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India celebrates Independence Day, in photos

India celebrates Independence Day, in photos

Toronto Star2 days ago
Indian paramilitary soldiers participate in India's Independence Day celebrations in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/ Dar Yasin) DY flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: pubinfo.section: cms.site.custom.site_domain : thestar.com sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false firstAuthor.avatar :
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Indian PM's Independence Day speech highlights self-reliance
Indian PM's Independence Day speech highlights self-reliance

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Indian PM's Independence Day speech highlights self-reliance

NEW DELHI, India: On August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day address to call for greater national self-reliance, urging India to manufacture everything from fertilisers to jet engines and electric vehicle batteries. He pledged to stand firmly behind farmers as the country faces a deepening trade dispute with Washington. The speech came against the backdrop of new U.S. tariffs that threaten to slow growth in what has been the world's fastest-growing major economy. U.S. President Donald Trump's latest measures—announced last week—slap an additional 25 percent duty on Indian exports, pushing some rates as high as 50 percent, among the steepest faced by any U.S. trading partner. Washington cited India's continued imports of Russian oil as the reason for the escalation, further straining relations between the two countries. Although Modi avoided mentioning the United States or tariffs directly, he framed his nearly two-hour address from the Red Fort in New Delhi around a promise to defend rural livelihoods. "Farmers, fishermen, cattle rearers are our top priorities," he declared. "Modi will stand like a wall against any policy that threatens their interests. India will never compromise when it comes to protecting the interests of our farmers." India and the United States recently saw their trade talks collapse after five rounds of negotiations, primarily over U.S. demands to open India's farm and dairy markets and to halt Russian oil purchases. In retaliation for the tariffs, some of Modi's supporters have called for boycotts of major American brands, including McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Amazon, and Apple. To counter the potential economic hit, Modi announced that lower goods and services tax (GST) rates will take effect from October, a move intended to boost domestic consumption. He also pressed for renewed commitment to "Swadeshi"—the promotion of Indian-made products—encouraging traders and shopkeepers to display signs marking local goods. Self-reliance has been a long-standing theme of Modi's economic policy, but the push has taken on new urgency amid global trade tensions and supply chain disruptions. He said India's first domestically produced semiconductor chips will reach the market by the end of this year, and that exploration for critical minerals is underway at more than 1,200 sites across the country. The stakes are high: in 2024, India exported nearly US$87 billion worth of goods to the U.S., with textiles, footwear, gems, and jewelry among the sectors most exposed to higher duties. While the trade rift is intensifying, New Delhi has sought to keep diplomatic channels open. On August 14, the foreign ministry expressed hope that ties with Washington would "move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests," aiming to calm fears of a deeper breakdown in relations.

Brazil's former president Bolsonaro temporarily leaves house arrest for medical exams
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Brazil's former president Bolsonaro temporarily leaves house arrest for medical exams

Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro, temporarily allowed out of house arrest for medical exams, leaves a hospital in Brasília, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) SAO PAULO — Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro temporarily left house arrest Saturday to undergo medical exams in Brasilia, after a judge authorized him to spend six to eight hours at a hospital. Doctors at DF Star hospital said Bolsonaro was admitted for evaluation of fever, cough, persistent gastroesophageal reflux and hiccups. Tests revealed residual signs of two recent pulmonary infections, as well as persistent esophagitis and gastritis. He was discharged later in the day and will continue treatment with medication. He has been hospitalized multiple times since being stabbed at a campaign event before the 2018 presidential election. His most recent surgery was in April, for a bowel obstruction. Bolsonaro is on trial at the Supreme Court over his alleged attempt to remain in power after losing the 2022 election to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. A five-justice panel is expected to deliver verdicts and sentences on five counts against him between Sept. 2 and 12. Bolsonaro denies any wrongdoing. The far-right leader has been under house arrest since Aug. 5. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the case, said Bolsonaro violated precautionary measures by spreading content through his three lawmaker sons. A group of fewer than 20 people gathered outside DF Star hospital Saturday, claiming Bolsonaro is a victim of political persecution. Some thanked U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called the prosecution a 'witch hunt' and linked his decision to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian imports to Bolsonaro's legal troubles. ___ Luís Rua contributed reporting in Brasilia. Follow AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at The Associated Press

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