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)  

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s celebrated astronaut of the Axiom-4 mission, is heading back to India — marking his first return since the successful International Space Station expedition . Sources indicate he may meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi this Monday to share insights and experiences critical to India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight program . Upon landing tomorrow, he will also participate in the National Space Day celebrations on August 23. Shukla spent 18 days aboard the ISS conducting seven India-specific experiments, whose results are now being reviewed by Indian scientists. (PC: NDTV)  

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)

U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview aboard Air Force One ahead of a summit with Vladimir Putin, stated: “If I have to do it, I’ll do it” regarding potential secondary tariffs targeting India’s ongoing oil imports from Russia—though he added, “maybe I won’t have to do it.” The Ministry of External Affairs swiftly condemned the prospect, labeling the U.S. action “unjustified and unreasonable” and reaffirming that India will “take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.” (PC: PTI)

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has broken his silence on being dropped from the IPL 2025 commentary panel. Speaking to The Lallantop, he suggested his “constructive criticism”—particularly of Hardik Pandya during his early tenure as Mumbai Indians captain—may have played a role in the decision. Pathan emphasized that his critiques stem from professionalism, not personal bias, noting, “If I’m criticising you in 7 matches out of 14, I’m still being lenient.” He also highlighted his longstanding support for Baroda players, including Pandya, and recalled having championed him early in his career. (PC: Hindustan Times)

In a Fox News interview after his Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that he will not impose secondary sanctions—for now—on nations importing Russian oil, offering temporary relief to major buyers like India and China. India, already hit with a 50% tariff on exports to the U.S. due to its Russian oil trade, could benefit from this pause. Trump emphasized the decision might be reviewed within two to three weeks, keeping pressure on Moscow while avoiding immediate disruption to global energy markets. The move signals a strategic wait-and-watch approach. (PC: Reuters)  

Over the past 24 hours, at least 194 people have perished in monsoon-induced floods and landslides across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with 180 deaths in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) alone . Disaster authorities reported 30 homes destroyed and a rescue helicopter crash that killed all five crew members amid rescue efforts . In addition, nine fatalities occurred in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and five more in Gilgit-Baltistan . Government forecasters warn that heavy rainfall is expected to continue through August 21, with multiple areas already declared disaster zones. (PC: AFP)  

At their high-stakes Alaska summit on August 15–16, 2025, Vladimir Putin breached diplomatic protocol by taking the microphone before U.S. President Donald Trump during the joint press conference . Framing the narrative on his terms, Putin highlighted Alaska’s history as former Russian territory and portrayed the two nations as “neighbours,” setting a cooperative tone despite the absence of a peace deal . The three-hour summit ended without any formal agreement to halt the Ukraine war; Trump insisted “there’s no deal until there’s a deal,” while Putin claimed an “understanding” had been reached. (PC: Reuters)