Protests against Pakistani repression gather pace as deaths in Rawalakot send shockwaves well beyond PoK

IANS | August 15, 2026 8:29 PM

Islamabad, Aug 15 (IANS) Islamabad risks not only destabilising Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) but also eroding its international standing if the Pakistani authorities continue to treat political dissent as terrorism. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) protests in the occupied territory serve as a warning that legitimacy cannot be manufactured through force, and that the voices of Kashmiris, both at home and abroad, cannot be silenced, a report has stated.

Raigarh traders welcome 'Saptadhara', expect economic growth and new business opportunities

IANS | August 15, 2026 8:16 PM

Raigarh (Chhattisgarh), Aug 15 (IANS) Local traders in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh have welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of the 'Saptadhara' initiative, describing it as an important roadmap for strengthening India's economy and creating new opportunities for business, investment and employment.

Azhar Ali points to domestic cricket's shutdown as a key reason for Pakistan's Test downfall

IANS | August 15, 2026 8:13 PM

New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has attributed his national team's downfall in Test cricket to the shutdown of departmental cricket. Azhar, who has led Pakistan in nine Tests and 31 ODIs, called departmental cricket a "nursery" for Pakistan's national sides and felt that "it's being pushed out."

Jr Women's Hockey Nationals: Karnataka, Bihar, Mizoram register wins on Day 4

IANS | August 15, 2026 8:06 PM

Pune, Aug 15 (IANS) The 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026 witnessed another day of exciting action across Divisions ‘B’ and ‘C', with Hockey Karnataka, Bihar, Mizoram, Assam, Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu registering victories in their respective encounters in Pune on Saturday.

Bangladesh measles outbreak claims eight more lives, death toll crosses 900

IANS | August 15, 2026 8:06 PM

Dhaka, Aug 15 (IANS) At least eight children have died from the measles outbreak in Bangladesh on Saturday, raising the total number of confirmed and suspected deaths to 902 this year, amid an escalating health crisis in the country, local media reported.

Iran's Pezeshkian and Cyprus President Christodoulides congratulate PM Modi, commit to advance bilateral ties

IANS | August 15, 2026 8:05 PM

Tehran/Nicosia, Aug 15 (IANS) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and people of India on India's Independence Day and reaffirmed Tehran's commitment to advancing comprehensive bilateral ties with New Delhi.

PM Modi thanks world leaders for their warm wishes on Independence Day

IANS | August 15, 2026 7:58 PM

New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked several world leaders for their warm wishes while reiterating India's commitment to strengthening ties with the nations.

Govt launches RSVC-AMRIT digital platform to connect rural needs with innovations

IANS | August 15, 2026 7:58 PM

New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) Apex advisory body, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the government and NABARD on Saturday launched the RSVC-AMRIT platform to strengthen technology-led rural development and accelerate the adoption of appropriate technologies in rural areas, according to an official statement.

‘I would love to see some progress in Asia’: Kirsty Gilmour calls for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport

IANS | August 15, 2026 7:56 PM

New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) Scottish badminton star Kirsty Gilmour has called for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility in Asian sport, saying small gestures of acceptance can provide important reassurance to athletes from the community.

2019 Wimbledon semifinalist Bautista Agut scores on his football debut

IANS | August 15, 2026 7:50 PM

New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) Roberto Bautista Agut, former tennis player and 2019 Wimbledon semifinalist, has scored twice on his football debut as he looks to make his mark in a new sport. The 38-year-old netted twice for Spanish seventh-tier side CD Els Ibarsos in his team's 4-2 win.