Gen Z and “Yuva Shakti” will take centre stage at India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort on August 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations, which will commemorate 150 years of the National Song, “Vande Mataram.” For the first time, the song will be rendered at the historic venue during the Independence Day event. The celebrations will focus on the energy, aspirations and contributions of young Indians to the country’s development journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047. A full-dress rehearsal was held at the Red Fort on August 13 ahead of the celebrations. The event is expected to combine the Independence Day ceremony with a prominent focus on youth participation and national identity. (PC: ANI)

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has announced plans to conduct a proper scientific study to examine concerns surrounding E20 petrol, after withdrawing an earlier communication on fuel contamination. SIAM said the previous data had insufficient testing and sample size to support definitive conclusions. The decision follows concerns raised by automakers over chloride and moisture contamination in fuel samples. SIAM maintains that the withdrawn communication should not be interpreted as evidence against E20 itself. Meanwhile, the government and ARAI have maintained that E20 is safe for compatible vehicles after extensive testing. The controversy has intensified consumer concerns over mileage and vehicle performance. (PC: The Hindu)

A 30-year-old nurse, Rupali Burman, was found dead inside a locked toilet at Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Wednesday night. Burman was reportedly on duty in the gynaecology department’s High Dependency Unit (HDU), having started her shift at 8 pm. She entered the restroom around 10:20 pm but did not return. Colleagues called out to her several minutes later, but received no response, prompting them to break open the door. She was found unconscious and later died before medical treatment could be provided. Police have taken over the investigation, with CCTV and forensic evidence being examined. (PC: NDTV)

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a kirpan at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday afternoon. Police detained 62-year-old Pune-based lawyer Jaspal Singh Tejpal, dressed in Nihang attire, who reportedly approached Badal as he descended the steps after prayers. Security personnel immediately intervened, preventing a more serious attack. Badal sustained injuries to his right hand and received two to three stitches, while a security officer was also hurt. Maharashtra Police are questioning the accused and investigating the motive. SAD leaders have demanded a CBI probe, citing possible security and intelligence failures. (PC: India Today)

Lok Sabha proceedings opened with ‘Vande Mataram’ on Thursday, marking the first time the National Song was played at the start of a parliamentary sitting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other MPs were present as 6 stanzas were played on the final day of the Monsoon Session. The Rajya Sabha also closed its session with the National Song. The move came days after President Droupadi Murmu approved a law giving legal protection to ‘Vande Mataram’ and making disruption of its singing punishable. The Monsoon Session ended amid repeated protests and heated exchanges between the government and Opposition. (PC: India Today)

Former women Naxals from Bastar, who once carried weapons in the forests, walked the runway in traditional handloom outfits at a tribal fashion show in Raipur. The event was organised to mark National Handloom Day and drew loud applause from the audience. Their appearance highlighted the change in their lives after surrendering and returning to mainstream society. The women are among former insurgents being supported through livelihood and rehabilitation programmes aimed at helping them build independent lives. The event also came as Chhattisgarh focused on development in Bastar after years of violence. Their confident runway appearance offered a powerful picture of their journey towards a new life.  

Air India will screen all its pilots for substance abuse before departures after the captain of a Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for marijuana. The airline said mandatory testing will begin on August 13 and will cover substances or medications not permitted under regulations. The decision follows an August 4 incident in which flight AI2379 suddenly lost about 300 feet during cruise, leaving 24 people injured. Air India initially attributed the incident to turbulence, but the pilot later tested positive in a confirmatory drug test. Both pilots had undergone post-flight screening. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating the incident, while DGCA will decide regulatory action. (PC: HT)

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a sword by a Nihang group at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. Badal suffered minor injuries during the incident, while his security personnel quickly intervened and stopped the attacker. Police detained those involved and launched an investigation. Badal, a prominent Sikh politician and former Punjab minister, was reportedly out of danger after the attack. His wife, SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, was also present at the gurdwara. The incident has raised concerns over security arrangements during Badal’s visit to the religious site. (PC: The Indian Express)

Residents of Thane are opposing Amazon Data Services India’s proposed data centre in Balkum, citing concerns over heat, noise, emissions and pressure on electricity supply. The facility is planned on a 53-acre plot and is expected to involve an investment of around ₹47,000 crore. Residents under the “Wake Up Thanekar” campaign say the project’s location in a densely populated area, near homes, schools, hospitals and public transport, is a major concern. Amazon says the centre will use air-cooled and closed-loop technology, a dedicated power substation and noise-control measures to address environmental and safety concerns. (PC: India Today)

An Air India Phuket-Delhi flight logged 9 warnings within a minute during an altitude drop of around 360 feet, according to its post-flight fault records. Flight AI2379, an Airbus A320, was flying at 36,160 feet on August 4 when the incident occurred, leaving 20 passengers and 4 crew members injured. The warnings included low pressure in the Green, Blue and Yellow hydraulic systems, low reservoir levels, an autopilot disconnect and an elevator flight-control fault. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating the incident. The commander also told investigators that he had slept for 30 to 35 minutes during the flight. (PC: HT)