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India is all set to celebrate its 79th Independence Day, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi poised to hoist the Indian national flag at the iconic Red Fort on Friday (August 15). This year, the air is charged with patriotism, fraternity and a strong sense of unity; sentiments amplified by the successful execution of ‘Operation Sindoor’ by the Indian Armed Forces. The celebrations will carry the operation’s theme, from floral decorations to the official logo displayed along the Gyanpath.&nbsp;While August 15 and January 26 are two of the most important dates in India’s calendar, there’s a key difference in how the tricolour is presented on these days. On both occasions, the flag waves high with pride, but August 15 sees it hoisted, while January 26 witnesses it unfurled.<h2>Why hoisting on Independence Day?</h2>Independence Day marks the moment India became free from British colonial rule in 1947. On this day (Aug 15), the prime minister hoists the flag by raising it from the base of the pole to the top, symbolising the nation’s hard-earned freedom and the birth of a sovereign country. The act of pulling the flag upward from a lower position reflects India’s journey from colonial control to self-rule.&nbsp;The national anthem accompanies the ceremony and includes a guard of honour by the armed forces, a parade, and speeches celebrating the nation’s progress.<h2>Why unfurling on Republic Day</h2>Republic Day, on the other hand, celebrates the day in 1950 when India’s own Constitution came into effect, turning the country into a democratic republic. By this time, the nation was already free, so the flag isn’t raised from the base. Instead, it is kept folded at the top of the pole and unfurled by the President of India.&nbsp;This distinction carries symbolic weight, while hoisting represents the rise from colonial rule, unfurling reflects the pride of an established democratic republic. The Republic Day ceremony is a grand spectacle, featuring the iconic parade along Kartavya Path, cultural performances and a display of India’s military strength.&nbsp;In short, August 15 is about the journey to freedom, and January 26 is about the strength of self-governance. Both days honour the tricolour in different ways.&nbsp;

While August 15 and January 26 are two of the most important dates in India’s calendar, there’s a key difference in how the tricolour is presented on these days. On both occasions, the flag waves high with pride, but August 15 sees it hoisted while January 26 witnesses it unfurled.

India is all set to celebrate its 79th Independence Day, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi poised to hoist the Indian national flag at the iconic Red Fort on Friday (August 15). This year, the air is charged with patriotism, fraternity and a strong sense of unity; sentiments amplified by the successful execution of ‘Operation Sindoor’ by the Indian Armed Forces. The celebrations will carry the operation’s theme, from floral decorations to the official logo displayed along the Gyanpath. While August 15 and January 26 are two of the most important dates in India’s calendar, there’s a key difference in how the tricolour is presented on these days. On both occasions, the flag waves high with pride, but August 15 sees it hoisted, while January 26 witnesses it unfurled. Why hoisting on Independence Day? Independence Day marks the moment India became free from British colonial rule in 1947. On this day (Aug 15), the prime minister hoists the flag by raising it from the base of the pole to the top, symbolising the nation’s hard-earned freedom and the birth of a sovereign country. The act of pulling the flag upward from a lower position reflects India’s journey from colonial control to self-rule. The national anthem accompanies the ceremony and includes a guard of honour by the armed forces, a parade, and speeches celebrating the nation’s progress. Why unfurling on Republic Day Republic Day, on the other hand, celebrates the day in 1950 when India’s own Constitution came into effect, turning the country into a democratic republic. By this time, the nation was already free, so the flag isn’t raised from the base. Instead, it is kept folded at the top of the pole and unfurled by the President of India. This distinction carries symbolic weight, while hoisting represents the rise from colonial rule, unfurling reflects the pride of an established democratic republic. The Republic Day ceremony is a grand spectacle, featuring the iconic parade along Kartavya Path, cultural performances and a display of India’s military strength. In short, August 15 is about the journey to freedom, and January 26 is about the strength of self-governance. Both days honour the tricolour in different ways.

While August 15 and January 26 are two of the most important dates in India’s calendar, there’s a key difference in how the tricolour is presented on these days. On both occasions, the flag waves high with pride, but August 15 sees it hoisted, while January 26 witnesses it unfurled.

Why is the Indian tricolour hoisted on August 15 and unfurled on January 26

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who played a key role during media briefings&nbsp;on Operation Sindoor are set to feature in a special Independence Day episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), with host and Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan.&nbsp;In an excerpt of the next episode posted on social media, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi talked about her family background. "I come from a family where all were in the Army. The ancestors of my great-grandmother were with Rani Lakshmi Bai," she said. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (Indian Army), Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (Indian Air Force) and Commander Prerna Deosthalee (Indian Navy) will feature on this week's episode of KBC.&nbsp;"I have not heard lullabies. I have heard stories of bravery, and I have heard speeches that narrate the definition of courage," she added. The training imparted in the Army is uniform for all, Qureshi asserted, further saying that the Indian Army is a gender-neutral organisation. Soldiers, officers, and all get an equal training, Colonel Qureshi pointed out.&nbsp;Colonel Qureshi, Wing Commander Singh, and Commander Deosthalee were also seen discussing women empowerment in the episode. The officers would also be seen narrating pivotal moments of Operation Sindoor.<h2>Who is Colonel Sophia Qureshi?</h2>Colonel Qureshi is a pioneer in the Indian Army. In March 2016, she became the first woman officer to command an Indian Army contingent for a multinational military exercise—Exercise Force 18—organised in Pune, India. It was the biggest foreign military exercise on Indian soil ever, with 18 countries including ASEAN members, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand. As a Lieutenant Colonel then, Qureshi was the sole woman officer to lead a contingent among all the troops participating.<h2>Who is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?</h2>Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is an Indian Air Force officer. Singh is the first from her family to serve in the armed forces. Singh realised her dream through the National Cadet Corps (NCC)—India's youth military training program. She was commissioned as a helicopter pilot and got a permanent commission in the flying branch in December 2019. With more than 2,500 flying hours, Wing Commander Singh has flown helicopters such as the Chetak and Cheetah in some of India's toughest terrain, including Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. She has been a key player in several search and rescue operations, including in Arunachal Pradesh in November 2020, where her crew performed life-saving operations in high-altitude, remote regions under extreme weather conditions.

My ancestors fought for Rani Lakshmi Bai Colonel Sofiya Qureshi shares family legacy

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who played a key role during media briefings on Operation Sindoor are set to feature in a special Independence Day episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), with host and Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan. In an excerpt of the next episode posted on social media, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi talked about her family background. "I come from a family where all were in the Army. The ancestors of my great-grandmother were with Rani Lakshmi Bai," she said. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (Indian Army), Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (Indian Air Force) and Commander Prerna Deosthalee (Indian Navy) will feature on this week's episode of KBC. "I have not heard lullabies. I have heard stories of bravery, and I have heard speeches that narrate the definition of courage," she added. The training imparted in the Army is uniform for all, Qureshi asserted, further saying that the Indian Army is a gender-neutral organisation. Soldiers, officers, and all get an equal training, Colonel Qureshi pointed out. Colonel Qureshi, Wing Commander Singh, and Commander Deosthalee were also seen discussing women empowerment in the episode. The officers would also be seen narrating pivotal moments of Operation Sindoor. Who is Colonel Sophia Qureshi? Colonel Qureshi is a pioneer in the Indian Army. In March 2016, she became the first woman officer to command an Indian Army contingent for a multinational military exercise—Exercise Force 18—organised in Pune, India. It was the biggest foreign military exercise on Indian soil ever, with 18 countries including ASEAN members, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand. As a Lieutenant Colonel then, Qureshi was the sole woman officer to lead a contingent among all the troops participating. Who is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh? Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is an Indian Air Force officer. Singh is the first from her family to serve in the armed forces. Singh realised her dream through the National Cadet Corps (NCC)—India's youth military training program. She was commissioned as a helicopter pilot and got a permanent commission in the flying branch in December 2019. With more than 2,500 flying hours, Wing Commander Singh has flown helicopters such as the Chetak and Cheetah in some of India's toughest terrain, including Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. She has been a key player in several search and rescue operations, including in Arunachal Pradesh in November 2020, where her crew performed life-saving operations in high-altitude, remote regions under extreme weather conditions.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh led the key media briefing after India Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor

'My ancestors fought for Rani Lakshmi Bai': Colonel Sofiya Qureshi shares family legacy

At least 46 people&nbsp;were killed and scores were injured after a&nbsp;cloudburst triggered flash floods&nbsp;in a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar. At least 167 people were pulled out of the rubble in the district's Chositi village; 38 of them are in critical condition. The death toll might rise, said officials.&nbsp;The incident took place between 12 noon and 1 pm. A crowd had gathered near the Machail Mata temple for a religious event when the cloudburst occurred. The village is around 90 kilometers away from Kishtwar.&nbsp;The cloudbursts occurred&nbsp;over a community kitchen, which was reportedly packed with devotees. Several structures were washed away.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cloudburst-in-jammu-and-kashmir-s-kishtwar-triggers-flash-floods-at-least-10-feared-dead-1755161684355">Also read: Cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar triggers flash floods, over 20 feared dead</a>&nbsp;Visuals showed water carrying rubble and washing away houses, shops, and other structures.&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the tragedy.&nbsp;"My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway.&nbsp;Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need," the prime minister said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/uttarkashi-cloudburst-what-is-it-why-is-it-frequent-and-devastating-than-ever-climate-change-link-you-should-know-uttarakhand-himachal-rains-weather-1754464386746">Also read: What is a cloudburst and why are they more frequent and devastating than ever? The climate change connection you should know</a>&nbsp;Army, NDRF, and other agencies are carrying out the rescue and relief operation.&nbsp;LG Manoj Sinha's office said that men and machinery have been put at the site.&nbsp;"Other teams have also been rushed and briefed by the Hon'ble Union Home Minister, Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue &amp; relief Ops by various agencies. He has assured all possible assistance," the LG Office added.&nbsp;In a post on X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the situation in the Chashoti area of Kishtwar as "grim".

At least 46 people were killed and scores were injured after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar. 

At least 46 people were killed and scores were injured after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar. At least 167 people were pulled out of the rubble in the district's Chositi village; 38 of them are in critical condition. The death toll might rise, said officials. The incident took place between 12 noon and 1 pm. A crowd had gathered near the Machail Mata temple for a religious event when the cloudburst occurred. The village is around 90 kilometers away from Kishtwar. The cloudbursts occurred over a community kitchen, which was reportedly packed with devotees. Several structures were washed away. Also read: Cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar triggers flash floods, over 20 feared dead Visuals showed water carrying rubble and washing away houses, shops, and other structures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the tragedy. "My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need," the prime minister said. Also read: What is a cloudburst and why are they more frequent and devastating than ever? The climate change connection you should know Army, NDRF, and other agencies are carrying out the rescue and relief operation. LG Manoj Sinha's office said that men and machinery have been put at the site. "Other teams have also been rushed and briefed by the Hon'ble Union Home Minister, Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue & relief Ops by various agencies. He has assured all possible assistance," the LG Office added. In a post on X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the situation in the Chashoti area of Kishtwar as "grim".

Kishtwar cloudburst: PM Narendra Modi said all assistance will be provided to the authorities.

Kishtwar cloudburst death toll rises to 46; what happened during temple festival

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (August 14) stressed that tariffs against India may have influenced Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to talks in Alaska. In an interview with Fox News Radio, Trump hinted that this could be a "probable" reason for Putin to meet him.The US president stressed that "everything has an impact", adding that secondary tariffs against India "essentially took them out of buying oil from Russia."Notably, Trump imposed massive tariffs on India earlier this month. Initially, it started with 25 per cent, but later Trump imposed additional tariffs, making it 50 per cent, citing New Delhi's import of Russian oil amid the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.India "probably" had a role in Putin agreeing to meet. "When I told India, which essentially took them out of buying oil from Russia, that we’re going to charge you, because you’re dealing with Russia on oil purchases, India was the second largest. And getting pretty close to China, China is the largest. And as you know, there was something in the works for that," he said.Trump further said that later, Russia called and said they wanted to meet him."Certainly, when you lose your second largest customer and you're probably going to lose your first largest customer, I think that probably has a role," the US president said.Trump continued saying that Russia respects the US now, adding that he didn't respect it under Biden.Stressing that the US is the "hottest country anywhere in the world", Trump started lauding America as he said, “Everybody’s moving back to the United States. Car companies, AI companies, Everybody’s moving back. They’re all starting their factories now. The odds are we’ve never had anything like this. It is truly the golden age of America, but he respects our country now.”

The US president stressed that "everything has an impact", adding that secondary tariffs against India "essentially took them out of buying oil from Russia."

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (August 14) stressed that tariffs against India may have influenced Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to talks in Alaska. In an interview with Fox News Radio, Trump hinted that this could be a "probable" reason for Putin to meet him. The US president stressed that "everything has an impact", adding that secondary tariffs against India "essentially took them out of buying oil from Russia." Notably, Trump imposed massive tariffs on India earlier this month. Initially, it started with 25 per cent, but later Trump imposed additional tariffs, making it 50 per cent, citing New Delhi's import of Russian oil amid the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. India "probably" had a role in Putin agreeing to meet. "When I told India, which essentially took them out of buying oil from Russia, that we’re going to charge you, because you’re dealing with Russia on oil purchases, India was the second largest. And getting pretty close to China, China is the largest. And as you know, there was something in the works for that," he said. Trump further said that later, Russia called and said they wanted to meet him. "Certainly, when you lose your second largest customer and you're probably going to lose your first largest customer, I think that probably has a role," the US president said. Trump continued saying that Russia respects the US now, adding that he didn't respect it under Biden. Stressing that the US is the "hottest country anywhere in the world", Trump started lauding America as he said, “Everybody’s moving back to the United States. Car companies, AI companies, Everybody’s moving back. They’re all starting their factories now. The odds are we’ve never had anything like this. It is truly the golden age of America, but he respects our country now.”

The US president stressed that "everything has an impact", adding that secondary tariffs against India "essentially took them out of buying oil from Russia."

Is India the reason behind Putin agreeing for peace talks? Trump REVEALS what led to Alaska meeting

A 33-year-old para-athlete of national caliber and another man succumbed to rabies in Odisha's Bolangir, days after they had been bitten by a rabid dog, the police said. The victims — athlete Jogendra Chhatria and 48-year-old farmer Hrushikesh Rana — had received serious injuries on July 23 when the dog turned ferocious, biting six individuals, including school children, in different incidents during the day.&nbsp;Witnesses reported the dog attacked unprovoked. Chhatria was badly injured in his face. Four of the wounded recovered while Chhatria and Rana's conditions deteriorated, and they died despite intensive medical care. Officials said that even though the two victims had received post-bite vaccines, the infection spread quickly because of the severity and position of Chhatria's wounds.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-a-lot-of-retentions-and-several-wild-cards-ex-proteas-all-rounder-expressed-his-thoughts-ahead-of-sa20-auction-1755176365279">'A lot of retentions and several wild cards...:' Ex-Proteas all-rounder expressed his thoughts ahead of SA20 auction</a>&nbsp;“All the injured were vaccinated after being admitted. Jogendra Chhatria received his first dose on July 23, followed by subsequent doses. However, because the dog had bitten his face, the infection spread quickly. Before their deaths, both victims exhibited the full symptoms of rabies,” the Superintendent of Bhima Bhoi Medical College said in a statement.&nbsp;Chhatria was quite famous for playing for India in national floorball tournaments and for his para-athletic success. During the wave of dog attacks, health officials have called for residents to be on their guard and get timely anti-rabies vaccinations for both themselves and their animals. The two fatalities due to dog bites in Bhubaneswar are in the wake of a controversy raging over the Supreme Court's direction to catch, sterilise, and relocate permanently all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR.&nbsp;&nbsp;On August 11 the Supreme Court of India issued a sweeping order: within eight weeks, every stray dog in Delhi and the national capital region (NCR) including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad must be rounded up, vaccinated, sterilised, and housed in shelters—never to return to the streets. CCTV monitoring, helplines, and penalties for obstruction were also ordered.

Odisha dog attack: National para-athlete among two dead from rabies

A 33-year-old para-athlete of national caliber and another man succumbed to rabies in Odisha's Bolangir, days after they had been bitten by a rabid dog, the police said. The victims — athlete Jogendra Chhatria and 48-year-old farmer Hrushikesh Rana — had received serious injuries on July 23 when the dog turned ferocious, biting six individuals, including school children, in different incidents during the day. Witnesses reported the dog attacked unprovoked. Chhatria was badly injured in his face. Four of the wounded recovered while Chhatria and Rana's conditions deteriorated, and they died despite intensive medical care. Officials said that even though the two victims had received post-bite vaccines, the infection spread quickly because of the severity and position of Chhatria's wounds. Also Read: 'A lot of retentions and several wild cards...:' Ex-Proteas all-rounder expressed his thoughts ahead of SA20 auction “All the injured were vaccinated after being admitted. Jogendra Chhatria received his first dose on July 23, followed by subsequent doses. However, because the dog had bitten his face, the infection spread quickly. Before their deaths, both victims exhibited the full symptoms of rabies,” the Superintendent of Bhima Bhoi Medical College said in a statement. Chhatria was quite famous for playing for India in national floorball tournaments and for his para-athletic success. During the wave of dog attacks, health officials have called for residents to be on their guard and get timely anti-rabies vaccinations for both themselves and their animals. The two fatalities due to dog bites in Bhubaneswar are in the wake of a controversy raging over the Supreme Court's direction to catch, sterilise, and relocate permanently all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. On August 11 the Supreme Court of India issued a sweeping order: within eight weeks, every stray dog in Delhi and the national capital region (NCR) including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad must be rounded up, vaccinated, sterilised, and housed in shelters—never to return to the streets. CCTV monitoring, helplines, and penalties for obstruction were also ordered.

Chhatria was renowned for representing India in national floorball tournaments and for his accomplishments in para-athletics

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, held a press conference on Wednesday, August 13, at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi to counter the allegations of 'Vote Chori' by Rahul Gandhi. His statements have raised more questions and drawn widespread scrutiny. Thakur presented what he termed as evidence of ‘vote chori’ in several constituencies like Rae Bareli (Uttar Pradesh), Wayanad (Kerala), Diamond Harbour (West Bengal), Kannauj (Uttar Pradesh), Mainpuri (Uttar Pradesh), and Kolathur (Tamil Nadu). He claimed that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Abhishek Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, and M.K. Stalin all won the election through the inclusion of ‘doubtful voters’.The Congress Party swiftly responded by questioning the ‘veracity’ of Thakur's claims. Congress leader Pawan Khera said that there is an 'understanding' between the BJP and ECI. He said, "It took us 4-6 months to bring forward this data of one Assembly constituency. They have brought out the data of two Parliamentary constituencies. How did they get it? This proves that they have an understanding with the EC." Pawan Khera went ahead and demanded the electronic voter list of Varanasi. He said that by raising the issues of Waynad and Kannuj, Anurag Thakur has validated the claims of voter irregularities.&nbsp;”Those were the data from Wayanad and Kannauj. He says that there are fake votes there, too. So, he has proven what we have said. Anurag Thakur and BJP are raising the same question on EC that we had raised. So, they have proven what we said," said Pawan Khera.&nbsp;Earlier, BJP IT Department Head Amit Malviya said in a post on X that Sonia Gandhi's name first appeared on the electoral roll in 1980, three years before she could become a citizen of India. The rhetoric is diverting the issue towards whataboutery instead of verifying the authenticity of the electoral process. The Election Commission, instead of restoring the sanctity of the democratic institution, is resorting to a war of words by repeatedly demanding an oath from Rahul Gandhi. ECI said that the use of ‘dirty phrases’ like 'chori' is being done to create a false narrative; ‘one person, one vote’ has been there in India since 1951-52. Rahul Gandhi responded, 'Interestingly, they haven't denied the information.'The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the ECI for its reluctance to publish the deleted voter profiles on the Election Commission website, while hearing petitions challenging the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in poll-bound Bihar. It directed ECI to publish the list of 65 lakh deleted voters and the reason for exclusion with a 30 day window to make corrections. ECI lamented when parties lose election they start blaming the electronic voting machines. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Anurag Thakur sparks controversy with his 'vote chori' presser by alleging voter irregularities in the opposition stronghold, drawing backlash from the opposition and validating voter irregularities.

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, held a press conference on Wednesday, August 13, at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi to counter the allegations of 'Vote Chori' by Rahul Gandhi. His statements have raised more questions and drawn widespread scrutiny. Thakur presented what he termed as evidence of ‘vote chori’ in several constituencies like Rae Bareli (Uttar Pradesh), Wayanad (Kerala), Diamond Harbour (West Bengal), Kannauj (Uttar Pradesh), Mainpuri (Uttar Pradesh), and Kolathur (Tamil Nadu). He claimed that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Abhishek Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, and M.K. Stalin all won the election through the inclusion of ‘doubtful voters’. The Congress Party swiftly responded by questioning the ‘veracity’ of Thakur's claims. Congress leader Pawan Khera said that there is an 'understanding' between the BJP and ECI. He said, "It took us 4-6 months to bring forward this data of one Assembly constituency. They have brought out the data of two Parliamentary constituencies. How did they get it? This proves that they have an understanding with the EC." Pawan Khera went ahead and demanded the electronic voter list of Varanasi. He said that by raising the issues of Waynad and Kannuj, Anurag Thakur has validated the claims of voter irregularities. ”Those were the data from Wayanad and Kannauj. He says that there are fake votes there, too. So, he has proven what we have said. Anurag Thakur and BJP are raising the same question on EC that we had raised. So, they have proven what we said," said Pawan Khera. Earlier, BJP IT Department Head Amit Malviya said in a post on X that Sonia Gandhi's name first appeared on the electoral roll in 1980, three years before she could become a citizen of India. The rhetoric is diverting the issue towards whataboutery instead of verifying the authenticity of the electoral process. The Election Commission, instead of restoring the sanctity of the democratic institution, is resorting to a war of words by repeatedly demanding an oath from Rahul Gandhi. ECI said that the use of ‘dirty phrases’ like 'chori' is being done to create a false narrative; ‘one person, one vote’ has been there in India since 1951-52. Rahul Gandhi responded, 'Interestingly, they haven't denied the information.' The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the ECI for its reluctance to publish the deleted voter profiles on the Election Commission website, while hearing petitions challenging the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in poll-bound Bihar. It directed ECI to publish the list of 65 lakh deleted voters and the reason for exclusion with a 30 day window to make corrections. ECI lamented when parties lose election they start blaming the electronic voting machines.

Anurag Thakur sparks controversy with his 'vote chori' presser by alleging voter irregularities in the opposition stronghold, drawing backlash from the opposition and validating voter irregularities.

Vote Chori row- Anurag Thakur’s ‘Vote Chori’ presser lands him in murky political waters

Hours after SP MLA from Chail Pooja Pal praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for "zero tolerance policy" against crime, the Samajwadi Party expelled her from the party, citing anti-party activities and indiscipline.&nbsp;"You have carried out anti-party activities, and even after being warned, you did not stop these activities, due to which the party has suffered a lot. The work done by you is anti-party and a serious act of indiscipline. Hence, you are expelled from Samajwadi Party with immediate effect," read the letter of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav addressed to Pooja Pal.&nbsp;However, MLA Pooja Pal stood by her statement after her removal, lauding CM Yogi Adityanath's governance to improve the law and order in the state.&nbsp;"Perhaps you could not hear the women in Prayagraj who were even more worried than me. But I am their voice, I have been elected as an MLA and sent to the Assembly. I am the voice of mothers and sisters who have lost their loved ones. They have sent me here. All people in Prayagraj who were disturbed due to Atiq Ahmed have been given justice by the CM, not just to Pooja Pal. I have been saying this from day 1, even when I was in the party. I am expelled only today. I stand by my statement," she said.&nbsp;"I became an MLA later, but I am a victim woman first, a wife first...We could not stand the incident that occurred with us...They speak of PDA. I too belong to a backward community, I was troubled, I stepped out of my house because my husband was killed in broad day light, I was a newly-wed bride and there was nobody at my home...They have proven that they are completely against PDA," she added.&nbsp;Earlier while speaking in the UP Assembly, Pooja Pal, whose husband Raju Pal was shot dead by Atiq Ahmed and his associate, thanked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for zero-tolerance policy against crime that improved law and order in the state.&nbsp;The SP MLA said that the UP CM gave her justice by bringing in policies like zero tolerance that led to the killing of criminals like Atiq Ahmed.&nbsp;Speaking at the Assembly's 24-hour marathon discussion on 'Vision Document 2047,' Pooja Pal said, "Everyone knows who murdered my husband (Raju Pal). I want to thank the Chief Minister for bringing me justice and hearing me when nobody else did.&nbsp;The CM gave justice to many other women like me in Prayagraj by bringing in policies like zero tolerance that led to the killing of criminals like Atiq Ahmed. Today, the entire state looks at the CM with trust," she said.&nbsp;Praising CM Yogi, she said, "Mere pati ke hatyare Atiq Ahmed ko Mukhya Mantri ne mitti mein milaane ka kaam kiya' (The Chief Minister has buried my husband's murderer Atiq Ahmed."She further added," I raised my voice when I saw that no one wanted to fight against criminals like Atiq Ahmed. When I started getting exhausted with this fight, CM Yogi Adityanath gave me justice."&nbsp;BSP MLA Raju Pal was shot dead in Prayagraj in 2005, days after his wedding with Pooja Pal. In February 2023, Umesh Pal, a key witness to the murder, was shot dead in Prayagraj's Sulem Saray area. Several rounds were fired, and bombs were hurled at Umesh and his gunners.&nbsp;Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf Ahmad were the prime accused and were arrested by the police. On April 15, 2023, they were shot dead by men posing as press persons on the night of April 15 while being taken for a medical examination in Prayagraj.&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.

MLA Pooja Pal stood by her statement after her removal, lauding CM Yogi Adityanaths governance to improve the law and order in the state.

Hours after SP MLA from Chail Pooja Pal praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for "zero tolerance policy" against crime, the Samajwadi Party expelled her from the party, citing anti-party activities and indiscipline. "You have carried out anti-party activities, and even after being warned, you did not stop these activities, due to which the party has suffered a lot. The work done by you is anti-party and a serious act of indiscipline. Hence, you are expelled from Samajwadi Party with immediate effect," read the letter of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav addressed to Pooja Pal. However, MLA Pooja Pal stood by her statement after her removal, lauding CM Yogi Adityanath's governance to improve the law and order in the state. "Perhaps you could not hear the women in Prayagraj who were even more worried than me. But I am their voice, I have been elected as an MLA and sent to the Assembly. I am the voice of mothers and sisters who have lost their loved ones. They have sent me here. All people in Prayagraj who were disturbed due to Atiq Ahmed have been given justice by the CM, not just to Pooja Pal. I have been saying this from day 1, even when I was in the party. I am expelled only today. I stand by my statement," she said. "I became an MLA later, but I am a victim woman first, a wife first...We could not stand the incident that occurred with us...They speak of PDA. I too belong to a backward community, I was troubled, I stepped out of my house because my husband was killed in broad day light, I was a newly-wed bride and there was nobody at my home...They have proven that they are completely against PDA," she added. Earlier while speaking in the UP Assembly, Pooja Pal, whose husband Raju Pal was shot dead by Atiq Ahmed and his associate, thanked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for zero-tolerance policy against crime that improved law and order in the state. The SP MLA said that the UP CM gave her justice by bringing in policies like zero tolerance that led to the killing of criminals like Atiq Ahmed. Speaking at the Assembly's 24-hour marathon discussion on 'Vision Document 2047,' Pooja Pal said, "Everyone knows who murdered my husband (Raju Pal). I want to thank the Chief Minister for bringing me justice and hearing me when nobody else did. The CM gave justice to many other women like me in Prayagraj by bringing in policies like zero tolerance that led to the killing of criminals like Atiq Ahmed. Today, the entire state looks at the CM with trust," she said. Praising CM Yogi, she said, "Mere pati ke hatyare Atiq Ahmed ko Mukhya Mantri ne mitti mein milaane ka kaam kiya' (The Chief Minister has buried my husband's murderer Atiq Ahmed." She further added," I raised my voice when I saw that no one wanted to fight against criminals like Atiq Ahmed. When I started getting exhausted with this fight, CM Yogi Adityanath gave me justice." BSP MLA Raju Pal was shot dead in Prayagraj in 2005, days after his wedding with Pooja Pal. In February 2023, Umesh Pal, a key witness to the murder, was shot dead in Prayagraj's Sulem Saray area. Several rounds were fired, and bombs were hurled at Umesh and his gunners. Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf Ahmad were the prime accused and were arrested by the police. On April 15, 2023, they were shot dead by men posing as press persons on the night of April 15 while being taken for a medical examination in Prayagraj. 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.

MLA Pooja Pal stood by her statement after her removal, lauding CM Yogi Adityanath's governance to improve the law and order in the state.

Samajwadi Party expels MLA Pooja Pal for praising CM Yogi Adityanath

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Independence Day on Thursday and said that India is well on its way to becoming a self-reliant nation. She said that by celebrating the day, the nation will pay tribute to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices won India its independence from British rule.&nbsp;"The fifteenth of August is a date etched in our collective memory. During the long years of colonial rule, generations of Indians dreamt of the day of Independence. Men and women, old and young, from all parts of the country, yearned to throw away the yoke of foreign rule. Their struggle was marked by robust optimism, which has continued to propel our progress since Independence, too. As we salute the Tricolour tomorrow, we will also be paying homage to the memory of all freedom fighters whose sacrifices won India Independence on the 15th of August, 78 years ago," she said.&nbsp;She said India's four main Constitutional values – justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity – were discovered during the freedom struggle.&nbsp;"Our Constitution contains four values as the four pillars upholding our democracy. They are justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. These are our civilisational principles that we rediscovered during the freedom struggle. At the heart of them all, I believe, is the notion of human dignity. Every human being is equal, and everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Everyone should have equal access to healthcare and education. Everyone should have equal opportunity. Those who had been traditionally at a disadvantage needed to be given a helping hand. Keeping these principles foremost in mind, we started a new journey in 1947," she said.&nbsp;President Murmu also paid tribute to the victims of the Partition, which she called a mistake of history.&nbsp;"As we look back on the past, we must never forget the pain inflicted by the partition of the country. Today, we observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. Terrible violence was witnessed due to partition, and lakhs of people were forced to relocate. Today, we pay tributes to those who were victims of the mistakes of history," she said.&nbsp;She called the Pahalgam terror attack "cowardly and utterly inhuman" and lauded Operation Sindoor, India's response to the attack.&nbsp;"Operation Sindoor showed that our armed forces are prepared to meet any eventuality when it comes to guarding the nation," she added.&nbsp;She said that the Indian military's Operation Sindoor will go down in history as an example of humanity's fight against terrorism.&nbsp;She also touched upon artificial intelligence and the role of technology in society.&nbsp;"In this Digital Age, it is apt that one sector in India that has seen the most dramatic advances is information technology. Nearly all villages have 4G mobile connectivity, and the remaining few thousand will be covered soon. This has made possible the large-scale adoption of digital payment technologies, in which India has become a world leader in a short span," she said.&nbsp;"Artificial intelligence is the next stage of technological advancement and has already entered our lives. The government has launched the India-AI mission to strengthen the country’s AI capabilities," she added.

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Independence Day on Thursday and said that India is well on its way to becoming a self-reliant nation.

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Independence Day on Thursday and said that India is well on its way to becoming a self-reliant nation. She said that by celebrating the day, the nation will pay tribute to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices won India its independence from British rule. "The fifteenth of August is a date etched in our collective memory. During the long years of colonial rule, generations of Indians dreamt of the day of Independence. Men and women, old and young, from all parts of the country, yearned to throw away the yoke of foreign rule. Their struggle was marked by robust optimism, which has continued to propel our progress since Independence, too. As we salute the Tricolour tomorrow, we will also be paying homage to the memory of all freedom fighters whose sacrifices won India Independence on the 15th of August, 78 years ago," she said. She said India's four main Constitutional values – justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity – were discovered during the freedom struggle. "Our Constitution contains four values as the four pillars upholding our democracy. They are justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. These are our civilisational principles that we rediscovered during the freedom struggle. At the heart of them all, I believe, is the notion of human dignity. Every human being is equal, and everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Everyone should have equal access to healthcare and education. Everyone should have equal opportunity. Those who had been traditionally at a disadvantage needed to be given a helping hand. Keeping these principles foremost in mind, we started a new journey in 1947," she said. President Murmu also paid tribute to the victims of the Partition, which she called a mistake of history. "As we look back on the past, we must never forget the pain inflicted by the partition of the country. Today, we observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. Terrible violence was witnessed due to partition, and lakhs of people were forced to relocate. Today, we pay tributes to those who were victims of the mistakes of history," she said. She called the Pahalgam terror attack "cowardly and utterly inhuman" and lauded Operation Sindoor, India's response to the attack. "Operation Sindoor showed that our armed forces are prepared to meet any eventuality when it comes to guarding the nation," she added. She said that the Indian military's Operation Sindoor will go down in history as an example of humanity's fight against terrorism. She also touched upon artificial intelligence and the role of technology in society. "In this Digital Age, it is apt that one sector in India that has seen the most dramatic advances is information technology. Nearly all villages have 4G mobile connectivity, and the remaining few thousand will be covered soon. This has made possible the large-scale adoption of digital payment technologies, in which India has become a world leader in a short span," she said. "Artificial intelligence is the next stage of technological advancement and has already entered our lives. The government has launched the India-AI mission to strengthen the country’s AI capabilities," she added.

President Murmu said that by celebrating the day, the nation will pay tribute to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices won India its independence.

Independence Day: President Murmu addresses nation, says India on its way to become self-reliant

A fire broke out at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Hospital in Delhi on Thursday evening (August 14). As soon as reported, 10 fire tenders rushed to the spot. The fire affected the false ceiling of the AHU room.The massive fire broke out at the Mother and Child Block of the hospital.Firefighters and hospital staff took prompt action to prevent any unforeseen situation. The exact cause of the fire is unknown yet, and an investigation will be launched once the flames are completely doused.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/7-killed-including-2-children-in-delhi-wall-collapse-after-heavy-rain-1754739502425/amp">Also read: 7 killed, including 2 children, in Delhi wall collapse after heavy rain</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The Delhi Fire Services said that no casualties have been reported due to the fire. The DFS received the call regarding a fire at 5:15 pm."We rushed 10 fire tenders to the hospital, and firefighting operations are ongoing," he said.However, AIIMS hospital has not released any official statement regarding the fire yet. Following the fire, patients and staff were safely evacuated from the incident area and the staff resumed routine medical operations where and as possible.&nbsp;WATCH | Odisha self-immolation tragedy: AIIMS declares student clinically dead after burn injuries<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/odisha-self-immolation-tragedy-aiims-declares-student-clinically-dead-after-burn-injuries-1752557375353/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/odisha-self-immolation-tragedy-aiims-declares-student-clinically-dead-after-burn-injuries-1752557375353/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;This comes just a month after a fire broke out at the AIIMS Trauma Centre on July 3. To control the blaze, five fire tenders reached the location. The fire officials told the Indian news agency PTI that the blaze erupted after a transformer at the AIIMS trauma centre caught fire.At that time, AIIMS said, "We would like to inform that there was no fire at JPNATC, AIIMS Delhi. A fire incident occurred at an NDMC transformer located within the JPNATC complex, which was brought under control."&nbsp;WATCH | 15-year-old burnt girl airlifted from AIIMS Bhubaneswar to Delhi for critical treatment<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/15-year-old-burnt-girl-airlifted-from-aiims-bhubaneswar-to-delhi-for-critical-treatment-1753078459218/EMBED">https://www.wionews.com/videos/15-year-old-burnt-girl-airlifted-from-aiims-bhubaneswar-to-delhi-for-critical-treatment-1753078459218/EMBED</a>&nbsp;

The massive fire broke out at the Mother and Child Block of the hospital. As authorities were alerted, 10 fire tenders rushed to the spot. The fire affected the false ceiling of the AHU room. 

A fire broke out at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Hospital in Delhi on Thursday evening (August 14). As soon as reported, 10 fire tenders rushed to the spot. The fire affected the false ceiling of the AHU room. The massive fire broke out at the Mother and Child Block of the hospital. Firefighters and hospital staff took prompt action to prevent any unforeseen situation. The exact cause of the fire is unknown yet, and an investigation will be launched once the flames are completely doused. Also read: 7 killed, including 2 children, in Delhi wall collapse after heavy rain The Delhi Fire Services said that no casualties have been reported due to the fire. The DFS received the call regarding a fire at 5:15 pm. "We rushed 10 fire tenders to the hospital, and firefighting operations are ongoing," he said. However, AIIMS hospital has not released any official statement regarding the fire yet. Following the fire, patients and staff were safely evacuated from the incident area and the staff resumed routine medical operations where and as possible. WATCH | Odisha self-immolation tragedy: AIIMS declares student clinically dead after burn injuries https://www.wionews.com/videos/odisha-self-immolation-tragedy-aiims-declares-student-clinically-dead-after-burn-injuries-1752557375353/embed This comes just a month after a fire broke out at the AIIMS Trauma Centre on July 3. To control the blaze, five fire tenders reached the location. The fire officials told the Indian news agency PTI that the blaze erupted after a transformer at the AIIMS trauma centre caught fire. At that time, AIIMS said, "We would like to inform that there was no fire at JPNATC, AIIMS Delhi. A fire incident occurred at an NDMC transformer located within the JPNATC complex, which was brought under control." WATCH | 15-year-old burnt girl airlifted from AIIMS Bhubaneswar to Delhi for critical treatment https://www.wionews.com/videos/15-year-old-burnt-girl-airlifted-from-aiims-bhubaneswar-to-delhi-for-critical-treatment-1753078459218/EMBED

The massive fire broke out at the Mother and Child Block of the hospital. As authorities were alerted, 10 fire tenders rushed to the spot. The fire affected the false ceiling of the AHU room.&nbsp;

Fire breaks out at AIIMS Delhi; 10 fire tenders rush to hospital

A senior official said on Thursday that India has been engaging with China to ensure an&nbsp;uninterrupted supply of rare earth materials, which are important for various industries, including electric vehicles, wind turbines,&nbsp;and defence manufacturing.&nbsp;The official told ANI that New Delhi is in touch with China for the procurement of permanent magnets, which are made from rare earth materials. The Centre is&nbsp;exploring alternative supply channels and domestic sources to reduce dependence on China.&nbsp;"We are also finding ways and means by which the supply chain does not get impacted. Efforts are on," the official said.&nbsp;In April this year, China announced that it would implement export controls on some rare-earth materials, which created shortages of these materials across the world, including in India. The export controls have impacted critical sectors in India, like defense and electronics manufacturing.&nbsp;New Delhi wants to diversify&nbsp;its rare earth supply through imports, mining, and global partnerships. It is also attempting to make diplomatic efforts robust to secure a stable and affordable supply of rare earth materials.&nbsp;The government has kept aside a budget of Rs 1345 crore to provide an incentive to those thinking of producing&nbsp;rare earth magnets in India. The subsidy will facilitate investment for establishing processing facilities for companies to convert rare earth oxides into magnets.&nbsp;New Delhi is also working with several countries to bolster&nbsp;access to rare earth elements through initiatives like the India-US Critical Minerals Partnership and QUAD.

A senior official said on Thursday that India has been engaging with China to ensure an uninterrupted supply of rare earth materials, which are important for various industries, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence manufacturing.

A senior official said on Thursday that India has been engaging with China to ensure an uninterrupted supply of rare earth materials, which are important for various industries, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence manufacturing. The official told ANI that New Delhi is in touch with China for the procurement of permanent magnets, which are made from rare earth materials. The Centre is exploring alternative supply channels and domestic sources to reduce dependence on China. "We are also finding ways and means by which the supply chain does not get impacted. Efforts are on," the official said. In April this year, China announced that it would implement export controls on some rare-earth materials, which created shortages of these materials across the world, including in India. The export controls have impacted critical sectors in India, like defense and electronics manufacturing. New Delhi wants to diversify its rare earth supply through imports, mining, and global partnerships. It is also attempting to make diplomatic efforts robust to secure a stable and affordable supply of rare earth materials. The government has kept aside a budget of Rs 1345 crore to provide an incentive to those thinking of producing rare earth magnets in India. The subsidy will facilitate investment for establishing processing facilities for companies to convert rare earth oxides into magnets. New Delhi is also working with several countries to bolster access to rare earth elements through initiatives like the India-US Critical Minerals Partnership and QUAD.

China's export controls on some rare-earth materials created shortages of these materials across the world. India is also affected by this.

India engaging with China to secure rare earth material supply: Report

The Central government on Wednesday (August 14) announced ‘Naya Bharat’, the theme for the 79th Independence Day on August 15. The theme reflects India’s ambition to build a prosperous, secure, and self-reliant nation as it moves toward the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, an official statement said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag at the Red Fort on August 15 and deliver the address.&nbsp;This year, the coordinating organisation of the national event is the Indian Air Force (IAF), which will include a ceremonial Guard of Honour, 21-gun salute, and a special flypast with the national flag and the Operation Sindoor flag. Upon the arrival of the Red Fort, PM Modi will be welcomed by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.&nbsp;Next, the PM will be introduced to Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (GoC) Delhi Area, who will accompany him to the Saluting Base to receive the general salute and Guard of Honour inspection. The Guard of Honour, led by Wing Commander AS Sekhon, will consist of 96 personnel, one officer and 24 from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and the Delhi Police.&nbsp;Following the inspection of the Guard of Honour, Modi will move to the ramparts, where he will be received by the Chiefs of the three services and the Defence Chief of Staff. Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will be helping the prime minister in raising the tricolour, which will synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns.&nbsp;Once hoisted, the tricolour will be given a 'Rashtriya Salute'. The Air Force band of one JCO and 25 other ranks will render the national anthem. Following the flower shower, the prime minister will deliver a speech. On completion of his address, the cadets of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and 'My Bharat' volunteers will render the National Anthem. As many as 2,500 boy and girl cadets (Army, Navy and Air Force) and 'My Bharat' volunteers will take part in the celebration. These cadets and 'My Bharat' volunteers will be sitting on Gyanpath, facing the Rampart. They will be forming the 'Naya Bharat' logo.&nbsp;In order to generate patriotic enthusiasm among people and to commemorate the success of Operation Sindoor, there will be a series of band performances pan-India for the first time on the eve of Independence Day celebrations. These performances will be done by Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF and Assam Rifles bands at more than 140 major locations across the country.&nbsp;Around 5,000 special guests from various segments of society have been invited to witness the festivities at the Red Fort this year. More than 1,500 individuals from various states/Union Territories in traditional dress have also been invited to see the grand procession.

79th Independence Day: ‘Naya Bharat’ to take centre stage; PM Modi to address at Red Fort

The Central government on Wednesday (August 14) announced ‘Naya Bharat’, the theme for the 79th Independence Day on August 15. The theme reflects India’s ambition to build a prosperous, secure, and self-reliant nation as it moves toward the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, an official statement said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag at the Red Fort on August 15 and deliver the address. This year, the coordinating organisation of the national event is the Indian Air Force (IAF), which will include a ceremonial Guard of Honour, 21-gun salute, and a special flypast with the national flag and the Operation Sindoor flag. Upon the arrival of the Red Fort, PM Modi will be welcomed by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Next, the PM will be introduced to Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (GoC) Delhi Area, who will accompany him to the Saluting Base to receive the general salute and Guard of Honour inspection. The Guard of Honour, led by Wing Commander AS Sekhon, will consist of 96 personnel, one officer and 24 from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and the Delhi Police. Following the inspection of the Guard of Honour, Modi will move to the ramparts, where he will be received by the Chiefs of the three services and the Defence Chief of Staff. Flying Officer Rashika Sharma will be helping the prime minister in raising the tricolour, which will synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns. Once hoisted, the tricolour will be given a 'Rashtriya Salute'. The Air Force band of one JCO and 25 other ranks will render the national anthem. Following the flower shower, the prime minister will deliver a speech. On completion of his address, the cadets of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and 'My Bharat' volunteers will render the National Anthem. As many as 2,500 boy and girl cadets (Army, Navy and Air Force) and 'My Bharat' volunteers will take part in the celebration. These cadets and 'My Bharat' volunteers will be sitting on Gyanpath, facing the Rampart. They will be forming the 'Naya Bharat' logo. In order to generate patriotic enthusiasm among people and to commemorate the success of Operation Sindoor, there will be a series of band performances pan-India for the first time on the eve of Independence Day celebrations. These performances will be done by Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF and Assam Rifles bands at more than 140 major locations across the country. Around 5,000 special guests from various segments of society have been invited to witness the festivities at the Red Fort this year. More than 1,500 individuals from various states/Union Territories in traditional dress have also been invited to see the grand procession.

On August 15, PM Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag at the Red Fort and address the nation

As India gears up to mark its 79th Independence Day on Friday, the 15th of August 2025, various government and private services will remain shut for a day or two. Now, the confusion lies ahead in which of these particular facilities will be open or will be closed, such as banks, stock markets, schools, colleges, transport activities, markets, trains, metros, and flights.&nbsp;Independence Day is a gazetted public holiday, meaning all national, state, and local government offices will remain shut across the country. Other than this, several services will not be open on this day.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-2025-when-and-where-to-watch-parade-pm-modi-s-speech-live-know-here-1755164919357">Independence Day 2025: When and where to watch parade, PM Modi’s speech live - Know here</a><h3>What will be closed on Independence Day?</h3><ul><li>Government and private banks</li><li>Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions</li><li>Stock markets</li><li>Non-scheduled flights</li><li>Markets (Partially)</li><li>All liquor outlets</li></ul><h3>What will operate/remain open on Independence Day?</h3><ul><li>Public transport (Bus, train, metro and others)</li><li>Flights</li><li>Cultural &amp; flag events</li><li>Police stations</li><li>Hospitals</li><li>Fire department</li></ul>Meanwhile, security has been tightened across Delhi ahead of Independence Day. Amid this, extensive police have been deployed with advanced surveillance systems and stringent checks on railways, metros, and airports to ensure safety as Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address the nation from the Red Fort.&nbsp;High-tech surveillance measures include facial recognition tools, under-vehicle scanning, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, and anti-drone systems. In addition, drone detection, CCTV monitoring, and vehicle checks have been deployed at the designated parking areas near the Red Fort to detect explosives, weapons, or contraband.&nbsp;As per India TV, snipers have also been deployed on high-rise buildings, and authorities have banned flying objects in the area during the celebrations, India TV reported.&nbsp;The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has intensified its security at New Delhi Railway Station by conducting round-the-clock patrols with dog squads.

On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day on Friday, several services in India will remain closed for a day. Check out the details to find out what will remain open and closed.

As India gears up to mark its 79th Independence Day on Friday, the 15th of August 2025, various government and private services will remain shut for a day or two. Now, the confusion lies ahead in which of these particular facilities will be open or will be closed, such as banks, stock markets, schools, colleges, transport activities, markets, trains, metros, and flights. Independence Day is a gazetted public holiday, meaning all national, state, and local government offices will remain shut across the country. Other than this, several services will not be open on this day. Also read: Independence Day 2025: When and where to watch parade, PM Modi’s speech live - Know here What will be closed on Independence Day? Government and private banks Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions Stock markets Non-scheduled flights Markets (Partially) All liquor outlets What will operate/remain open on Independence Day? Public transport (Bus, train, metro and others) Flights Cultural & flag events Police stations Hospitals Fire department Meanwhile, security has been tightened across Delhi ahead of Independence Day. Amid this, extensive police have been deployed with advanced surveillance systems and stringent checks on railways, metros, and airports to ensure safety as Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address the nation from the Red Fort. High-tech surveillance measures include facial recognition tools, under-vehicle scanning, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, and anti-drone systems. In addition, drone detection, CCTV monitoring, and vehicle checks have been deployed at the designated parking areas near the Red Fort to detect explosives, weapons, or contraband. As per India TV, snipers have also been deployed on high-rise buildings, and authorities have banned flying objects in the area during the celebrations, India TV reported. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has intensified its security at New Delhi Railway Station by conducting round-the-clock patrols with dog squads.

On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day on Friday, several services in India will remain closed for a day. Check out the details to find out what will remain open and closed.

Independence Day 2025: What is open and what's closed on August 15?

In order to make travel comfortable and hasle-free this festive season, particularly for Diwali and Chatth Puja during the month of October, when the rush of passengers is at its peak, the Indian Railways other than offering special festive trains has come up with a new experimental scheme called the "Round Trip Package" to redistribute the peak traffic and help curb rush.&nbsp;Under the new scheme, the Railways have announced a 20 per cent discount on train tickets booked between October 13-26 and return from November 17 to December 1. Bookings for the scheme will start on August 14, 2025.&nbsp;Key Features Of The Scheme&nbsp;<ul><li>A 20% rebate on the base fare of the return journey will be offered to passengers when booking a round trip</li><li>Onward journey Tickets should be booked between October 13-26 and the return from November 17 to December 1</li><li>Bookings for the scheme will start on August 14, 2025</li><li>The scheme is applicable to all classes i.e ACs and sleepers on any train, including special festival trains</li><li>Booking cannot happen on trains with Flexi Fare pricing</li><li>Online or by Counter booking at the reservation office</li></ul> Terms and conditions to know before booking&nbsp;<ul><li>The 20 per cent discount is only on the base fare of the return journey</li><li>The tickets must be confirmed both directions for the discount to apply</li><li>Passenger details for the return journey has to be the same of the onward journey</li><li>Only confirmed tickets are eligible for the discount in both directions</li><li>No refund is applicable on this ticket and no additional discounts or benefits, including rail travel coupons, voucher-based bookings, PTOs can be availed</li></ul>&nbsp;Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights falls on October 20 (Monday), while Chatth Puja, a prominent festival of the state of Bihar and the Poorvanchal region is on October 28 (Tuesday).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indian Railways other than offering special festive trains has come up with a new experimental scheme called the Round Trip Package to ease traffic.



In order to make travel comfortable and hasle-free this festive season, particularly for Diwali and Chatth Puja during the month of October, when the rush of passengers is at its peak, the Indian Railways other than offering special festive trains has come up with a new experimental scheme called the "Round Trip Package" to redistribute the peak traffic and help curb rush. Under the new scheme, the Railways have announced a 20 per cent discount on train tickets booked between October 13-26 and return from November 17 to December 1. Bookings for the scheme will start on August 14, 2025. Key Features Of The Scheme A 20% rebate on the base fare of the return journey will be offered to passengers when booking a round trip Onward journey Tickets should be booked between October 13-26 and the return from November 17 to December 1 Bookings for the scheme will start on August 14, 2025 The scheme is applicable to all classes i.e ACs and sleepers on any train, including special festival trains Booking cannot happen on trains with Flexi Fare pricing Online or by Counter booking at the reservation office Terms and conditions to know before booking The 20 per cent discount is only on the base fare of the return journey The tickets must be confirmed both directions for the discount to apply Passenger details for the return journey has to be the same of the onward journey Only confirmed tickets are eligible for the discount in both directions No refund is applicable on this ticket and no additional discounts or benefits, including rail travel coupons, voucher-based bookings, PTOs can be availed Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights falls on October 20 (Monday), while Chatth Puja, a prominent festival of the state of Bihar and the Poorvanchal region is on October 28 (Tuesday).

The Indian Railways other than offering special festive trains has come up with a new experimental scheme called the "Round Trip Package" to ease traffic.&nbsp;

Booking train tickets soon? Here’s the festive discount from Indian Railways you can’t miss. Details inside

The upcoming Independence Day Special of Kaun Banega Corerpati airing on August 15 at 9:00 PM on Sony LIV is set to feature three uniformed officers, namely Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, and Lieutenant Commander Prerna Deosthalee of the Indian Navy. This is a remarkable occurrence because, for the first time in the history of both the Indian Armed Forces and 43 years of Indian Television entertainment, serving uniformed officers will be present in a game show. Serving officers have previously appeared rarely in news interviews and documentaries, but never in commercial entertainment.Sony Entertainment released a promo of the episode with the three officers engaging in chats with the iconic Amitabh Bachchan. He was visibly engulfed by patriotic sentiment in the presence of uniformed officers.&nbsp;Commander Vyomika can be heard saying, “From late night 1:05 am to 1:30 am, we ended the whole operation within 25 minutes”. "Targets were destroyed and no harm was caused to any civilian,” added Commander Prerna.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">This 15th August, KBC Hosts Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh &amp; Commander Prerna Deosthalee in its Independence Day Maha Utsav Special Episode Dekhiye Kaun Banega Crorepati ka Independence Day Maha Utsav special episode 15th August raat 9 baje <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SonyLIV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SonyLIV</a> par. <a href="https://t.co/2wo2113BuZ">pic.twitter.com/2wo2113BuZ</a>&mdash; Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) <a href="https://twitter.com/SonyLIV/status/1955169626989662385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Public Reactions</h2>The announcement of the KBC Independence Day Special has created a sharp divide in public opinion. There had been a series of comments from the usual 'inspiring', 'proud' moment to critical comments of 'political theatrics' to casual misogynistic 'man fighting a battle and woman doing PR'.Supporters hailed the move as a powerful tribute to the Indian military. Hailing the platform for showing women in services and inspiring young Indians, thus strengthening the bond between the armed forces and the common public.“Seeing women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force on a platform like KBC is inspiring for the whole nation. It shows our armed forces are not just protectors at the border, but role models for every young Indian.” — Ritika Sharma, Mumbai-based teacher.While contrasting reactions were seen from other groups, even from retired veterans."A Turkish proverb states, 'When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn't become a king; the palace turns into a circus.' Therefore, the upcoming event is the big boss show," said Lt. Col. Sushil Singh Sheoran in a post on social media platform X."It seems this is the flavour of the season. I didn't know this army for sure."“Parading serving officers on a commercial quiz show is against military ethos. Our armed forces are not props for entertainment or political mileage,” said Praveen Dawar, retired Army officer, as quoted by The Telegraph India. Some called it "political theatrics", questioning the appropriateness of deploying active duty personnel on a commercial television show to discuss sensitive information on a recent military operation that can have diplomatic and national security repercussions. This risks politicising the army by blending it with prime-time spectacle. Thus, it sets a precedent of using serving officers as PR tools. While there is another segment that engages in casual sexism, claims that men sacrifice their lives on the frontline, while women engage in press briefings and PR.“Our heroic women in Uniform who went on to become the face of Operation Sindoor have been invited by a private entertainment channel...which also holds Asia Cup broadcasting rights. Now join the dots,” said Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena UBTSuch a highly visible and engaging unprecedented KBC appearance is not feasible without a high-level clearance from the Ministry of Defence. Discussing Operation Sindoor in a public entertainment format can be construed as a violation of the Official Secrets Act 1923 if any classified information is disclosed. Moreover Army Act 1950, the Air Force Act 1950, Navy Act 1957 strictly prohibit the misuse of uniform as well as commercial or political association. This kind of special is driven by commercials, engaging active duty officials in revenue boosting for a private broadcaster, blurring several ethical boundaries. Sony wants to parade around with the halo of nationalism and boost TRP, and the Union Government can milk 'Operation Sindoor' with every opportunity for political mileage, so be it at the cost of military ethos.This crossover will remain a bold step in public engagement or as a cautionary tale about blurring boundaries between India’s armed forces and entertainment television. However, public backlash shows that bringing patriotism to the living room is a sensitive affair, where the line between spectacle and honour is thin.

The Independence Day special of Kaun Banega Crorepati featuring three serving women officers from India’s armed forces sparks national debate. Is it a proud step in public engagement or a worrying blur between military honour and entertainment television?

The upcoming Independence Day Special of Kaun Banega Corerpati airing on August 15 at 9:00 PM on Sony LIV is set to feature three uniformed officers, namely Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, and Lieutenant Commander Prerna Deosthalee of the Indian Navy. This is a remarkable occurrence because, for the first time in the history of both the Indian Armed Forces and 43 years of Indian Television entertainment, serving uniformed officers will be present in a game show. Serving officers have previously appeared rarely in news interviews and documentaries, but never in commercial entertainment. Sony Entertainment released a promo of the episode with the three officers engaging in chats with the iconic Amitabh Bachchan. He was visibly engulfed by patriotic sentiment in the presence of uniformed officers. Commander Vyomika can be heard saying, “From late night 1:05 am to 1:30 am, we ended the whole operation within 25 minutes”. "Targets were destroyed and no harm was caused to any civilian,” added Commander Prerna.

The Independence Day special of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' featuring three serving women officers from India’s armed forces sparks national debate. Is it a proud step in public engagement or a worrying blur between military honour and entertainment television?

Independence day 2025 : KBC’s Independence Day special with serving officers sparks debate on military-entertainment boundaries

Jai Hind, meaning hail India, and Bharat Mata ki Jai, or victory to Mother India, are two of the most popular patriotic slogans. On this Independence Day, let us look into the origin story of these.<h2>Who coined the slogan Jai Hind?</h2>There are competing versions of this. According to some accounts, it was coined by the revolutionary freedom fighter Chempakaraman Pillai, when he was working with the Indian Independence Committee in Germany during World War I. Pillai was later associated with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the founder of the Indian National Army or INA. The credit for popularising Jai Hind goes to Bose. The slogan became a rallying cry for Indian nationalists during India's freedom struggle against British colonial rule.https://www.wionews.com/videos/celebrate-india-s-79th-independence-day-india-s-journey-of-78-years-gravitas-1755109661453/embed Bose used Jai Hind as a greeting as well as a battle cry to inspire his INA troops and build a sense of unity and patriotism. The slogan became very popular in the early 1940s during the INA's campaigns, which formally adopted it. Bose used the slogan in his speeches and radio broadcasts from Azad Hind [Free India] Radio. Since independence, Jai Hind has become a national slogan, used in official and patriotic events. It also became a war cry of the Indian armed forces.<h2>Who coined the slogan Bharat Mata Ki Jai?</h2>There are different claimants to the slogan Bharat Mata Ki Jai, which depicts the nation as a mother goddess. This is the second slogan that became prominent during the Indian independence movement, whose leaders and activists used it to invoke patriotism and resistance against the British. It is widely acknowledged that Bengali nationalist Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay introduced the concept of 'Bharat Mata' in his 1882 novel Anandamath, which also included “Vande Mataram”, later adopted as the national song of India. The imagery of India as a mother goddess was thus born. The slogan Bharat Mata Ki Jai does not directly appear in the novel, but essentially took shape from Bankim Chandra's concept. There are claims that the slogan was coined by the freedom fighter Azimullah Khan. It became a slogan of the Indian freedom movement in the 20th century, used by revolutionaries and leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh and Bipin Chandra Pal. The slogan was used during protests, such as the Swadeshi Movement of 1905–1908, and later by nationalist groups.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Jai Hind and Bharat Mata ki Jai became a rallying cry for nationalists during India's freedom struggle against British colonial rule. Here is their stories

Jai Hind, meaning hail India, and Bharat Mata ki Jai, or victory to Mother India, are two of the most popular patriotic slogans. On this Independence Day, let us look into the origin story of these. Who coined the slogan Jai Hind? There are competing versions of this. According to some accounts, it was coined by the revolutionary freedom fighter Chempakaraman Pillai, when he was working with the Indian Independence Committee in Germany during World War I. Pillai was later associated with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the founder of the Indian National Army or INA. The credit for popularising Jai Hind goes to Bose. The slogan became a rallying cry for Indian nationalists during India's freedom struggle against British colonial rule. https://www.wionews.com/videos/celebrate-india-s-79th-independence-day-india-s-journey-of-78-years-gravitas-1755109661453/embed Bose used Jai Hind as a greeting as well as a battle cry to inspire his INA troops and build a sense of unity and patriotism. The slogan became very popular in the early 1940s during the INA's campaigns, which formally adopted it. Bose used the slogan in his speeches and radio broadcasts from Azad Hind [Free India] Radio. Since independence, Jai Hind has become a national slogan, used in official and patriotic events. It also became a war cry of the Indian armed forces. Who coined the slogan Bharat Mata Ki Jai? There are different claimants to the slogan Bharat Mata Ki Jai, which depicts the nation as a mother goddess. This is the second slogan that became prominent during the Indian independence movement, whose leaders and activists used it to invoke patriotism and resistance against the British. It is widely acknowledged that Bengali nationalist Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay introduced the concept of 'Bharat Mata' in his 1882 novel Anandamath, which also included “Vande Mataram”, later adopted as the national song of India. The imagery of India as a mother goddess was thus born. The slogan Bharat Mata Ki Jai does not directly appear in the novel, but essentially took shape from Bankim Chandra's concept. There are claims that the slogan was coined by the freedom fighter Azimullah Khan. It became a slogan of the Indian freedom movement in the 20th century, used by revolutionaries and leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh and Bipin Chandra Pal. The slogan was used during protests, such as the Swadeshi Movement of 1905–1908, and later by nationalist groups.

Jai Hind and Bharat Mata ki Jai became a rallying cry for nationalists during India's freedom struggle against British colonial rule. Here is their stories

Who coined Jai Hind and Bharat Mata ki Jai, India's most popular patriotic slogans?

On the occasion of Independence Day, the Pakistani leadership has been sloganeering and also celebrating the victory of ‘Marka-e-Haq’. The nation has seemingly centered the celebrations around the 4-day conflict with neighbouring India, in which terrorist outfits operating from their soil were destroyed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced the formation of Army Rocket Force Command. Responding to WION’s question on the statements made by Bhilawal Bhutto and Asim Munir, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen irresponsible statements from Pakistani leadership to hide their failure – it's their attitude. We urge Pakistan to control itself. Any misadventure will cost them.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-pak-pm-announces-creation-of-army-rocket-force-1755161950937/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-pak-pm-announces-creation-of-army-rocket-force-1755161950937/embed</a>&nbsp;“We have seen several statements and reports regarding a continued pattern of reckless hate and warmongering patterns from Pakistan. There will be a response and retaliation if Pakistan plans or dares to be involved in any misadventure against India,” Jaiswal added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-favouring-pakistan-and-distancing-from-india-here-s-what-trump-admin-said-amid-munir-s-nuke-threat-and-tariff-war-1755059139784">US favouring Pakistan and distancing from India? Here's what Trump admin said amid Munir's nuke threat and tariff war</a>&nbsp;On August 13, Sharif delivered a speech at Islamabad's Jinnah Sports Stadium, where he celebrated not only the victory of the nation’s creation but also the cross-border conflict with neighbouring India. He called it ‘Marka e Haq’, lauded the nation for what they call a historic win and also noted that they were wrongfully implicated by New Delhi for their involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, which claimed 26 innocent lives.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-deeply-appreciate-engagement-on-counterterrorism-us-wishes-pakistan-on-its-independence-day-1755141525714">'Deeply appreciate engagement on counterterrorism': US wishes Pakistan on its Independence Day</a>&nbsp;Wishing the nation, Sharif said, “Pakistan’s historic victory in Marka-e-Haq during the four-day war imposed by India has not only reinforced the sanctity of our freedom, but has also instilled a renewed sense of ambition and national spirit in the hearts of our people, magnifying the pride and fervour of this Independence Day.”&nbsp;

Pakistani leadership has been involved in chest-thumping as they celebrate Independence Day. But the theme of this victory seems to be the 4-day conflict with India. MEA has responds…

On the occasion of Independence Day, the Pakistani leadership has been sloganeering and also celebrating the victory of ‘Marka-e-Haq’. The nation has seemingly centered the celebrations around the 4-day conflict with neighbouring India, in which terrorist outfits operating from their soil were destroyed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced the formation of Army Rocket Force Command. Responding to WION’s question on the statements made by Bhilawal Bhutto and Asim Munir, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen irresponsible statements from Pakistani leadership to hide their failure – it's their attitude. We urge Pakistan to control itself. Any misadventure will cost them.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-pak-pm-announces-creation-of-army-rocket-force-1755161950937/embed “We have seen several statements and reports regarding a continued pattern of reckless hate and warmongering patterns from Pakistan. There will be a response and retaliation if Pakistan plans or dares to be involved in any misadventure against India,” Jaiswal added. Also read: US favouring Pakistan and distancing from India? Here's what Trump admin said amid Munir's nuke threat and tariff war On August 13, Sharif delivered a speech at Islamabad's Jinnah Sports Stadium, where he celebrated not only the victory of the nation’s creation but also the cross-border conflict with neighbouring India. He called it ‘Marka e Haq’, lauded the nation for what they call a historic win and also noted that they were wrongfully implicated by New Delhi for their involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, which claimed 26 innocent lives. Also read: 'Deeply appreciate engagement on counterterrorism': US wishes Pakistan on its Independence Day Wishing the nation, Sharif said, “Pakistan’s historic victory in Marka-e-Haq during the four-day war imposed by India has not only reinforced the sanctity of our freedom, but has also instilled a renewed sense of ambition and national spirit in the hearts of our people, magnifying the pride and fervour of this Independence Day.”

Pakistani leadership has been involved in chest-thumping as they celebrate Independence Day. But the theme of this victory seems to be the 4-day conflict with India. MEA has responds…

'Control, any misadventure will cost you': India warns Pakistan against warmongering

Amidst constant attacks by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding fudging voter data, the Election Commission on Thursday (August 14) said rather than resorting to manufacturing false narrative with the help of "dirty words" like 'vote chori' (vote theft), evidence should be produced. In a statement, the EC said the "one person one vote" law is already in place since the first elections in 1951-1952. "If anyone has any proof of any person actually voting twice in any election, it should be shared with ECI with a written affidavit rather than colouring all the electors of India as 'chor' without any proof," it said. &nbsp;The poll body said that attempting to build a false narrative through the employment of "dirty words" such as "vote chori" against Indian voters is not only an attack on the crore of Indian voters directly but also an attack on the integrity of lakhs of election officials.&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi, Lok Sabha opposition leader, last week referenced data to make the claim that over one lakh votes were 'stolen' in Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha's Mahadevpura assembly constituency in the 2024 elections, leading to the loss of a Congress candidate. The Election Commission had instructed Gandhi to present a written statement in support of his allegations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (August 13) claimed that he had a special experience of sharing tea with some "dead" voters from Bihar and thanked the Election Commission (EC) for it. Seven Bihar voters approached the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha at his residence and narrated their experience of how the EC had declared them "dead" and deleted their names from electoral rolls.&nbsp;“There have been many interesting experiences in life, but I never got the chance to have tea with 'dead people'. For this unique experience, thank you Election Commission!,” Gandhi wrote in a post in Hindi on social media platform X. He also posted a video of his interaction with the "dead" voters. In it, Rahul Gandhi can be heard instructing them to walk around and look at Delhi since the "dead" cannot even be issued tickets.

Stop false narrative and give proof Election Commission slams Rahul Gandhi over voter fraud claims

Amidst constant attacks by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding fudging voter data, the Election Commission on Thursday (August 14) said rather than resorting to manufacturing false narrative with the help of "dirty words" like 'vote chori' (vote theft), evidence should be produced. In a statement, the EC said the "one person one vote" law is already in place since the first elections in 1951-1952. "If anyone has any proof of any person actually voting twice in any election, it should be shared with ECI with a written affidavit rather than colouring all the electors of India as 'chor' without any proof," it said. The poll body said that attempting to build a false narrative through the employment of "dirty words" such as "vote chori" against Indian voters is not only an attack on the crore of Indian voters directly but also an attack on the integrity of lakhs of election officials. Rahul Gandhi, Lok Sabha opposition leader, last week referenced data to make the claim that over one lakh votes were 'stolen' in Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha's Mahadevpura assembly constituency in the 2024 elections, leading to the loss of a Congress candidate. The Election Commission had instructed Gandhi to present a written statement in support of his allegations. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (August 13) claimed that he had a special experience of sharing tea with some "dead" voters from Bihar and thanked the Election Commission (EC) for it. Seven Bihar voters approached the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha at his residence and narrated their experience of how the EC had declared them "dead" and deleted their names from electoral rolls. “There have been many interesting experiences in life, but I never got the chance to have tea with 'dead people'. For this unique experience, thank you Election Commission!,” Gandhi wrote in a post in Hindi on social media platform X. He also posted a video of his interaction with the "dead" voters. In it, Rahul Gandhi can be heard instructing them to walk around and look at Delhi since the "dead" cannot even be issued tickets.

The leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, last week cited data to allege that more than one lakh votes were 'stolen' in Mahadevpura assembly constituency of Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha in 2024 elections, resulting in the defeat of a Congress candidate

'Stop false narrative and give proof’: Election Commission slams Rahul Gandhi over 'voter fraud' claims

Even after imposing 50 per cent tariffs on India, the United States once again warned New Delhi that it would increase the secondary tariffs on India if things don't go well between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.&nbsp;US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with Bloomberg TV, said that if things don't go well between Trump and Putin, sanctions and secondary tariffs could be imposed.&nbsp;"We've put secondary tariffs on Indians for buying Russian oil. And I could if things don't go well, then sanctions or secondary tariffs could go up," he said.&nbsp;This comes just a day before the US and Russian presidents are scheduled to hold talks in Alaska on August 15, to discuss a peace plan for Russia and Ukraine to end the ongoing war.<h2>Trump slaps 50% tariff on India</h2>Initially, Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India, citing several reasons, including India's import of Russian oil amid their full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump further alleged that India is indirectly helping in Russia's war in Ukraine.&nbsp;Later, the US president imposed an additional 25 per cent tariffs, making it a whole 50 per cent on India. Trump said that as India is buying Russian oil, it is "fueling the war machine", adding that he is not going to be happy if the country does that.&nbsp;As Trump continues to be disappointed with Putin for not stopping the killing and the war in Ukraine, he told reporters on Wednesday that Russia will face actions if it does not agree to halt the war after the meeting.&nbsp;"President Trump is meeting with President Putin, and the Europeans are in the wings, carping about how he should do it, what he should do. The Europeans need to join in these sanctions. The Europeans need to be willing to put on these secondary sanctions," Bessent told the media network.<h2>Timings of Trump-Putin talks</h2>The talks between the two leaders are scheduled to begin at 22:30 Moscow time (7:30 GMT/1 am IST) in Alaska, at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base.<h2>Agenda of Trump-Putin talks</h2>Trump and Putin are expected to discuss ways to settle the Ukraine conflict during their talks in Alaska on Friday, the Kremlin aide said.The central topic between the two leaders will be the resolution of the Ukraine crisis. Following the meeting between Putin and Trump, they will be giving a joint press conference, Ushakov confirmed.Initially, Putin and Trump will first hold a one-on-one meeting, and later, with the participation of delegations, Lavrov, Ushakov, Belousov, Siluanov and Dmitriev will take part in the negotiations between Putin and Trump.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with Bloomberg TV, said that if things don't go well between Trump and Putin, sanctions and secondary tariffs could be imposed.

Even after imposing 50 per cent tariffs on India, the United States once again warned New Delhi that it would increase the secondary tariffs on India if things don't go well between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with Bloomberg TV, said that if things don't go well between Trump and Putin, sanctions and secondary tariffs could be imposed. "We've put secondary tariffs on Indians for buying Russian oil. And I could if things don't go well, then sanctions or secondary tariffs could go up," he said. This comes just a day before the US and Russian presidents are scheduled to hold talks in Alaska on August 15, to discuss a peace plan for Russia and Ukraine to end the ongoing war. Trump slaps 50% tariff on India Initially, Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India, citing several reasons, including India's import of Russian oil amid their full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump further alleged that India is indirectly helping in Russia's war in Ukraine. Later, the US president imposed an additional 25 per cent tariffs, making it a whole 50 per cent on India. Trump said that as India is buying Russian oil, it is "fueling the war machine", adding that he is not going to be happy if the country does that. As Trump continues to be disappointed with Putin for not stopping the killing and the war in Ukraine, he told reporters on Wednesday that Russia will face actions if it does not agree to halt the war after the meeting. "President Trump is meeting with President Putin, and the Europeans are in the wings, carping about how he should do it, what he should do. The Europeans need to join in these sanctions. The Europeans need to be willing to put on these secondary sanctions," Bessent told the media network. Timings of Trump-Putin talks The talks between the two leaders are scheduled to begin at 22:30 Moscow time (7:30 GMT/1 am IST) in Alaska, at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base. Agenda of Trump-Putin talks Trump and Putin are expected to discuss ways to settle the Ukraine conflict during their talks in Alaska on Friday, the Kremlin aide said. The central topic between the two leaders will be the resolution of the Ukraine crisis. Following the meeting between Putin and Trump, they will be giving a joint press conference, Ushakov confirmed. Initially, Putin and Trump will first hold a one-on-one meeting, and later, with the participation of delegations, Lavrov, Ushakov, Belousov, Siluanov and Dmitriev will take part in the negotiations between Putin and Trump.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with Bloomberg TV, said that if things don't go well between Trump and Putin, sanctions and secondary tariffs could be imposed.

Another WARNING for India: US warns New Delhi of more tariffs, sanctions if Trump-Putin Alaska talks 'don't go well'

Like every year, this year also on August 15, commemorating Independence Day, the historic Red Fort in Delhi will host the iconic flag hoisting ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After the flag hoisting, PM Modi will give a speech from the Lal Quila, followed by a spectacular parade that fills the air with patriotism and pride.&nbsp;If someone has dreamed of experiencing this grand live event in person, including the parade along with PM Modi's speech and flag hoisting, then follow these steps to book your seat online through the official government portal to enjoy the celebrations.<ul><li>Visit the official website: aamantran.mod.gov.in.</li><li>Look at the option ‘Online Ticket Booking for Independence Day 2025’ on the homepage.</li><li>Click on the link, then fill in all your relevant details—name, contact number, and the number of tickets you want.</li><li>Now, upload your photo ID (passport, Aadhaar, or another valid ID) for verification.</li><li>Then choose your ticket out of three categories priced at Rs 20, Rs 100, and Rs 500.</li><li>Complete payment securely via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.</li><li>Download your e-ticket and keep a printed or digital copy handy for entry.</li></ul>After booking the ticket, reach the venue before the given time, as traffic could lead to you being delayed in attending the event.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-exploring-its-history-theme-and-importance-1754988009693">Independence Day 2025: Exploring its history, theme, and national importance</a><h3>When to watch parade and PM Modi's speech?</h3>Event Date: Friday, August 15, 2025Time: Around 7:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST)&nbsp;The event starts with official greetings, followed by a 21-gun salute, then a ceremonial flag hoisting by the prime minister, and later by the singing of the national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.” After all this procedure, PM Modi will give a speech to the nation, and then the parade will start.<h3>Where to watch parade and PM Modi's speech?</h3>If someone couldn't get a ticket to watch the event live, then he/she can watch the live telecast of the Independence Day celebrations by tuning into Doordarshan (DD National) or other media.&nbsp;One can also visit the official Press Information Bureau (PIB) YouTube channel and the PMO's official YouTube page to watch the parade and listen to PM Modi's speech.&nbsp;Link here:<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHPepCanEug"></oembed></figure>

Celebrate the 79th Independence Day of India in 2025 by witnessing the grand flag hoisting and parade at the Red Fort of Delhi. Know when and where to watch the parade and the live speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Like every year, this year also on August 15, commemorating Independence Day, the historic Red Fort in Delhi will host the iconic flag hoisting ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After the flag hoisting, PM Modi will give a speech from the Lal Quila, followed by a spectacular parade that fills the air with patriotism and pride. If someone has dreamed of experiencing this grand live event in person, including the parade along with PM Modi's speech and flag hoisting, then follow these steps to book your seat online through the official government portal to enjoy the celebrations. Visit the official website: aamantran.mod.gov.in. Look at the option ‘Online Ticket Booking for Independence Day 2025’ on the homepage. Click on the link, then fill in all your relevant details—name, contact number, and the number of tickets you want. Now, upload your photo ID (passport, Aadhaar, or another valid ID) for verification. Then choose your ticket out of three categories priced at Rs 20, Rs 100, and Rs 500. Complete payment securely via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking. Download your e-ticket and keep a printed or digital copy handy for entry. After booking the ticket, reach the venue before the given time, as traffic could lead to you being delayed in attending the event. Also read: Independence Day 2025: Exploring its history, theme, and national importance When to watch parade and PM Modi's speech? Event Date: Friday, August 15, 2025 Time: Around 7:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) The event starts with official greetings, followed by a 21-gun salute, then a ceremonial flag hoisting by the prime minister, and later by the singing of the national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.” After all this procedure, PM Modi will give a speech to the nation, and then the parade will start. Where to watch parade and PM Modi's speech? If someone couldn't get a ticket to watch the event live, then he/she can watch the live telecast of the Independence Day celebrations by tuning into Doordarshan (DD National) or other media. One can also visit the official Press Information Bureau (PIB) YouTube channel and the PMO's official YouTube page to watch the parade and listen to PM Modi's speech. Link here:

Celebrate the 79th Independence Day of India in 2025 by witnessing the grand flag hoisting and parade at the Red Fort of Delhi. Know when and where to watch the parade and the live speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Independence Day 2025: When and where to watch parade, PM Modi’s speech live - Know here

A cloudburst has been reported in Jammu and Kashmir's Chositi in Kishtwar district triggering flash floods in the area. Over 20 people are feared dead in the cloudburst, according to preliminary reports. The incident happened en route Machail Mata Yatra.&nbsp;Army, NDRF and SDRF officials have been rushed to the spot to carry out rescue operations. "Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families &amp; prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF &amp; SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue &amp; relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected," wrote Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on X.&nbsp;Union Minister Jitendra Singh has spoken to Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma and is keeping an eye on the operations.&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said All possible resources are being mobilised to manage the rescue operations.&nbsp;“I just spoke to the Union Home Minister @AmitShah Sb to brief him about the developing situation in Kishtwar region of Jammu. The news is grim &amp; accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloud burst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised from within &amp; beyond J&amp;K to manage the rescue operations. I’m not going to be speaking to channels or news agencies. The government will share information as &amp; when possible,” wrote Omar on X.&nbsp;Rain has played havoc in the hill states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir since the start of monsoon in late June. Flash floods and cloudburst have become a common occurrence leading to large scale destruction, including loss of lives.&nbsp;(This is a developing story)

At least 10 persons are feared dead in the cloudburst, according to preliminary reports.

A cloudburst has been reported in Jammu and Kashmir's Chositi in Kishtwar district triggering flash floods in the area. Over 20 people are feared dead in the cloudburst, according to preliminary reports. The incident happened en route Machail Mata Yatra. Army, NDRF and SDRF officials have been rushed to the spot to carry out rescue operations. "Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families & prayers for quick recovery of injured. Directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue & relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to the affected," wrote Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on X. Union Minister Jitendra Singh has spoken to Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma and is keeping an eye on the operations. Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said All possible resources are being mobilised to manage the rescue operations. “I just spoke to the Union Home Minister @AmitShah Sb to brief him about the developing situation in Kishtwar region of Jammu. The news is grim & accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloud burst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised from within & beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations. I’m not going to be speaking to channels or news agencies. The government will share information as & when possible,” wrote Omar on X. Rain has played havoc in the hill states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir since the start of monsoon in late June. Flash floods and cloudburst have become a common occurrence leading to large scale destruction, including loss of lives. (This is a developing story)

&nbsp;At least 10 persons are feared dead in the cloudburst, according to preliminary reports.

Cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar triggers flash floods, over 20 feared dead

If you are planning to visit Delhi, or you are already in Delhi on Independence Day, then these iconic historical monuments, which showcase India’s incredible architectural brilliance, will tell you stories of courage, resilience, and patriotism.

Top 5 historical monuments in Delhi to explore this Independence Day

Every year on August 15, when India marks its Independence Day, the skies of many cities are filled with kites, trying to fly above each other and 'cut' each other down. The kite-flying tradition is intricately linked to India's freedom from British colonial rule, as it was once used as a form of protest. Today, kite enthusiasts battle it out, trying to cut the opponents’ kite strings using threads or ‘manjha’ coated with abrasives. These informal contests promote community bonding. Often, the kites carry patriotic and social messages like “I Love India” or “Beti Bachao (save the girl child).” Here is the story of how kites became associated with India’s Independence Day.<h2>How kite flying was used as a symbolic protest during India's freedom struggle</h2>In 1927, during a movement against the Simon Commission, Indians flew kites with slogans like 'Go Back Simon' as a peaceful form of protest. The Simon Commission was seven UK lawmakers sent by the British government to review the Government of India Act 1919 and recommend reforms. Led by Sir John Simon, the commission was strongly opposed by Indians as it had no Indian members. There were widespread protests and boycotts in India as essentially the fate of Indians was being determined by a group that had no Indians in it.&nbsp;Kite flying against Simon Commission is believed to be its beginning as a mark of freedom, resistance, and patriotism. Since 1947, when India gained independence, the soaring kites came to represent liberty, national pride, and the joy of freedom.&nbsp;Kite flying thus became a patriotic gesture, celebrating unity and independence.There is no specific individual or group credited with starting the kite flying tradition on Independence day; it emerged organically during the freedom movement, gaining prominence in the 1920s.<h2>Where are kite flying events and competitions most popular during Independence Day?</h2>Kite flying during Independence Day is particularly popular in North India, especially in cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Bareilly, and Moradabad. In the north and west, the states of Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan and Punjab have a strong kite-flying traditions. In the east, kite flying is seen in Kolkata, West Bengal.Old Delhi is especially known for its vibrant kite flying culture, where it's celebrated with rooftop gatherings, competitions, and patriotic music. Markets sell kites in the colour of the tricolor Indian flag, ‘tiranga’, with various slogans. In Old Delhi, Syed Mohiuddin, known as Bhai Mian, was a popular figure known for his kite shop and large-scale kite flying feats, as part of competitions known as 'patang baazi'.Gujarat is also widely known for its kite-flying tradition as the host of the International Kite Festival. During Independence Day, phrases like 'Kai Po Che' (shouted when one cuts down another's kite) fill the air in the western Indian state. Gujarat is also home to the Patang Kite Museum, showcasing the historical and artistic significance of kites in India.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/celebrate-india-s-79th-independence-day-india-s-journey-of-78-years-gravitas-1755109661453/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/celebrate-india-s-79th-independence-day-india-s-journey-of-78-years-gravitas-1755109661453/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>When did kite flying reach India?</h2>It is believed that kites were brought to India by Chinese travellers in the 4th–7th centuries. Kite flying as a recreational and competitive activity predates the independence movement. It became popular during Mughal rule and is also a strong part of Hindu festivals like Makar Sankranti and Basant Panchami.But kite flying is losing popularity. Urbanisation, safety concerns, and bans on synthetic strings like 'Chinese manjha', which use sharp glass-coated threads, have reduced participation in kite flying in some areas.&nbsp;

Kite flying is often a battle of skill, where participants battle it out, trying to cut the opponents’ kite strings using threads or ‘manjha’ coated with abrasives. 

Every year on August 15, when India marks its Independence Day, the skies of many cities are filled with kites, trying to fly above each other and 'cut' each other down. The kite-flying tradition is intricately linked to India's freedom from British colonial rule, as it was once used as a form of protest. Today, kite enthusiasts battle it out, trying to cut the opponents’ kite strings using threads or ‘manjha’ coated with abrasives. These informal contests promote community bonding. Often, the kites carry patriotic and social messages like “I Love India” or “Beti Bachao (save the girl child).” Here is the story of how kites became associated with India’s Independence Day. How kite flying was used as a symbolic protest during India's freedom struggle In 1927, during a movement against the Simon Commission, Indians flew kites with slogans like 'Go Back Simon' as a peaceful form of protest. The Simon Commission was seven UK lawmakers sent by the British government to review the Government of India Act 1919 and recommend reforms. Led by Sir John Simon, the commission was strongly opposed by Indians as it had no Indian members. There were widespread protests and boycotts in India as essentially the fate of Indians was being determined by a group that had no Indians in it. Kite flying against Simon Commission is believed to be its beginning as a mark of freedom, resistance, and patriotism. Since 1947, when India gained independence, the soaring kites came to represent liberty, national pride, and the joy of freedom. Kite flying thus became a patriotic gesture, celebrating unity and independence. There is no specific individual or group credited with starting the kite flying tradition on Independence day; it emerged organically during the freedom movement, gaining prominence in the 1920s. Where are kite flying events and competitions most popular during Independence Day? Kite flying during Independence Day is particularly popular in North India, especially in cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Bareilly, and Moradabad. In the north and west, the states of Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan and Punjab have a strong kite-flying traditions. In the east, kite flying is seen in Kolkata, West Bengal. Old Delhi is especially known for its vibrant kite flying culture, where it's celebrated with rooftop gatherings, competitions, and patriotic music. Markets sell kites in the colour of the tricolor Indian flag, ‘tiranga’, with various slogans. In Old Delhi, Syed Mohiuddin, known as Bhai Mian, was a popular figure known for his kite shop and large-scale kite flying feats, as part of competitions known as 'patang baazi'. Gujarat is also widely known for its kite-flying tradition as the host of the International Kite Festival. During Independence Day, phrases like 'Kai Po Che' (shouted when one cuts down another's kite) fill the air in the western Indian state. Gujarat is also home to the Patang Kite Museum, showcasing the historical and artistic significance of kites in India. https://www.wionews.com/videos/celebrate-india-s-79th-independence-day-india-s-journey-of-78-years-gravitas-1755109661453/embed When did kite flying reach India? It is believed that kites were brought to India by Chinese travellers in the 4th–7th centuries. Kite flying as a recreational and competitive activity predates the independence movement. It became popular during Mughal rule and is also a strong part of Hindu festivals like Makar Sankranti and Basant Panchami. But kite flying is losing popularity. Urbanisation, safety concerns, and bans on synthetic strings like 'Chinese manjha', which use sharp glass-coated threads, have reduced participation in kite flying in some areas.

Kite flying is a test of skill and speed, where participants battle it out, trying to cut the opponents’ kite strings using threads or ‘manjha’ coated with abrasives.&nbsp;

'Kai Po Che!': Why do Indians fly kites during Independence Day? Did you know it was once a mark of protest?

On the 79th Independence Day celebrations, security has been beefed up and put on high alert across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The number of security personnel on the ground have been increased. Security forces have also put barricades at many places, while drones are being used for aerial surveillance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/celebrate-india-s-79th-independence-day-india-s-journey-of-78-years-gravitas-1755109661453/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/celebrate-india-s-79th-independence-day-india-s-journey-of-78-years-gravitas-1755109661453/embed</a>&nbsp;Dog squads are also being used to keep a vigil. LG Manoj Sinha would be presiding over the main function at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. Multiple functions have been organised across the UT by the UT Government. Checkpoints have been put in Various districts, including the bordering districts of North Kashmir, including Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora.&nbsp;&nbsp;Multiple anti-terror operations are being carried on by security forces across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. On Wednesday, security forces foiled an infiltration bid in North Kashmir's Uri sector in the Baramulla district. One Indian army soldier was killed during the operation. Security forces say the operation continues on the second day in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-2025-diverse-special-guests-to-join-pm-modi-at-red-fort-1755147423991">Independence Day 2025: From sanitation workers to ‘lakhpati didis’ diverse special guests to join PM Modi at Red Fort</a>&nbsp;''Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of Braveheart Havildar Ankit Kumar, who laid down his life while undertaking operational duty along the Line of Control in Uri, Baramulla. Chinar Warriors salute his immense valour and sacrifice, express deepest condolence and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family," said the Indian Army.&nbsp;&nbsp;An encounter started between terrorists and security forces in Dul area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday and continued for the fourth consecutive day. According to the officials, a massive search operation is being carried out by security forces in the region. Security forces also blasted one of the natural caves in the area, in which they believed that terrorists could be hiding.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ahead of Independence Day, security has been heightened across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. With more surveillance, dog squads are also being used to keep a vigil.

On the 79th Independence Day celebrations, security has been beefed up and put on high alert across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The number of security personnel on the ground have been increased. Security forces have also put barricades at many places, while drones are being used for aerial surveillance. https://www.wionews.com/videos/celebrate-india-s-79th-independence-day-india-s-journey-of-78-years-gravitas-1755109661453/embed Dog squads are also being used to keep a vigil. LG Manoj Sinha would be presiding over the main function at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. Multiple functions have been organised across the UT by the UT Government. Checkpoints have been put in Various districts, including the bordering districts of North Kashmir, including Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora. Multiple anti-terror operations are being carried on by security forces across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. On Wednesday, security forces foiled an infiltration bid in North Kashmir's Uri sector in the Baramulla district. One Indian army soldier was killed during the operation. Security forces say the operation continues on the second day in the area. Also read: Independence Day 2025: From sanitation workers to ‘lakhpati didis’ diverse special guests to join PM Modi at Red Fort ''Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of Braveheart Havildar Ankit Kumar, who laid down his life while undertaking operational duty along the Line of Control in Uri, Baramulla. Chinar Warriors salute his immense valour and sacrifice, express deepest condolence and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family," said the Indian Army. An encounter started between terrorists and security forces in Dul area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday and continued for the fourth consecutive day. According to the officials, a massive search operation is being carried out by security forces in the region. Security forces also blasted one of the natural caves in the area, in which they believed that terrorists could be hiding.

Ahead of Independence Day, security has been heightened across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. With more surveillance, dog squads are also being used to keep a vigil.

Security on high alert across JK ahead of Independence Day celebrations

As Delhi is gearing up for the Independence Day celebration on Friday, the Delhi Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for the national capital and the NCR region. Many key roads will be closed, and heavy vehicles will face entry bans. The Delhi Traffic Police has already conducted a full dress rehearsal on August 13 to ensure smooth movement for security and ceremonial arrangements. Users were advised to follow the advisory and take the alternate route to avoid congestion.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Traffic Advisory In view of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndependenceDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndependenceDay</a> Full Dress Rehearsal on August 13, 2025, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiTrafficPolice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiTrafficPolice</a> advises commuters to avoid these roads and take alternate routes at the mentioned timings.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DPTrafficAdvisory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DPTrafficAdvisory</a> <a href="https://t.co/JDrE9yS86F">pic.twitter.com/JDrE9yS86F</a>&mdash; Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) <a href="https://twitter.com/dtptraffic/status/1954897524051058992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Roads closed around the Red Fort</h2>Netaji Subhash Marg (Delhi Gate → Chatta Rail Chowk)Lothian Road (GPO → Fountain Chowk/Chatta Rail)S.P. Mukherjee Marg (H.C. Sen Marg → Yamuna Bazar Chowk)Chandni Chowk Road (Fountain Chowk → Red Fort)Nishad Raj Marg (Ring Road → Netaji Subhash Marg)Esplanade Road &amp; its link with Netaji Subhash MargRing Road (Rajghat → ISBT Kashmere Gate)Vehicles without a valid parking label should avoid: C-Hexagon, India Gate, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, Sikandra Road (W-Point), A-Point/Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BSZ Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg, J.L. Nehru Marg, and Ring Road (between Nizamuddin Khatta and ISBT Kashmere Gate), including the Outer Ring Road via Salimgarh bypass.<h2>Restriction on the movement of goods and interstate buses&nbsp;</h2>No entry for goods vehicles from midnight of August 14 to 11:00 AM on August 15 between Nizamuddin Khatta and Wazirabad Bridge; entry at the Noida–Delhi border is barred from 10:00 AM on August 14 until the end of the Independence Day parade. Interstate buses are not permitted between Maharana Pratap ISBT (Kashmere Gate) and Sarai Kale Khan ISBT during the same timeframe. DTC buses will not operate on certain segments of Ring Road ( from ISBT Kashmere Gate to NH-24/NH-9) from midnight August 14 to 10:00 AM on August 15.<h2>Alternative Routes &amp; Travel Suggestions</h2>North-South AccessRoute 1: Aurobindo Marg – Safdarjung Road – Kamal Ataturk Marg – Kautilya Marg – S Marg – 11 Murti – Mother Teresa Crescent – Park Street – Mandir Marg – Panchkuian Road – Rani Jhansi Road.Route 2: Connaught Place – Minto Road – Bhavbhuti Marg – Ajmeri Gate – Shradhanand Marg – Lahori Gate Chowk – Naya Bazar – Peeli Kothi – S.P. Mukherjee Marg.Route 3: Nizamuddin Bridge – Pushta Road – GT Road – Yudhisthar Setu – ISBT. East–West AccessRoute 1: NH-24 (NH-9) – Nizamuddin Khatta – Barapula Road – AIIMS Flyover – Ring Road. Route 2: DND – Barapula Road / via Ashram on Ring Road. Route 3: NH-24 – Nizamuddin Khatta – Ring Road – Bhairon Road – Mathura Road – Subrahmanyam Bharti Marg – Rajesh Pilot Marg – Prithviraj Road – Safdarjung Ataturk Marg – Panchsheel Marg – S.P. Marg/Ridge Road. Route 4: Vikas Marg – IP Marg – DDU Marg – Minto Road – via Connaught Place or Ajmeri Gate – DBG. Route 5: Pusta Road (Shastri Park) – GT Road – Yudhisthar Setu – ISBT. Route 6: DND – NH-24 – Yudhisthar Setu – Signature Bridge – Wazirabad Bridge.&nbsp;Authorities have suggested avoiding the Red Fort vicinity unless extremely necessary, opting for public mobility services like Metro and licensed cabs. Metro services will resume at 4:00 AM, operating at 30-minute intervals until 6:00 AM, and regular frequency thereafter. Large bags, cameras, and water bottles are restricted in the Red Fort area. The traffic helpline number 9971009001 is available for Noida and Faridabad, and 24-hour helpline number 011-25844444, 1095 for all over Delhi NCR.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory on August 11 for the Independence Day celebration. Check road closures, timing, diversion and other details here.

As Delhi is gearing up for the Independence Day celebration on Friday, the Delhi Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for the national capital and the NCR region. Many key roads will be closed, and heavy vehicles will face entry bans. The Delhi Traffic Police has already conducted a full dress rehearsal on August 13 to ensure smooth movement for security and ceremonial arrangements. Users were advised to follow the advisory and take the alternate route to avoid congestion.

The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory on August 11 for the Independence Day celebration. Check road closures, timing, diversion and other details here.

Independence Day 2025: Delhi traffic advisory, road closures, timings, alternate routes, check full list here

Air India is once again in the eye of a storm. This time it is for violating flight time regulations - the 10-hour pilot flight time limit stipulated under the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR). The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a warning to Air India in this regard and has asked it to adhere to highest level of aviation safety requirements.&nbsp;This comes after the Air India plane crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad claimed lives of 241 passengers and crew aboard the plane.&nbsp;On inspection by the DGCA regulator it was found that Air India operated Bangalore-London flights (AI133) on May 16 and 17, 2025, each exceeding the stipulated 10-hour maximum flight time set by the Civil Aviation Requirement or CAR for pilots.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-weather-heavy-to-very-heavy-rainfall-forecast-in-many-districts-including-uttarkashi-for-next-3-days-1755151063999">Uttarakhand Weather: Heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast in many districts, including Uttarkashi for next 3 days</a>&nbsp;“During a spot check, it was observed that Air India operated flights AI133 on May 16 and 17, 2025, both of which surpassed the 10-hour maximum flight time prescribed under Para 6.1.3 of the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 7, Series J, Part III, Issue III dated April 24, 2019," the warning letter issued by DGCA stated.&nbsp;The communication to the airline by DGCA was confirmed by Air India spokesperson, who said the problem was "due to a different interpretation of a permission that was granted to mitigate the border related airspace closure".&nbsp;What was the exemption&nbsp;This exemption was granted to Air India by DGCA after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines on April 24 which impacted West-bound flights. So, to ensure that these flights continue operating, the DGCA allowed Air India to exceed the stipulated 10-hour maximum flight time.&nbsp;However, the airline reportedly applied this exemption to flights that were not affected by Pakistan's airspace closure thus leading to a notice by the regulator body. &nbsp;

An exemption was granted to Air India by DGCA after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines on April 24. But the rules were applied by Air India to other flights thus inviting notice.

Air India is once again in the eye of a storm. This time it is for violating flight time regulations - the 10-hour pilot flight time limit stipulated under the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR). The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a warning to Air India in this regard and has asked it to adhere to highest level of aviation safety requirements. This comes after the Air India plane crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad claimed lives of 241 passengers and crew aboard the plane. On inspection by the DGCA regulator it was found that Air India operated Bangalore-London flights (AI133) on May 16 and 17, 2025, each exceeding the stipulated 10-hour maximum flight time set by the Civil Aviation Requirement or CAR for pilots. Also Read: Uttarakhand Weather: Heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast in many districts, including Uttarkashi for next 3 days “During a spot check, it was observed that Air India operated flights AI133 on May 16 and 17, 2025, both of which surpassed the 10-hour maximum flight time prescribed under Para 6.1.3 of the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 7, Series J, Part III, Issue III dated April 24, 2019," the warning letter issued by DGCA stated. The communication to the airline by DGCA was confirmed by Air India spokesperson, who said the problem was "due to a different interpretation of a permission that was granted to mitigate the border related airspace closure". What was the exemption This exemption was granted to Air India by DGCA after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines on April 24 which impacted West-bound flights. So, to ensure that these flights continue operating, the DGCA allowed Air India to exceed the stipulated 10-hour maximum flight time. However, the airline reportedly applied this exemption to flights that were not affected by Pakistan's airspace closure thus leading to a notice by the regulator body.

An exemption was granted to Air India by DGCA after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines on April 24. But the rules were applied by Air India to other flights thus inviting notice.

Air India flouting safety norms? DGCA slams airline for extending flight duty timings of pilots

Doctors in India have reported about the case of a man whose eye was afflicted with a parasitic roundworm, and how the juices from his eye had to be sucked out to remove the worm. The case study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week. This particular roundworm usually affects dogs and cats. However, the 35-year-old man became an accidental victim of the roundworm that lives in carnivorous mammal hosts like cats. He had been suffering from blurry vision and a red eye for eight months. When he visited a local ophthalmology clinic, the doctors noticed extensive inflammation in the eye. Closer inspection revealed the culprit - a squiggly worm "moving sluggishly" in the back of the eye. Removing the roundworm proved to be a major task. To gain access to the worm, a pars plana vitrectomy had to be performed. The procedure requires the eye’s internal jelly-like vitreous humor to be sucked out. The worm was finally removed and identified as Gnathostoma spinigerum, a parasitic nematode.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/new-scare-unlocked-toothbrush-injury-triggers-stroke-and-deadly-infection-risk-in-japanese-man-1753871613046">Toothbrush injury triggers stroke and deadly infection risk in Japanese man</a>&nbsp;<h2>How do roundworms enter human body?</h2>It had caused a condition called ocular gnathostomiasis which can lead to the infected person losing their vision. The man escaped with a cataract, causing a partial loss of vision in the eye. This happened because of the worm removal procedure. Steroids helped tame down the inflammation. People who eat raw fish or partially cooked seafood are most at risk of being infected by the parasitic roundworm. This creature has a complex life cycle. Cats are the main hosts who pass them out as eggs in their poop. If these eggs enter freshwater, they hatch and the larvae infect small crustaceans called copepods. Fish and frogs usually feed on these copepods. When they enter their system, the larvae continue to develop. When cats are fed their meat, the worms fully mature and lay eggs, again being passed out in the cat's poop.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-girl-8-vomits-live-worms-for-a-month-this-is-why-moth-drain-flies-1751258899084">Chinese girl, 8, vomits live worms for a month - THIS is why</a><h2>Who is at risk from roundworms?</h2>When a human consumes uncooked meat of fish, frogs or ducks that feed on copepods, the worms enter their body but never fully mature. However, they can travel around inside the body, affecting organs like the brain. This causes an infection called gnathostomiasis, and according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, it mostly affects people in countries where raw fish is consumed, like Japan, Thailand, and Mexico.&nbsp; &nbsp;

An Indian man got infected with a roundworm that entered his eye, causing redness and blurry vision for months. Removing the worm required a complex procedure, which left him free of the infection, but with a cataract that affected his vision. 

Doctors in India have reported about the case of a man whose eye was afflicted with a parasitic roundworm, and how the juices from his eye had to be sucked out to remove the worm. The case study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week. This particular roundworm usually affects dogs and cats. However, the 35-year-old man became an accidental victim of the roundworm that lives in carnivorous mammal hosts like cats. He had been suffering from blurry vision and a red eye for eight months. When he visited a local ophthalmology clinic, the doctors noticed extensive inflammation in the eye. Closer inspection revealed the culprit - a squiggly worm "moving sluggishly" in the back of the eye. Removing the roundworm proved to be a major task. To gain access to the worm, a pars plana vitrectomy had to be performed. The procedure requires the eye’s internal jelly-like vitreous humor to be sucked out. The worm was finally removed and identified as Gnathostoma spinigerum, a parasitic nematode. Also Read: Toothbrush injury triggers stroke and deadly infection risk in Japanese man How do roundworms enter human body? It had caused a condition called ocular gnathostomiasis which can lead to the infected person losing their vision. The man escaped with a cataract, causing a partial loss of vision in the eye. This happened because of the worm removal procedure. Steroids helped tame down the inflammation. People who eat raw fish or partially cooked seafood are most at risk of being infected by the parasitic roundworm. This creature has a complex life cycle. Cats are the main hosts who pass them out as eggs in their poop. If these eggs enter freshwater, they hatch and the larvae infect small crustaceans called copepods. Fish and frogs usually feed on these copepods. When they enter their system, the larvae continue to develop. When cats are fed their meat, the worms fully mature and lay eggs, again being passed out in the cat's poop. Also Read: Chinese girl, 8, vomits live worms for a month - THIS is why Who is at risk from roundworms? When a human consumes uncooked meat of fish, frogs or ducks that feed on copepods, the worms enter their body but never fully mature. However, they can travel around inside the body, affecting organs like the brain. This causes an infection called gnathostomiasis, and according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, it mostly affects people in countries where raw fish is consumed, like Japan, Thailand, and Mexico.

An Indian man got infected with a roundworm that entered his eye, causing redness and blurry vision for months. Removing the worm required a complex procedure, which left him free of the infection, but with a cataract that affected his vision.&nbsp;

Ocular horror: 'Squiggly worm' raids man's eye in India, doctors vacuum it out

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Ocular horror: 'Squiggly worm' raids man's eye in India, doctors vacuum it out