Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2025, pledged to roll out next-generation GST reforms by Diwali with a goal to cut taxes on everyday-use items, offering significant relief to the middle class and consumers. These reforms aim to simplify the GST structure, potentially by rationalizing multiple slabs—like merging the current 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% brackets—which would ease compliance and lower rates. Analysts say items like packaged foods and apparel could see GST reduced from 12% to 5%, stimulating the economy while making essentials more affordable.  

On August 15, 2025, India celebrated its 79th Independence Day with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the ceremony at Delhi’s historic Red Fort. At around 7:30 AM, PM Modi arrived and was received with a ceremonial Guard of Honour. The national flag was hoisted amidst a 21-gun salute, accompanied by the national anthem, marking a moment of national pride and unity. Thousands, including officials, defense personnel, and citizens, witnessed the event. The occasion symbolized India’s sovereignty and aspirations for a developed future under the theme “Naya Bharat”, reflecting progress, self-reliance, and national resilience.

On August 15, 2025, India celebrated its 79th Independence Day with significant announcements from Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Red Fort. The PM launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), offering ₹15,000 incentives to first-time private sector employees, with employers also eligible for benefits. This is part of a ₹1 lakh crore package aiming to generate 3.5 crore jobs by 2027. Key highlights included next-generation GST reforms, advancements in indigenous technology and space initiatives, recognition of Operation Sindoor for defense, and the national theme “Naya Bharat”, reflecting aspirations for a developed India by 2047. (PC: NDTV)    

On August 14, 2025, the Madras High Court declared the detention of four lawyers and two law students by Chennai police as illegal. The individuals were arrested during a midnight crackdown on sanitation workers protesting the Greater Chennai Corporation's move to privatize conservancy services in two zones. The court noted that the detainees were not presented before a magistrate, violating legal procedures. While ordering their immediate release, the court imposed restrictions barring them from speaking to the media or posting on social media until the next hearing on August 28. (PC: Bar and Bench)  

On August 14, 2025, the Indian government announced gallantry awards for 36 air warriors who played pivotal roles in Operation Sindoor. Nine Indian Air Force officers, including fighter pilots who targeted terrorist groups’ headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur and Pakistan military assets in Operation Sindoor, were awarded the Vir Chakra—the third-highest wartime gallantry medal. One officer received the Shaurya Chakra, and 26 others were honored with the Vayu Sena Medal. These awards recognize exceptional courage and dedication in safeguarding national security. (PC: AFP)  

Nine Indian Air Force officers have been honored with the Vir Chakra, the nation’s third-highest wartime gallantry medal, for their bravery during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The operation involved precision airstrikes on terrorist camps in Muridke and Bahawalpur, Pakistan, following the Pahalgam terror attack. Additionally, 26 IAF personnel received the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for their roles. This recognition highlights the IAF’s commitment to national security and its operational excellence in executing high-risk missions. The awards were announced ahead of Independence Day 2025 as a tribute to their courage and dedication. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate three significant metro projects in Kolkata on August 22, 2025, just before the Durga Puja festival. These include the Green Line (Sealdah–Esplanade), the Orange Line extension (Ruby–Beleghata), and the Yellow Line extension (Noapara–Jai Hind Airport), aimed at improving connectivity, easing traffic congestion, and providing faster, more convenient travel for lakhs of commuters across the city. The metro expansions are expected to enhance urban mobility, link key areas, and provide a direct metro connection to the airport, marking a major milestone in Kolkata’s metro network. (PC: PTI)  

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Moscow on August 21 for the 26th India-Russia Commission meeting. A delegation from the Ministry of Commerce will accompany him to engage in discussions on advancing trade relations. Key topics include initiating negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Additionally, the delegation will explore mechanisms for settling transactions in Indian Rupees and Russian Roubles, aiming to enhance bilateral trade and reduce dependence on the US dollar. (PC: Money Control)

On August 14, 2025, India awarded over 1,000 gallantry and service medals to armed forces and paramilitary personnel. 16 BSF personnel were recognized for bravery during Operation Sindoor, responding to the Pahalgam terror attack by neutralizing threats, drone attacks, and replenishing ammunition under fire. 13 IAF officers received the Yudh Seva Medal for key roles in offensive operations, while 26 IAF personnel earned the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), including fighter pilots and S-400 operators defending Indian airspace. These awards highlight courage, dedication, and commitment to national security. (The Economic Times)

The Supreme Court of India, in its written order dated August 14, 2025, expanded upon its August 11 directive concerning stray dogs in Delhi-NCR by emphasizing strict animal welfare protocols. The Court mandated that trained veterinarians must provide timely medical care, and that weak or vulnerable animals be housed separately "as far as possible." It also warned against mistreatment, cruelty, overcrowding, starvation, or neglect at any stage. The order called on the public and animal-welfare organizations to assist authorities in responsibly operating shelters. Additionally, the matter was reassigned to a three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath. (PC: HT Photo)