Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has voiced concern over the growing participation of children in student protests across the country, saying the real danger facing India is not any particular religious community but the country’s childhood, youth, present and future.

Speaking on the ongoing protests, Ramdev said children should not be pushed into demonstrations at the cost of their education. He questioned how students would focus on their studies if they continued participating in protests and surrounding government offices.

‘Children Should Not Be Used in Protests’

Ramdev said children must be kept away from protests and stressed that demonstrations should not become anarchic or violent. He referred to protests in Jantar Mantar, Ranchi and other parts of the country, where children have reportedly participated in large numbers.

He argued that students should focus on their education instead of spending their time in demonstrations.

Calls for Systemic Reforms

Ramdev said no single political party, opposition group or individual has the power to transform the entire system. According to him, meaningful change requires collective efforts at the social, political and administrative levels.

He also highlighted the need for reforms in India’s education and healthcare sectors, saying serious questions remain about both systems and need to be addressed. He stressed that the government has a major responsibility in resolving these issues.

Protests Must Remain Peaceful

Ramdev said movements aimed at protecting the Constitution and democracy should be based on constitutional, democratic, ethical, spiritual and humanitarian values.

He also raised concerns over corruption in government recruitment and jobs, saying he could launch a movement if the situation does not improve.

At the same time, Ramdev urged educated youngsters to stay away from violent demonstrations. He said India’s freedom was achieved through constitutional and peaceful struggles and maintained that protests should therefore remain peaceful and democratic.

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A tragic Monday morning turned deadly for pilgrims in West Bengal and Bihar, with 13 devotees losing their lives in two separate incidents.

In West Bengal’s Birbhum district, six pilgrims were killed after a massive fire broke out at a private hotel in the Tarapith area. Several others were reportedly injured in the incident.

According to the fire department, the blaze broke out on the ground floor of a hotel located near a pond in the Tarapith police station area early Monday morning. Many pilgrims were staying at the hotel ahead of Shravan Somvar, when large crowds gather at the famous Tarapith temple.

Firefighters rushed to the spot after receiving information about the blaze. After a prolonged operation, the fire was brought under control. The injured were rescued and shifted to Rampurhat Government Medical College and other nearby hospitals.

A short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire, though authorities are investigating the exact reason. Police from Tarapith and Rampurhat have started an investigation.

Stampede at Bihar Temple Claims Seven Lives

Meanwhile, seven devotees were killed and more than 12 injured in a stampede at the famous Ashokdham Temple in Lakhisarai, Bihar.

The incident occurred on the third Monday of Shravan, when thousands of devotees had gathered to offer water to Lord Shiva. A large crowd was moving towards the temple through barricaded queues.

According to preliminary information, rumours about an electric wire snapping suddenly triggered panic among the devotees. In the ensuing chaos, people reportedly broke through barricades and started running, leading to a stampede.

Seven devotees died in the incident, while more than 12 others were injured. The injured were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Both incidents have cast a shadow over the religious gatherings on Shravan Monday, as large numbers of devotees had gathered at prominent temples to offer prayers.

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A political controversy erupted on Independence Day after the BJP alleged that Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi attempted to stop the full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ during the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.

The Congress has rejected the allegation, saying the full version of the national song was sung at the event and that nobody interrupted it. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Sonia Gandhi’s gestures during the programme were being misinterpreted.

Congress Issues Clarification

According to Jairam Ramesh, Sonia Gandhi was not objecting to ‘Vande Mataram’. He said she was instead signalling for a chair to be brought for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who had been standing for a long time.

Ramesh maintained that the complete rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ was performed in accordance with the prescribed protocol and that there was no attempt to stop the song. Congress leader Pawan Khera also rejected the allegation, saying there was no disruption during the rendition.

What Does the New Vande Mataram Law Say?

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 extends statutory protection to ‘Vande Mataram’, placing it under the same legal framework that protects the national anthem. Parliament passed the legislation in July, and it received presidential assent.

Under the amended law, intentionally preventing the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ or causing a disturbance to an assembly engaged in its rendition can attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

Debate Over Full Rendition

The new protocol and legal protection for ‘Vande Mataram’ have also triggered political debate. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has questioned the practicality of making the full rendition compulsory, arguing that respect for the national song cannot simply be created through legislation.

The latest controversy at the Congress headquarters has added another political dimension to the wider debate over the national song and its place in official ceremonies.

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1 Crore Young Indians to Receive AI Training; Special Focus on Developing Future Athletes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made several major announcements for India’s youth during his 80th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, focusing on artificial intelligence, competitive exam preparation and sports development.

1 Crore Youth to Get AI Training

Highlighting the growing importance of artificial intelligence and data-driven technology, PM Modi announced that one crore young Indians will be provided AI skills training.

He said the country must prepare its youth for the future and transform India into a global hub for innovation. According to the Prime Minister, the era of data centres and AI has arrived, making advanced technology skills increasingly important for the younger generation.

Free Coaching for Competitive Exams

PM Modi also announced plans to create a network offering free coaching for competitive examinations. The initiative is aimed particularly at helping students from poor and middle-class families access quality preparation and compete on an equal footing.

Sports Talent Hunt for Children

The Prime Minister also placed strong emphasis on developing India’s sporting talent. He said the Khelo India mission is already creating opportunities for young athletes and highlighted India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics.

PM Modi said India needs to identify and nurture talent from an early age to build a strong pool of athletes for 2036. A dedicated talent hunt will focus on children aged 5 to 15 years, with training designed to develop them into high-quality athletes.

Preparing for Global Sporting Events

PM Modi said efforts are underway to strengthen India’s presence in sports disciplines where the country currently has limited participation. He also highlighted India’s plans to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, featuring around 40 sports.

The announcements underline the government’s focus on equipping young Indians with future-ready skills while creating stronger pathways in education, technology and sports.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, called for a major transformation in the country’s approach to development. He urged the youth to take the lead in bringing change and contributing to India’s growth.

PM Modi said this is not a time to stop but to change the way the country thinks, works and delivers. He called for completing in the next five to seven years tasks that could not be completed over the past five to seven decades.

Seven Key Pillars of Development

The Prime Minister outlined the ‘Seven Streams of Strength’ as key areas that will drive India’s development:

1. Manufacturing: India must become globally competitive in cost, quality and scale, producing everything from small components to complex products domestically.
2. Agriculture and Food Processing: Indian agricultural and food products must be developed into globally recognised brands.
3. Technology and Innovation: Greater focus is needed on digital and communication technologies, research and innovation.
4. Gati Shakti: India must build faster and seamless connectivity to accelerate economic growth and infrastructure development.
5. Defence Strength: The country needs to expand next-generation defence technologies, including drones and supersonic systems.
6. Green and Blue Economy: PM Modi highlighted India’s vast potential in green energy and the blue economy and called for better utilisation of these resources.
7. Soft Power: Yoga, Ayurveda, holistic healthcare, creative industries and tourism will play an important role in strengthening India’s global influence.

India as a Global Manufacturing Hub

PM Modi said India must emerge as a trusted hub in global supply chains by meeting international standards in price, quality and production capacity.

He stressed the need to expand India’s capabilities across sectors such as textiles, machinery and pharmaceuticals. He also highlighted the goal of strengthening India’s textile industry from Ludhiana to Tiruppur.

Call for a New Direction

The Prime Minister said India needs major changes in society, agriculture and traditional systems to achieve the vision of a developed nation. He called for a new direction and collective effort to build a Viksit Bharat.

He also urged the younger generation to take responsibility for driving transformative change and shaping India’s future.

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Rajasthan’s Traditional Craft Delivers a ‘Vocal for Local’ Message

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s traditional attire once again became a major highlight of the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. During the 80th Independence Day ceremony, PM Modi wore a traditional Rajasthani Bandhani or Bandhej turban, drawing attention for its vibrant design and cultural significance.

The turban was seen as more than just a fashion choice, reflecting India’s rich textile traditions and the craftsmanship of local artisans. Through the traditional headgear, the Prime Minister also highlighted the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’ and encouraged the use and promotion of indigenous products.

What Makes the Bandhani Turban Special?

Bandhani is a traditional tie-and-dye textile craft in which sections of fabric are tightly tied with thread before being dyed. The technique creates distinctive patterns of small dots and is particularly associated with Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The craft holds cultural significance in both states and is traditionally associated with celebrations, pride and auspicious occasions. Bandhani textiles are commonly worn during weddings, festivals and other important ceremonies.

Red and White Design

PM Modi’s turban featured a prominent deep red colour with small white dots, characteristic of the Bandhani technique. Red is traditionally associated with auspiciousness, energy, strength and celebration.

The choice of Bandhani also served as a tribute to the skills of Indian weavers and artisans, highlighting the importance of traditional handicrafts and locally produced textiles.

Modi Continues Independence Day Turban Tradition

PM Modi paired the turban with a white kurta-pyjama and jacket. Since 2014, he has regularly worn distinctive and colourful traditional turbans during Independence Day celebrations.

This year marked another continuation of that tradition as PM Modi unfurled the national flag from the historic Red Fort, highlighting India’s cultural diversity alongside the country’s Independence Day celebrations.

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A senior Congress leader from Haryana has allegedly been cheated of ₹10 lakh after fraudsters made a fake WhatsApp call using the name of Kanishk Singh, the personal secretary of Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi. Police have registered an FIR and started an investigation into the matter.

According to police officials, Sanjeev, an executive member of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee, received an unknown WhatsApp call on January 24. The caller introduced himself as Kanishk Singh, Rahul Gandhi’s personal secretary, and claimed that a training programme for the Uttarakhand Congress unit was going to be organised in Chandigarh.

The fraudster told Sanjeev that urgent financial assistance was required for the event. Believing the call to be genuine and related to a party programme, Sanjeev arranged ₹10 lakh along with his associate leader Pawan Sharma. Both reportedly contributed ₹5 lakh each.

Later that night, around 11 pm, the two leaders reached a hotel in Chandigarh as instructed by the caller. There, they met a man named Deepak at the parking area. After confirming the details over the phone, Sanjeev handed over the money to him. He also managed to take a photograph of the person while giving the cash.

The next day, the caller demanded another ₹5 lakh. However, when Sanjeev refused to provide more money, the caller stopped answering calls. Later, after contacting senior Congress leaders, Sanjeev discovered that no such training programme had been scheduled.

The victim initially avoided filing a complaint due to embarrassment, but later approached the police after learning about similar scams and related police action. Police have started examining the mobile number used in the fraud and other digital evidence.

Superintendent of Police Chander Mohan has directed Thanesar City Police Station to investigate the case. Authorities are tracing the accused and analysing digital records to identify those involved in the scam.

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The naturally formed ice lingam at the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir has started melting rapidly this year, raising concerns among devotees, religious organisations and authorities. The early reduction in the size of the ice formation, even before the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra, is believed to be linked to unusually warm weather conditions.

Located at an altitude of around 3,880 metres above sea level, the Amarnath Cave witnesses the formation of the ice lingam every year when water droplets falling from the cave roof freeze and accumulate. The size and shape of the ice structure largely depend on weather conditions, including temperature, humidity and snowfall.

Experts suggest that lower-than-normal snowfall during the winter season, followed by higher temperatures in the Kashmir Valley and upper Himalayan regions, has contributed to the faster melting process. The impact of intense sunlight and warm winds during May and June has also accelerated the melting of the ice formation.

Environmental experts have pointed out that climate change is increasingly affecting Himalayan regions. Glaciers are shrinking, snowfall patterns are changing, and temperatures are rising compared to previous years. These changes are believed to be influencing the formation and stability of the Amarnath ice lingam.

Despite the reduction in size, officials have clarified that the melting will not affect the Amarnath Yatra or the darshan arrangements for pilgrims. Preparations are underway along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, with authorities ensuring safety measures and essential facilities for devotees.

Religious organisations have urged pilgrims not to believe rumours, stating that the size of the ice lingam naturally changes every year depending on weather conditions. However, with forecasts predicting slightly above-normal temperatures in the coming days, experts believe the ice formation may shrink further.

Authorities have assured that pilgrims will be provided safe and smooth access for darshan during the upcoming yatra.

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