. "Around 60 bodies have been found. The number of missing persons is being assessed. After the rescue and relief operation concludes, we will inquire whether the Administration could have taken any preventive steps when the Met Department had issued a warning and also advised people not to venture out if not needed. The rescue operation by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, and Administration is underway. Workers of different political parties are also working on the ground," he told reporters.After visiting the cloudburst-affected areas, Abdullah announced an ex-gratia relief from the CM's Relief Fund. He announced aid of ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased, ₹1 lakh for severely injured, ₹50,000 for minor injuries, ₹1 lakh for fully damaged structures, ₹50,000 for severely damaged structures and ₹25,000 for partially damaged structures.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Chief Minister visited the cloudburst affected areas of Kishtwar today and met affected families. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and damage and said the Government stands firmly with the people in this hour of grief. As a mark of solidarity and immediate succor,… <a href="https://t.co/CjUJPPIqfX">pic.twitter.com/CjUJPPIqfX</a>&mdash; Office of Chief Minister, J&amp;K (@CM_JnK) <a href="https://twitter.com/CM_JnK/status/1956624767827808291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Abdullah visited Chasoti to review the damage and was briefed by Army officials. Wearing a VR headset, he surveyed the destruction virtually and assured that immediate relief would be provided. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also reached the site late Friday to take stock of the situation.On Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with those hit by recent natural disasters. "Nature is testing us...Over the past few days, we have been facing natural disasters, landslides, cloudbursts, and many other calamities. Our sympathies are with the affected people," he said.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kishtwar-cloudburst-death-toll-mounts-to-60-hundreds-injured-1755251922715/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/kishtwar-cloudburst-death-toll-mounts-to-60-hundreds-injured-1755251922715/embed</a>&nbsp;

At least 60 people were killed in a cloudburst-triggered flash flood in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, hitting the Machail Mata Yatra route. A rescue operation by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities is underway.

At least 60 people have been killed after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in Chasoti village of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday (Aug 14). The disaster struck along the Machail Mata Yatra route, sweeping away yatris and residents and leaving behind widespread destruction. The Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, local police and the district administration are carrying out joint rescue operations. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced ex-gratia relief for the victims. Rescue operation underway Citing sources, ANI news agency reports that the Indian Air Force has been put on standby, as the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, local police and the district administration carry out the rescue operation. Two Mi-17 helicopters and one Advanced Light Helicopter have also been kept at the ready in Jammu and Udhampur for possible deployment. In a statement, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday (Aug 15) confirmed that 60 bodies had been recovered. "Around 60 bodies have been found. The number of missing persons is being assessed. After the rescue and relief operation concludes, we will inquire whether the Administration could have taken any preventive steps when the Met Department had issued a warning and also advised people not to venture out if not needed. The rescue operation by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, and Administration is underway. Workers of different political parties are also working on the ground," he told reporters. After visiting the cloudburst-affected areas, Abdullah announced an ex-gratia relief from the CM's Relief Fund. He announced aid of ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased, ₹1 lakh for severely injured, ₹50,000 for minor injuries, ₹1 lakh for fully damaged structures, ₹50,000 for severely damaged structures and ₹25,000 for partially damaged structures.

At least 60 people were killed in a cloudburst-triggered flash flood in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, hitting the Machail Mata Yatra route. A rescue operation by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities is underway.

J&K cloudburst kills at least 60 in Kishtwar's Chasoti village, rescue ops underway; CM announces ex-gratia aid

Two people have died while two others have been injured, after a landslide struck a house in Mumbai’s Vikhroli area on Saturday (Aug 16). The incident took place in Jankalyan Society due to heavy rain in the region, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The injured are receiving treatment at Rajawadi Hospital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in six districts of Maharashtra, including Ratnagiri, Raigad, Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, and Palghar. The weather department has predicted a moderate to intense spell of rain in these areas.&nbsp;The IMD also informed of intense to very intense convection over Mumbai and the adjoining area. “Mumbai Radar shows intense to very intense convection over the city and adjoining area. It is likely to continue for next 2-3 hours. Nowcast warning issued at 0700 Hrs IST dated 16-08-2025 : (RED Nowcast Warning) Moderate to intense spells of rain very likely to occur at isolated places in the district of Ratnagiri, Raigad, Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Palghar during the next 3-4 hours.” IMD said in a post on X.&nbsp;The heavy rainfall has also resulted in waterlogging in several areas of Mumbai. Areas including Gandhi Nagar, Kings Circle, and Sion Railway experienced severe waterlogging. The authorities have directed that appropriate emergency measures should be undertaken as required.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Mumbai: Heavy rain causes waterlogging in many parts of the city. Visuals from Milan Subway area. <a href="https://t.co/GBbumzyOgu">pic.twitter.com/GBbumzyOgu</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1956504625051574473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Mumbai: Heavy rain causes waterlogging in many parts of the city. Visuals from Kings Circle. <a href="https://t.co/X6pQGfgxhq">pic.twitter.com/X6pQGfgxhq</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1956531155873702181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Himachal Pradesh rains kill 257</h2> Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, monsoon rains have resulted in 257 deaths, out of which 133 are rain-related incidents, including landslides, flash floods, house collapses, and others, while 124 were killed in road accidents. <h2>Kishtwar cloudburst</h2> In Jammu and Kashmir, at least 60 people were killed while about 500 were feared trapped after a massive cloudburst struck Chashoti village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday (Aug 14). Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that rescue operations were underway to extricate people stuck or buried under debris.

Two people were killed after a landslide hit Mumbai’s Vikhroli area on Saturday (Aug 16). Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for six districts of Maharashtra.

Two people have died while two others have been injured, after a landslide struck a house in Mumbai’s Vikhroli area on Saturday (Aug 16). The incident took place in Jankalyan Society due to heavy rain in the region, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The injured are receiving treatment at Rajawadi Hospital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in six districts of Maharashtra, including Ratnagiri, Raigad, Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, and Palghar. The weather department has predicted a moderate to intense spell of rain in these areas. The IMD also informed of intense to very intense convection over Mumbai and the adjoining area. “Mumbai Radar shows intense to very intense convection over the city and adjoining area. It is likely to continue for next 2-3 hours. Nowcast warning issued at 0700 Hrs IST dated 16-08-2025 : (RED Nowcast Warning) Moderate to intense spells of rain very likely to occur at isolated places in the district of Ratnagiri, Raigad, Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Palghar during the next 3-4 hours.” IMD said in a post on X. The heavy rainfall has also resulted in waterlogging in several areas of Mumbai. Areas including Gandhi Nagar, Kings Circle, and Sion Railway experienced severe waterlogging. The authorities have directed that appropriate emergency measures should be undertaken as required.

Two people were killed after a landslide hit Mumbai’s Vikhroli area on Saturday (Aug 16). Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for six districts of Maharashtra.

Mumbai rains: 2 dead after landslide strikes house; IMD issues red alert in 6 districts of Maharashtra

The Central government has reportedly proposed to scrap the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs and replace them with only 5 per cent and 18 per cent rates. According to the proposal, 99 per cent&nbsp;of goods and services in the 12 per cent slab will move to the 5 per cent bracket, and 90 per cent of items in the 28 per cent slab will move to the 18 per cent bracket.&nbsp;Government sources said that a new slab of 40 per cent will also be introduced for sin goods like tobacco and pan masala, reported ANI.&nbsp;The proposal has been sent by the Centre to the states and the Group of Ministers of the GST Council. It will be studied by the GoM and discussed in the GST Council meeting in September-October.&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his Independence Day speech on Friday that the people of the country will get a massive gift on Diwali and that his government will reform the GST regime.&nbsp;"This Diwali, I am going to make it a double Diwali for you. This Diwali, you, fellow countrymen, are going to get a very big gift. In the last 8 years, we have done a big reform of GST, reduced the tax burden across the country, simplified the tax regime, and after 8 years, the need of the hour is that we should review it once. We started the review by setting up a high-power committee and also held discussions with the states," PM Modi said from the ramparts of the Red Fort.&nbsp;"We are coming with the next generation of GST reforms. This will be a gift for you this Diwali. Taxes needed by the common man will be reduced substantially, and a lot of facilities will be increased," he added.&nbsp;GST was implemented on July 1, 2017.&nbsp;If the proposal is accepted by the states and the GST council, it will lower the prices of most of these goods and services, boosting domestic consumption.

The Central government has reportedly proposed to scrap the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs and replace them with only 5 per cent and 18 per cent rates. 

The Central government has reportedly proposed to scrap the 12 per cent and 28 per cent GST slabs and replace them with only 5 per cent and 18 per cent rates. According to the proposal, 99 per cent of goods and services in the 12 per cent slab will move to the 5 per cent bracket, and 90 per cent of items in the 28 per cent slab will move to the 18 per cent bracket. Government sources said that a new slab of 40 per cent will also be introduced for sin goods like tobacco and pan masala, reported ANI. The proposal has been sent by the Centre to the states and the Group of Ministers of the GST Council. It will be studied by the GoM and discussed in the GST Council meeting in September-October. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his Independence Day speech on Friday that the people of the country will get a massive gift on Diwali and that his government will reform the GST regime. "This Diwali, I am going to make it a double Diwali for you. This Diwali, you, fellow countrymen, are going to get a very big gift. In the last 8 years, we have done a big reform of GST, reduced the tax burden across the country, simplified the tax regime, and after 8 years, the need of the hour is that we should review it once. We started the review by setting up a high-power committee and also held discussions with the states," PM Modi said from the ramparts of the Red Fort. "We are coming with the next generation of GST reforms. This will be a gift for you this Diwali. Taxes needed by the common man will be reduced substantially, and a lot of facilities will be increased," he added. GST was implemented on July 1, 2017. If the proposal is accepted by the states and the GST council, it will lower the prices of most of these goods and services, boosting domestic consumption.

New GST slab proposal: PM Modi said in his Independence Day speech that the people of the country will get a gift on Diwali.

Centre mulling to end 12%, 28% GST slabs, to move items to 5%, 18% rates: Report

Before leaving for Alaska to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump on Friday responded to a query on whether his country will provide a security guarantee to Ukraine if Moscow agrees to a peace deal. He sounded non-committal, saying no security will be provided in the form of NATO.&nbsp;"Not in the form of NATO because that's not going to, you know, there are certain things that aren't going to happen," he said.&nbsp;He, however, said that security guarantees are a possibility, with help from Europe. He, however, didn't elaborate further.&nbsp;Donald Trump further said that territorial swaps will also be discussed in the meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. However, he said Ukraine would make a decision in this regard ultimately.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-putin-meet-ukraine-trump-says-there-will-be-no-decisions-on-ukraine-s-territory-without-ukraine-ahead-of-meeting-with-putin-1755264006195">Also read: 'Putin wanted all of Ukraine': Trump says there will be NO decisions on Ukraine's territory without Ukraine ahead of meeting with Putin</a>&nbsp;Donald Trump further said he would not meet with Putin to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine. He Putin would have taken the entire Ukraine if Trump wasn't the President.&nbsp;Putin will arrive in a Western bloc country for the first time since he ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.&nbsp;Trump had said earlier this week that there would be a 25 per cent chance that the meeting wouldn't be successful.&nbsp;Zelensky told Trump and European leaders in a call on Tuesday that they should be prepared to impose sanctions on Moscow if Putin doesn't agree to an immediate ceasefire.&nbsp;Trump said he is meeting Putin to get Russia and Ukraine "at the table".&nbsp;Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, however, said that Moscow wouldn't forecast the outcome of the Trump-Putin meeting.&nbsp;Zelensky had told Trump and the European leaders that Putin isn't interested in peace.

Before leaving for Alaska to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump on Friday responded to a query on whether his country will provide a security guarantee to Ukraine if Moscow agrees to a peace deal. 

Before leaving for Alaska to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump on Friday responded to a query on whether his country will provide a security guarantee to Ukraine if Moscow agrees to a peace deal. He sounded non-committal, saying no security will be provided in the form of NATO. "Not in the form of NATO because that's not going to, you know, there are certain things that aren't going to happen," he said. He, however, said that security guarantees are a possibility, with help from Europe. He, however, didn't elaborate further. Donald Trump further said that territorial swaps will also be discussed in the meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. However, he said Ukraine would make a decision in this regard ultimately. Also read: 'Putin wanted all of Ukraine': Trump says there will be NO decisions on Ukraine's territory without Ukraine ahead of meeting with Putin Donald Trump further said he would not meet with Putin to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine. He Putin would have taken the entire Ukraine if Trump wasn't the President. Putin will arrive in a Western bloc country for the first time since he ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump had said earlier this week that there would be a 25 per cent chance that the meeting wouldn't be successful. Zelensky told Trump and European leaders in a call on Tuesday that they should be prepared to impose sanctions on Moscow if Putin doesn't agree to an immediate ceasefire. Trump said he is meeting Putin to get Russia and Ukraine "at the table". Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, however, said that Moscow wouldn't forecast the outcome of the Trump-Putin meeting. Zelensky had told Trump and the European leaders that Putin isn't interested in peace.

Trump will meet Putin on his plane at a US military base in Alaska.

Will the US give Ukraine security guarantees? Donald Trump's 'NATO' reply

At least six people died on Friday evening after the roof of a dargah collapsed near Delhi's Humayun's Tomb.&nbsp;"Six people have lost their lives in the incident...It is a matter of investigation, and action will be taken if someone was living illegally here in the ASI site," said District Magistrate South-East Delhi, Sravan Bagaria.&nbsp;The incident took place at Dargah Sharif Patte Shah, which is located near Humayun's Tomb in Delhi's&nbsp;Nizamuddin area. Police and fire department personnel are also present in the area.&nbsp;The call regarding the incident was received by the authorities at 3.55 pm. The injured were rushed to different hospitals, including AIIMS Trauma and LNJP hospitals.&nbsp;Multiple rescue agencies, including the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), Delhi Police, NDRF, and Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), were pressed into service following the incident.&nbsp;Soon after the incident, Fire Department personnel and emergency responders also remained present at the scene to assist in operations.&nbsp;The area around the dargah remained sealed off as structural engineers and investigators examined the site.

Many people are feared trapped under debris after the roof of a dargah collapsed near Humayun's Tomb in the national capital's Nizamuddin area. 

At least six people died on Friday evening after the roof of a dargah collapsed near Delhi's Humayun's Tomb. "Six people have lost their lives in the incident...It is a matter of investigation, and action will be taken if someone was living illegally here in the ASI site," said District Magistrate South-East Delhi, Sravan Bagaria. The incident took place at Dargah Sharif Patte Shah, which is located near Humayun's Tomb in Delhi's Nizamuddin area. Police and fire department personnel are also present in the area. The call regarding the incident was received by the authorities at 3.55 pm. The injured were rushed to different hospitals, including AIIMS Trauma and LNJP hospitals. Multiple rescue agencies, including the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), Delhi Police, NDRF, and Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), were pressed into service following the incident. Soon after the incident, Fire Department personnel and emergency responders also remained present at the scene to assist in operations. The area around the dargah remained sealed off as structural engineers and investigators examined the site.

The incident took place at Dargah Sharif Patte Shah, which is located near Humayun's Tomb.

Delhi: Roof of dargah collapses near Humayun's Tomb; 6 killed

India celebrates its independence from its colonial past, and from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi lauded the country for the heights it has reached in all fields. Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla scripted history with his recent feat. He was the first from the country to fly to NASA’s International Space Station under a private mission.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-marks-independence-day-with-patriotic-fervour-as-tricolour-hoisted-across-the-country-1755256443846/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-marks-independence-day-with-patriotic-fervour-as-tricolour-hoisted-across-the-country-1755256443846/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;"We are all seeing the feat in the space sector and we are filled with pride. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned from the ISS, and in the coming few days, he will be coming to India. In space, we are preparing for Gaganyaan, as Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” said PM Modi.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-pm-modi-announces-major-gst-reforms-what-does-it-mean-for-middle-class-1755252273141">PM Modi announces major GST reforms. What does it mean for middle class</a>&nbsp;“We are also working towards building our own Space Station. I am proud that more than 300 startups of the country are working just in space sector. Among those 300 startups, thousands of youth are working with full capability. This is the strength of the youth of our country, and this is our trust in the youth of our country,” he added.

India celebrates its independence from its colonial past, and from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi lauded the country for the heights it has reached in all fields.

India celebrates its independence from its colonial past, and from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi lauded the country for the heights it has reached in all fields. Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla scripted history with his recent feat. He was the first from the country to fly to NASA’s International Space Station under a private mission. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-marks-independence-day-with-patriotic-fervour-as-tricolour-hoisted-across-the-country-1755256443846/embed "We are all seeing the feat in the space sector and we are filled with pride. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned from the ISS, and in the coming few days, he will be coming to India. In space, we are preparing for Gaganyaan, as Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” said PM Modi. Also read: PM Modi announces major GST reforms. What does it mean for middle class “We are also working towards building our own Space Station. I am proud that more than 300 startups of the country are working just in space sector. Among those 300 startups, thousands of youth are working with full capability. This is the strength of the youth of our country, and this is our trust in the youth of our country,” he added.

India celebrates its independence from its colonial past, and from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi lauded the country for the heights it has reached in all fields.

PM Modi lauds Shubhanshu Shukla's feat, praises increasing space startups in India

As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from the ramparts of Red Fort, mentioned reforms for GST. After eight years, the country will now see a major reform, he assured. He said it is a gift the country will receive on Diwali. It more like an early announcement of a gift. He said, "This Diwali, I am going to make it a double Diwali for you. The country will receive a huge gift. Over the past eight years, we have undertaken a major reform in GST.”&nbsp;“We are bringing next-generation GST reforms. This will reduce the tax burden across the country,” he added.&nbsp;The Finance Ministry mentioned that the GST Council will be meeting next and ‘will deliberate on the recommendations of Group of Ministers’. The ministry also noted that all efforts will be made to facilitate the implementation of these reforms at the earliest. And the benefit of which will mostly be seen within this financial year.&nbsp;<h2>What does it mean to for the middle class?</h2>&nbsp;Rate Rationalisation:&nbsp;Reduction of taxes on common man items and aspirational goods: This would enhance affordability, boost consumption, and make essential and aspirational goods more accessible to a wider population.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reduction of slabs:&nbsp;Essentially move towards simple tax with 2 slabs – standard and merit. Special rates only for select few items.&nbsp;&nbsp;Compensation Cess:&nbsp;The end of compensation cess has created fiscal space, providing greater flexibility to rationalise and align tax rates within the GST framework for long-term sustainability.&nbsp;The Ministry of Finance mentioned, “The Government reaffirms its commitment to evolving the GST into a simple, stable, and transparent tax system — one that supports inclusive growth, strengthens the formal economy and enhances Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) across the country.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from the ramparts of Red Fort, mentioned reforms for GST. 

As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from the ramparts of Red Fort, mentioned reforms for GST. After eight years, the country will now see a major reform, he assured. He said it is a gift the country will receive on Diwali. It more like an early announcement of a gift. He said, "This Diwali, I am going to make it a double Diwali for you. The country will receive a huge gift. Over the past eight years, we have undertaken a major reform in GST.” “We are bringing next-generation GST reforms. This will reduce the tax burden across the country,” he added. The Finance Ministry mentioned that the GST Council will be meeting next and ‘will deliberate on the recommendations of Group of Ministers’. The ministry also noted that all efforts will be made to facilitate the implementation of these reforms at the earliest. And the benefit of which will mostly be seen within this financial year. What does it mean to for the middle class? Rate Rationalisation: Reduction of taxes on common man items and aspirational goods: This would enhance affordability, boost consumption, and make essential and aspirational goods more accessible to a wider population. Reduction of slabs: Essentially move towards simple tax with 2 slabs – standard and merit. Special rates only for select few items. Compensation Cess: The end of compensation cess has created fiscal space, providing greater flexibility to rationalise and align tax rates within the GST framework for long-term sustainability. The Ministry of Finance mentioned, “The Government reaffirms its commitment to evolving the GST into a simple, stable, and transparent tax system — one that supports inclusive growth, strengthens the formal economy and enhances Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) across the country.”

As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from the ramparts of Red Fort, mentioned reforms for GST.&nbsp;

PM Modi announces major GST reforms. What does it mean for middle class

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PM Modi announces major GST reforms. What does it mean for middle class