At a media briefing on Sunday (August 17, 2025), Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that the Election Commission (EC) has not yet decided when to conduct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal and other states; the timeline will be set by the three Election Commissioners at an appropriate time . In West Bengal, preparatory steps—including uploading 2002 SIR data and rationalizing polling stations—are underway, although specific dates remain unsettled. (PC: PTI)

Rahul Gandhi reconnected with a 91-year-old loyalist, Karuna Prasad Mishra during the Congress-Bihar Padayatra. Mishra, a farmer from Madhya Pradesh, has a long history of walking with Congress leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. He was invited by Rahul Gandhi to join the 1,300-km "Voter Adhikar Yatra" in Bihar, a campaign protesting against voter roll revisions. The article highlights Mishra's unwavering support and resilience, noting he walked for four months during the 2023 Bharat Jodo Yatra without his feet aching. His presence underscores a generational connection to the party's legacy and a shared commitment to its core values.

A viral video shows a family—husband, wife, and their young daughter—travelling from Noida to Delhi in an Uber cab when police signalled them to stop at a routine checkpoint near Parthala Bridge. With incomplete documents, the driver sped off instead, ignoring the family's desperate pleas to stop. During the reckless chase, the cab collided with another vehicle, causing minor injuries to the wife. The family finally escaped when the car stopped near Sector 66. The driver, identified as "Nasim" (alias Sonu), was later arrested and charged with multiple offenses including rash driving, kidnapping, forgery, and wrongful confinement. Over ₹29,000 in fines were issued, the vehicle was seized, and Uber removed him from its platform. 

In the Independence Day 2025 special of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 17, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, three distinguished women officers—Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (Indian Army), Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (Indian Air Force), and Commander Prerna Deosthalee (Indian Navy)—took the hot seat. Featuring personal accounts from Operation Sindoor, their participation underscored bravery and patriotism. Impressively, despite the time running out before the ₹50 lakh question, the trio correctly identified the designer of India Gate (Sir Edwin Lutyens) using Audience Poll and secured ₹25 lakh as winnings. They pledged the prize to the welfare funds of their respective services. (PC: Hindustan Times)  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, unveiled Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a next-generation, multi-layered air defence shield comparable to Israel’s Iron Dome, targeted for completion by 2035. The system will safeguard strategic and civilian assets with advanced interception, counter-strike, and cyber defence capabilities. Modi also urged the creation of Made-in-India fighter jet engines, appealing to scientists, engineers, and youth to drive defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The dual push—strengthening missile defence and reducing dependence on imports—signals a major strategic shift in India’s security policy and aims to boost domestic defence manufacturing capabilities. (PC: AP)

On the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, Major General Sandeep S. Sharda, ADG of Strategic Communication, received the Yudh Seva Medal—the third-highest wartime honour—for exemplary leadership in information warfare during Operation Sindoor. He spearheaded a team that swiftly issued verified updates, countered misinformation in real time, and synchronised messaging across platforms, amplifying operational impact. A standout symbol of the campaign was the Operation Sindoor logo—featuring the first “o” as a vermilion bowl—designed by Lt Col Harsh Gupta and Havildar Surinder Singh, debuting on 7 May with “Justice is served. Jai Hind!” and earning commendations for its cultural resonance and strategic messaging. (PC: X)

On August 15 in Srinagar, a moving moment unfolded as a group of specially-abled students performed the Indian National Anthem using Indian Sign Language, captivating audiences during the Independence Day celebrations. The uplifting display highlighted the importance of inclusion and accessibility, ensuring that national pride resonates across all communities, regardless of physical ability. This act served as a powerful reminder of India's commitment to diversity, empowerment, and respect for persons with disabilities—truly embodying the spirit of unity and equality during the nation's most patriotic occasion.  

Actress Adah Sharma, a vocal animal rights advocate, has publicly condemned the Supreme Court’s recent order mandating the removal of stray dogs from Delhi streets, calling it “misguided.” She emphasized that stray animals belong to the country just as humans do and questioned the adequacy of shelter infrastructure to support such a mass relocation . Sharma encouraged adoption instead of purchasing imported pets, advocating that compassionate individual actions could make a difference beyond legal mandates. (PC: News 18)  

The Centre is considering a major overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, replacing the current four-tier system (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) with just two main slabs: 5% for daily-use and essential items, and 18% for most other goods and services. Nearly 99% of products currently in the 12% bracket could be shifted to 5%, while around 90% in the 28% slab may move to 18%. Additionally, a new 40% rate may apply to a select few “sin” or luxury items like tobacco and pan masala. The proposal is under review ahead of possible implementation by Diwali. (PC: Mint)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering his longest-ever Independence Day address on August 15, 2025, warned of a “deliberate conspiracy” to alter India’s demographic fabric, particularly in border regions. In response, he announced the launch of a High-Powered Demography Mission to address population-related security challenges—highlighting the threat to tribal communities, women's safety, and youth livelihoods. This initiative aims to preserve national unity, integrity, and citizens' rights. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)