National
Union Jal Shakti Minister Commits to Enhancing Groundwater Levels in Haryana
Patil noted that approximately 150 districts across India have been identified as dark zones due to declining groundwater levels, with Haryana also falling under this classification. The Jal Shakti Ministry is committed to removing Haryana’s blocks from this category, which will require community involvement in rainwater conservation efforts.
Present at the event were Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, Director General of Information, Public Relations, Languages, and Culture Department KM Pandurang, as well as Media Secretary Praveen Atrey.
The Union Minister stated that Haryana has been allocated nearly Rs 76,000 crore for development projects in the Union Budget 2024, along with Rs 78,000 crore received as grants, facilitating rapid progress in the state. In contrast, the previous government allotted only Rs 19,000 crore in the central budget and Rs 21,000 crore in grants prior to 2014.
Patil further highlighted that, under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, 13.8 lakh farmers in Haryana are benefiting directly, part of a national total of over 9.58 crore beneficiaries. The railway budget has earmarked Rs 3,416 crore for enhancing Haryana’s rail infrastructure, with 14 new projects underway covering 1,195 km. Additionally, as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 34 railway stations in Haryana are undergoing upgrades with a budget of Rs 1,149 crore.
He praised the recent budget presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for prioritizing the welfare of all societal segments. Patil mentioned significant relief for the middle class, with income up to Rs 12 lakh now being tax-exempt, a change that will benefit around 7 crore taxpayers. This move is anticipated to boost purchasing power and stimulate demand in the market, positively impacting the industrial sector.
The Minister also noted that India’s economy, once ranked 11th globally in 2014, has ascended to the fifth position under Modi’s leadership, with aspirations to become the third-largest economy in the world. The budget places special emphasis on rural and agricultural sectors, targeting 100 low-productivity districts and promoting the cultivation of pulses such as toor and masoor.
The agricultural loan limit has been raised from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, and the budget allocates Rs 20,000 crore for startups. Furthermore, a goal has been set to establish 50,000 Atal Tinkering Laboratories in government schools over the next five years. Connectivity to broadband for all government secondary schools and primary health centers in rural areas will also be prioritized.
The budget includes plans for the establishment of day-care cancer centers in all district hospitals, with 200 centers to be launched this year. Additionally, the Jal Shakti Ministry has been allotted Rs 67,000 crore for the Jal Jeevan Mission.
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.
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.
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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