NEW News 18 Hindi
Sat 15 Aug 2026 12:15:02 PM ⤴
Why India Gained Independence At Midnight: The ‘Inauspicious’ Problem Nehru Had To Solve
SUMMARY
India gained independence at midnight on August 15, 1947, due to a unique clash between politics and astrology. Lord Mountbatten fixed August 15 as the transfer of power date, but Indian astrologers declared it "inauspicious." To resolve this, Nehru and leaders consulted astrologers who suggested beginning at midnight—when August 14 transitions to August 15—as the "Abhijit Muhurat," an auspicious window. This allowed Nehru to deliver his iconic "Tryst with Destiny" speech at the stroke of midnight, satisfying both British timelines and Hindu astrological beliefs.
Watch video
NEW The Indian Express
Sat 15 Aug 2026 11:35:02 AM ⤴
Foreign nuclear technology must meet approval, operational criteria under draft SHANTI rules
SUMMARY
India's Department of Atomic Energy has drafted the SHANTI (Safety, Health, and Nuclear Technology Improvement) rules to regulate foreign nuclear technology imports. Under these proposed guidelines, all foreign nuclear technologies must undergo rigorous safety assessments and receive mandatory government approval before deployment in India. The rules establish strict operational criteria, including compliance with indigenous safety standards, periodic inspections, and mandatory technology transfer provisions. This framework aims to ensure national security, environmental protection, and self-reliance in nuclear energy.
Watch video
NEW The Times Of India
Sat 15 Aug 2026 11:30:12 AM ⤴
'Swiftly ensure 33% reservation for women': PM Modi to political parties on I-Day
SUMMARY
On India's Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi urged all political parties to swiftly implement the 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures. Speaking from the Red Fort, he emphasized women's empowerment as crucial for India's development. The Women's Reservation Bill, passed in 2023 as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, reserves one-third seats for women but awaits delimitation and census. Modi called for cross-party consensus to expedite its enforcement, strengthening women's political participation.
Watch video
NEW News 18 Hindi
Sat 15 Aug 2026 11:25:02 AM ⤴
GK: Where Was Mahatma Gandhi When India Celebrated Independence?
SUMMARY
# Mahatma Gandhi During India's Independence Day (August 15, 1947)
While India celebrated independence in Delhi, Mahatma Gandhi was notably absent from the festivities. He was in Calcutta (now Kolkata), fasting and praying to restore peace amid horrific Hindu-Muslim communal riots triggered by Partition. Gandhi chose not to celebrate, calling Independence Day a day of mourning due to the violence and division of India into two nations. He stayed at Hydari Mansion in Beliaghata, working to end bloodshed, earning praise from Lord Mountbatten, who called him a "one-man boundary force."
Watch video
NEW News 18 Hindi
Sat 15 Aug 2026 11:10:14 AM ⤴
PM Modi Hails Skyroot’s Young Team In I-Day Speech: What Made Its Space Launch Historic
SUMMARY
In his 2022 Independence Day speech, PM Modi praised Skyroot Aerospace's young team for their groundbreaking achievement. Skyroot, a Hyderabad-based startup founded by former ISRO engineers Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, made history by launching India's first privately developed rocket, Vikram-S, in November 2022 under mission "Prarambh." This marked India's entry into private space exploration post-2020 reforms opening the sector. The sub-orbital launch validated three key technologies, boosting India's space startup ecosystem significantly.
Watch video
NEW Hindustan Times
Sat 15 Aug 2026 10:35:02 AM ⤴
Non-availability of textbooks, application-based exam patterns creating academic stress among students: Par panel
SUMMARY
A Parliamentary panel has highlighted that the non-availability of textbooks and the shift towards application-based exam patterns are causing significant academic stress among students. The committee noted that students struggle when textbooks are not accessible on time, hindering preparation. Additionally, the new competency-based and application-oriented examination format, diverging from traditional rote learning, has increased anxiety. The panel urged the government to ensure timely textbook distribution and provide adequate support to help students adapt to evolving assessment methods.
Watch video
NEW Firstpost
Sat 15 Aug 2026 10:30:14 AM ⤴
From Rs 2.7 lakh crore to a $4 trillion economy: How India changed in 79 years
SUMMARY
India marks 79 years of independence, showcasing a remarkable economic transformation. From a modest GDP of Rs 2.7 lakh crore at independence in 1947, India has grown into a nearly $4 trillion economy, making it the fifth-largest globally. Key drivers include liberalization reforms of 1991, IT revolution, manufacturing growth, and digital infrastructure expansion. The nation has achieved significant milestones in space, defense, and technology. Per capita income has risen substantially, lifting millions from poverty. Despite challenges like inequality and unemployment, India aims to become a $5 trillion economy soon, reflecting its resilience and growth potential.
Watch video
NEW Firstpost
Sat 15 Aug 2026 10:25:14 AM ⤴
Loved in Sri Lanka, dissed in Pakistan: Survey reveals how the world sees India
SUMMARY
A recent global survey reveals stark contrasts in how nations perceive India. Sri Lanka emerged as the country with the most favorable view of India, reflecting strong cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties between the neighbors. Conversely, Pakistan holds the most negative perception of India, unsurprising given decades of territorial disputes, wars, and political tensions. The survey highlights India's growing global influence, with largely positive views across Southeast Asia and Africa, while mixed opinions persist in parts of the West and neighboring regions.
Watch video
NEW Firstpost
Sat 15 Aug 2026 09:25:06 AM ⤴
Delhi Red Fort blast linked to Al-Qaeda’s South Asia branch AQIS, flags UN report
SUMMARY
A UN report has linked the 2000 Red Fort terrorist attack in Delhi to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The attack, carried out on December 22, 2000, targeted the iconic monument, resulting in casualties among security personnel. The UN monitoring team's report highlights AQIS's expanding footprint in South Asia, raising concerns about the terror group's operational capabilities in India. Indian security agencies are reassessing the threat landscape following these revelations, strengthening counter-terrorism measures.
Watch video
NEW News 18 Hindi
Sat 15 Aug 2026 09:25:01 AM ⤴
‘12 Years Ago, Solar Capacity Was 2 GW; Today It Is 160 GW’: PM Modi Bats For Energy Self-Reliance
SUMMARY
PM Modi highlighted India's remarkable solar energy growth, noting capacity surged from 2 GW twelve years ago to 160 GW today, reflecting the government's commitment to renewable energy. Speaking at a key event, he emphasized energy self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) as crucial for India's development and security. Modi stressed reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports, promoting green hydrogen, and achieving 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. He credited initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and rooftop solar schemes for driving this transformation toward a sustainable future.
Watch video
NEW Firstpost
Sat 15 Aug 2026 09:20:07 AM ⤴
India nearly doubles proposed coal mine capacity as global pipeline expands: Report
SUMMARY
India has nearly doubled its proposed coal mine capacity, signaling a major expansion despite global climate commitments. According to a recent report, India's coal mining pipeline has grown significantly, reflecting the country's continued reliance on coal for energy security and industrial growth. This expansion comes even as nations worldwide pledge to reduce fossil fuel usage. India argues coal remains essential to meet rising energy demands and support economic development for its vast population, while critics warn it undermines Paris Agreement goals.
Watch video
NEW News 18 Hindi
Sat 15 Aug 2026 09:20:02 AM ⤴
In I-Day Speech, PM Modi Lists 12-Year Growth Story: Defence Production Up 4X, Electronics 7X
SUMMARY
In his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, PM Narendra Modi highlighted India's remarkable growth over the past 12 years under his government. He noted that defence production has increased fourfold, reducing dependence on imports and boosting self-reliance. Electronics manufacturing surged sevenfold, positioning India as a global hub. Modi also emphasized achievements in infrastructure, digital payments, and welfare schemes, reinforcing his vision of a developed India by 2047, urging citizens to contribute to nation-building.
Watch video
NEW Firstpost
Sat 15 Aug 2026 09:10:11 AM ⤴
India enters elite rocket-engine club as Astrobase unveils 800 kN FFSC engine
SUMMARY
Indian startup Astrobase has unveiled an 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) engine, making India only the second country after the US (SpaceX's Raptor) to develop this advanced propulsion technology. FFSC engines burn both fuel and oxidizer-rich preburner gases, maximizing efficiency and reusability. This breakthrough positions India among an elite group in space propulsion. The engine promises higher performance, longer lifespan, and cost-effective launches, boosting India's growing private space sector significantly.
Watch video
NEW The Hindu
Sat 15 Aug 2026 08:50:15 AM ⤴
Gautam Rangarajan, former Indian diplomat’s son and BBC exec appointed U.K. PM’s Adviser
SUMMARY
Gautam Rangarajan, a BBC executive and son of former Indian diplomat L.N. Rangarajan, has been appointed as a senior adviser to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Rangarajan, of Indian-origin, previously served as Director of Strategy at the BBC and held roles in the UK civil service. His appointment highlights the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in British politics. He is expected to play a key role in shaping Downing Street's policy and communications strategy under the Labour government.
Watch video
NEW Firstpost
Sat 15 Aug 2026 08:20:12 AM ⤴
India’s mining tax shake-up: Why mineral-rich states are worried
SUMMARY
India's government proposed amending the Mines and Minerals Act, centralizing control over mining regulations and taxation. Mineral-rich states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan fear losing significant revenue and autonomy over mineral resources. The proposed changes could shift royalty-setting powers to the Centre, reducing states' fiscal independence. States argue minerals are a key revenue source funding welfare and infrastructure. Critics call it an overreach threatening federalism, while the Centre aims to streamline mining, boost production, and attract investment.
Watch video