The India Open 2028 will move from New Delhi to Guwahati, with the National Centre of Excellence set to host the major badminton tournament from January 25 to 30. BAI general secretary Sanjay Mishra said the Republic Day period would create logistical difficulties for players, practice sessions and tournament operations in the capital. Guwahati to host India

The Kharge Vande Mataram row intensified on Tuesday, August 18, as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge defended the version of the national song followed by his party and rejected BJP allegations of disrespect. The dispute has also fuelled a wider Congress-BJP clash as Kharge focuses on strengthening the party in Goa ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Vande Mataram Row Intensifies Kharge t

India will celebrate India Independence Day 2026 on Saturday, August 15, marking the country's 80th Independence Day and 79 completed years of freedom. The national ceremony at the Red Fort in Delhi will highlight Vande Mataram, Viksit Bharat and India's freedom history while looking toward the country's future. 80th Independence Day: Why India Completes 79 Y

As India marks Independence Day 2026, the freedom struggle is often remembered through marches, protests, imprisonment and political leadership. But the role of press in India freedom struggle was equally significant. Newspapers carried nationalist ideas beyond public meetings, challenged colonial policies and connected Indians living across distant regions. Nationalist Newspapers Spread the Freedom Message

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, with the national ceremony centred on Delhi’s Red Fort. The Prime Minister leads the Independence Day flag ceremony, while the President plays a different constitutional role. The reason comes from the events of 1947 and the traditions that developed after India became independent. Red Fort tradition The Red Fort has become th

The Rekha Gupta Tiranga Yatra brought young participants to Kartavya Path in New Delhi ahead of Independence Day. The event highlighted Har Ghar Tiranga, patriotic Delhi events, youth participation and the national flag as a symbol of unity and sacrifice. Kartavya Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta joined a Tiranga Yatra at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Wednesday, August 12, as the capital steppe

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, India freedom struggle sites offer a powerful journey through the nation’s past. From the Red Fort and 1857 revolt landmarks to Gandhi sites, Jallianwala and Kala Pani, these places preserve stories of courage, resistance and sacrifice. India officially celebrates Independence Day every August 15 to mark freedom from British colonial rule. Red Fort: From Rebellion to I

Jammu and Kashmir has tightened security ahead of August 15, with multi-layered checks, surveillance and deployments across Srinagar and the Valley. The Kashmir Independence Day alert follows recent militant violence and concerns over possible attempts to disrupt public celebrations. Kashmir security tightened across the Valley Security agencies have strengthened their presence across the Kashm

Kani shawl artisans awarded national recognition have brought fresh attention to Jammu and Kashmir’s celebrated weaving heritage. Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani were honoured for their Kani craft, highlighting the skill, cultural value and future potential of the region’s handloom sector. Handloom Recognition Celebrates Kashmir Weavers Jammu and Kashmir artisans Manzoor Ahmad Haja

  Illinois back-to-school sales tax holiday 2026 runs August 7-16, cutting the state portion of sales tax by 5 percentage points on eligible school supplies and qualifying clothing and footwear under $125 per item, while local taxes still apply across the state. Illinois shoppers can pay a reduced state sales tax rate on qualifying back-to-school purchases during a 10-day tax holiday ru

Kerala school holiday August 5 has been announced across 10 rain-hit districts. With Kerala schools closed and flood relief camps expanded, authorities are responding to waterlogging, rising rivers and continued IMD rainfall alerts.   Kerala schools closed in 10 districts Heavy rain continued to affect large parts of Kerala on Wednesday, A

Heavy rainfall has placed several Kerala districts on alert, with educational institutions closed and residents in vulnerable areas advised to remain cautious. Pathanamthitta, Sabarimala and Ranni face increased flood concerns after three weather stations recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall. Kerala Rain Alert Raises Statewide Concern Heavy rain continued across Kerala on Monday, prompting authorities to strengthen emergency preparat

Happy Friendship Day 2026 Wishes And Heartfelt Messages Friendship is one of life’s most meaningful relationships, built through trust, loyalty, understanding and countless shared memories. Happy Friendship Day 2026 gives people an opportunity to appreciate the friends who remain supportive during difficult moments and make celebrations even more memorable. The United Nations observes the International Day of Friendship on July 30 every year. India, howe

International Friendship Day 2026 is observed worldwide on Thursday, July 30. The annual occasion celebrates the importance of friendship in building peaceful, supportive and inclusive communities. It encourages people to appreciate their friends, strengthen meaningful relationships and promote kindness across cultural and social differences. While July 30 is recognised as the official International Day of Friendship by the United Nations, India follows another popular tradition. Fr

Guru Purnima 2026 will be celebrated across India on Wednesday, July 29, to honour teachers, spiritual masters and mentors. The festival falls on Ashadha Purnima and is associated with Maharishi Veda Vyasa, the Adiyogi tradition and India’s ancient guru-shishya relationship. Guru Purnima 2026 date and time in India Guru Purnima will be celebrated in India on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The f

Russian President Vladimir Putin has revived disputed historical arguments about western Ukraine, suggesting that some territories could eventually pass to Poland, Hungary and Romania. His remarks came during a televised meeting with Russian Navy personnel on July 26, 2026, as Moscow held scaled-down Navy Day observances. Putin’s Western Ukraine Claims During the meeting, Putin described part

German police shot dead the suspect in the Berlin Pride attack after locating him during a large-scale manhunt in the Spandau district. Authorities said the man charged officers with a weapon, ending a search that began after a deadly van attack near Christopher Street Day celebrations left one person dead and dozens injured. Berlin Pride attack suspect found after nationwide search German auth

The Illinois tax holiday comparison shows major differences across nearby states in 2026. Illinois offers a 10-day state-rate reduction, Iowa provides a two-day clothing exemption, and Missouri removes state and local tax from qualifying school purchases for three days. Illinois offers the longest nearby holiday

Illinois tax holiday savings depend on how much a family spends on qualifying products from August 7-16, 2026. The state rate falls by five percentage points, producing savings of $5 per $100. Clothing and footwear must cost under $125 per item, while eligible school supplies have no price cap. Families save $5 for every $100 For the full schedule, reduced tax rate and shopping rules, read our

The Illinois tax holiday eligible-items checklist explains what receives the reduced state tax rate from August 7-16, 2026. Clothing and footwear must cost under $125 per item, while qualifying student school supplies have no price cap. Computers and textbooks remain excluded. Reduced rate applies only to listed products