Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong attended India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15. He congratulated India on the occasion, posting, “Warm congratulations to India on the 80th anniversary of independence!” on X. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Beijing held its own Independence Day ceremony despite rainy weather, with Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami hoisting the Tricolour and reading excerpts from President Droupadi Murmu’s address. The celebrations also included recognition of cultural and quiz competition winners. The diplomatic participation highlighted international goodwill and people-to-people ties surrounding India’s Independence Day. (PC: X)

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores region early Saturday, August 15, causing buildings and homes to collapse and triggering widespread panic. At least 20 people were killed, six injured and two remained trapped or missing after landslides, according to reports. Residents fled to safer areas as strong aftershocks continued. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning after the shallow quake, but later lifted it after only minor waves were recorded. Rescue operations were complicated by landslides, damaged roads and communication disruptions. Hospitals also evacuated patients as emergency teams assessed damage across affected areas. (PC: Reuters)

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort on August 15, 2026, for the second consecutive year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national ceremony. Congress sources reportedly cited concerns over seating arrangements and ceremonial protocols that they said did not reflect their positions. Gandhi, as Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, and Kharge, as Rajya Sabha Opposition leader, hold Cabinet-rank status. The decision triggered political criticism, with the BJP questioning their absence from the national event. The Congress leaders instead participated in separate Independence Day programmes and issued messages honouring India’s freedom struggle and constitutional values. (PC: PTI)

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of 14 food establishments linked to quick-commerce platforms Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart following inspections that uncovered serious food-safety violations. Officials reported issues including expired food products, cockroach infestations, poor storage conditions and missing records related to medical examinations and pest control. The inspections were part of a wider enforcement drive targeting food-handling facilities. The action highlights concerns over hygiene and regulatory compliance in the rapidly expanding quick-commerce sector, where dark stores and warehouses handle large volumes of food products for rapid delivery.

On Independence Day, a 99-year-old freedom fighter from Mysuru urged Gen Z to remain engaged in movements aimed at improving the nation. Reflecting on his experiences during India’s freedom struggle, he stressed that efforts for the country’s welfare should never stop after political independence. He encouraged young people to understand their responsibilities as citizens and contribute to social progress. The veteran also planned to hoist the national flag at Mysuru’s Freedom Fighters’ Park or Subbarayanakere Park. His message focused on preserving the spirit of public service, remembering the sacrifices of earlier generations and motivating today’s youth to actively participate in building India’s future. 

Abhijeet Dipke, convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), launched the “School Thik Karo” campaign on Independence Day from his native village in Hingoli, Maharashtra. The campaign aims to highlight poor infrastructure and accountability issues affecting government schools, particularly in rural areas. Dipke criticised successive governments and political parties for neglecting basic educational facilities. He urged parents to conduct social audits of schools and asked sarpanchs and villagers to take responsibility for improvements. The initiative focuses on ensuring essentials such as drinking water, toilets, benches and proper access to schools, while encouraging communities to demand better public education infrastructure. (PC: Reuters)

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia, killing at least five people and injuring several others. The quake caused building collapses, landslides and widespread panic across parts of East Nusa Tenggara. Authorities issued a tsunami warning following the shallow offshore earthquake, prompting around 2,000 residents to evacuate to safer areas. The warning was lifted about three hours later after tsunami waves of less than one metre were recorded. Emergency teams continued assessing damage and responding to affected communities as aftershocks were reported. The disaster highlighted Indonesia’s vulnerability to powerful earthquakes because of its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. (PC: X)

Nearly 500 people, including 183 minors, have been detained in France since July 1 on suspicion of starting wildfires, with authorities saying around 70% are suspected of deliberate arson. The arrests come as France and several European countries battle severe fires amid record-breaking heat, drought and strong winds. In southwestern France, more than 525 people were evacuated from Luglon after a blaze spread across nearly 1,100 hectares. Croatia reported one death and dozens of injuries, while thousands were evacuated elsewhere. Scientists say climate change is intensifying extreme heat and worsening wildfire conditions across Europe. (PC: The Guardian)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from Delhi’s Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, said armed Naxalism had been significantly curtailed but warned that Maoist ideology continued to exist in parts of the country. He described those promoting such ideology as “dimaagi Naxals” and said they must be identified and isolated. Modi stated that Naxalism was “breathing its last” while stressing that ideological challenges remained. His remarks formed part of a wider Independence Day address focused on national unity, security, development and India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047.

For the first time, Vande Mataram was rendered during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the ceremony after arriving at the historic venue, where the national song was performed before the traditional flag-hoisting proceedings. The event also featured the unfurling of the Tricolour, the national anthem and a 21-gun salute. The inclusion of Vande Mataram marked a significant change in the ceremonial programme and highlighted the song’s historical and cultural importance in India’s freedom movement. The development added a notable element to this year’s Independence Day celebrations.