logo
15th August: India celebrates 79th Independence Day with fervour; Prime Minister Narednra Modi wishes the nation in 100-minute speech, his longest ever

15th August: India celebrates 79th Independence Day with fervour; Prime Minister Narednra Modi wishes the nation in 100-minute speech, his longest ever

India Todaya day ago
India Today Podcasts Desk
UPDATED: Aug 15, 2025 18:19 IST
Description for News At Seven: On News At Seven this August 15, Taniya Dutta brings to you the day's most significant headlines.
India is celebrating its 79th Independence Day with fervour and patriotic spirit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his longest Independence Day speech yet, extended wishes to citizens. He spoke about the success of Operation Sindoor and highlighted the contributions of the RSS to the nation. In Kishtwar, the death toll from flash floods triggered by a devastating cloudburst has risen to over 60. More than 200 people are still missing.
Produced by Taniya Dutta
Sound mix by Rohan Bharti
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Farmers to lay siege to Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on August 20
Farmers to lay siege to Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on August 20

The Hindu

time29 minutes ago

  • The Hindu

Farmers to lay siege to Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on August 20

Members of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers' Association will lay siege to the Vidhana Soudha on August 20, seeking the implementation of their long-pending demands. At a press conference here on Saturday, H. Bhagyaraj, president of the sugarcane growers' association, said that farmers will also hold a 'satyagraha' at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Though the country celebrated Independence Day on August 15,there was little for farmers to celebrate as the government had failed to ensure scientific pricing for agricultural produce, he said. Mr. Bhagyaraj said that the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for 2025-26 should be fixed at ₹4,500 per ton, and harvesting and transportation costs must be borne by the sugar factories. The farmers also expressed concern that the weighing scales are not scientifically calibrated, as a result of which they suffer losses. This should be avoided by installing the weighing scales in front of the factories so that the farmers can monitor the process as well, they said. Mr. Bhagyaraj pointed out that the factories owed dues to the tune of ₹950 crores to sugarcane farmers, and added that this should be cleared immediately. Drawing attention to the shortage of fertilizers, the association said that the issue has been politicised by both the State and the Centre, and that it was the responsibility of the governments to ensure the availability of fertilizers and its smooth distribution. The authorities were urged to crack down on traders creating artificial scarcity by hoarding fertilizer stocks or selling them at a price higher than the rates fixed by the government. Mr. Bhagyaraj urged the government to implement the Mekedatu project without further delay, and blamed the Centre and the State for failing to expedite the works. The farmers stated that banks tend to insist on CIBIL scores before releasing agricultural loans, and hence urged the government to change the policy and delink CIBIL scores from farm loans. Any delay in repayment of loan due to crop failure or vagaries of nature has a negative bearing on the CIBIL score and affects the farmers, the association said. Drawing attention to the low penetration of crop insurance among farmers, the association said that the policy and insurance schemes should be tweaked to make a particular land of the farmer concerned as the unit area of insurance. When the unit area for crop insurance is too large, individual farmers suffer because damage to their crops may be overlooked and their claims rejected, if conditions in other parts of the area are considered normal, it added. Other demands included immediate release of ₹1,000 crore by way of incentives which is pending for dairy farmers, establishment of crop and milk procurement centres at the gram panchayat level, rescinding the Land Reforms Act and APMC (Amendment) Act, implementation of the recommendations of M.S. Swaminathan Committee, a law ensuring statutory guarantee of Minimum Support Price for farmers' produce, etc.

Girl dies, one hurt as school balcony collapses in Udaipur
Girl dies, one hurt as school balcony collapses in Udaipur

Time of India

time38 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Girl dies, one hurt as school balcony collapses in Udaipur

Udaipur: In a grim reminder of the Jhalawar school tragedy, a 12-year-old girl died and another was injured when a balcony of the under-renovation PM Shree Govt Higher Primary School in Patharwadi village near Kotra in Udaipur district, collapsed on Independence Day, Friday. Earlier, on July 25, seven school children had died and several others were injured when a classroom roof and wall of a govt school collapsed due to rains at Piplodi village in Jhalawar district. In the latest mishap at Udaipur's Patharwadi village, the two girls, who were not students at the school, were playing nearby when the balcony gave way. Moli, visiting her uncle in the village, was crushed under the debris and died on the spot, while 11-year-old Payal sustained injuries and was subsequently hospitalized in Gujarat, police said. The mishap ignited protests among villagers, who alleged use of substandard materials in the school's renovation. "It is a tragic incident. One girl who was not a student at the school has died, while another girl, who was, is critically injured. I have asked the authorities to inquire about the matter," said school education minister Madan Dilawar. Kotra SHO Moongla Ram confirmed that the school's Independence Day celebrations were being held at a different location due to ongoing construction work. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola Dy SP Rajendra Singh Rathore noted that the renovation was part of the PM Shree scheme aimed at improving the school's dilapidated condition. In response to the mishap, the education department Saturday suspended acting assistant engineer Hem Singh and terminated the services of a civil consultant, holding them accountable for negligence. Their suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of an investigation. Authorities have also ordered the registration of an FIR against the contractor firm, Messrs Divyanshi Enterprises, for lapses in the approved construction work. A high-level investigation has been initiated to determine the causes of the collapse and to fix accountability. As the inquiry unfolds, the office of the suspended AEN will be overseen by the additional district project coordinator of Samagra Shiksha, Udaipur. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.

Growth to get lift, boost for demand after GST rationalisation, say economists
Growth to get lift, boost for demand after GST rationalisation, say economists

Economic Times

time44 minutes ago

  • Economic Times

Growth to get lift, boost for demand after GST rationalisation, say economists

Synopsis Economists predict that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rationalization will significantly boost domestic demand, providing crucial support to the Indian economy amidst challenges posed by US tariffs. The simplified tax structure, particularly benefiting essentials, is expected to increase disposable income for lower and middle-income consumers. ANI GST reform push has drawn favourable comments from economists. Domestic demand will get a boost after goods and services tax (GST) rationalisation, economists said, providing support to the economy that's seen likely taking a hit from the 50% duty levied on Indian imports by the US.'At a time where consumption demand has been uneven and felt pressure from high inflation and low nominal wage growth over the last couple of quarters, the proposed GST reforms are a positive, especially for essentials, aiding consumption by the lower and middle income class,' said Sakshi Gupta, principal economist at HDFC Bank. QuantEco Research economist Yuvika Singhal said, 'Any kind of reduction in taxes is positive for consumption as it leaves higher disposable income in the hands of consumers.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said in his Independence Day speech on Friday that GST reforms would provide relief to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), local vendors and GST cuts on items will range from durables such as refrigerators and air conditioners to packaged foods and medical supplies. 'It's a much-needed development, and GST rationalisation is the need of the hour, apart from other reforms,' said Paras Jasrai, associate director at India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). The Centre has proposed that India move to a simpler, two-slab structure from four currently--retaining the 5% and 18% rates and scrapping the 12% and 28% levies, ET reported earlier. 'With indirect taxes having a wider reach, GST reforms can deliver a stronger boost,' said Gaura Sengupta, chief economist at IDFC First Bank. 'Rural consumption is improving but not broad-based enough to offset weak urban demand, so a fiscal push was needed—and these reforms provide that.'Jasrai said that lower stabs and tax rates will give consumption demand a significant boost, especially amid the uncertainty over trade tariffs that are seen impacting external President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on India, including a 25% penalty for importing Russian oil. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have cut global growth forecasts amid the prevailing trade uncertainty. Even so, India's domestic strength will stand out.'Since domestic consumption makes up a larger share of the economy, India will remain resilient despite global headwinds,' said Singhal. An increase in spending activity will also lift gross domestic product (GDP). The boost to nominal GDP growth is estimated at 0.6 percentage point over 12 months using fiscal multipliers, said Bank's Gupta said the reform could boost demand for consumer durables if GST rates on items such as ACs and TVs are reduced. 'A more notable impact could also be seen for demand for two-wheelers and cars if the current GST rate of 28% is reduced to 18%,' she highlighted that fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies will see a positive impact, depending on how and when the changes are implemented.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store