National Politics

BJP, Congress Clash Over Sonia’s Vande Mataram Gesture

By BPN News Desk August 15, 2026

A political row erupted during the Congress’s Independence Day celebrations after the BJP accused Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the full rendition of Vande Mataram. The Congress rejected the allegation, saying Gandhi was instead asking organisers to arrange a chair for party president Mallikarjun Kharge. BJP Accuses Sonia Gandhi Over Vande Mataram The controversy followed

National

Devendra Fadnavis Backs Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Warning

By BPN News Desk August 15, 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warning about “dimaagi Naxals”, arguing that ideological extremism promoting anarchy could be more dangerous than armed Naxalism. He also linked the Prime Minister’s remarks to a controversy surrounding the Congress’s Independence Day programme. Fadnavis Backs Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’

Law & Order National

BCI Chief Apologises Over NALSAR Student Row

By BPN News Desk August 15, 2026

Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has apologised to law students following controversy over an order that temporarily barred NALSAR University of Law’s entire 2026 graduating batch from enrolling as advocates. Mishra said the episode was not a matter of personal prestige or ego and expressed regret to students who were hurt by […]

Op-Eds Opinion

What Example Are Our Leaders Setting When Private Relationships Enter Public Ceremonies?

By BPN News Desk August 15, 2026

An Independence Day ceremony is not a film premiere, a birthday celebration or a private family gathering. It is a State function. The venue belongs symbolically to the people. The hospitality is State hospitality. The seating arrangements carry the authority and prestige of government. Those accorded conspicuous prominence at such an occasion inevitably acquire a […]

International

Iran Rejects Trump’s Claim Over Strait of Hormuz

By BPN News Desk August 15, 2026

Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington could soon declare the Strait of Hormuz American territory, insisting that the strategic waterway remains under Iranian control. Tehran said the strait could not be seized through political declarations, military deployments or presidential orders. Iran Rejects Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Claim Iranian Deputy

National Politics

Congress Hits Back at PM Modi Over ‘Dimaagi Naxals’

By BPN News Desk August 15, 2026

The Congress has hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Independence Day warning against “dimaagi Naxals”, with party general secretary Jairam Ramesh describing the remarks as a sign of political “desperation”. Modi had used the term while arguing that Maoist ideology remained a threat even as armed Naxalism declined. Congress Attacks Modi Over […]

North India State News

Omar Abdullah Pushes Statehood, Federalism on I-Day

By BPN News Desk August 15, 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has renewed his demand for restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees, arguing that stronger federalism is essential for India’s democratic structure. In his Independence Day address at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium, he also spoke about unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and defended Jammu and Kashmir’s 1947 accession

Olympics Sports

PM Modi Launches Sports Talent Hunt for 2036 Olympics

By BPN News Desk August 15, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a nationwide sports talent hunt for children aged five to 15 as India steps up preparations for its ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The programme aims to identify promising athletes at an early age and provide them with structured training and long-term development support. Nationwide Sports Talent […]

International

Indonesia Quake Kills 20, Tsunami Warning Lifted

By BPN News Desk August 15, 2026

A powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 20 people and damaging homes and buildings across the Flores region. The undersea quake triggered tsunami waves of less than one metre, prompting coastal evacuations before authorities later lifted the warning. Indonesia Earthquake Kills at Least 20 The earthquake struck near

International

UK Slams Netanyahu’s ‘Islamic Republic’ Remark

By BPN News Desk August 15, 2026

Britain has sharply criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he referred to the country as the “Islamic Republic of Britain” and suggested it could become an Islamic republic possessing nuclear weapons. The UK government described the comments as “completely unacceptable” and said the matter had been raised directly with Israel. UK Condemns Netanyahu’s