Saturday, 15 August 2026
Today's stories — most differently framed first
01Bar Council withdraws controversial action against NALSAR students after judicial criticism
The Bar Council of India withdrew its directive and dropped proceedings against NALSAR law students who had opposed an invitation to the Chief Justice for their convocation. The move followed strong criticism from the Chief Justice of India and senior judges, as well as condemnation from hundreds of university alumni who termed the circular unconstitutional.
Vande Mataram integrated into official Independence Day celebrations across institutions
For the first time, the national song 'Vande Mataram' is featured in official Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, marking its 150th anniversary alongside new parliamentary legislation. The inclusion has prompted varied responses, including circulars from judicial bodies and state education departments addressing protocols for patriotic songs.
Where the spectrum agrees
03Supreme court criticizes bar council over nalsar student protest dispute
The Supreme Court criticized the Bar Council of India for its circular regarding NALSAR University students involved in a protest. The court directed that no punitive action or enrollment bans be taken against the graduating batch, asserting that the BCI overstepped its authority. Meanwhile, hundreds of university alumni also condemned the BCI's actions.
Union government notifies 40 questions for Census 2027 including caste enumeration
The Ministry of Home Affairs has notified the 40-question schedule for the population enumeration phase of Census 2027. The questionnaire includes a specific column to record caste alongside Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe status for the first time since Independence.
Ministry of External Affairs responds to Congress leaders' remarks on Italian Prime Minister
The Ministry of External Affairs addressed remarks made by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit regarding Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The MEA emphasized the importance of maintaining respectful diplomatic relations, noting that India and Italy share strong ties based on mutual understanding.
The world — and the India stake
06US report places India in network accused of helping China evade tariffs
A White House report has identified India among more than 40 nations allegedly involved in a shadow transshipment network enabling Chinese goods to bypass US tariffs. The assessment warns of potential penalties for countries facilitating such rerouting.
Major earthquake strikes Indonesia triggering tsunami warnings
A powerful earthquake measuring between 7.6 and 7.7 in magnitude struck off the coast of Indonesia. Authorities subsequently issued tsunami warnings for affected regions, prompting evacuations.
Iran president Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Delhi for BRICS summit
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is reportedly scheduled to travel to New Delhi in September to attend the 18th BRICS Summit. The visit comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The record
09India marks its 80th Independence Day with celebrations and Prime Minister's address
India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, marking the milestone with nationwide events and security preparations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the Red Fort, highlighting national development goals, youth contributions, and cultural milestones including the playing of 'Vande Mataram'.
President Droupadi Murmu addresses the nation on Independence Day eve
On the eve of India's Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu delivered her traditional address to the nation. Alongside the address, the President's Secretariat approved 78 gallantry awards for armed forces and security personnel.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal injured in Nanded gurdwara attack
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal survived a dagger attack by a Nihang Sikh at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. He underwent surgery for injuries to his hand and has since been discharged from the hospital. Police are investigating the motives behind the incident, while political leaders have condemned the violence.
Supreme court stays madras high court order on compassionate jobs
The Supreme Court has granted an interim stay on a Madras High Court order that previously quashed the Tamil Nadu government's decision to provide compassionate government jobs to families of Karur stampede victims. The apex court questioned why the government cannot provide such jobs as relief, pausing the high court's ruling which had raised concerns about opening similar precedents.
Supreme court quashes FIRs against Samay Raina and others over disability remarks
The Supreme Court has quashed all First Information Reports against comedian Samay Raina and four others regarding controversial remarks about persons with disabilities on a comedy show. The court noted the comedians' compliance with directives to conduct awareness programmes and raise funds.
Independence Day 2026: PM Modi Pays Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat #pmmodi #independenceday
Multiple Delhi locations receive bomb threats ahead of Independence Day
Several prominent locations in Delhi, including the High Court and the international airport, received bomb threat emails on Friday. Security forces conducted checks across the affected sites, while local officials noted the threats appeared to be fake.
Supreme Court quashes defamation case against Rahul Gandhi over Savarkar remarks
The Supreme Court has quashed a criminal defamation complaint and summons against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding his 2022 remarks about Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar. Meanwhile, political reactions followed separate remarks made by Gandhi concerning foreign policy.
Jemimah Rodrigues ruled out of Asia Cup and Asian Games due to injury
Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has sustained a high-grade hamstring tear, forcing her to withdraw from the upcoming Asia Cup and Asian Games. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has named Pratika Rawal as her replacement for the tournaments.
Emraan Hashmi starrer sequel Awarapan 2 releases in theaters
Emraan Hashmi reprises his role in the newly released sequel Awarapan 2, directed by Nitin Kakkar. The film opened to a notable box office collection and received mixed reviews from critics focusing on its appeal to the actor's fanbase.
Former TMC MLA Nirmal Ghosh attacked with eggs following arrest
Former Trinamool Congress MLA Nirmal Ghosh was targeted by a mob throwing eggs while being taken to court. His arrest is connected to allegations of influencing a hurried cremation in the RG Kar medical college rape and murder case.
Sukhbir Singh Badal survives security attack at Maharashtra gurdwara
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal survived an attack involving a kirpan during his visit to a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. A police officer on security duty intervened and sustained an injury while thwarting the assault. Following the incident, Badal stated that he remains unafraid, while family members expressed gratitude to national leaders for their support.