New Delhi, August 16, 2025: In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court of India conducted a manual recount of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes within its premises, marking a historic first in Indian judicial history. The court overturned the 2022 Gram Panchayat election result for Buana Lakhu village in Panipat, Haryana, declaring Mohit Kumar as the duly elected Sarpanch, replacing Kuldeep Singh, who had held the position for nearly 33 months.
The case arose from significant vote-counting errors at Booth No. 69, where 254 votes cast for Mohit Kumar were erroneously credited to Kuldeep Singh. Out of a total of 3,767 votes, the corrected tally showed Mohit Kumar leading by 51 votes. Initially, Kuldeep Singh was declared the winner and assumed office. However, the Returning Officer ordered a recount after noticing irregularities, which favored Mohit Kumar. Kuldeep challenged this in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which ruled that post-declaration corrections required an election petition.
Mohit approached the Election Tribunal, which in April 2025 ordered a recount for the disputed booth. Kuldeep obtained a stay from the High Court, prompting Mohit to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court. In July 2025, the apex court directed that all five EVMs used in the election be presented to its Registrar (OSD) for a recount under video surveillance, with both parties present. The Registrar’s report, reviewed on August 11, confirmed Mohit’s lead, leading the court to void the original result.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and N. Kotiswar Singh ordered the Panipat Deputy Commissioner to issue a fresh notification within two days, declaring Mohit Kumar as Sarpanch. Mohit was sworn in on August 14, 2025, stating, “Justice was delayed but ultimately delivered. The truth has won, and the entire village is rejoicing.”
The Supreme Court clarified that the Registrar’s recount findings are final, though other related disputes may be addressed by the Election Tribunal.
Nagpur, August 16, 2025: After over 18 years, a Nagpur court acquitted eight men accused of organizing meetings and distributing pamphlets linked to the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). Judicial Magistrate A.K. Bankar ruled that the prosecution failed to provide evidence of the accused’s participation in unlawful activities, stating, “Mere possession of literature or documents allegedly connected to an unlawful association, without proof of active intent or participation, does not meet the legal threshold.”
The acquitted individuals, booked in 2006 under Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), were in their 30s at the time of their arrest. Police had claimed to possess confidential information linking them to SIMI and alleged that incriminating materials were recovered from their residences. However, the prosecution could not substantiate these claims with records or credible witness testimony. Independent witnesses did not corroborate the police’s case, and allegations of one accused being sheltered by others remained unproven.
This acquittal adds to concerns raised by rights advocates about the misuse of stringent anti-terror laws, particularly against young Muslim men, leading to prolonged incarcerations with weak evidence. A similar case in Surat in 2021 saw 122 individuals acquitted in a 2001 SIMI-related case due to lack of proof. The Nagpur court’s decision underscores the need for robust evidence to justify charges under laws like the UAPA.
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday (August 14) delivered the ceremonial address on the eve of Independence Day. From the virtues of Indian democracy to the nation overcoming challenges of terrorism this year with decisive response like Operation Sindoor, she touched on various crucial topics.
Here is the full text of President Murmu’s speech:
“My Dear Fellow Citizens,
I extend my heartiest greetings to all of you on the eve of Independence Day. It is a matter of pride for all of us that Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated by every Indian with zeal and enthusiasm. These are the days that especially remind us of our being proud Indians.
The fifteenth of August is a date etched in our collective memory. During the long years of colonial rule, generations of Indians dreamt of the day of independence. Men and women, old and young, from all parts of the country, yearned to throw away the yoke of foreign rule. Their struggle was marked by robust optimism, which has continued to propel our progress since Independence too. As we salute the tricolour tomorrow, we will also be paying homage to the memory of all freedom fighters whose sacrifices won India Independence on the 15th of August, 78 years ago.
President Droupadi Murmu addresses the nation on the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day. Credit: President of India Youtube
After regaining our freedom, we also became a democracy with universal adult franchise. In other words, we the people of India put the power to shape our destiny in the hands of each of us, without any restrictions of gender, religion and other factors that had barred many people from voting in other democracies. In spite of many challenges, the people of India made a successful transition to democracy. The transition was a natural reflection of our ancient democratic ethos. India had the oldest republics in the world. It is rightly acknowledged as the mother of democracy. When we adopted the Constitution, it provided the edifice of democracy. We built democratic institutions that strengthened the practice of democracy. We prize our Constitution and our democracy above everything else.
Dear Fellow Citizens,
Our Constitution contains four values as the four pillars upholding our democracy. They are – justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. These are our civilisational principles that we re-discovered during the Freedom Struggle. At the heart of them all, I believe, is the notion of human dignity. Every human being is equal, and everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Everyone should have equal access to healthcare and education. Everyone should have equal opportunity. Those who had been traditionally at a disadvantage needed to be given a helping hand.
Keeping these principles foremost in mind, we started a new journey in 1947. After the long years of foreign rule, India was in utter poverty at the time of Independence. But in the 78 years since then, we have made extraordinary progress in all fields. India is well on the way to becoming a self-reliant nation and is moving ahead with great confidence.
In the economic field, our achievements are all the more noticeable. With a GDP growth rate of 6.5 percent in the last fiscal, India is the fastest growing among the major economies in the world. Even amid stress in the global economy, demand at home is pacing ahead. Inflation has remained under control. Exports are rising. All key indicators show the economy in the pink of health. This is as much due to carefully calibrated reforms and sagacious economic management as due to the hard work and dedication of our workers and farmers.
A large number of people have been pulled out of poverty through good governance. The government has been running a series of welfare initiatives for the poor and also for those who have risen above the poverty line but are still vulnerable, so that they do not fall below it again. This is reflected in the rising expenditure on social services. Income inequality is reducing. Regional disparities are also disappearing. The States and regions, earlier known for weaker economic performance, are now showing their true potential and catching up with the front-runners.
Our business leaders, small and medium industries and traders have always exhibited a can-do spirit; what was needed was removing the bottlenecks in the path of wealth creation. That is so visible when it comes to infrastructure development over the past decade. We have expanded and strengthened the National Highway network under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The Railways too have innovated, introducing new types of trains and coaches equipped with latest technologies. The inauguration of the rail link in Kashmir valley is a major accomplishment. Rail connectivity with the valley will boost trade and tourism in the region and open new economic possibilities. This engineering marvel at Kashmir is a historic milestone for our country.
The country is rapidly urbanizing. Hence, the Government has been paying special attention to improve the conditions of the cities. Addressing the key area of urban transport, the Government has expanded metro rail facilities. The number of cities with a metro rail service has gone up multifold in a decade. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, or AMRUT, has ensured more and more households have access to a tap with the assured supply of water and a sewerage connection.
The Government considers the basic amenities of life as rightful claims of the citizens. The Jal Jeevan Mission is making progress in providing tap water supply to rural households.
In the healthcare sector, we have been witnessing a paradigm shift with a variety of initiatives under Ayushman Bharat, the largest healthcare scheme of its kind in the world. This scheme has already provided cover to more than 55 crore people. The government extended this benefit to all senior citizens of the age of 70 years and above, regardless of their income. As inequalities in access are removed, the poor and the lower middle-class also benefit from the best possible health-care facilities.
In this Digital Age, it is apt that one sector in India that has seen the most dramatic advances is information technology. Nearly all villages have 4G mobile connectivity, and the remaining few thousands will be covered soon. This has made possible large-scale adoption of digital payment technologies, in which India has become a world leader in a short span. It has also supported Direct Benefit Transfer, which ensures that welfare benefits reach the intended beneficiaries without glitch and leakage. More than half of the total number of digital transactions in the world take place in India. These developments have created a vibrant digital economy whose contribution to the country’s GDP is increasing year on year.
Artificial intelligence is the next stage of technological advancement and has already entered our lives. The government has launched the India-AI mission to strengthen the country’s AI capabilities. It is also helping to build AI models that answer to India’s specific requirements. As we aspire to become a global-AI-hub by 2047, our focus will remain on making the best use of the advances in technology for the common people, to improve their lives by improving governance.
For betterment of the lives of the common people there is equal emphasis on improving the ease of doing business as well as on improving the ease of living. Development serves the purpose only when it helps those on the margins and opens new opportunities for them. Moreover, we are increasing our self-reliance in every area possible. This has added to our self-confidence and increased the momentum of our journey towards becoming Viksit Bharat.
Last week, on August 7, the country celebrated ‘National Handloom Day’ which honours our weavers and their products. Since the year 2015, we have been celebrating this day to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement launched during our freedom struggle in the year 1905. The spirit of Swadeshi was strengthened by Mahatma Gandhi to promote the products made by the sweat and toil of Indian artisans and crafts-persons, and by their incomparable skills. The idea of Swadeshi has been inspiring our national endeavours like Make-in-India initiative and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Let us resolve to buy and use Indian products.
Dear Fellow Citizens,
The all-round economic growth complemented by social sector initiatives has placed India well on the path of becoming a developed economy by 2047. With the nation marching ahead during the Amrit Kaal, I see all of us contributing to the best of our ability. I believe, there are three sections of society that will lead us on this path – youth, women and the communities that had for long remained on the margins.
Our youth have finally found the right environment for the realisation of their dreams. The National Education Policy has brought in far-reaching changes, aligning learning with values, and skills with tradition. Employment opportunities are booming. For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, the Government has created the most conducive ecosystem. Fueled by young minds, our space program has witnessed unprecedented expansion. I am sure that Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey to the International Space Station has fired a whole generation to dream bigger. It will prove extremely helpful for India’s upcoming human space flight program, ‘Gaganyaan’. Brimming with a new confidence, our youth are making a mark in sports and games. Chess, for example, is now dominated by India’s youngsters like never before. We foresee transformative changes which will establish India as a global sporting power-house under the vision contained in the National Sports Policy 2025.
Our daughters are our pride. They are breaching barriers in every field, including in the areas of defence and security. Sports are among important indicators of excellence, empowerment and potential. A nineteen-year-old girl and a thirty-eight-year-old woman from India were the finalists in the FIDE Women’s World Cup for chess championship. This underlines the sustained and globally comparable excellence across generations among our women. The gender gap in employment has also been reducing. With ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, the empowerment of women is no longer a slogan but a reality.
People belonging to a major segment of our society comprising Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and other communities are shedding the tag of the marginalised. The Government has been actively helping them to realise their social and economic aspirations with several initiatives.
India is moving ahead at a faster pace towards realizing its true potential. As our reforms and policies have created an effective platform, I can see a bright future ahead in which every one of us will be energetically contributing to the prosperity and happiness of all of us.
We are moving ahead towards that future with sustained good governance, and zero tolerance for corruption. Here I am reminded of an important statement by Mahatma Gandhi. He had noted, and I quote:
“Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy.”
Let us pledge to realise Gandhiji’s ideal and weed out corruption.
Dear Fellow Citizens,
This year we had to face the scourge of terrorism. Killing innocent citizens on holiday in Kashmir was cowardly and utterly inhuman. India responded in a decisive manner and with steely resolve. Operation Sindoor showed that our armed forces are prepared to meet any eventuality when it comes to guarding the nation. With strategic clarity and technical capability, they destroyed terrorist hubs across the border. I believe, Operation Sindoor will go down in history as an example in humanity’s fight against terrorism.
In our response, what was most noticeable was our unity, which is also the most befitting response to those who wanted to divide us. Our unity was on display also in the multi-party delegations of the Members of Parliament that reached out to various nations to explain India’s position. The world has taken note of India’s stance, that we will not be the aggressor, but we will not hesitate to retaliate in defence of our citizens.
Operation Sindoor was also a test case of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in the defence sector. The outcome has proved that we are on the right path. Our indigenous manufacturing has achieved the critical level that makes us self-sufficient in meeting many of our security requirements. These are landmark achievements in India’s defence history since Independence.
Dear Fellow Citizens,
I would like to take this opportunity to urge all of you to do what you can, to protect the environment. To respond to the challenge of climate change, we must also change. We must change our habits and our world-view. We must change our relationship with our land, rivers, mountains, and with flora and fauna. With contribution from all of us, we will leave behind a planet in which life will be flourishing in natural order.
Dear Fellow Citizens,
I have in mind especially the soldiers guarding our borders, and the police as well as Central Armed Police Forces. I extend my greetings to the members of the judiciary and the civil services. My Independence Day greetings to the Indian officials in the missions abroad and also to the Indian diaspora!
I once again extend my greetings for Independence Day.”
President Droupadi Murmu addresses the nation on the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day. Photo Credit: President of India Youtube
Bengaluru, August 14, 2025 – Following the Supreme Court’s decision to cancel the bail granted to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, Pavithra Gowda, and other accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, Bengaluru police took both Darshan and Pavithra into custody on August 14, 2025. Pavithra Gowda was arrested by Annapoorneshwari Nagar police in the afternoon, while Darshan was apprehended near an apartment in Hosakerehalli, Bengaluru. Arrangements are being made to bring Darshan to the Annapoorneshwari Nagar Police Station.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, overturned the Karnataka High Court’s bail order of December 13, 2024, criticizing it as riddled with “serious infirmities” and resembling a pre-trial acquittal. The court emphasized that “all are equal before the law” and cancelled the bail due to the potential risk of the accused influencing witnesses and derailing justice. The bench ordered immediate arrests and directed the trial to proceed expeditiously.
The Renukaswamy murder case came to light on June 9, 2024, when the body of 33-year-old Renukaswamy from Chitradurga was found near a stormwater drain in Sumanahalli, Bengaluru. Police allege that Renukaswamy was abducted, tortured, and killed for sending obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, a close associate of Darshan. In September 2024, Bengaluru police filed a 3,991-page chargesheet, naming Pavithra Gowda as accused number one and Darshan as accused number two, along with 15 others. The investigation revealed that the victim was held in a shed for three days before his death.
New Delhi, August 14, 2025: The Supreme Court, in a significant ruling, set aside the Karnataka High Court’s order granting bail to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, actress Pavithra Gowda, and five other accused in the Renukaswamy murder case. The bench, comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, delivered the verdict on an appeal filed by the Karnataka government challenging the High Court’s December 13, 2024, bail order. The court cited the risk of witness tampering and the seriousness of the crime as key reasons for the cancellation.
The case pertains to the brutal murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy from Chitradurga, who was allegedly abducted, tortured, and killed in Bengaluru on June 8, 2024, after sending inappropriate messages to Pavithra Gowda. His body was found near a stormwater drain on June 9, 2024. Darshan was arrested on June 11, 2024, along with Pavithra Gowda and others. The Bengaluru police filed a 3,991-page charge sheet in September 2024, naming Pavithra as accused number one and Darshan as accused number two.
During hearings, the Supreme Court criticized the Karnataka High Court’s bail order as a “perverse exercise of discretionary power,” noting that it appeared akin to a pre-trial acquittal without due consideration of the case’s gravity, forensic evidence, and witness statements. The bench emphasized that the High Court failed to apply judicial discretion appropriately, especially given the serious allegations and potential for evidence tampering.
On July 24, 2025, the court directed both sides to submit written arguments within a week, which were reviewed before the verdict was reserved. The Supreme Court’s ruling on August 14, 2025, also included a stern warning against providing special treatment to the accused in custody, stating that any “five-star treatment” would lead to the suspension of jail officials.
The verdict reinforces the principle that no one is above the law, with the court underscoring the need to maintain the rule of law in such grave cases. The accused have been ordered to be taken into custody immediately, and the trial court is deemed the appropriate forum for further proceedings.
Supreme Court Cancels Bail of Actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and Other Accused | File Photo
Bengaluru, August 10, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched three Vande Bharat Express trains on Sunday, marking a significant step in bolstering India’s high-speed rail network. The inauguration took place at Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Railway Station in Bengaluru, where Modi personally flagged off the Belagavi–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express.
Arriving in Bengaluru at 10 AM on a special flight from New Delhi, the Prime Minister landed at HAL Airport and proceeded by helicopter to a military base near Mekhri Circle. From there, he traveled by road to KSR Railway Station for the event.
In addition to the Belagavi–Bengaluru train, Modi virtually inaugurated two other Vande Bharat Express trains: the Amritsar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and the Ajni (Nagpur)–Pune routes, further expanding the reach of India’s semi-high-speed rail services.
The launch underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing rail infrastructure and enhancing connectivity across key regions.
PM Modi Inaugurates Three Vande Bharat Express Trains in Bengaluru | Photo Credit : Suchith Kidiyoor | X
New Delhi, August 06, 2025: The Ministry of External Affairs of India has issued an official statement addressing the recent targeting of India’s oil imports from Russia by the United States. The statement, released today, emphasizes that India’s import decisions are driven by market factors and the critical need to ensure energy security for its 1.4 billion people.
The ministry expressed disappointment over the US decision to impose additional tariffs on India, noting that several other countries are also acting in their own national interests. It described the US actions as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” India has reiterated its commitment to taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests in response to these developments.
The statement comes amid growing tensions over global energy policies, with India maintaining its stance on maintaining stable oil supplies. The official response underscores the country’s resolve to protect its economic and strategic priorities.
Hubballi, August 06, 2025: South Western Railway (SWR) has achieved significant growth in freight transportation and revenue during the first four months of the financial year 2025-26, from April to July 2025, reflecting its operational excellence and customer-centric strategies.
During this period, SWR transported a total of 16.27 million tonnes of freight, marking a 15.8% increase compared to 14.05 million tonnes in the same period last year. This 2.22 million tonne surge highlights SWR’s efforts in optimizing operations and strengthening ties with key industries. Major commodities transported include iron ore, which led with 6.41 million tonnes (a 15.8% increase from 5.54 million tonnes last year), steel, which saw the highest growth at 3.54 million tonnes (a 42.1% increase from 2.49 million tonnes), and coal, which rose by 13.4% to 3.32 million tonnes. Raw materials for steel plants recorded the highest percentage increase, rising 51.4% from 0.47 million tonnes to 0.71 million tonnes. Fertilizer loading increased by 12.6% to 0.42 million tonnes, and container freight grew by 29.4% to 0.32 million tonnes.
On the revenue front, SWR reported strong performance across all major streams. Passenger revenue reached ₹1,064 crore, with 59 million passengers traveling compared to 55 million in the same period last year. Coaching services, including parcels and other non-passenger services, generated ₹113 crore, up from ₹107 crore last year. Freight revenue, a key contributor, amounted to ₹1,716 crore, a significant rise from ₹1,387 crore in the previous year, reflecting robust demand and operational efficiency. Miscellaneous revenue from rentals, advertisements, and other sources grew to ₹79 crore from ₹62 crore. Overall, SWR recorded a total revenue of ₹2,972 crore, a ₹338 crore increase from ₹2,634 crore in the corresponding period of 2024.
This consistent and broad-based performance underscores South Western Railway’s commitment to financial prudence, enhanced service delivery, and strategic growth in both freight and passenger sectors.
Press Statement by Dr. Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer, South Western Railway, Hubballi.
Baku, July 28, 2025: In a landmark achievement for Indian chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh became the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, defeating compatriot Koneru Humpy in an all-Indian final. The Nagpur-born prodigy clinched the title with a 1.5–0.5 victory in the rapid tie-breaks, capping a stunning performance in Baku.
The classical games over the weekend ended in gripping draws, with both players displaying top-tier skill. In Saturday’s opener, Divya, playing white, gained an edge but allowed Humpy to level the score late. Sunday’s second game saw Divya navigate a self-inflicted scare, as she noted, “I wandered into trouble for no apparent reason,” before securing a draw.
The rapid tie-breaks proved decisive. After a drawn first game, Humpy, a two-time World Rapid Champion and world No. 5 in classical chess, faltered under time pressure in the second, handing Divya the opportunity to seal the victory with precise play. The win not only crowned Divya the 2025 Women’s World Cup champion but also marked her as India’s 88th Grandmaster and the fourth Indian woman to achieve the title.
“It was fate,” Divya said, visibly moved. “I came here hoping for a Grandmaster norm, and now I’m a Grandmaster and the champion.”
Divya’s triumph defied expectations. Ranked No. 18 in classical, No. 22 in rapid, and No. 18 in blitz on the FIDE women’s list, she was the underdog against Humpy, a seasoned veteran. This victory adds to Divya’s meteoric rise, following her 2024 World Junior Championship win and individual gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where she helped India secure team gold.
Divya’s historic feat cements her as a rising star and a beacon for Indian chess on the global stage.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 25, 2025: Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has become the first Indian to reach the FIDE Women’s World Cup final, setting the stage for a historic all-Indian showdown against 19-year-old prodigy Divya Deshmukh. This milestone ensures the prestigious World Cup trophy will come to India for the first time since the tournament began.
Humpy secured her final berth with a dramatic 5-3 tie-break victory over China’s Lei Tingjie, overcoming a deficit in rapid tie-breaks with a commanding blitz performance. Her resilience earned praise from chess legend Viswanathan Anand, who lauded her “exemplary spirit.” Meanwhile, Deshmukh, in a sensational run, defeated top players including China’s Zhu Jiner, India’s Harika Dronavalli, and former World Champion Tan Zhongyi in the semifinals, earning her first Grandmaster norm.
Both players have also qualified for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, reinforcing India’s growing dominance in women’s chess.
A Generational Showdown
The final pits Humpy, a veteran and reigning World Rapid Champion, against Deshmukh, a rising star whose bold and dynamic style has captivated the chess world. Anand described Deshmukh as “a player with immense potential,” while Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her “grit and determination,” calling her an inspiration for young players.
Divya Deshmukh: A Rising Star
Born in 2005 in Nagpur to doctors Namrata and Jitendra Deshmukh, Divya began playing chess at age 5. Her accolades include under-10 and under-12 world titles, the 2021 Woman Grandmaster title, and the 2022 Indian national championship. She also claimed Asian and U-20 world titles and contributed to India’s Olympiad gold medals in 2020, 2024, and 2025. This year, she stunned World No. 1 Hou Yifan at the World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships and defeated three top-10 women at the World Cup, showcasing tactical brilliance and composure.
India’s Chess Renaissance
This all-Indian final underscores India’s emergence as a chess powerhouse, with consistent Olympiad medals and a growing roster of female stars like Vaishali Rameshbabu and Gukesh D. Support from institutions like GM R B Ramesh’s Chess Gurukul and Anand’s academy has fueled this transformation, creating a robust pipeline of talent challenging global norms.
A Moment of National Pride
The Humpy-Deshmukh final marks a transformative moment for Indian chess, symbolizing courage, discipline, and inclusivity. Their achievements inspire young players, particularly girls, and highlight the power of opportunity and collective pride in driving national progress.
