Happy Independence Day 2026: Best Wishes, Quotes, Messages, Images

Lifestyle August 15, 2026

India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, marking 80 years since liberation from British rule. This day is a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and a celebration of progress in democracy, science, culture, and the economy. Here are some wishes, quotes, and messages to share with loved ones on this special day. Jai Hind!

Read Full Article

Swipe up for next shorts

2 / 51

Who was Periyar? Remembering the ‘atheist who profaned the gods’

Explained 38 min ago

Periyar, a prominent figure in the Dravidian movement, was a radical social reformer who fought against caste, religion, and gender inequality. Tamil Nadu declared his birth anniversary as "Social Justice Day" in 2021. He was a strong advocate for atheism and had a complicated relationship with the Indian National Congress, with differing views on religion from Gandhi.

Read Full Article

Swipe up for next shorts

India's Arjun played on Board 1 in the absence of R Praggnanandhaa, who sat out the opening round, and was handed a crushing loss by a player nearly 400 rating points below him in classical chess.

3 / 51

Chess Olympiad: Arjun Erigaisi slips on Board 1, but India start with a win

Sports 9 hr ago

India's path to title defence at the 2026 Chess Olympiad faced an early setback when Arjun Erigaisi lost his game to Thailand's IM Prin Laohawirapap. However, the Indian men's team still managed to secure a win with Nihal Sarin and Vidit Gujrathi's victories. The decision to place reigning World Champion D Gukesh on Board 4 sparked controversy, but he easily won his game.

Read Full Article

Swipe up for next shorts

The rise of joint matrimonial profiles reflects a shift from parent-led matchmaking to family-supported partner selection in Indian marriage

4 / 51

How Indian parents are joining their children’s search for love

Lifestyle 8 hr ago

The rise of matrimony and dating apps has led to a shift in Indian marriage, with parents and children managing accounts together. This joint approach is driven by a desire for shared decision-making, but can also lead to interference and a lack of independence. Finding a balance between connection and boundaries is crucial in this new dynamic.

Read Full Article

Oracle has racked up tens of billions of dollars in debt as it expands its data centres and AI infrastructure. (File)

5 / 51

Oracle layoffs: CFO rejects ‘doing more with less’ as Indian employees share job-loss pain

World 6 hr ago

Oracle's new finance chief reportedly used her first companywide meeting to tell employees that the company does not want them “doing more with less”, even as the technology giant continues to cut jobs while spending heavily on artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Read Full Article

6 / 51

81-year-old grandmother travels to Alaska: Her healthy-ageing advice

Lifestyle 9 hr ago

Mehar Toor's 81-year-old grandmother is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a passionate traveler. Recently returning from a cruise to Alaska, she advocates for youth to live life to the fullest, work hard, and prioritize self-care. Consultant dietitian Garima Goyal stresses the significance of staying active, connected, and engaged for healthy aging.

Read Full Article

Mandakini clarifies what really happened during the controversial breastfeeding and waterfall scenes in Raj Kapoor's Ram Teri Ganga Maili.

7 / 51

Mandakini recalls Ram Teri Ganga Maili’s controversial scenes: ‘I went with the flow’

Entertainment 9 hr ago

There was a time when teen girls were frequently cast as female leads and presented as symbols of sensuality. Actor Mandakini was one such artiste, who was presented in a hypersexualised fashion in director Raj Kapoor’s Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985). However, while recalling her work on the movie recently, Mandakini maintained that she did not find anything vulgar or uncomfortable about the scenes.

Read Full Article

The Pakistan Hockey team react during their FIH World Cup match vs India. (Hockey India)

8 / 51

Pakistan wants ACT hockey matches to be shifted from India to a neutral venue

Sports 8 hr ago

Pakistan Hockey Federation refuses to let their men's team travel to India for Asian Champions Trophy due to sensitive bilateral situation and security concerns. They propose a neutral venue and hope for positive consideration from Asian Hockey Federation. The tournament will feature India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Korea and will be played in Punjab.

Read Full Article

9 / 51

This banyan tree in Bihar is at least 700 years old — and science has finally proved it

Lifestyle 10 hr ago

A Cambridge University study has successfully dated the oldest Ficus benghalensis (banyan tree) in the world to be over 700 years old using advanced radiocarbon dating. This discovery has gained official recognition and could impact the protection of heritage trees. Environmentalist Jasmit S Arora sees this as a significant achievement for science and conservation.

Read Full Article

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Sons, after he announced his resignation. His term ends in February 2027. (Express photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee/Enhanced using AI)

10 / 51

Tata Sons board meet: Chandra’s exit, RBI listing in focus

Business 10 hr ago

Tata Sons board to meet amid critical issues, including RBI's push for listing and N Chandrasekaran's decision to step down. Board divided on his continuation, with Tata Trusts holding veto power. Noel Tata faces delicate balancing act to resolve differences within board and Trusts, while dealing with AGM issues and RBI's caveat. Meeting to discuss Chandra's exit and steps to convene AGM.

Read Full Article

India ODI squad for West Indies series. (PTI Photo)

11 / 51

India squads for West Indies series: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli included for ODIs

Sports 10 hr ago

India's 15-man squad for the ODI series against West Indies includes the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after a break. Naman Dhir and Auqib Nabi receive their first call-ups, while Nitish Kumar Reddy is pulled from the Asian Games squad.

Read Full Article

12 / 51

‘Nitish Kumar Reddy is a very fine prospect’: Sunil Gavaskar

Sports 11 hr ago

Nitish Kumar Reddy showed his potential as an all-rounder by picking up 3 wickets for 24 runs in the second T20I and winning the Man of the Match award. Sunil Gavaskar praised his development from a batsman to a bowler and emphasized the importance of having fast bowling all-rounders like Venkatesh Iyer and Suryansh Shedge in the team.

Read Full Article

The announcement comes a day after the government exempted all UPI payments up to Rs 2,000 and RuPay debit card transactions from any bank charge.

13 / 51

Mop-up seen at Rs 15,000 crore: why Govt thinks MDR on UPI is worth it despite backlash

Explained 11 min ago

The government has reintroduced MDR charges on UPI transactions, expected to generate Rs 15,000 crore. This has sparked a debate on the cost versus benefit of UPI and has been criticized by some, while officials believe it is a necessary step. The new framework allows for possible extension of charges to other payment modes.

Read Full Article

For Namibia, the experience in Uzbekistan for the 46th Chess Olympiad has been a nightmare as two members of their men's team, Goodwill Khoa and Otto Nakapunda, were denied visas in Tashkent.(Instagram and Chess.com)

14 / 51

Namibia’s Chess Olympiad horror in Uzbekistan: Visas rejected, players stranded

Sports 10 hr ago

Two players from the Namibian men's team were denied visas upon arrival in Tashkent, leaving the team with only three players. In a desperate attempt to participate in the tournament, the team registered their women's team coach and national chess federation president to play.

Read Full Article

Madhuri Dixit with her husband Sriram Nene

15 / 51

Madhuri Dixit wasn’t looking for love; then she met Dr Shriram Nene

Lifestyle 11 hr ago

Madhuri Dixit met her husband, Dr Shriram Nene, with the help of her brother during a trip to Los Angeles. Their connection was based on authenticity and being seen for who they truly were, not just their public personas. Madhuri's clarity about not overthinking marriage, even at the peak of her career, reflects a sense of inner alignment and trusting that love can enrich any stage of life.

Read Full Article

16 / 51

Pakistani ship collides with Indian vessel: 1991 India-Pakistan treaty it violated

Explained 11 hr ago

India summoned Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires in New Delhi regarding a Pakistani ship's collision with an Indian Navy vessel in the North Arabian Sea. The incident violated a 1991 agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, which was signed after a 1987 exercise by India caused tension.

Read Full Article

The move follows complaints from patients and other stakeholders about exorbitant charges for consumables and medical devices used during inpatient treatment. (AI Generated Image)

17 / 51

IV set bought for Rs 11, sold with Rs 325 MRP: Maharashtra FDA seeks price caps

Health and Wellness 12 hr ago

The FDA has proposed to regulate prices of hospital consumables and medical devices due to significant gaps between procurement prices and MRPs. A survey in Mumbai, Pune, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar revealed markups of up to 2,841%. The FDA has recommended guidelines to control this gap to the Department of Pharmaceuticals and the NPPA.

Read Full Article

upi mdr fee: Individuals making payments using UPI have never paid a separate fee to use UPI. (Image generated using AI)

18 / 51

UPI MDR fee hike explained in 10 points: No rollback, Rahul Gandhi vs Centre

India 9 hr ago

Indian government stands firm on 0.4% fee for UPI transactions over Rs 2,000 despite opposition and concerns for the poor. Fee hike to be implemented on October 15 and may face legal challenge. Goal is to make UPI financially self-sustainable.

Read Full Article

How does your body react when there's a salt deficiency

19 / 51

3 signs your body may not be getting enough salt

Lifestyle 12 hr ago

Sodium is an essential mineral that the body can't produce on its own. It helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle activity. Dr Prabhat Ranjan Sinha explains that reducing sodium from processed foods and paying attention to warning signs like fatigue can help maintain a healthy intake. However, excessive sodium intake can lead to serious health problems.

Read Full Article

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Anant Nag over his Dadasaheb Phalke award win.

20 / 51

Kannada cinema legend Anant Nag to be honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke award

Entertainment 12 hr ago

Veteran actor Anant Nag, known for his impressive work in Hindi and Kannada cinema, will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, the government said on Wednesday. With a filmography of more than 250 films in five decades, the 78-year-old is also a renowned name in the theatre world. He will be given the award at the National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22.

Read Full Article

21 / 51

Raids on ex-Tamil Nadu minister: What is the alleged Rs 100-crore school fraud?

Explained 13 hr ago

CCB searches the residence of former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi in connection with a Rs 100-crore fraud involving private schools. The case has led to arrests, frozen accounts, and 177 complaints. Mahesh, from a prominent DMK family, denies involvement and claims political targeting. Investigation expands to high-profile politicians.

Read Full Article

Smriti Mandhana plays a shot against Hong Kong, China in the Asia Cup. (Credit: ACC)

22 / 51

‘We are holding back Smriti Mandhana for long time’: Edulji on India captaincy

Sports 13 hr ago

Former India women’s player Diana Edulji said that Smriti Mandhana should be made India captain at the earliest, keeping the next World Cup in mind. She said that by the time the next World Cup rolls along, current captain Harmanpreet Kaur will be nearing 40 so Mandhana should be given a good run ahead of that for a smooth transition.

Read Full Article

The trailer for Vvaan offers a glimpse into a cursed village where entering the forest after sunset unleashes terrifying forces.

23 / 51

Vvaan trailer: Sidharth Malhotra defies goddess’ rules in fantasy comedy with Tamannaah

Entertainment 13 hr ago

The makers have unveiled the trailer for The Vvaan. “It’s against Vvaan Devi’s rules. Entering the forest after sunset is prohibited,” we hear one of the characters say, revealing that the story of director Deepak Kumar Mishra’s The Vvaan is set in a land where beliefs rule all. However, Sidharth Malhotra challenges this notion by reminding everyone that “true faith gives strength, not fear.”

Read Full Article

24 / 51

Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi among members as Centre reconstitutes film board

Entertainment 3 hr ago

The Information and Broadcasting ministry on Wednesday reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which includes personalities like Preity Zina, Suniel Shetty, Roopali Ganguly, Pallavi Joshi, Pankaj Tripathi and Prasenjit Chatterjee.

Read Full Article

Mahira Khan announces second pregnancy at 41

25 / 51

Why mom-to-be Mahira Khan is making headlines at TIFF debut: ‘Definitely more challenging’

Lifestyle 13 hr ago

Pakistani actor Mahira Khan, at 41 years old, is expecting her second child and made the announcement at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in a stunning hand-embroidered sari. She described the challenges of pregnancy at a later age, including physical difficulties and increased risk of complications.

Read Full Article

26 / 51

Hanuman Ansh produced by 3 women who contributed Rs 60 lakh each, has now earned Rs 291 cr

Entertainment 13 hr ago

Director Vishal Chaturvedi’s devotional drama Hanuman Ansh has turned out to be an unexpected box-office success. While 21-year-old co-producer Anupriya Nagar has clarified her role in the film after various reports regarding her involvement in the project, producer Ragini Sona has revealed that several OTT platforms have expressed interest in acquiring the film following its theatrical success.

Read Full Article

President Donald Trump has long advocated for penalising nations that have sourced Russian energy (AP/PTI)

27 / 51

US’s Russia sanctions bill: Pressure tool and a dilemma for Trump, a worry for India

Explained 13 hr ago

The US House of Representatives passed a bill, named after Senator Lindsey Graham, to impose tariffs on top buyers of Russian oil and gas, including India. This could create challenges for India's heavy reliance on Russian oil imports and may be used as a bargaining tool in trade negotiations with the US.

Read Full Article

28 / 51

From new AI CRM model to Air India team-up, everything announced at Dreamforce 2026

Technology 13 hr ago

Salesforce introduced its new AI reasoning model, Koa, at Dreamforce, equipped to handle sales, marketing, and customer support tasks. It runs on Nvidia's LLMs and is accompanied by AIforce, enabling customers to integrate enterprise data with any AI interface. Partnerships with Air India, Google Cloud, and AWS were also announced.

Read Full Article

29 / 51

Government involvement has severely restricted academic freedom in India: Report

Education 12 hr ago

Report finds academic freedom in India severely restricted due to government involvement in higher education, with 382 attacks on universities documented in 59 countries. India's Academic Freedom Index score has fallen significantly over the past decade, with government policies restricting dissent and controlling university governance, appointments, and campus expression.

Read Full Article

The latest rankings have placed Zhang ahead of Adani on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index (AI-generated image)

30 / 51

TikTok founder Zhang Yiming becomes Asia’s richest person, overtakes Adani: Top 20

World 13 hr ago

ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming has become Asia’s richest person for the first time, overtaking Indian billionaire Gautam Adani as his fortune crossed $105 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Read Full Article

31 / 51

America’s Top 10 Richest Sports Team Owners 2026: Steve Ballmer tops list for 12th time

Trending 14 hr ago

Forbes unveiled the top 20 richest sports owners in America for 2026, with a combined net worth of $666 billion. Despite a one-year NBA ban, Steve Ballmer remains the wealthiest owner. Other notable names include Rob Walton, Henry Samueli, Miriam Adelson, and Jerry Jones. Ballmer's Clippers have quadrupled in value since he purchased them 12 years ago.

Read Full Article

32 / 51

Bengaluru CEO spends Rs 2,700 to fix broken footpath: ‘Got no response from authorities’

Trending 14 hr ago

A Bengaluru CEO took a civic problem into his own hands after repeated attempts to get a broken footpath near his Koramangala society repaired went unanswered. Siddharth Dialani, an IIT alumnus and Bengaluru-based founder, said he had complained to authorities.

Read Full Article

Fair pricing could help sustain UPI network

33 / 51

‘No rethink on 0.4% MDR for UPI payments above Rs 2,000’, government sources say

India 11 hr ago

The government is determined to implement a 0.4% MDR on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 to safeguard the UPI ecosystem. Despite criticism and opposition, the government stands by its decision and promises incentives to promote UPI growth in rural areas. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has also expressed concerns about the sustainability of the move.

Read Full Article

34 / 51

IPL auction for 2027 season set for India return, says Arun Dhumal

Sports 14 hr ago

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for the 2027 season will be held in India, according to IPL chairman Arun Dhumal. The host city will be decided by the BCCI.

Read Full Article

Jyotika and Suriya at their vow renewal ceremony, which they have titled "The Sequel," celebrating 20 years of marriage

35 / 51

Son Dev walks Jyotika down the aisle as she, Suriya renew vows: ‘Not a perfect marriage’

Entertainment 14 hr ago

Actress Jyotika and husband Suriya marked their 20th wedding anniversary with a vow renewal ceremony, dubbed "The Sequel." The intimate event was styled as a Christian wedding, despite the couple not being Christian, and was attended by close family and friends. Jyotika shared photos on Instagram, thanking those involved, including their friends and wedding coordinator.

Read Full Article

Smriti Mandhana's Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their second WPL title after beating Delhi Capitals by six wickets.

36 / 51

WPL 2027 to start on January 14, player auction set for next month

Sports 14 hr ago

The BCCI has revealed the dates for the TATA Women's Premier League 2027, starting on January 14 and ending on February 7. The auction will be held on October 28 and teams have until September 28 to retain players. Defending champions RCB will face strong competition from Mumbai, Delhi, Gujarat, and UP in the upcoming season.

Read Full Article

37 / 51

India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20 Match Live Streaming

Sports 14 hr ago

India will play Afghanistan in the third T20I at Arun Jaitley Stadium, with India already leading the series 2-0. Afghanistan has struggled with low scores and wickets falling regularly. The match can be watched live on Sony Sports Network and FanCode app.

Read Full Article

A glimpse of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations of the Ambani family

38 / 51

Inside ‘Antilia Cha Raja’: A look at the Ambanis’ grand Ganesh Chaturthi decor

Lifestyle 14 hr ago

The Ambani family hosted a lavish Ganesh Chaturthi celebration at their South Mumbai residence, Antilia. The house was beautifully decorated with temple-inspired décor and thousands of lights, and the star-studded guest list included a special 'Antilia Cha Raja' idol. The festivities also showcased traditional elements, intricate floral designs, and a variety of food and performances.

Read Full Article

Amid director Sanal Kumar's hunger strike alleging that Manju Warrier is held captive, her brother Madhu Wariar shared a hilarious post.

39 / 51

‘Saw Manju Warrier held at gunpoint’: Her brother Madhu mocks Sanal Kumar’s hunger strike

Entertainment 14 hr ago

Amid controversy over filmmaker Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s claims that renowned actor Manju Warrier is being held captive by a crime syndicate, her brother, actor-director Madhu Wariar, shared a satirical social media post mocking Sanal and confirming that she is in good health. Meanwhile, Manju has also broken her silence and indirectly reacted to the controversy by commenting on Madhu’s post.

Read Full Article

40 / 51

Shah Rukh Khan shares Mannat plans as Rs 300 cr home gets renovated: ‘A new gallery’

Entertainment 14 hr ago

Shah Rukh Khan has teased a new addition to Mannat during his latest #AskSRK session. The actor revealed that he is making an new balcony for greeting fans.

Read Full Article

Flat fee of Rs 5 on railways, telecom services, insurance, and fuel transactions over Rs 2000

41 / 51

‘External pressure’ behind UPI changes is false: Finance Ministry

India 14 hr ago

India's UPI policy decisions are independent and aim to create an accessible digital payments system. Claims of foreign influence on charging merchants for larger transactions are false, clarified by the MoF. Consumers are not charged for person-to-person transfers and merchant payments under Rs 2,000, while merchants earning up to Rs 1 lakh per month through UPI QR codes will not be charged.

Read Full Article

India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Playing 11

42 / 51

India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I Playing 11: Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi get a look in?

Sports 14 hr ago

India is likely to give Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a chance in the top order for the 3rd T20I match against Afghanistan, with the Asian Games coming up next week. Ravi Bishnoi is expected to retain his place in the team, while Afghanistan is unlikely to make any changes before their flight to the Asian Games. Both teams will aim for a win to build momentum for the upcoming event.

Read Full Article

Gayathri Suresh has made an unexpected comeback to Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 8.

43 / 51

Bigg Boss Malayalam 8: Gayathri Suresh re-enters, Eldho George sacrifices leadership

Entertainment 15 hr ago

Gayathri Suresh, the first contestant to enter Bigg Boss Malayalam 8, was evicted on the second day due to a decision made by the first week's leader, Jaseela Parveen. However, after Eldho George became the house leader in the second week, he requested that Gayathri's eviction be reversed. In a surprising move, he also gave up his position to bring her back. Thus, Gayathri re-entered the house.

Read Full Article

44 / 51

3 cups, then conversation: Shah Rukh Khan reveals coffee-fuelled morning ritual

Lifestyle 15 hr ago

Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood superstar, shared his love for coffee and his family's Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in an AMA session. However, consultant dietitian Garima Goyal warns against relying on caffeine to make up for lack of sleep and emphasizes the need for a balanced lifestyle.

Read Full Article

45 / 51

Faster recovery, pain management: Why elite athletes are using collagen

Explained 10 hr ago

Skin-care companies have marketed collagen as a miracle ingredient for wrinkle-free skin and youthfulness. However, high-performance athletes also use collagen for joint regeneration and injury prevention. It is not a magic solution, but when taken in a specific window with vitamin C, it can provide a 1-3% improvement. The Inspire Institute of Sport promotes a "food first" approach.

Read Full Article

China woman spends Rs 4 crore on beauty treatments

46 / 51

75-year-old spends over Rs 4 crore on beauty treatments, sells jewellery and home

Trending 16 hr ago

A 75-year-old woman in China reportedly spent more than Rs 4 crore from her retirement savings on beauty and wellness treatments over several years. The woman, identified by her surname Yu, had been a regular customer at a branch of Yongqi Beauty and Hairdressing Company and a medical beauty clinic associated with the business since 2016.

Read Full Article

Trisha Krishnan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay spotted together at the Le Mans race at Silverstone

47 / 51

Actress Ambika on Trisha, CM Vijay’s Silverstone appearance: ‘Avoid it’

Entertainment 17 hr ago

Veteran actress Ambika expressed her concern for friend Trisha's reputation after her appearance at the Le Mans race with Vijay. She defended her previous comments and stressed the significance of valuing friendship and being mindful of public perception.

Read Full Article

48 / 51

Great Indian Kapil Show Season 5 returns on September 26, to run over festive season

Entertainment 17 hr ago

Kapil Sharma is returning with The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 5 on September 26. The new season will feature Sunil Grover, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Archana Puran Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Read Full Article

49 / 51

‘Yash only believes in himself, doesn’t wait for anybody’: Akshay Oberoi on Toxic failure

Entertainment 17 hr ago

Toxic, Yash's much-awaited film, made a strong opening of Rs 100 crore in India but has received negative reviews and disappointed at the box office. Despite the hard work and dedication put into the film, it has only earned around Rs 150 crore in Hindi and Rs 300 crore overall. Akshay Oberoi, a key actor in the film, has responded to the criticism surrounding Yash.

Read Full Article

50 / 51

Used-car sale racket in Gujarat: Police hunt for Tata Motors showroom manager

Cities 1 hr ago

A manager named Rajan Joshi at a Tata Motors dealership in Nadiad, Gujarat is suspected of fraudulent activity after four vehicle transactions. Customers and used car dealers have reported being cheated by Joshi, who is now on the run.

Read Full Article

51 / 51

Messi Kerala match row: Police raid Reporter TV office, 4 other premises

India 4 hr ago

Kerala Police raids five premises, including Reporter TV office, in a cheating case involving Lionel Messi's failed match in Kerala. Channel denies allegations, opposition condemns action as reminiscent of Emergency. FIR registered and raids conducted, sparking accusations of media censorship.

Read Full Article