A video from the Congress’s Independence Day event shows Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi appearing to signal a halt to ‘Vande Mataram’ rendition, sparking a major political controversy. Critics accuse the leadership of disrespecting the national song, while the Congress downplays the incident amidst ongoing debates over the song’s historical use and full rendition.

The US has identified India among over 40 nations allegedly involved in a "shadow trans-shipment network" helping China evade American tariffs. A White House report, ‘The Great Transshipment Scam,’ details how goods are rerouted through third countries to bypass higher levies, impacting US industries. Washington plans to deploy AI to detect and penalize these illicit trade practices.

Hundreds of Nepali youths and former Gorkha soldiers protested in Pokhara, demanding the Nepal government allow enlistment into the Indian Army’s Agniveer scheme. Recruitment paused in 2022 due to concerns over the Agnipath model, which offers limited permanent service. Protesters argue it’s better than seeking jobs in Gulf countries, highlighting economic desperation and a historic bond.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 13th Independence Day address from the Red Fort focused heavily on India’s youth, unveiling initiatives for Gen Z and a seven-point ‘Saptdhara’ roadmap for a ‘Viksit Bharat’. He also issued a stern warning against ‘dimaagi naxals’ and appealed for consensus on women’s reservation, outlining a comprehensive vision for the nation’s future.

India’s pioneering private train, the Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express, has been rebranded as the ‘Sprite Tejas Express’ through a significant commercial partnership. This move underscores the evolving landscape of Indian Railways, blending premium travel with corporate branding and opening new avenues for revenue generation and passenger experience.

The recent Monsoon Session of the Indian Parliament concluded with unprecedented disruptions, raising concerns about legislative integrity. While both government and opposition claimed victories, critical bills were passed with minimal debate, and accountability mechanisms like Question Hour were largely bypassed. This trend signals a worrying decline in parliamentary function, ultimately impacting the voter.

A new wave of activism led by Gen Alpha is sweeping across five Indian states, with students demanding fundamental improvements in school infrastructure and services. From paved roads to clean toilets and adequate teachers, these young protesters are leveraging collective action and social media to challenge long-standing neglect.

Sohan Sethi, an Indian data analytics and AI professional, faced three H-1B visa rejections, prompting him to pursue the arduous and costly O-1 ‘extraordinary ability’ visa. His journey highlights the increasing uncertainty for skilled foreign workers in the US, compounded by tech layoffs and a competitive global job market. This case underscores broader challenges in US immigration and its impact on international talent.

A comprehensive Pew Research Centre survey across 36 nations reveals a nuanced global perception of India. While Sri Lanka shows overwhelming favour, Pakistan stands at the opposite end. Opinions in the US are divided, reflecting complex geopolitical shifts and bilateral relations. This deep dive explores the factors shaping India’s international standing.

The Supreme Court has sharply questioned the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for its hesitation in implementing warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and fat. The bench expressed concerns about public health, particularly children, and suspected industry pressure, giving FSSAI two weeks to decide.