TODAYS TOP NEWS
01
India's 80th Independence Day
India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, marking 79 years since independence from British colonialism in 1947. The day pays tribute to freedom fighters and commemorates India's status as an independent, democratic, unified, and constitutionally sovereign nation. Primary celebrations will be held at the Red Fort, New Delhi. The theme of the 80th Independence Day 2026 is 'Yuva Shakti' (Youth Power).
02
President's Address on Eve of Independence Day
President Smt Droupadi Murmu will address the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day. The address will be broadcast at 7 PM on the entire national network of Akashvani and telecast on all channels of Doordarshan in Hindi, followed by the English version.
03
Parliament Monsoon Session Concludes
Both Houses of Parliament have been adjourned sine die. The Monsoon session, which began on July 20th, concluded after 19 sittings spread over 25 days. Several Bills of national importance were passed, including the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill 2026, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, the Tribunals Reforms Bill, the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, and the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill 2026.
04
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards
President Droupadi Murmu presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for 2024 and 2025 to over 100 artists in a special investiture ceremony in New Delhi. The awards were given for contributions to performing arts, music, dance, theatre, folk and tribal arts, puppetry, traditional theatre, and other allied forms.
05
National Workshop on Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare convened a two-day National Workshop on Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (AMB) in New Delhi, bringing together over 160 participants from all States and Union Territories.
06
National Biodiversity Authority Releases ABS Proceeds
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released over fifteen crore rupees in Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) proceeds from Mustard Genetic Resources. The amount will flow to twenty-six State Biodiversity Boards and three Union Territory Biodiversity Councils, with the ABS share calculated based on the area under mustard cultivation in each State.
07
Dial 112 Emergency Response System Activated in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir police activated the National General Emergency Response System, Dial 112, for immediate assistance to people during emergencies through a single helpline.
08
Rajasthan Cabinet Approves Uniform Civil Code Bill
The Rajasthan Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, approved several key proposals, including the draft Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026.
09
Manipur Patriots' Day Observed
Patriots' Day was observed in Manipur, remembering the supreme sacrifice of freedom fighters, especially Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General, who were hanged by the British on this day in 1891 following the Anglo-Manipuri War.
10
Jammu Runs for Unity Event
The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) is organising 'Jammu Runs for Unity – A Pledge for a Clean Amarnath Yatra' on August 16, starting at 5:00 AM from Bahu Plaza. The event features 5 km and 10 km running categories passing through Gole Market and Apsara Road to promote fitness, community harmony, and environmental cleanliness.
11
UP Mukhyamantri Jokhim Prabandhan Evam Pashudhan Bima Yojana
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the Mukhyamantri Jokhim Prabandhan Evam Pashudhan Bima Yojana on July 6, 2026, with a ₹60 crore provision for FY 2026–27. The new state scheme provides livestock insurance support, with 85% of the insurance premium borne by the state government and 15% by the beneficiary. This replaces the earlier UP Kamadhenu Pashu Bima Yojana.
12
Nagaland CM Welcomes Referral of FCRA Amendment Bill to JPC
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has welcomed the Lok Sabha's motion to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
13
Delhi Traffic Restrictions for Independence Day Rehearsal
Delhi Traffic Police has imposed traffic restrictions and diversions around Red Fort for Independence Day rehearsal.
14
Tributes Paid to Ahilyabai Holkar on Death Anniversary
Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tributes to social reformer Ahilyabai Holkar on her death anniversary.
Historical Profile
01
Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar (1725–1795)
The famous 18th-century queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom, ruling from Maheshwar. She is celebrated for her exceptional good governance, vast philanthropic temple building across India, military courage, and economic empowerment. Her 28-year reign is remembered as a golden age.
Weather
01
IMD red warning for very heavy rainfall over Chhattisgarh
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning predicting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over Chhattisgarh. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also expected over Gangetic West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttarakhand for the next three to four days.
02
Odisha reeling under incessant rain from low-pressure system
Odisha continues to reel under incessant rain triggered by a low-pressure system, with several north Odisha rivers rising and disrupting normal life. The weather agency has issued a red warning for Sundargarh and Keonjhar.
Legal Report
01
Chief Justice of India hosts Independence Day interaction with Persons with Disabilities
Ahead of Independence Day, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant yesterday hosted a special interaction with Persons with Disabilities at the Supreme Court premises in the national capital.
02
UNSC monitoring team attributes Red Fort suicide car bombing to AQIS
A terrorism monitoring team of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has declared the deadly Red Fort suicide car bombing in Delhi that killed 11 people the work of Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The report by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team on terrorism to the Security Council said the attack in last November was officially attributed to AQIS.
03
Students' protest against exam rigging intensifies in Jharkhand
In Jharkhand, the students' protest against rigging and corruption in competitive exams is continuously intensifying. The protesting students have warned the government that if their demands are not met soon, they will launch an even bigger agitation.
04
78 Telangana inmates pass SSC exams through NIOS
In a historic first for Telangana's prison system, 78 inmates have successfully passed their SSC exams through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Prisons Director General Dr. Soumya Mishra announced special remission as a reward for their achievement.
05
UP FDA uncovers fake medicine billing network in Lucknow
The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration uncovered a major network in Lucknow involving fake billing, cross-billing and paper transactions without the actual supply of medicines. It was being used to push counterfeit and fake medicines into the market.
06
Calcutta High Court cancels OBC certificates issued under previous West Bengal government classifications
The Calcutta High Court has cancelled all OBC certificates issued under the OBC-A and OBC-B classifications introduced by the previous Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal.
07
Parliamentary Standing Committee presents 412th report on Himalayan forest fires
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change presented its 412th report on forest fires in the Himalayan region in August 2026. The report covered forest-fire causes, mitigation measures, pine-needle management, biomass use, satellite support, and disaster-response capacity in the Western Himalayas.
Mishaps
01
Sukhbir Singh Badal stable after knife attack at Nanded Gurudwara
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sukhbir Singh Badal is in a stable condition and out of danger. He is recovering in a private hospital in Maharashtra's Nanded district after suffering a hand injury due to a knife attack yesterday afternoon. Mr. Badal and his wife Harsimrat Kaur were visiting Gurudwara Mata Sahib Devaan Ji at Mugat in Nanded around 1:45 PM, when a man tried to stab Mr. Badal with a kirpan or a curved dagger. Police officials quickly intervened and arrested the attacker.
Defence News
01
India Optel Limited launches indigenous GARUD binoculars for civil market
India Optel Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Defence Production, yesterday launched the indigenous 'GARUD' High Resolution Binoculars for the civil market.
02
Indian Army conducts specialised training programme for CISF personnel in Agartala
The Indian Army conducted a 14-day specialised training programme for Central Industrial Security Force personnel at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala, Tripura, from 27 July 2026 to 8 August 2026. The programme was organised under the Spear Corps and the Red Shield Division, and it covered tactical skills, aviation security, and contingency response methods.
National News
01
Security strengthened across Tripura ahead of Independence Day
BSF, police, and Tripura State Rifles personnel have intensified patrolling along the state's borders and have been directed to remain vigilant.
International News
01
China and Russia reaffirm support for India's BRICS presidency
China and Russia have reaffirmed their support for India's BRICS presidency this year, as New Delhi chairs the grouping for the fourth time.
02
PoJK unrest draws international diaspora protests
The unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has taken an international turn through protests by the Kashmiri diaspora to expose state-sponsored terror by the Pakistani establishment. In Belgium, Kashmiri diaspora groups marched from the European Parliament toward the United Nations in Brussels, calling for international scrutiny of the situation in PoJK. In Italy, large diaspora demonstrations were reported in Bologna, condemning deaths and alleged abuses by Pakistani security forces.
03
Liberia's Foreign Minister visits India
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia Sara Beysolow Nyanti arrived in New Delhi yesterday on a two-day visit. She will meet Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in the national capital.
04
Parichha Weir in Jhansi designated World Heritage Irrigation Structure
The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) designated the 140-year-old Parichha Weir in Jhansi as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS) on 13 August 2026. The structure is linked to the Betwa Canal system, which irrigates land in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
World News
01
Iran rejects US claim of control over Strait of Hormuz
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that Washington has total control over the Strait of Hormuz.
02
BNP nominates secretary general for Bangladesh presidency
The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) nominated its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as its candidate for the country's presidency. The presidential election will be held on August 20.
03
Japan protests Putin's visit to disputed Kuril Islands
Russian President Vladimir Putin, for the first time, visited the Kuril Islands, a Russian-controlled Pacific island chain also claimed by Japan, in a move that drew a protest from Tokyo. President Putin visited a fish-processing plant, a hospital, and a school on Iturup, one of the chain's southernmost islands.
04
Thailand elevates school safety to national agenda
Thailand's cabinet has approved an Education Ministry proposal to elevate school safety to a national agenda, following a mass shooting at a secondary school outside Bangkok last week that killed nine people.
05
Pakistan's first lunar rover named Jinnah-1
Pakistan's first-ever lunar rover has been named Jinnah-1 by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). The rover is planned for launch in 2029 aboard China's Chang'e-8 mission and is intended for the Moon's south polar region.
Sports
01
Afghanistan to host India for T20 series in Delhi
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have confirmed that Afghanistan will host India for a three-match T20 International series at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi from 13 to 17 next month. The series is part of Afghanistan's Future Tours Program and will be played in India, where Afghanistan has hosted its home fixtures in recent years.
02
India overall champions at Commonwealth Fencing Championship
India emerged as overall champions at the Commonwealth Fencing Championship by winning 35 medals after four days of competition held at Lagos in Nigeria. The Indian contingent secured thirteen gold, eight silver, and fourteen bronze medals across the Under-23 and senior competitions.
Finance
01
Indian Rupee value against major currencies
GBP: Rs 128 (approx); Euro: Rs 109 (approx); USD: Rs 96 (approx); Canadian Dollar: Rs 68; Australian Dollar: Rs 67; UAE Dirham: Rs 26; China Yuan: Rs 14; Maldives Rufiya: Rs 6.17; Bhutan Ngultrum: Rs 1.00; Nepal Rupee: Rs 0.63; Bangladesh Taka: Rs 0.77; Pakistan Rupee: Rs 0.34; Sri Lanka Rupee: Rs 0.30.
02
BSE Sensex and Nifty indices
BSE Sensex: 78,079.96, up 113.61 (0.15%). Nifty: 24,395.85, down 40.10 (0.16%).
03
Gold and silver rates in Mumbai
Gold: Rs 15,300 per gram (24 karat). Silver: Rs 2,55,000 per kilogram.
Economy
01
Total Exports Growth in July
The country's total exports, including merchandise and services, are estimated at 80.14 billion US dollars in July this year, registering a robust 13.3 per cent year-on-year growth.
Entertainment News
01
Vishwanath & Sons
A Tamil and Telugu family drama and romance film releasing on 14 Aug 2026, starring Suriya and Mamitha Baiju.
02
The End of Oak Street
An English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu sci-fi thriller releasing on 14 Aug 2026, starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor.
03
Awarapan 2
A Hindi action and romance film releasing on 14 Aug 2026, starring Emraan Hashmi and Shruti Haasan.
04
Batwara 1947
A Hindi film releasing on 14 Aug 2026, starring Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, and Ali Fazal.
Facts About India
01
Matangini Hazra: Early Life
Matangini Hazra, fondly known as 'Gandhi Buri' (old lady Gandhi), was a remarkable figure in India's fight for independence. She was born on October 19, 1869, in Hogla, a small village in the Tamluk subdivision of present-day West Bengal. Coming from a modest background, she had limited formal education, but her spirit was strong and unwavering. Her life was shaped by the hardships she faced and the burning desire to see her country free from British rule.
02
The Iconic Flag March
One of the most iconic moments in Matangini Hazra's life occurred on September 19, 1942, during the Quit India Movement. She led a flag march in Tamluk, proudly carrying the Indian national flag despite a ban on its display by the British.
Thought of the Day
01
Quote by Rabindranath Tagore
Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.
Joke of the Day
01
Chintu Eating Samosa
Chintu was opening a samosa and eating only the filling inside. When his friend asked why he was eating it that way, Chintu replied that he was ill and the doctor had forbidden him from eating outside things.
Why
01
Why Snakes Are Kept in Bamboo Baskets
Snake charmers usually keep their snakes in bamboo baskets because the baskets have tiny holes that allow snakes to breathe even when the lid is shut. In traditional performances, snake charmers make their snakes 'dance' to music by blowing the Naskar, a flute made primarily with a coconut shell and bamboo pipe.
Learn Sanskrit
01
Asana
Asana means seat or posture. Example sentence: 'Mama asanam sukhakaram asti' translates to 'My seat is comfortable.'
GK Today
01
Partition of British India
On 14 August 1947, British India was partitioned into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan. That day marks Pakistan's Independence Day, as the Dominion of Pakistan officially came into existence at midnight, while India's independence followed a day later, on 15 August 1947. Pakistan was created as two geographically separated regions: West Pakistan (now Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
Born Today
01
Squadron Leader Mohinder Singh Pujji DFC
Squadron Leader Mohinder Singh Pujji DFC (14 August 1918 - 18 September 2010), also known as Mahinder Singh Pujji, was a distinguished Royal Air Force fighter pilot and one of the first Sikh pilots to volunteer with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.
Idioms & Phrases
01
At the Drop of a Hat
Willing to do something immediately.
Antonyms
01
Noxious
Antonyms of noxious are healing and profitable.
Synonyms
01
Noxious
Synonyms of noxious are baneful and injurious.
Vedik Gyan
01
Pradyumna
Pradyumna was the eldest son of the Hindu deities Krishna and his chief consort, Rukmini. He is considered to be one of the four vyuha avatars of Vishnu. According to the Bhagavata Purana, Pradyumna marked the rebirth of Kamadeva, the God of Love.
Home Remedies
01
Home Remedies for Heartburn
The high potassium content of a banana makes it a fairly alkaline food. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this means it may help counteract the stomach acid irritating your esophagus.
Alkaline Foods
01
Choose ripe bananas for heartburn relief
Unripe bananas are less alkaline, starch-heavy, and may actually trigger acid reflux for some people. Be sure to choose a banana that is ripe.
02
Other alkaline foods that may help offset heartburn
Melons, cauliflower, fennel, and nuts are additional alkaline foods that may help offset heartburn.
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