Himachal Pradesh is grappling with severe flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, leading to road closures, school shutdowns, and disrupted utilities. The Manali-Leh highway is blocked, and a truck was swept away by floodwaters. Tragically, numerous fatalities and significant financial losses have already occurred due to the relentless downpour, with more heavy rain forecasted.
Following Amit Shah's criticism of Justice Sudershan Reddy's Salwa Judum judgment, 56 retired judges, including former CJIs Sathasivam and Gogoi, issued a counter-statement disagreeing with the initial group of judges who defended Reddy. They urged their colleagues to avoid politically motivated statements, emphasizing that the judiciary should remain distinct from political entanglements.
AAP leader Atishi has denounced the ED raids on Saurabh Bharadwaj's residence as a fabricated attempt to divert attention from questions surrounding PM Modi's education degree. She asserted that the raids, linked to alleged irregularities in hospital construction, are baseless and intended to intimidate the AAP, emphasizing the party's integrity and resilience against such actions.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) refuted YSRCP's claims about land allocation to Oberoi Hotels, clarifying the initial allotment was made in 2021. Following protests and TTD's request, the TDP government cancelled the original allotment to Mumtaz Hotels, offering alternative land. The government aims to protect investor interests while respecting religious sentiments, according to TDP spokesperson Jyothsna Tirunagari.
Heavy monsoon rains triggered a landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine route in Jammu and Kashmir, injuring at least six. The yatra has been suspended, and trains to Katra cancelled. Widespread disruption continues across the region with landslides blocking the Jammu-Srinagar highway and cloudbursts causing flash floods in Doda.
Kerala's Mahatma Gandhi University has inaugurated the state's first hostel exclusively for transgender students, a significant step towards inclusivity in higher education. Social Justice Minister R Bindhu highlighted the increasing number of transgender students pursuing higher education and emphasized the importance of societal support. The hostel, accommodating at least six students, addresses the accommodation challenges faced by the community.
Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi affirmed the Indian Navy's readiness to act decisively, continuing Operation Sindoor if necessary. Speaking at the commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, he highlighted their role in deterring enemies and keeping Pakistan in check. Rajnath Singh commissioned the frigates, emphasizing their advanced capabilities for various missions and contribution to India's maritime security.
A family in Koparkhairane was allegedly harassed and threatened by auto drivers for not speaking Marathi, sparking outrage online. The incident involved their car being rammed, followed by demands for money and verbal abuse targeting their origin. This event adds to growing concerns about language-based intimidation in Maharashtra, following a similar assault on a sweet shop owner in Mira Road.
India faced a day of diverse events, including a deadly landslide at Vaishno Devi shrine, the commissioning of INS Udaygiri and Himgiri by the Indian Navy, and US tariffs threatening Indian exports. A dowry murder case in Noida sparked outrage, while cricket legend Cheteshwar Pujara retired.
German envoy Georg Enzweiler criticized the US imposition of tariffs on various countries, deeming them «obstacles to free trade.» He advocated for minimizing tariffs to promote open commerce.
Nikki Bhati's father is demanding the demolition of her in-laws' house after she was allegedly murdered for dowry in Greater Noida. He accuses the family of relentless harassment and obstructing her business aspirations, alleging his daughter was set ablaze after dowry demands went unmet. Police have arrested the husband and in-laws, while the NCW condemns the killing.
General Anil Chauhan emphasized India's commitment to peace while asserting the necessity of military preparedness, stating that peace without power is unattainable. He highlighted the blurring lines between war and peace, the importance of population resilience, and the evolving metrics of victory in modern conflicts.
President Zelenskyy thanked Prime Minister Modi for his Independence Day wishes, expressing hope for India's role in ending the conflict through diplomacy. PM Modi reiterated India's commitment to peace and offered support for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. Both leaders emphasized strengthening bilateral ties, with Zelenskyy invited to visit India.
He said that ED's raid on Saurabh Bharadwaj's residence is another case of the Union Government «misusing» the agencies and no such party has targeted AAP like BJP in the past.
US President Donald Trump said he stopped seven wars, including one between India and Pakistan that he claimed was just two weeks away from becoming a nuclear conflict, adding he was «very proud» of preventing it.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked PM Narendra Modi for Independence Day greetings, appreciating India's support for peace and dialogue. He said India's role is crucial in ending the war with dignity and lasting peace, adding that stronger diplomacy ensures security in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and beyond.
Ahead of their retirement after six decades of service, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and other IAF officers flew MiG-21 sorties as a final farewell. ACM Singh praised the aircraft's agility but acknowledged its outdated technology and maintenance challenges. The formal farewell for the MiG-21s will be held in Chandigarh on Sept 26.
Despite leading allegations of 'vote theft,' the Congress party has been conspicuously absent from the Election Commission's (EC) structured interactions with political parties over the past 3.5 months. The EC extended invitations, including one following Rahul Gandhi's concerns about electoral roll imperfections, but received no response.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan claimed that 'Operation Sindoor' forced Pakistan to seek talks, fearing India would target its nuclear base after dismantling air bases. He stated India retaliated with missiles after Pakistan's attacks, emphasizing that India only targets terrorists. Chouhan added that the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack were eliminated, fulfilling the victims' families' demand.
Prime Minister Modi pledged unwavering support for India's small entrepreneurs, farmers, and animal keepers amidst rising economic pressures. His statement comes as US President Trump's 50% tariff on Indian goods is set to take effect. India has criticized the US tariffs as unjustified, vowing to protect its domestic stakeholders and pursue an independent trade policy.
Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini declares jobs for families of 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims. One hundred twenty-one people from Haryana died in the riots. The riots followed Indira Gandhi's assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. Mobs targeted Sikhs in Delhi and other cities. Over 3,000 Sikhs were killed. Justice for the victims has been slow.
Villagers from Sukma and Bastar, Chhattisgarh, who are victims of Naxal violence, have appealed to Members of Parliament not to support B Sudershan Reddy for Vice-President. They criticize his past order against the Salwa Judum movement, claiming it emboldened insurgents. BJP leaders also question Reddy's alleged leniency towards Maoism, raising concerns about his suitability for the high constitutional office.
India and Fiji have solidified their partnership with a comprehensive action plan to enhance defence cooperation and promote a peaceful Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Modi and Fijian Prime Minister Rabuka pledged to collaborate on maritime security, with India offering training and equipment support. Seven agreements were signed, spanning medicine, skill development, and trade.
In Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector, Indian troops initiated search operations after spotting suspicious movement and opening fire along the Line of Control. Earlier, multiple drones from Pakistan were observed hovering over forward areas in the Poonch district, prompting security forces to launch a search operation.
