Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to legendary Bengali actor Uttam Kumar on his birth centenary, remembering him as a timeless icon whose performances continue to connect with audiences across generations. Widely known as "Mahanayak", Uttam Kumar remains one of the most celebrated figures in Indian cinema. Born on September 3, 1926, as Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay, he left an unforgettable mark on Bengali films through a remarkable career spanning decades.


PM Modi pays tribute to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar on his birth centenary

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay  officially opened the sluice gates of the Mettur Dam today, September 1, initiating a 45-day water release for the Cauvery delta districts. A political row has erupted over Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s visit to Mettur Dam. A BJP leader has slammed Vijay, calling him a “costly Chief Minister” over the visit.


CM Vijay’s Mettur Dam visit sparks row; BJP calls him ‘costly chief minister’ 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's stronger-than-expected 7.8% real GDP growth in Q1 FY2026–27, stating the impressive figures have exposed the "jhooth ki goonj" (echo of lies) spread by political critics. Highlighting key growth drivers like a 9.2% surge in manufacturing, the Prime Minister celebrated the nation's economic resilience despite ongoing global headwinds. Alongside celebrating the economic milestone, PM Modi reinforced his "Swadeshi" push, calling on citizens to support domestic growth by avoiding unnecessary gold purchases and foreign leisure trips. 

India development report: BJP hails 7.8% growth in April-June quarter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's stronger-than-expected 7.8% real GDP growth in Q1 FY2026–27, stating the impressive figures have exposed the "jhooth ki goonj" (echo of lies) spread by political critics. Highlighting key growth drivers like a 9.2% surge in manufacturing, the Prime Minister celebrated the nation's economic resilience despite ongoing global headwinds. Alongside celebrating the economic milestone, PM Modi reinforced his "Swadeshi" push, calling on citizens to support domestic growth by avoiding unnecessary gold purchases and foreign leisure trips. Watch the complete breakdown of India's Q1 GDP performance and key announcements.


PM Modi hails 7.8% growth, pushes 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a four-day diplomatic outreach to Central Asia, starting with Uzbekistan before heading to Kyrgyzstan for the 26th SCO summit. The visit will focus on trade, connectivity and security with a key meeting on the sidelines with Russian president Vladimir Putin also on the cards. Let's break down the numbers behind this Eurasian push.


26th SCO Summit: Modi arrives at YRYS Ordo Congress hall

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with Russian 
President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The two leaders met on the sidelines of 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
From endless wars we should go to end of war", PM Modi tells Russian President Putin. PM Modi tells President Putin that: We are eager to welcome you to India for BRICS summit.

From endless war to end of war: PM Modi's mantra at SCO | WION LIVE from SCO summit, Bishkek

This is PM Modi’s 4th trip to Uzbekistan, and it comes with big numbers attached. Trade crossed $1.3 billion in 2025, India-China trade is up 24% in the first half of 2026, and India is now eyeing 75% of its global trade via FTAs. The timing matters. The 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek on Aug 31-Sept 1 marks 25 years of the Eurasian bloc, and India is asking a real question — can Central Asia help us diversify beyond China? Over 4 days in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the focus is connectivity, energy, critical minerals, and new corridors. It’s not just diplomacy, it’s trade insurance. 


PM Modi's Central Asia push: Can Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan help India diversify trade?

PM Modi held bilateral talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, discussing ways to strengthen ties between the two nations. The meeting comes against the backdrop of Iran's ongoing war with the US and Israel, adding weight to India's continued diplomatic engagement with Tehran even as tensions in the region remain high.


Breaking: PM Modi urges dialogue to resolve regional issues

Breaking: PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Iranian President Pezeshkian

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) brings together some of the world's most influential powers, including India, China, Russia, Pakistan and key Central Asian states. As geopolitical rivalries intensify and global power equations shift, India faces a delicate balancing act within the bloc. Can the recent India-China thaw boost cooperation? What has the SCO achieved on security, counterterrorism and regional connectivity? And can the organisation evolve into a meaningful pillar of multipolarity, or will it remain a platform where rivals simply exchange views?

Can the SCO shape the future of multilateralism, with India’s role emerging as a key test?

The SCO Summit is taking place against a major geopolitical backdrop, with the West Asia conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war and growing tensions between major global powers putting the grouping’s unity under the spotlight.

As India, China, Russia and Iran come together at the summit, one of the biggest questions is whether SCO members can separate their economic interests from their deep geopolitical differences.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has historically focused on economic cooperation, regional security and political coordination. However, finding consensus among its diverse members has often proved difficult.

Russia is expected to maintain strong solidarity with Iran, while China has traditionally taken a more cautious approach. India, meanwhile, continues to maintain important relationships with both Western countries and SCO members, making its diplomatic balancing particularly significant.

Another major question is whether the SCO can strengthen political cooperation without being seen as an explicitly anti-Western bloc.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to be together in Bishkek, the summit could also serve as an important staging ground for wider diplomatic conversations ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

SCO Summit 2026: Regional security, Terrorism on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which also marks 25 years of the grouping.

Indian diaspora & local residents thrilled by PM Modi's Kyrgyzstan visit 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking the first leg of his four-day Central Asia tour. During his visit, PM Modi is expected to hold high-level talks with Uzbekistan’s leadership, with trade and investment, defence cooperation, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties high on the agenda.

The visit comes as India and Uzbekistan look to deepen their strategic partnership and expand cooperation across key sectors. Discussions are also expected to focus on strengthening connectivity and setting a roadmap for the next phase of bilateral relations.

After Uzbekistan, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Summit. Regional security, counterterrorism, connectivity, economic cooperation and stronger engagement with Central Asia are expected to remain key priorities for India.

Big boost to India-Uzbekistan ties on trade & investment 

PM MODI ARRIVES IN TASHKENT | Modi Begins 4-Day Central Asia Tour With Uzbekistan Visit

PM MODI IN UZBEKISTAN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening India-Uzbekistan bilateral relations.

PM Modi was welcomed by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with the two leaders set to hold discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual importance.

The visit will focus on the entire spectrum of India-Uzbekistan relations, including their longstanding civilizational and people-to-people ties. Key areas of cooperation include trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people exchanges.

Tashkent has been decorated with Indian flags ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, reflecting the importance attached to the bilateral relationship.

During his visit, PM Modi is also scheduled to visit Yangi Uzbekistan Park and participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Independence Monument, a traditional diplomatic gesture of respect.

The Yangi Uzbekistan Park spans approximately 104 hectares and is described as one of the country's major recreational spaces.

PM Modi in Uzbekistan | PM Narendra Modi Arrives In Tashkent For Two-Day Visit 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent on Saturday to begin a four-day, two-nation tour of Central Asia, combining a state visit to Uzbekistan with attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan.&nbsp;Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received the Indian PM at the airport. The welcome marked the start of the first leg of the visit, which officials describe as an effort to deepen India’s strategic partnerships in a region New Delhi regards as part of its extended neighbourhood.&nbsp;The trip runs from 29 August to 1 September. Mr Modi will hold delegation-level talks with Mr Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on Sunday before flying to Bishkek for the 26th SCO summit on 31 August and 1 September. It is the Indian prime minister’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-must-order-fir-rahul-gandhi-demands-sc-st-act-case-over-haldwani-purification-row-1788007212232">‘PM Modi must order FIR’: Rahul Gandhi demands SC/ST Act case over Haldwani purification row</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Tashkent, Uzbekistan (Source: ANI) <a href="https://t.co/wPjnYXuI4Q">pic.twitter.com/wPjnYXuI4Q</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2093690791348826611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a departure statement issued as he left New Delhi, PM Modi said the India–Uzbekistan strategic partnership had advanced significantly in recent years. He said he looked forward to discussions on trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy, and on aligning India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision with Uzbekistan’s development plans. He is also expected to visit the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial in Tashkent and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.&nbsp;From Uzbekistan, Mr Modi will travel to the Kyrgyz capital at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov. The SCO meeting marks 25 years of the grouping, of which India has been a full member since 2017.&nbsp;Indian PM said he would advance India’s priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity, and work with fellow members for a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism. He is also due to attend the opening of the sixth World Nomad Games.&nbsp;Ahead of the visit, India’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Birender Singh Yadav, speaking to WION, said that the visit would give “fresh direction” to India–Kyrgyzstan strategic ties. The envoy said defence and security cooperation and people-to-people contacts had “expanded markedly,” including specialised counter-terrorism courses tailored to Kyrgyz requirements and an increase in joint exercises.&nbsp;The visit comes as New Delhi seeks to strengthen trade, energy and connectivity links across Central Asia while using the SCO platform to press its long-standing concerns about terrorism.

PM Modi arrived in Tashkent for a four-day Central Asia tour that includes a state visit to Uzbekistan and the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan, with India seeking to strengthen ties on trade, defence, energy, connectivity and regional security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent on Saturday to begin a four-day, two-nation tour of Central Asia, combining a state visit to Uzbekistan with attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received the Indian PM at the airport. The welcome marked the start of the first leg of the visit, which officials describe as an effort to deepen India’s strategic partnerships in a region New Delhi regards as part of its extended neighbourhood. The trip runs from 29 August to 1 September. Mr Modi will hold delegation-level talks with Mr Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on Sunday before flying to Bishkek for the 26th SCO summit on 31 August and 1 September. It is the Indian prime minister’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan. Also Read: ‘PM Modi must order FIR’: Rahul Gandhi demands SC/ST Act case over Haldwani purification row

PM Modi arrived in Tashkent for a four-day Central Asia tour that includes a state visit to Uzbekistan and the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan, with India seeking to strengthen ties on trade, defence, energy, connectivity and regional security.

PM Modi reaches Uzbekistan as he begins 2 nation visit to Central Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold a series of high-level bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to be among the most closely watched engagements. The summit comes at a crucial time for regional security, connectivity, economic cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts. Modi's visit is also aimed at strengthening India's ties with Central Asian nations and advancing New Delhi's diplomatic agenda ahead of key global summits.


SCO Summit: PM Modi set to hold multiple bilateral meetings in Bishkek

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold a series of high-level bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to be among the most closely watched engagements. The summit comes at a crucial time for regional security, connectivity, economic cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts. Modi's visit is also aimed at strengthening India's ties with Central Asian nations and advancing New Delhi's diplomatic agenda ahead of key global summits.

SCO Summit: SCO's role in a multi-polar world order

September is a big month for diplomacy. Amid growing concerns over America's global hegemony, key world leaders will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS summits next month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also kicking off a series of key bilateral meetings from Saturday.&nbsp;To begin with, PM Modi will visit Tashkent for two days at the invitation of Uzbekistan's president. During his fourth visit to Uzbekistan, he is expected to hold talks to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and review cooperation across multiple sectors.&nbsp;The Prime Minister is also set to visit the memorial dedicated to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.&nbsp;From Tashkent, he will travel to Bishkek to participate in the 26th SCO summit from August 31 to September 1. At the summit, he will highlight India's priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity.Over its two decades-long history, the bloc has expanded considerably. It now includes 10 member states, two observer states and 15 dialogue partners, spanning a vast geographical area and diverse populations.&nbsp;The summit comes at a time when geopolitical uncertainty remains high, with Russia's war in Ukraine and the ongoing war with Iran adding to global tensions.&nbsp;PM Modi will also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO summit with leaders of other countries. For instance, he is all set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;However, suspense remains over whether he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also attending the summit.&nbsp;This will be followed by the BRICS summit, which India will host on September 12 and 13.&nbsp;What started as a bloc of four countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India and China, has now expanded to 11 official members, including Egypt, the UAE and Indonesia. It also has 10 partner countries.&nbsp;Guided by the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', global leaders will exchange views on strengthening intra-BRICS cooperation and common priorities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russia-conducts-long-range-mobile-icbm-test-missile-travels-6-700-km-1787936606571">Watch: Russia conducts long-range mobile ICBM test, missile travels 6,700 km</a>&nbsp;While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Putin are among the key leaders travelling to the summit, official confirmation of Xi's participation is awaited.&nbsp;Earlier, Reuters indicated that the Chinese president would attend the BRICS summit with a delegation of about 400 officials. This would mark his first visit to India in seven years, amid a gradual improvement in bilateral ties.&nbsp;This also raises a key question. Amid America bolstering its sanctions pertaining to Iran, will the bloc explore the option of creating a BRICS currency?&nbsp;Brazil's president voiced this idea in 2023. He proposed a common currency that could be used for trade and investment between BRICS nations to reduce their vulnerability to dollar rate fluctuations.This assumes significance as the US dollar remains the undisputed anchor of the global financial system, making up the vast majority of central bank reserves and daily currency trading globally.

For instance, about 60% of global foreign exchange reserves are held in US dollars. Around 60% of cross-border loans and deposits are dollar-based, while most global oil trade is conducted in dollars.While China and Russia are increasingly moving towards reducing the dominance of the US dollar by settling transactions in yuan and roubles, a BRICS currency is yet to become an official proposal.Earlier this month, India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal made it clear that India opposes the introduction of any such proposal.&nbsp;Previously, Trump had already threatened to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS countries if they created a currency to replace the dollar.&nbsp;Another key meeting is scheduled towards the end of this month, with Xi's visit to the White House on September 24.&nbsp;This meeting assumes significance at a time when America is increasingly dependent on China for the supply of critical minerals.&nbsp;Thus, all eyes will be on the next two weeks.&nbsp;As the US-Canada trade war intensifies, the battle is not limited to tariffs alone.&nbsp;The Trump administration again used social media to boast of its supposed triumph over Canada. This time, though, there was a twist in the tale.&nbsp;The White House posted a photo of a bald eagle pinning a Canada goose to the ground. The image was seen as a bid to project US dominance over Canada, as the bald eagle is strongly associated with the US as its national bird.&nbsp;However, the White House's victory symbol turned into an unexpected Canadian comeback story.Build Canada, a Canadian government agency, responded with another picture that depicted a very different tale. It showed the Canada goose raising its wing in an apparent attack.&nbsp;According to some social media users, both these photos came from a 20-minute faceoff between the two birds on frozen Lake Ontario, captured by a photographer over a year ago.&nbsp;While the bald eagle had the upper hand in the fight for a while, the goose fought back, after which the eagle was forced to retreat.&nbsp;This metaphor of resistance unfolded in reality earlier this week when Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on around 700 US goods ranging between 15% and 50% from September 8 onwards.&nbsp;American steel, aluminium, furniture, clothing, electronics and cheese will now be subjected to tariffs.Canada also announced an aid package of $5.4 billion for workers and firms hit by US tariffs.But how did Trump retaliate?&nbsp;By renaming a lake.&nbsp;He signed an executive order changing the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America. The US President attributed the move to Canada's alleged shortchanging of America on trade as well as military issues.Earlier, the Ontario premier had threatened that Canada could cut off electricity and critical mineral supplies to the US if tensions continued.&nbsp;Lake Ontario is one of the four Great Lakes that the US shares with Canada. It borders New York State in America and Ontario province in Canada.&nbsp;According to reports, it has been called Lake Ontario since the 17th century and was named by Canada's Indigenous population.&nbsp;As the water body falls under the jurisdiction of both countries, Trump cannot compel Canada to adopt the changed name.&nbsp;Last year too, the US President stirred a row by renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. However, Trump suggested that his push to rename water bodies may not be finished.&nbsp;The move to rename Lake Ontario immediately triggered pushback from Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney.&nbsp;Carney said, and I am quoting him, "The name is more than 400 years old, predating both the Confederation of Canada &amp; The declaration of Independence of, the United States of America".Snubbing Trump further, Carney stressed that Canadians would continue to call it Lake Ontario.Public opinion on the issue was also largely in favour of Carney's stance.&nbsp;The row originally started with a breakdown in trade talks between the two countries.&nbsp;While the Canadian PM slammed the US for treating his country like a subsidiary and accused it of trying to destroy its key industries, the US accused him of walking away from the deal for political purposes.&nbsp;While Trump initially imposed a 50% tariff on around $20 billion of Canadian goods, he followed it up by increasing tariffs on all Canadian cars, trucks, automobile parts and steel to 50%.&nbsp;With Canada's subsequent retaliatory measures, it is amply clear that Ottawa will not give in to US pressure any time soon.

PM Modi is set for a packed September diplomatic schedule involving the SCO and BRICS summits and key bilateral meetings, while intensifying US-China and US-Canada tensions add to the wider geopolitical and economic stakes.

September is a big month for diplomacy. Amid growing concerns over America's global hegemony, key world leaders will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS summits next month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also kicking off a series of key bilateral meetings from Saturday. To begin with, PM Modi will visit Tashkent for two days at the invitation of Uzbekistan's president. During his fourth visit to Uzbekistan, he is expected to hold talks to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and review cooperation across multiple sectors. The Prime Minister is also set to visit the memorial dedicated to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. From Tashkent, he will travel to Bishkek to participate in the 26th SCO summit from August 31 to September 1. At the summit, he will highlight India's priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity. Over its two decades-long history, the bloc has expanded considerably. It now includes 10 member states, two observer states and 15 dialogue partners, spanning a vast geographical area and diverse populations. The summit comes at a time when geopolitical uncertainty remains high, with Russia's war in Ukraine and the ongoing war with Iran adding to global tensions. PM Modi will also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO summit with leaders of other countries. For instance, he is all set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, suspense remains over whether he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also attending the summit. This will be followed by the BRICS summit, which India will host on September 12 and 13. What started as a bloc of four countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India and China, has now expanded to 11 official members, including Egypt, the UAE and Indonesia. It also has 10 partner countries. Guided by the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', global leaders will exchange views on strengthening intra-BRICS cooperation and common priorities. Also Read: Watch: Russia conducts long-range mobile ICBM test, missile travels 6,700 km While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Putin are among the key leaders travelling to the summit, official confirmation of Xi's participation is awaited. Earlier, Reuters indicated that the Chinese president would attend the BRICS summit with a delegation of about 400 officials. This would mark his first visit to India in seven years, amid a gradual improvement in bilateral ties. This also raises a key question. Amid America bolstering its sanctions pertaining to Iran, will the bloc explore the option of creating a BRICS currency? Brazil's president voiced this idea in 2023. He proposed a common currency that could be used for trade and investment between BRICS nations to reduce their vulnerability to dollar rate fluctuations. This assumes significance as the US dollar remains the undisputed anchor of the global financial system, making up the vast majority of central bank reserves and daily currency trading globally.

PM Modi is set for a packed September diplomatic schedule involving the SCO and BRICS summits and key bilateral meetings, while intensifying US-China and US-Canada tensions add to the wider geopolitical and economic stakes.

PM Modi begins big September diplomatic blitz, summits will test US decline | Gravitas

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Raksha Bandhan with schoolchildren at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, marking the festival with a special interaction with children.

Sharing his wishes on social media, Modi said the festival should deepen bonds of affection and harmony and bring happiness and prosperity to everyone.

The celebration at the Prime Minister’s residence featured schoolchildren coming together for the traditional festival, highlighting the spirit of affection, togetherness and harmony associated with Raksha Bandhan.

Watch this coverage for visuals from the Raksha Bandhan celebrations in Delhi, the Prime Minister’s interaction with schoolchildren, his message to the nation and the latest updates from Lok Kalyan Marg.

Raksha Bandhan celebrations across India: Children tie rakhi to PM Modi 

SCO Summit: PM Modi to hold bilaterals with SCO leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold a series of bilateral meetings with leaders attending the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan. Among the most closely watched engagements will be his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, taking place against a volatile geopolitical backdrop.


PM Modi to meet SCO leaders, hold talks with Putin at summit

SCO Summit: PM Modi to hold key bilateral talks with Putin, Xi & SCO leaders 

India and China have committed to advancing talks toward a political settlement of their long-standing boundary question, emphasizing overall bilateral growth and long-term mutual interests. During the 25th round of Special Representatives' Talks in Beijing—led by Indian National Security Advisor Ajit G. Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi—both nations highlighted that maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains a prerequisite for normalized diplomatic, economic, and regional ties.


India, China push for settlement of border dispute in 'long-term' interests

The Indian government is rolling out a major nationwide outreach initiative targeted at Gen Z, titled 'One Day, One University'. Under this proposed program, a Union Minister will visit a designated university campus every single day to engage in direct dialogue with students, listen to their perspectives on national issues, and share details regarding youth-centric government welfare and employment schemes.


Govt plans 'one day, one university' drive; one minister to visit one university daily

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has written to PM Modi, urging an urgent review of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, warning it could undermine states' constitutional and fiscal powers. He specifically flagged Section 9D, which would make states' power to tax mineral-bearing land subject to Central Government criteria.


Kerala CM Satheesan writes to PM Modi, seeks review of mines amendment bill

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has raised concerns over the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, warning that its provisions could weaken the state’s revenue-raising powers. The proposed changes have sparked debate over the balance between the Centre’s authority and states’ financial and regulatory rights over mineral resources.

Mines & Minerals Amendment Bill: Kerala CM Satheesan flags adverse impact on revenue raising powers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a seven-point ‘Saptadhara’ reform framework aimed at accelerating India's journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047. The roadmap focuses on sweeping reforms across manufacturing, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, defence, the green and blue economy, and India's growing global influence.


Independence Day 2026: PM Modi says Indian defence production has increased fourfold in 12 years

On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about a seven-pronged roadmap for India’s growth and development. On Saturday, while addressing the nation from the Red Fort, he introduced the concept of Shakti Ki Saptadhara (seven streams of strength), as part of the broader vision for building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.&nbsp;The seven areas mentioned by the Prime Minister are manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, connectivity or Gatishakti, self-reliant defence, green and blue economy, and soft power.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-s-safa-tradition-a-look-at-his-independence-day-turbans-from-2014-to-2026-1786765093118">PM Modi’s safa tradition: A look at his Independence Day turbans from 2014 to 2026</a><h2>PM Modi on soft power</h2>While speaking about the final point, PM Modi said, "The seventh strength of the Sapta Dhara is India's soft power. Today, Yoga has connected the world to India. Our Ayurveda, holistic healthcare, handicrafts, culture, films, animation, gaming, digital content. The world is recognizing and looking forward to India's WAVES summit. We have more than 100 national parks. We have an opportunity to attract foreign tourists through the power of soft power."<h2>Yoga and Ayurveda</h2>According to the Prime Minister, Yoga has contributed to establishing a deeper connection between India and the global community. "Today, yoga has connected the entire world with India. Yoga is increasingly becoming a source of energy for the world and an important source of trust in India."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/80-years-one-nation-countless-stories-how-bollywood-showed-us-freedom-1786730878191">80 years, one nation &amp; countless stories: How Bollywood showed us freedom</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Listing out the seven streams, PM Modi says manufacturing, farming, technology, gatishakti, raksha shakti, green energy, and soft power are India&#39;s &#39;Saptadhara&#39; and will power India&#39;s next level of growth <a href="https://t.co/tpvEhbjjqd">pic.twitter.com/tpvEhbjjqd</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2088485143979905140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/independence-day-travel-historic-destinations-that-bring-india-s-freedom-story-to-life-1786715434255">Independence Day travel: Historic places that tell India's freedom story</a>&nbsp;Speaking about Ayurveda, he added, "India has centres of faith, Ayurveda and a holistic healthcare system. Through the Healing India movement, we can take our capabilities to the world."<h2>PM Modi on films, VFX and gaming</h2>He also called attention to the country’s rapidly expanding creative economy. "Whether it is handicrafts, our culture, our films, our creative industries, VFX, animation, gaming or digital content, India can demonstrate its strength in the creative world," PM Modi said in his speech.&nbsp;Discussing about World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), he said, "Today, India has given a major boost to the WAVES Summit. The world is gradually beginning to look forward to India’s World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit.""It will introduce India’s soft power and creative world to the global audience."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/independence-day-2026-10-rare-photos-from-india-s-first-independence-day-celebrations-1786699648212">Independence Day 2026: Photos from India's first Independence Day celebrations</a><h2>PM Modi on tourism</h2>Tourism was another major element of the Prime Minister’s vision. "My dear countrymen, India has immense forest wealth. We have more than 100 national parks and enormous potential, but we have not done enough to attract foreign tourists."&nbsp;He added that India should use its cultural and natural assets to attract visitors from different parts of the world.&nbsp;"We have an opportunity, through our soft power, to attract tourists from around the world to India. We have to showcase our capabilities to the world." &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed India on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day on Saturday. During his speech, he introduced the concept of Shakti Ki Saptadhara and highlighted India's soft power.

On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about a seven-pronged roadmap for India’s growth and development. On Saturday, while addressing the nation from the Red Fort, he introduced the concept of Shakti Ki Saptadhara (seven streams of strength), as part of the broader vision for building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The seven areas mentioned by the Prime Minister are manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, connectivity or Gatishakti, self-reliant defence, green and blue economy, and soft power. Also Read: PM Modi’s safa tradition: A look at his Independence Day turbans from 2014 to 2026 PM Modi on soft power While speaking about the final point, PM Modi said, "The seventh strength of the Sapta Dhara is India's soft power. Today, Yoga has connected the world to India. Our Ayurveda, holistic healthcare, handicrafts, culture, films, animation, gaming, digital content. The world is recognizing and looking forward to India's WAVES summit. We have more than 100 national parks. We have an opportunity to attract foreign tourists through the power of soft power." Yoga and Ayurveda According to the Prime Minister, Yoga has contributed to establishing a deeper connection between India and the global community. "Today, yoga has connected the entire world with India. Yoga is increasingly becoming a source of energy for the world and an important source of trust in India." Also Read: 80 years, one nation & countless stories: How Bollywood showed us freedom

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed India on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day on Saturday. During his speech, he introduced the concept of Shakti Ki Saptadhara and highlighted India's soft power. &nbsp;

PM Modi unveils India’s soft power vision on Independence Day 2026: Ayurveda, films, animation, gaming

All eyes were on the Red Fort this Saturday, Aug 15, as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day. PM Narendra Modi once again addressed the nation, and once again, his turban stole the show. This year, he wore a striking red colour bandhani safa

All eyes were on the Red Fort this Saturday, Aug 15, as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day. PM Narendra Modi once again addressed the nation, and once again, his turban stole the show. This year, he wore a striking red colour bandhani safa

PM Modi’s safa tradition: A look at his Independence Day turbans from 2014 to 2026

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