Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke recalled how Shah Rukh Khan’s film Swades inspired his desire to contribute to his village. Dipke said he watched the film more than 100 times and was deeply moved by scenes depicting rural hardship and children lacking access to education. Years later, he returned to India from the US and found an opportunity to work for his community in Hingoli, Maharashtra. On Independence Day, he launched the “School Thik Karo” campaign to highlight inadequate facilities in government schools. He plans to conduct social audits of more schools across Maharashtra, focusing on children’s education and basic infrastructure. (PC: X)

A rare wildlife sighting has captured attention after a tigress was seen walking openly with her four cubs in the forest. Footage shared on social media shows the young tigers staying close to their mother as they explore and play. The sighting offers a glimpse into the family life of India’s endangered big cats and highlights the importance of protected forests for tiger conservation. Wildlife enthusiasts have appreciated the scene, calling it a memorable example of nature’s beauty and the bond between a mother tigress and her cubs. Similar sightings of tigresses with four cubs have been documented in India.

Students protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams have demanded Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s resignation. They also asked Congress to withdraw support from the JMM-led government if Soren does not act. The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch said protesters will burn effigies of Soren and Rahul Gandhi on August 16. They also plan to gherao the Chief Minister’s residence on August 20. The students have been demanding action over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC exams. Soren said his government will ensure transparent examinations. He urged students to trust the government and said genuine talent would not be allowed to suffer.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India’s growth plans in his 13th consecutive Independence Day speech from the Red Fort. He said India aims to become a developed nation by 2047. Modi highlighted self-reliance, manufacturing, technology, defence and clean energy. He said India has moved from the “Fragile Five” to the world’s fastest-growing economy. He also urged Indian companies to use free trade agreements to reach global markets. Modi announced seven key areas, including agriculture, innovation and infrastructure. He called Gen-Z important for India’s future. He also stressed energy security and backed youth participation in building a developed India.

Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra apologised to NALSAR law students after a controversy over their convocation. His apology came a day after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant criticised the BCI for interfering in the matter. Mishra said, “I sincerely regret and apologise” if his words or letter had hurt students. The BCI had earlier ordered a freeze on enrolment of NALSAR’s 2026 graduates but withdrew it later. The Supreme Court also stopped the BCI and state bar councils from taking action against students. Mishra said students have the right to peaceful protest and should decide independently about attending the convocation.

Bengaluru Police have arrested 25-year-old Asaful Malik, a security guard from West Bengal, for allegedly conspiring with a member of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to attack the Pakistan Army. Malik was detained on August 11 in Bommasandra after police received information about his alleged plans. Investigators said he contacted an Afghanistan-based TTP member through Facebook and sought assistance to travel to Afghanistan. Police found messages and audio recordings on his phone allegedly linked to the planned retaliation. Malik had obtained a passport and applied for a visa but reportedly abandoned the journey. Further investigation is underway. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced six major initiatives during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, focusing on youth, technology, education and national development. The government plans to provide AI skill training to one crore youth within a year and free online coaching for competitive examinations. A nationwide sports talent hunt will identify children aged 5–15 and nurture future Olympic talent. Other announcements include modernising civil defence, establishing 7–8 semiconductor plants over the next two years and expanding nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047. The measures support the government’s broader vision of a developed, self-reliant India. (PC: NDTV)

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort on August 15, 2026, for the second consecutive year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national ceremony. Congress sources reportedly cited concerns over seating arrangements and ceremonial protocols that they said did not reflect their positions. Gandhi, as Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, and Kharge, as Rajya Sabha Opposition leader, hold Cabinet-rank status. The decision triggered political criticism, with the BJP questioning their absence from the national event. The Congress leaders instead participated in separate Independence Day programmes and issued messages honouring India’s freedom struggle and constitutional values. (PC: PTI)

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of 14 food establishments linked to quick-commerce platforms Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart following inspections that uncovered serious food-safety violations. Officials reported issues including expired food products, cockroach infestations, poor storage conditions and missing records related to medical examinations and pest control. The inspections were part of a wider enforcement drive targeting food-handling facilities. The action highlights concerns over hygiene and regulatory compliance in the rapidly expanding quick-commerce sector, where dark stores and warehouses handle large volumes of food products for rapid delivery.

On Independence Day, a 99-year-old freedom fighter from Mysuru urged Gen Z to remain engaged in movements aimed at improving the nation. Reflecting on his experiences during India’s freedom struggle, he stressed that efforts for the country’s welfare should never stop after political independence. He encouraged young people to understand their responsibilities as citizens and contribute to social progress. The veteran also planned to hoist the national flag at Mysuru’s Freedom Fighters’ Park or Subbarayanakere Park. His message focused on preserving the spirit of public service, remembering the sacrifices of earlier generations and motivating today’s youth to actively participate in building India’s future.