Month: August 2025

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday in her address to the nation of the eve of the country’s 79th Independence Day called on citizens to “buy and use Indian-made products” to strengthen the spirit of the Swadeshi Movement.

The President said, “The idea of Swadeshi has been inspiring our national endeavours like Make-in-India initiative and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Let us resolve to buy and use Indian products.”

The President also urged people to consciously choose local products. The President noted that the same idea of self-reliance continued to inspire modern initiatives such as the “Make-in-India” programme and the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.”

She emphasised that this would not only honour the legacy of the Swadeshi Movement but also empower millions of artisans across the country.

The President said that Mahatma Gandhi strengthened the spirit of Swadeshi to promote goods made through the sweat, toil, and incomparable skills of Indian artisans and craftspeople.

She noted that earlier this month on August 7, the country celebrated National Handloom Day, a tradition observed since 2015 to honour the country’s weavers and their products. The day also commemorated the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle.

“Since the year 2015, we have been celebrating this day to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement launched during our freedom struggle in the year 1905. The spirit of Swadeshi was strengthened by Mahatma Gandhi to promote the products made by the sweat and toil of Indian artisans and crafts-persons, and by their incomparable skills. The idea of Swadeshi has been inspiring our national endeavours like Make-in-India initiative and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Let us resolve to buy and use Indian products.

Extending her heartiest greetings to the nation, President Murmu said, “It is a matter of pride for all of us that Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated by every Indian with great enthusiasm. These are days that especially remind us of our being proud Indians.”

“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 re-discovered 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,” she said.

“Keeping these principles foremost in mind, we started a new journey in 1947. After the long years of foreign rule, India was in utter poverty at the time of Independence. But in the 78 years since then, we have made extraordinary progress in all fields,” President Murmu said.

The President noted that India is well on the way to becoming a “self-reliant nation” and is moving ahead with great confidence.

The President called on the citizens of the country to do what they can “to protect the environment.”

“To respond to the challenge of climate change, we must also change. We must change our habits and our world-view. We must change our relationship with our land, rivers, mountains, and with flora and fauna. With contribution from all of us, we will leave behind a planet in which life will be flourishing in natural order,” she said in her address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.

On August 15, 2025, India will celebrate its 79th Independence Day. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Naya Bharat,” reflecting India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The grand ceremonial event at Red Fort will feature a 21-Gun Salute, cultural displays, and tributes to India’s journey towards progress and prosperity. (ANI)

A massive cloudburst on Thursday triggered a flash flood in the Chashoti area of Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, along the route of the Machail Mata Yatra.

As per the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma, the rescue operations are underway.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said a massive cloudburst struck the Chashoti area in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, prompting the administration to launch rescue operations and make arrangements for medical aid immediately.

In a post on X, Jitendra Singh wrote, “Just now spoke to DC Kishtwar Sh Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent message from LoP #JammuAndKashmir and local MLA Sh Sunil Kumar Sharma.”

Singh said that damage evaluation and, necessary rescue and medical management arrangements are being made.

“Massive cloud burst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into action, rescue team has left for the site. Damage evaluation and, necessary rescue and medical management arrangements being made. My office receiving regular updates, all possible assistance will be provided,” the post read.

JK LG Manoj Sinha directed Army and NDRF officials to strengthen rescue efforts, “Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families and 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.”

While Jammu and Kashmir LoP and MLA Padder-Nagseni, Sunil Kumar Sharma, warned of possible heavy damage.

He called for an NDRF team to assist in rescue operations.

Speaking to ANI, Sunil Kumar Sharma said, “We don’t have any numbers or data yet, but there is a possibility of huge damage there. Currently, we don’t have any numbers or data. Due to the ongoing yatra, the area is congested. I will speak to the LG and ask for an NDRF team for rescue operations.”

Further details on the incident are still awaited. (ANI)

Actor Shilpa Shirodkar has, in a social media post, shared images of her car that was damaged, reportedly after getting hit by a bus.

The incident took place in Mumbai on Wednesday, according to ‘Bigg Boss 18’ star, who took to her social media Instagram Stories to share pictures of the damaged vehicle and describe the incident.

In her post, Shirodkar alleged that a Cityflo bus “ran into” her car and said that she was shocked with the transport company’s response.

The actress also thanked the Mumbai Police for helping her file a complaint quickly and “without any trouble.”

“A cityflo bus ran into my car today. And the people representing the office in mumbai Mr Yogesh Kadam and Mr Vilas Mankote are telling me its not their companies responsibility its the drivers responsibility. How ruthless are these guys. How much must be a driver earning! Thanks to @mumbaipolice @cpmumbaipolice they helped me file a police complaint without much problem. But the conpany refuses to take any responsibility of the incident. @cityflo.ind appreciate you to connect with me on this matter. Thankfully, my staff is fine and unhurt, but anything could have happened,” read her post.

Shilpa Shirodkar was a popular face in Hindi films during the late 1980s and 1990s. She recently returned to the limelight through ‘Bigg Boss 18’, where she was seen alongside Vivian Dsena, Karan Veer Mehra, Chum Darang, Nyra Banerjee, Muskan Bamne, and Alice Kaushik. (ANI)

Anupam Kher and the late actor Satish Kaushik’s friendship went beyond films and fame. They were not only frequent co-stars in Bollywood hits but also shared a personal bond that lasted decades. Now, two years after Kaushik’s passing, Kher has found a heartfelt way to keep his friend’s memory alive.

The ‘Tanvi The Great’ actor, who recently received the prestigious Raj Kapoor Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Maharashtra Government, announced that he will use the award’s cash prize of Rs 10 lakh to create the Satish Kaushik Scholarship at his acting school, Actor Prepares. The scholarship will help a deserving student from an underprivileged background pursue a three-month diploma course in acting.

In a video shared on his Instagram account, Kher said, “I have decided that the 10 lakh rupees I am receiving will be used to establish a scholarship in the name of Satish Kaushik. It will be called the Satish Kaushik Scholarship for a Deserving Candidate, and it will be awarded to a student currently enrolled in a 3-month diploma course at our acting school. The candidate must come from a poor family, be unable to afford the course, but they must be talented. I will give this scholarship to them. That’s all I wanted to share with you.”

The video also shows Kher standing beside a smiling statue of Kaushik that he plans to install at his school. Speaking about his decision, the actor said, “What scholarship could be better than this, based on such a talented actor, director, producer, and my best friend?”

Take a look

Satish Kaushik passed away on March 9, 2023, at the age of 66 after suffering a heart attack.

Anupam Kher and Satish Kaushik collaborated in several films, including ‘Ram Lakhan,’ ‘Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain,’ ‘Gangs of Ghosts,’ and ‘Kaagaz 2.’ Their on-screen chemistry and off-screen friendship remain one of Bollywood’s most cherished bonds, now immortalised through this scholarship. (ANI)

Border Security Force’s Sub-Inspector Vyas Dev and Constable Suddi Rabha are among those 16 personnel who have been awarded the Medal for Gallantry (GM) on the 79th Independence Day for showing their exceptional bravery and unmatched valour exhibited by them in Operation Sindoor.

In addition, the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) to five and the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) to 46 are also awarded to BSF officers and personnel.

During Operation Sindoor, Sub-Inspector Vyas Dev and Constable Suddi Rabha were deployed in the forward posts of 7th BN BSF on the International border in the Jammu area, and they were detailed for replenishment of ammunition to forward troops. As they were performing this risk-prone mission, an enemy 82 mortar shell suddenly exploded near them, causing grievous multiple splinter injuries to both.

SI Vyas Dev had suffered life-threatening injuries, despite the devastating nature of his injuries, he remained conscious, stabilised himself and bravely engaged in his given task, motivated his fellow soldiers and exhibited tremendous courage. He later underwent traumatic amputation of his left leg at the military Hospital, Jammu.

Constable Suddi Rabha, equally resolute and courageous, stood shoulder to shoulder with his commander, SI Vyas Dev, during the critical ammunition replenishment operation. He sustained severe blast trauma, including deep lacerations in the perineal region, injuries to the thighs, the left leg, and the right ankle. Despite the immense pain and life-threatening wounds, Constable Suddi Rabha refused to yield.

During Operation Sindoor, Assistant Commandant Abhishek Srivastav, along with Head Constable Brij Mohan Singh, Constables Bhpendra Bajpai, Rajan Kumar, Basavaraja Shivappa Sunkada and Constable Depeswar Barman were deployed at the highly sensitive Border Outpost of Kharkola in the Jammu area. After the Indian Army launched an operation on the Western border during the intervening night on May 7-8, Pakistani troops deployed opposite the Area of Responsibility of the Jammu border launched heavy shelling towards the BSF posts using flat and high-trajectory weapons, followed by a drone attack. BOP Kharkola, which is barely situated 200 meters away from the International Border, came under intense firing from Pak side.

However, these troops retaliated effectively. In the wee hours of May 10, multiple Pakistani drones appeared in the area. Upon hearing the humming sound of Pakistani drones above, troops took position and successfully neutralised one Pakistani drone under the able command of SI Mohd Imteyaj. However, within no time, an enemy mortar shell, perhaps dropped by the drone, exploded just outside of Morcha, causing grievous injuries to Head Constable Brij Mohan Singh, Constables Depeswar Barman, Bhupendra Bajpai, Rajan Kumar and Basavaraja Shivappa Sunkada. Despite injuries, they fought bravely.

Abhishek Srivastav was posted in BOP Kharkola as part of his probation training. He was present in the command bunker when an enemy shell exploded inside the BOP. Without caring for his own safety, he rushed towards the badly injured post commander and jawans and managed their evacuation under the critical circumstances.

For exhibiting exceptional courage and operational brilliance under intense pressure during Operation Sindoor, Deputy Commandant Ravindra Rathore and his team successfully implemented an operation on the International Border for the safety of a BSF jawan whose life was in peril.

In response to Pakistan’s retaliation following Operation Sindoor, ASI Udai Vir Singh of 120 Bn BSF displayed exemplary courage during a heavy assault on BOP Jabowal, Jammu Sector, on May 10. Amid intense enemy fire, he successfully destroyed a Pakistani surveillance camera, denying real-time monitoring of BOPs and troops’ movement. Despite sustaining a life-threatening shrapnel wound to his upper lip from HMG fire, he refused evacuation and continued engaging the enemy, neutralizing their HMG nest. His actions ensured uninterrupted domination from the India side and inspired fellow troops. He was later treated at Military Hospital, Jammu, and expressed unwavering commitment to return to duty.

Following India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, Pakistan retaliated with heavy firing, shelling, and drone attacks on BSF posts along the IB in Jammu. On the night of May 9-10, Pakistani troops launched a coordinated assault on BOPs Karotana Khurd, Karotana Forward, and Suchetgarh of 165 Bn BSF. These posts came under intense 82 mm mortar and machine gun fire from Pakistani positions- Jamshed Malane and Kasira. BSF troops retaliated with precision fire.

On 10 May at 7,40 am, BOP Karotana Khurd reported a critical shortage of AGS ammunition. ASI Rajappa B T and Constable Manohar Xalxo were tasked with resupplying ammunition. While executing the replenishment mission, a mortar shell exploded near the magazine. ASI Rajappa sustained fatal splinter injuries, and CT Xalxo was also wounded in the right hand. Despite injuries, both engaged successfully in their highly risky mission.

In response to Pakistan’s retaliation following Operation Sindoor, Alok Negi, Assistant Commandant, 53 Bn BSF, along with Constables Kandarpa Chowdhury and Waghmare Bhawan Deora,m displayed exceptional courage during intense enemy fire at FDL Mukhyari from May 7 to 10. Amid sustained enemy shelling and MMG fire, Alok Negi led defensive actions under fire, repositioned personnel and mortar assets, and coordinated precise retaliatory strikes on key enemy posts. Constables Chowdhury and Waghmare, commanding Mortar Detachments 1 and 2 respectively, executed relentless and accurate fire for over 48 hours, significantly blunting enemy positions. Their fearless conduct ensured zero casualties and maintained operational dominance.

In recognition of gallant action by all the 16 BSF personnel, the Central government awarded them the Medal for Gallantry. (ANI)

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday lashed out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over the latter’s allegations of “vote theft” by the Election Commission, alleging that the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha has not read the Constitution and has no respect for it.

Speaking to the media, Rijiju said, “Rahul Gandhi has not read the Constitution and has no respect for it. I don’t have any medicines to improve Rahul Gandhi. He should come to his senses after the Supreme Court’s comment.”

Rijiju was referring to the Supreme Court’s comment on SIR in Bihar, justifying EC’s revision of electoral rolls and acknowledging that the Aadhaar card is not conclusive proof of citizenship.

Noting that there are many “smart people” in Congress, Kiren Rijiju requested them to “give some wisdom to Rahul Gandhi.”

“There are some smart people in Congress, too; not all of them are like Rahul Gandhi. They should come together and give some wisdom to Rahul Gandhi,” he said.

Speaking about the video that Rahul Gandhi shared of meeting with people who were declared “dead” by EC, Kiren Rijiju, referring to it as “drama” reiterated that the EC’s work is to remove the names of dead people and add new voters.

“The Election Commission have 3-4 guidelines. In every state, there are Election Commissioner officers who are under the state government. They prepare electoral rolls on behalf of the EC. SC has clearly stated that the process of SIR has been going on since independence, and it should happen. It makes sure that the names of dead people are cut from the electoral rolls. So why does Rahul Gandhi do this drama of having tea? SIR is done to remove the names of dead people and add more new voters,” Rijiju said.

Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday shared a video of having tea with some “dead” voters from Bihar and thanked the Election Commission for this “unique” experience.

A group of voters met the Congress MP and shared how they were declared “dead” by the Election Commission and how their names were removed from the voter list after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

Sharing the video, Gandhi captioned, “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!”

In the video clip posted, the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition LoP was seen meeting a group of several people who claimed that they have officially been marked “dead” in voter lists despite being alive. “I have heard that you guys are not alive. The Election Commission has killed you,” the LoP stated.

He further asked them how they got to know about it, to which one of them replied that they discovered it through the Election Commission’s voters list.

This development came amid a row that erupted over Rahul Gandhi’s “vote theft” allegations against the Election Commission and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in poll-bound Bihar. (ANI)

‘War 2’, one of the highly anticipated movies of this year, has finally been released in theatres across India today. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in the lead roles, the fans of the latter actor have been praising Jr NTR’s performance in the movie.

Vijayawada NTR Fans District Association president Kavuri Krishna states that the movie ‘War 2’ has been released in theatres, and they hope NTR’s action will secure great viewership across the world.

Talking to ANI he expressed happiness over NTR’s performance in this bilingual film and predicted that the movie would create records at the box office.

Krishna said that NTR played a vital role in the film, portraying a character who protects India, and praised Director Mukerji for presenting NTR so well. “Hats off to Mukerji,” he added.

Baji, an NTR fan, said that NTR’s character in the movie was “awesome,” and thanked Director Mukerji for choosing Jr NTR for the role. He praised the actor’s dance and fight sequences, saying, “The period before ‘War 2’ and after ‘War 2’ should be calculated separately for his career.”

Sunil, another NTR fan, said ‘War 2’ was an excellent film and that NTR has now dominated Bollywood with his performance.

He expressed hope of seeing NTR in Hollywood films next, adding, “Bollywood audiences also loved his action, and we eagerly await his Hollywood debut.”

‘War 2’ is directed by Ayan Mukerji. It is the sequel to the blockbuster movie War, which starred Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff in the lead roles.

Hrithik reprises his role of Kabir in the film. The sequel features the clash between Jr NTR and Hrithik Roshan as they both try to serve the nation by following their respective ideologies.

War 2 is set to have a clash at the box office with Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’, which also stars Nagarjuna in the lead role. (ANI)

Amid the debate over the Supreme Court’s ruling on stray dogs in Delhi, animal rights activist & BJP leader Maneka Gandhi urged the Chief Justice of India to review the decision with love and mentioned that “our goals are the same.

While talking to ANI, Maenka Gandhi highlighted that removing the dogs from the region is not enough and added, “…Nobody favours the ill-treatment of animals. They believe that if animals are taken away, their children would not be bitten. I agree with that. But the animals would not go away. If we remove 3 lakh animals from Delhi, 3 lakh more would come in within a week from Ghaziabad and Faridabad. If those additional 3 lakh are removed, more would come in because there is abundant food in Delhi.”

She addressed the illegal chicken centres and unlicensed shops, asking for a better system to address these issues as well in order to deal with the stray dog problem.

“You have more than 50,000 illegal chicken centres in Delhi. You have meat shops that function without a license. So, the law should come into effect for that too. Otherwise, it would never end…”

Gandhi urged the CJI to review the decision with love and added, “I would want the CJI to review it with love and see what the best way is, because our goal is the same. We too want fewer dogs, we want no biting, and we want humans and dogs & every animal to live in peace…”

Following the criticism, the Supreme Court on Wednesday clarified that its directive to the authorities in Delhi-NCR to begin removing stray dogs from all localities is not driven by “momentary impulse”, rather, it came after thorough and careful deliberation, that the concerned authorities have consistently “failed for over two decades” to effectively address a serious issue that directly impacts public safety.

A bench of Justice JB Pardiwala R Madadev said that the apex court has decided to take the matter in its hands becasue of the “systematic failure of the authorities” over the past two decades to address an issue that strikes at the heart of public safety.

According to the detailed order released today, the apex court said, the directions given by it, as a court which functions for the welfare of the people, are both in the “interest of humans as well as dogs. This is not personal,” it said.

Earlier on August 11, the apex court ordered that all localities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad should be made free of stray dogs and there should not be any compromise.

It also made it clear that no captured animal will be released back on the streets.

Releasing the detailed order, the top court said that it has, over a considerable period of time, examined the prevailing circumstances, heard the voices of those who have been directly affected and reflected upon a disturbing pattern of dog bites in the country. (ANI)

The US government on Wednesday (local time) stated that it is ‘looking forward’ to strengthening its cooperation with Pakistan in areas of critical minerals and hydrocarbons, with a renewed focus on economic cooperation in other emerging sectors.

Announcing its intent in a congratulatory message on Pakistan’s Independence Day, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement, highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between the two nations.

“On behalf of the United States, I extend our warm congratulations to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate their Independence Day on August 14,” Rubio said in the statement issued by US Department of State.

He also acknowledged Pakistan’s engagement with the US on key fronts, particularly counterterrorism and trade.

“The United States deeply appreciates Pakistan’s engagement on counterterrorism and trade. We look forward to exploring new areas of economic cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, and fostering dynamic business partnerships which will promote a prosperous future for Americans and Pakistanis,” the statement further read.

The message comes at a time when Washington is actively seeking to further its ties with India’s terror-harbouring neighbour.

Earlier in July, US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with Pakistan, touting a joint initiative to develop oil reserves in the country and even floated the idea that “some day” Islamabad might sell oil to New Delhi.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the United States and Pakistan are currently in the process of selecting the oil company for the partnership.

“We have just concluded a Deal with the Country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive Oil Reserves. We are in the process of choosing the Oil Company that will lead this Partnership. Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling Oil to India some day!” Trump stated.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration had also announced the lowest tariff rates for Pakistani goods to the US in South Asia in his new tariff plans announced earlier this month, with 19 per cent imposed on Islamabad.

India, on the other hand, faced a 25 per cent tariff under the new plan. Moreover, Trump later announced an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods to the US, bringing the total to 50 per cent, due to India’s continued oil purchases from Russia.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has slammed the US’s move to impose additional tariffs, calling it “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable”, and further noted that New Delhi would take “all actions necessary to protect its national interests”.

Notably, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir visited the US for the second time in less than two months, where he reportedly said Pakistan could use nuclear weapons to take down India and “half the world” in the event of an existential threat during an event in Florida.

The trip comes after a private luncheon with Trump in June, during which the Pakistan Army Chief recommended Trump’s name for the Nobel Peace Prize. (ANI)