Evening news wrap: PM’s big shout-outs to Gen Z on I-day; multiple earthquakes jolt Indonesia and more
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced AI training for one crore youth, free online coaching for competitive exams and a nationwide sports talent hunt, linking young Indians directly with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
- A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck northern Sumatra hours after a 7.7-magnitude quake hit eastern Indonesia, killing at least 38 people, triggering landslides, power outages, evacuations and ongoing rescue operations.
- A political controversy erupted after the BJP accused Sonia Gandhi of objecting to Vande Mataram during a Congress Independence Day event, while the Congress denied the allegation and said she sought a chair for Mallikarjun Kharge.
- CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke launched the ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign in Hingoli, calling for nationwide social audits of rural government schools and highlighting poor infrastructure, sanitation, water and classroom facilities.
- Omar Abdullah praised Sheikh Abdullah’s role during the 1947 tribal invasion, called for stronger federalism, opposed NEET and JEE for state institutions, and said Article 370’s abrogation altered Jammu and Kashmir’s trajectory.
Here are the top 5 news updates for this evening:
What PM Modi offered Gen Z on Independence Day
In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a series of youth-focused initiatives, including AI training for one crore young people, free online coaching for competitive examinations and a nationwide sports talent hunt for children aged 5-15.He positioned technology, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and skills as key drivers of India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, urging young Indians to lead the country’s innovation and economic transformation. Read the full story here
Another strong earthquake strikes Indonesia after 7.7 magnitude quake
Indonesia was struck by two major earthquakes on Saturday, with a 7.7-magnitude quake off the Flores coast killing at least 38 people and triggering landslides, power outages and evacuations, followed hours later by a 6.8-magnitude quake in northern Sumatra.Rescue teams continued searching for missing villagers as road blockages hampered access to the worst-hit areas and thousands of residents sought temporary shelter. Read the full story here
BJP says Sonia Gandhi tried to stop Vande Mataram at I-Day event; Congress hits back
The BJP accused Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the rendition of Vande Mataram during the Congress’s Independence Day programme at Indira Bhawan, citing a video from the event.The Congress rejected the allegation, saying the full version of the national song was sung and that Gandhi was only asking for a chair for party president Mallikarjun Kharge. The controversy comes after Parliament recently granted Vande Mataram status equal to the national anthem. Read the full story here
Dipke’s 1st ‘School Thik Karo’ audit at Hingoli government school
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, launched the ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign from his native village in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district, urging citizens to conduct social audits of government schools.
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The campaign seeks public reporting of deficiencies such as lack of drinking water, toilets, benches and electricity through videos and assessment forms, while encouraging village leaders to document and showcase improvements across rural schools. Read the full story here
PoK would be protesting today to join J&K if Article 370 hadn’t been revoked: Omar Abdullah
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah invoked the National Conference’s 1947 slogan while praising Sheikh Abdullah for leading resistance against tribal invaders before Indian troops arrived. He also called for stronger federalism, restoration of J&K statehood, and greater autonomy for states in education, criticising NEET and JEE for undermining state powers.Omar further claimed that retaining Article 370 could have influenced sentiment in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Read the full story here
