National

PM Modi to Respond to Motion of Thanks Debate in Lok Sabha Today

Published

2 years ago

February 4, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to respond in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday regarding the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address. As the Prime Minister prepares to speak today, the Opposition is likely to focus on the Maha Kumbh stampede—a central issue it has been addressing since the Budget Session began on Friday.

The Prime Minister’s address follows a day after Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, criticized the NDA government on various fronts during the Motion of Thanks debate.

Gandhi pointed out that both the Congress-led UPA and the BJP-led NDA had failed to effectively combat the unemployment crisis. He acknowledged that while Modi’s “Make in India” initiative was promising, it has not succeeded in revitalizing the nation’s manufacturing sector. He highlighted that the contribution of manufacturing to the GDP has dropped from 15.3 percent in 2014 to 12.6 percent, the lowest seen in six decades.

Additionally, he questioned the Modi government’s actions regarding Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to the US, which allegedly included attempts to secure an invitation for PM Modi to attend Donald Trump’s coronation. However, the government rebutted these claims and called for an apology. Dr. Jaishankar clarified that his trip was not intended to secure an invitation for the Prime Minister, as India has established protocols for sending special envoys to such events.

Kiren Rijiju, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi, stating that Speaker Om Birla had requested the Opposition leader multiple times to substantiate his claims, but he left the House without doing so. “During the Leader of the Opposition’s speech, the Speaker asked him four times to validate his statements. However, he made his remarks and departed. The position of LoP is a significant one, and statements made should be considered carefully. If Rahul Gandhi’s assertions are treated lightly, future Leaders of the Opposition may simply say anything without consequence. He ought to back up his statements; otherwise, the Chair should take necessary action,” Rijiju remarked.

National

West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links

Published

6 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

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.

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

Published

14 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

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.

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

Published

15 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

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.

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.