A political row broke out after a video from the Congress Independence Day event in New Delhi showed Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge making hand gestures during the rendition of Vande Mataram. Rahul Gandhi was also seen making a similar gesture. Critics claimed the leaders were asking workers to stop the national song. Congress leader Ashok Gehlot dismissed the issue, saying, “There is no controversy.” The row comes amid a wider political fight over Vande Mataram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised Congress over its history with the song. Congress has not yet given a detailed explanation of the gestures.

Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will lead India’s challenge at the World Championships in New Delhi. The world No.5 pair is returning after a long break due to Satwik’s shoulder injury. The duo won the Singapore Open in May, beating top pairs from Korea and Malaysia. However, they later withdrew from the Indonesia and Japan Opens after Satwik’s injury returned. “We know that if we are fit enough to play, we can beat anyone on a given day,” Satwik said. The pair will take one match at a time and aim to regain their best form.

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)

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed seven people early Saturday, according to Lebanese state media, making it the deadliest reported incident since a June lull in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The strike reportedly hit a home on the outskirts of Ansar village, with three others wounded. The attack comes amid continuing tensions despite agreements aimed at reducing fighting and facilitating Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah disarmament. Israel has said its military operations target Hezbollah infrastructure and are intended to protect Israeli forces and communities. The latest casualties underscore the fragile security situation along the Lebanon-Israel border, where sporadic strikes continue despite diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed escalation. (PC: AFP)

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day appeal for political parties to support early implementation of the 33% women’s reservation in legislatures. Ramesh described Modi’s pitch as “dishonest” and accused the government of “double-faced hypocrisy,” arguing that the Centre had delayed implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Modi, in his Red Fort address, urged parties to help ensure women’s reservation becomes effective and said political credit should not matter. The controversy centres on the 2023 law’s implementation being linked to census and delimitation processes, prompting opposition criticism over the timeline. (PC: The Hindu)

Team India celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day by hoisting the Tricolour at their hotel in Galle, Sri Lanka, ahead of the opening Test against the hosts. Captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir led the ceremony, with the squad joining in the national anthem. The celebrations carried special significance as India was set to play its historic 600th Test, becoming the first Asian team and only the third side overall to reach the milestone. The two-match series is also important for India’s World Test Championship campaign. The team entered the match seeking a strong start against Sri Lanka.

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)

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong attended India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15. He congratulated India on the occasion, posting, “Warm congratulations to India on the 80th anniversary of independence!” on X. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Beijing held its own Independence Day ceremony despite rainy weather, with Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami hoisting the Tricolour and reading excerpts from President Droupadi Murmu’s address. The celebrations also included recognition of cultural and quiz competition winners. The diplomatic participation highlighted international goodwill and people-to-people ties surrounding India’s Independence Day. (PC: X)

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores region early Saturday, August 15, causing buildings and homes to collapse and triggering widespread panic. At least 20 people were killed, six injured and two remained trapped or missing after landslides, according to reports. Residents fled to safer areas as strong aftershocks continued. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning after the shallow quake, but later lifted it after only minor waves were recorded. Rescue operations were complicated by landslides, damaged roads and communication disruptions. Hospitals also evacuated patients as emergency teams assessed damage across affected areas. (PC: Reuters)

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)