National
Junior Superintendent in Vellarikundu Taluk Suspended for Controversial Facebook Post Criticizing Ahmedabad Plane Crash Victim
Kerala’s Revenue Minister, K. Rajan, condemned Pavithran’s actions in a social media post, referring to them as despicable. He stated, “The Junior Superintendent of Vellarikundu Taluk, A. Pavithran, has been suspended for his Facebook post targeting Ranjitha G. Nair, a victim of the plane crash. This behavior is unacceptable, and we acted swiftly to suspend him after the matter was brought to our attention.”
Ranjitha Gopakimar, originally from Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district, was one of the victims on the Air India flight bound for London, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Her family has confirmed her passing.
The flight, which was carrying 242 passengers, met with tragedy when it crashed into a doctors’ hostel, resulting in the loss of 241 lives. Kerala BJP leader and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandesekhar also paid tribute to Ranjitha R. Nair, noting her untimely death in the crash.
Ranjitha, who worked as a nurse in the United Kingdom, is survived by her two children and mother, who reside in Thiruvalla.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments have come under scrutiny. In response to a post featuring Shah stating, “This is an accident, and nobody can prevent accidents,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized him for being insensitive. He remarked, “Is this really what the Union Home Minister should be saying at such a time?”
Congress leader Pawan Khera also took issue with Shah’s remarks, stating, “When a plane crashes and lives are lost, the least a Home Minister can do is assure accountability—not dismiss it casually with a lecture on fate. Saying ‘nobody can stop accidents’ is an abdication of responsibility. If we cannot prevent these incidents, then what is the purpose of our ministries? Aviation accidents are preventable; that’s why we have regulators and safety measures in place. Should we simply surrender to fate instead of investing in safety and preparedness?”
National
West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links
Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.
The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.
Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.
According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.
Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.
Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.
Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.
During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.
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Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.
The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.
The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.
National
Google Marks India’s Independence Day With Vibrant Doodle
Mangaluru: India is celebrating its Independence Day on August 15, 2026. Google has joined the celebrations with a special Doodle on its homepage.
The colourful Doodle reflects India’s rich culture and heritage. It features patterns inspired by traditional Indian textiles.
The artwork replaces the usual Google logo with bright colours and traditional motifs. It gives the familiar logo a distinct Indian look.
The Doodle also highlights India’s cultural diversity. Its detailed designs are inspired by India’s traditional art and textile heritage.
India became independent from British rule on August 15, 1947. The day is celebrated across the country with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, parades and other patriotic events.
Kite flying and cultural activities are also part of the Independence Day celebrations in many parts of the country.
India gained independence on August 15, 1947, after nearly two centuries of British rule.
The freedom struggle involved the sacrifices of millions of Indians. Several prominent leaders and freedom fighters played important roles in the movement.
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Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh are among the prominent figures associated with India’s freedom struggle.
As the nation celebrates Independence Day, Google’s special Doodle adds a colourful digital tribute to India’s history, culture and national spirit.
National
India Celebrates Independence Day with Focus on Viksit Bharat
New Delhi: India celebrates Independence Day on August 15, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.
The ceremony highlighted 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. The event also focused on the power of the youth, or Yuva Shakti.
Prime Minister Modi stressed the vision of building a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047. He called on the youth to play a key role In achieving this goal.
For the first time in the history of the Red Fort celebrations, Vande Mataram was officially rendered during the ceremony.
Prime Minister Modi appeared in a traditional tie-and-dye red turban. He paired it with a white kurta and a chocolate-brown jacket.
The celebrations followed the traditional state protocol. The national flag was hoisted at the Red Fort. A 21-gun salute was also given.
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A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented to the Prime Minister. He later addressed the nation from the Red Fort.
The 2026 Independence Day celebrations combined India’s historic legacy with a strong message for the future. The focus remained on youth power and the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.
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