Now Reading: Today in India: 15 August 2026
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Today in India: 15 August 2026
Vishwanath And Sons draws mixed reviews
Suriya’s Vishwanath And Sons, directed by Venky Atluri, released on August 14 to mixed reviews. The family drama follows wealthy businessman and Olympic shooter Sanjay Vishwanath, who avoids marriage but has a child through surrogacy. The story turns on the baby’s need for a bone marrow donor and the family’s response.
Modi renews 2047 developed India target
Prime Minister Narendra Modi renewed his goal of making India a developed country by 2047, its centenary year of Independence. Speaking from the Red Fort, he urged citizens to pursue ambitious goals and strengthen self-reliance. His address also focused on national development, technology and the responsibilities of the younger generation.
Murmu highlights India’s digital transaction lead
President Droupadi Murmu said India accounts for more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions. In her Independence Day eve address, she also said the Indian economy is expected to grow at more than twice the global average. Her remarks covered digital progress, economic performance and the country’s development prospects.
Modi leads 80th Independence Day ceremony
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 15, 2026. Vande Mataram was rendered from the ramparts before the national anthem for the first time. The ceremony also marked 150 years of the national song, alongside the flag hoisting and official proceedings.
Modi announces coaching and AI training for one crore youth
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced free online coaching for competitive examinations and artificial intelligence training for one crore young people over the next year. The programme will use digital public infrastructure, teachers and online resources. The announcement came during his Independence Day address, which placed employment skills and access to education among its priorities.
Modi gives 13th consecutive Red Fort address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day speech from the Red Fort after hoisting the National Flag. He is the second prime minister to reach the milestone, after Jawaharlal Nehru, who delivered 17 consecutive speeches between 1947 and 1964. The address formed part of the 80th Independence Day observance.
Vande Mataram rendered at Red Fort
Vande Mataram was rendered at the Red Fort during the Independence Day ceremony for the first time. An Army band played the tune as guests sang along. Prime Minister Narendra Modi then hoisted the national flag, followed by the national anthem. The event also marked 150 years of the national song.
Vishwanath And Sons opens at Rs 14.04 crore
Suriya-starrer Vishwanath And Sons recorded a tracked India gross of Rs 14.04 crore by 8 pm on its opening day, according to TrackTollywood. It registered 35.9 per cent occupancy across 6,161 shows in 662 cities. Hyderabad led collections with Rs 2.45 crore, while 247 shows were marked houseful.
Supreme Court questions BCI over NALSAR enrolment order
The Supreme Court criticised the Bar Council of India for briefly blocking enrolment of NALSAR University’s 2026 graduating batch as advocates. The students had objected to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant being invited as chief guest at an event. The court’s intervention followed the BCI’s order affecting their professional enrolment.
MEA calls for restraint after Meloni-related Congress remark
The External Affairs Ministry called for mutual respect in public discourse after a Congress exchange involving Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni drew criticism. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India and Italy share strong ties that have expanded in recent years. He also stressed the importance of diplomatic practice and responsible public statements.
The closing thought
The day combined national celebration with announcements on development, digital growth and youth training, while courts and officials addressed institutional conduct. Film trade figures and reviews offered a separate measure of public interest. Claims about growth and digital leadership will require continued scrutiny through reliable data. Attention now turns to implementation, enrolment decisions and the programmes’ reach among intended beneficiaries.
Read the full stories
- Vishwanath And Sons: Suriya's Family Entertainer Gets Mixed Reviews
- Modi Sets 2047 Developed India Goal in Red Fort Speech
- India's real-time digital transactions top half of world: President Murmu
- PM Modi leads 80th I-Day celebrations; Vande Mataram sung first time
- Modi announces free exam coaching, AI training for one crore youth
- Modi delivers 13th consecutive Independence Day speech from Red Fort
- Vande Mataram played at Red Fort for first time
- Vishwanath and Sons Opens at Rs 14.04 Crore in India Tracking
- SC slams BCI for blocking NALSAR students' enrolment after CJI protest
- MEA urges respect after Congress jibe involving Giorgia Meloni
This digest was compiled and written by AI from the day’s Indian Opinion coverage.
