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On India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a historic 103-minute address from the Red Fort—his longest-ever speech and the most extended by any Indian prime minister. His announcements touched every sphere of national growth, from defence innovation and economic reforms to job creation and demographic stability, outlining a bold roadmap for the nation’s journey toward its centenary of independence in 2047.

Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Strengthening India’s Security Shield
Among the most significant announcements was the launch of Mission Sudarshan Chakra—India’s plan to design and develop an indigenous Iron Dome-like defence system. Drawing inspiration from Lord Shri Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra, the mission aims to expand, strengthen, and modernise the nation’s security apparatus by 2035. It will safeguard critical infrastructure, including civilian areas, against terrorist threats, with the entire system researched, developed, and manufactured domestically. The initiative places strong emphasis on harnessing the skills and creativity of India’s youth.

GST Reforms as a Diwali Gift
The Prime Minister also unveiled plans for next-generation GST reforms, to be introduced during Diwali. These measures will focus on reducing taxes on essential goods, offering relief to MSMEs, and making compliance easier for local businesses and vendors. The reforms will be driven by a newly formed Reform Task Force, tasked with accelerating economic growth, cutting red tape, and positioning India for a USD 10 trillion economy by 2047.

PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana: A Boost for Employment
To address youth unemployment and stimulate the economy, Modi announced the ₹1 lakh crore PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana. This programme aims to create 3.5 crore jobs over two years, offering financial support of ₹15,000 per month to newly employed youth. The scheme is designed to benefit around three crore young Indians, reinforcing the transition from an Independent India to a Prosperous India.

High-Powered Demography Mission
Recognising the challenges of demographic imbalance in sensitive border regions, Modi announced a high-powered demography mission. The initiative seeks to address issues caused by infiltration and illegal migration, ensuring national unity, security, and the protection of citizens’ rights. This move reflects the government’s focus on both long-term security and demographic stability.

Tenfold Growth in Nuclear Energy by 2047
In a major push toward clean and reliable energy, the Prime Minister revealed plans to expand India’s nuclear power generation capacity by more than ten times over the next two decades. Ten new nuclear reactors are already in development, marking a decisive step toward meeting the nation’s growing energy demands while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Conclusion
PM Modi’s Independence Day 2025 speech was not only historic in length but also in scope, presenting a clear and ambitious vision for the nation’s future. From defence self-reliance and economic modernisation to job creation and sustainable energy, the announcements form a strategic blueprint for a stronger, more secure, and prosperous India by 2047.

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Independence Day 2025

Naya Bharat is not just a dream—it is our collective mission.

Every year on 15 August, India pauses to honour the day it broke free from colonial rule and embraced the vision of a sovereign nation. Independence Day is more than a national holiday—it is a reflection of India’s resilience, unity, and the sacrifices that shaped its identity. As we approach 15 August 2025, this day calls for both celebration and remembrance, offering an opportunity to express gratitude, pride, and hope for the future.

The Historical Journey to Freedom
India’s independence was the result of decades of struggle, courage, and unwavering determination. From the early revolts to the non-violent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi, the freedom movement united people across regions, religions, and backgrounds. On 15 August 1947, the dream of self-governance became reality, marking the birth of the largest democracy in the world. This milestone was not merely a political shift—it was the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s story.

Significance of Independence Day in 2025
Seventy-eight years after gaining independence, the essence of the day remains deeply relevant. It is a moment to reflect on how far India has come—from a newly freed nation to a global force in technology, economy, and culture. In 2025, the celebration is also a reminder of the challenges that remain, urging citizens to protect democratic values, uphold unity, and work collectively toward inclusive progress.

Ways to Celebrate and Express Wishes
Independence Day celebrations in 2025 will continue to blend tradition with modern expressions of patriotism. Share heartfelt wishes with friends and family, such as:

  • “May the spirit of freedom inspire you every day to contribute to our nation’s progress.”
  • “On this Independence Day, let us honour the sacrifices that gave us the gift of liberty.”
  • “Here’s to a future where peace, unity, and equality light the way for generations to come.”
  • “Let us remember the price paid for our freedom and work together to protect it for the future.”
  • “May our tricolour always fly high as a symbol of pride, hope, and unity.”
  • “This Independence Day, let’s pledge to uphold the ideals that our forefathers fought for.”
  • “Freedom is our right, but responsibility is our duty—let’s cherish both.”
  • “From diversity we draw strength; from unity we build our future—Happy Independence Day.”
    These wishes serve as reminders that freedom is a collective responsibility, not just a historical achievement.

Independence Day 2025: Key Highlights from the Red Fort
The celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi captured the essence of the nation’s aspirations:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag, delivering an address centered on the dream of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
  • A ceremonial 21-gun salute marked the occasion.
  • Mi-17 helicopters showered flower petals over the assembled crowd.
  • The Indian Armed Forces and Delhi Police presented a Guard of Honour.
  • A tribute to Operation Sindoor highlighted national pride and resilience.
  • Over 5,000 invited guests—including farmers, athletes, rural innovators, and social workers—attended in traditional attire.
  • NCC cadets and volunteers formed a striking human representation of the “Naya Bharat” emblem.

The President’s Address to the Nation
On the eve of Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a heartfelt address, calling on citizens to actively contribute to a united, just, and progressive India. Her message resonated with the spirit of collective responsibility, urging every individual to play a role in the country’s journey toward equality and prosperity.

Patriotism Across the Nation
The celebrations extended far beyond the capital:

  • The “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign brought the tricolour to homes, streets, schools, and institutions nationwide.
  • Citizens expressed their patriotism through slogans, poetry, and inspirational quotes, with messages such as “One Nation, One Dream — Naya Bharat” and “79 Years of Freedom, 79 Years of Strength” trending across platforms.
  • Television and radio channels, including Doordarshan and Akashvani, broadcast the national events to millions, while social media became a vibrant canvas for tricolour-themed stories, reels, and creative expressions.

Independence Day Beyond Borders
The significance of 15 August extends beyond India’s borders. The Indian diaspora celebrates the day in countries worldwide, hosting cultural festivals, flag hoisting events, and community gatherings. These celebrations showcase India’s rich heritage and reinforce the bond between the homeland and its global citizens.

Conclusion
Independence Day 2025 is both a tribute to the past and a pledge for the future. It invites every citizen to celebrate with pride, remember the sacrifices of countless heroes, and commit to shaping a stronger, more united India. As the tricolour rises high this 15 August, may it remind us that freedom thrives when we nurture it with responsibility, compassion, and courage.

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Parliament Monsoon Session

Parliament’s Monsoon Session: Protests, Barricades, and Landmark Sports Reforms

The 17th day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, held on August 12, 2025, was a mix of high-stakes politics, street drama, and significant legislative developments. Both Houses opened to loud protests led by the opposition INDIA bloc, which has taken strong exception to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

Electoral Roll Dispute Sparks Street Protests

The opposition alleges that the SIR exercise risks excluding marginalized and minority voters from Bihar’s electoral list—a move they describe as an orchestrated “vote theft.” Their frustration moved beyond Parliament’s walls as prominent leaders—Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, and Sanjay Raut—marched toward the Election Commission to demand intervention.

In a moment that drew nationwide attention, Akhilesh Yadav leaped over police barricades, prompting a brief scuffle. Rahul Gandhi and several other leaders were detained by the police, though they were released shortly after.

Government Pushes Through Legislative Business

While protests raged, the Lok Sabha pressed forward with its legislative agenda. By voice vote, it passed:

  • National Sports Governance Bill, 2025
  • Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025
  • A third pending bill

In the Rajya Sabha, the day saw the passage of the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill—described by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya as the most transformative overhaul in Indian sports administration since independence.

Sports Reform at the Forefront

The new sports governance framework seeks to:

  • Enforce transparency in sports bodies
  • Ensure fair play across disciplines
  • Strengthen anti-doping measures
  • Standardize administrative accountability

The government hailed the reforms as a long-overdue cleanup that will better protect athletes’ rights and restore credibility to sports institutions.

Session Adjourned Amid Ongoing Standoff

Despite legislative progress, the opposition refused to relent on its demand for a structured debate on Bihar’s draft electoral rolls. Repeated disruptions forced adjournment of both Houses until August 18, leaving the political standoff unresolved and Bihar’s voter roll controversy firmly in the spotlight ahead of the state elections.

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Parliament Monsoon Session

Parliament Disrupted Over Bihar Electoral Roll Dispute, Sports Bills Clear Lok Sabha Amid Protests

The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed yet another day of disruptions on Monday, August 11, 2025, as both Houses were forced to adjourn until 2 p.m. due to loud protests by Opposition MPs demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls and other matters.

Scenes in the Lok Sabha

When the Lok Sabha reconvened after the weekend, Opposition members, including Congress MPs, rose to their feet, shouting slogans and brandishing placards. Speaker Om Birla attempted to proceed with Question Hour, fielding queries to the Ministry of Environment and Forests despite the commotion. However, within 10 minutes, he halted proceedings, accusing the Opposition of systematically blocking the House’s work for two weeks.

“This is against the rules and democratic spirit,” Birla remarked, urging MPs to represent the people’s interests instead of engaging solely in protests. With no sign of calm, the House was adjourned until the afternoon.

The Opposition’s central demand was a detailed discussion on the SIR process initiated by the Election Commission ahead of Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections.

Rajya Sabha Adjourned in Minutes

The Upper House fared no better, with proceedings halted almost immediately after they began. Opposition MPs moved into the aisles and well of the House, pressing for a debate on alleged irregularities in Bihar’s voter list revision.

Deputy Chairman Harivansh rejected 29 notices under Rule 267, which allows suspension of scheduled business for urgent debates, citing procedural lapses and the sub judice status of the matter. He reminded members that parliamentary rules restrict discussion on ongoing court cases to avoid influencing judicial outcomes.

Despite his clarification and an appeal to resume Zero Hour, Opposition MPs persisted with slogan-shouting, prompting another adjournment. Harivansh noted that continued disruptions had already cost the Rajya Sabha over 62 hours of productive time this session.

Legislation Moves Forward Despite Uproar

Amid the noise, the Lok Sabha managed to pass two significant sports reform bills when it reconvened after the early adjournment: the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill-2025.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya described the governance bill as the “single biggest reform in Indian sports since independence,” aimed at ensuring accountability, transparency, and better governance in sports federations.

The bill proposes the creation of a National Sports Board (NSB) with powers to regulate National Sports Federations (NSFs), de-recognise bodies failing to meet governance standards, and bring all recognised sports bodies under the ambit of the RTI Act if they receive government funding. It also introduces a National Sports Tribunal to resolve disputes between federations and athletes, with appeals only possible in the Supreme Court.

Key provisions include flexibility in age limits for sports administrators and mandatory compliance with election and financial audit norms.

Amendments to Anti-Doping Law

The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill-2025 was passed to align India’s regulations with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) requirements. The changes remove government oversight of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to preserve its operational independence, a move WADA had demanded.

Originally enacted in 2022, the law’s implementation was stalled due to concerns over political interference. The amendments now ensure that the National Anti-Doping Board cannot issue directions to NADA, focusing instead on compliance with global anti-doping norms.

Looking Ahead

While the passage of these bills marks a milestone for India’s sports governance framework, the persistent parliamentary deadlock over the SIR controversy signals more turbulent days ahead. With the Bihar elections approaching, the political heat around electoral roll revisions is unlikely to cool soon.

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Stock Market

Small-Cap Selloff Deepens Amid Tariff Tensions and Market Volatility

The Indian equity market closed the week on a cautious note as persistent US tariff concerns and sustained foreign investor selling dragged indices lower. The BSE Small-cap index slipped nearly 2%, with more than 40 counters recording double-digit declines ranging from 10% to 24%.

Heavy losses were seen in PG Electroplast, Kitex Garments, Unichem Laboratories, Morepen Laboratories, Advait Energy Transitions, KR Rail Engineering, Faze Three, and Advanced Enzyme Technologies. The selloff marked the third straight week of weakness in broader markets, underlining the fragility of investor confidence.

Broader Indices Remain Under Pressure

For the week, the BSE Sensex dropped 742.12 points or 0.92% to settle at 79,857.79, while the Nifty50 fell 202.05 points or 0.82% to close at 24,363.30. Large-cap and mid-cap indices each shed about 1%, trailing their small-cap counterparts’ sharper declines.

Sectoral performance was mixed, with Nifty Pharma, Realty, FMCG, and Healthcare losing around 2% each. In contrast, PSU Bank, media, and metal stocks managed modest gains of 0.5% to 1.5%.

FII Selling Continues, DIIs Offer Support

Foreign Institutional Investors extended their selling streak into a sixth consecutive week, offloading equities worth ₹10,652.47 crore during the week. So far in August, FIIs have sold shares worth ₹14,018.87 crore.

On the other side, Domestic Institutional Investors remained steady buyers for the 16th straight week, purchasing equities worth ₹33,608.66 crore during the week and ₹36,795.52 crore so far this month. This consistent domestic inflow provided some cushion against steeper market losses.

Global Trade Tensions Cloud Outlook

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, noted that the market’s consolidation since July reflects the drag from trade-related challenges and underwhelming earnings. “Persistent FII selling, particularly in pharma stocks with significant US exposure, highlights the cautious sentiment. The rupee’s depreciation has also added to the pressure,” he said.

Nair added that optimism from the RBI’s reaffirmation of macroeconomic stability and easing inflation trends has softened the downside, but risks from global trade frictions and sustained foreign outflows remain elevated.

Winners Amid the Weakness

While the broader tone was negative, a handful of stocks bucked the trend. Sarda Energy and Minerals, Timex Group India, Sanghvi Movers, Zinka Logistics Solutions, Centum Electronics, KRBL, Baazar Style Retail, Godfrey Phillips India, and Entertainment Network India posted gains of 12% to 21%, reflecting selective buying in niche segments.

Looking Ahead

The market’s near-term direction will hinge on upcoming inflation data from India and the US, alongside any fresh developments in global trade relations. Analysts suggest investors focus on domestic consumption-driven sectors, which may be better equipped to ride out short-term volatility.

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Minister Jaykumar Rawal Pushes for High-Level Centre-State Meeting on Farmer Welfare and APMC Modernization

Jaykumar Rawal Urges National Push for Farmer Welfare and APMC Modernization

Maharashtra’s Minister for Marketing and Protocol, Jaykumar Rawal, has called for an urgent high-level meeting between Central and State Ministers to address pressing challenges in agricultural marketing, farmer income security, and the modernization of Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs).

Speaking in New Delhi after a meeting with Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Rawal outlined the need for a coordinated approach to strengthen agricultural infrastructure, ensure fair pricing for farmers, and boost post-harvest efficiency.

Challenges Facing Farmers

Rawal noted that production of crops such as onions, pulses, oranges, pomegranates, bananas, and flowers has surged in recent years. However, the absence of robust market systems, insufficient storage facilities, and outdated infrastructure has meant farmers often fail to secure fair prices for their produce.

He stressed that post-harvest losses remain a significant drain on farmers’ earnings, weakening both household incomes and the broader agricultural economy.

Proposals for Fair Remuneration

To bridge these gaps, Rawal suggested a range of measures including:

  • A Special Support Scheme to stabilize farmer incomes during price fluctuations.
  • Decentralized Scientific Storage Facilities to minimize spoilage and reduce transportation burdens.
  • Cold Chain Infrastructure to preserve perishable goods for longer market reach.
  • Digital Inventory Management for better monitoring of stock and distribution.
  • Efficient Logistics Systems to link farms to markets swiftly and cost-effectively.

He also emphasized the importance of a unified market information network to deliver real-time production and pricing data, enabling both farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions.

Modernizing APMCs

Highlighting the outdated infrastructure in many APMCs, Rawal proposed a Central Government-backed modernization scheme covering:

  • Covered auction platforms for weather-proof transactions.
  • Grading and weighing systems to ensure transparent pricing.
  • Cold storage and dry warehouses to extend shelf life.
  • Packaging centers and waste management facilities to add value and reduce loss.
  • Small agro-processing units on unused APMC land to diversify income streams.

He also recommended technical training, subsidies, and stronger digital integration, particularly with platforms like e-NAM, to make APMCs more accessible and efficient.

A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture

Rawal believes that convening a high-level Centre-State meeting would pave the way for a concrete action plan to protect farmers’ livelihoods, enhance agricultural efficiency, and position India as a global leader in sustainable farming.

According to him, investing in infrastructure, technology, and farmer-friendly policies will not only strengthen rural economies but also secure India’s standing in international agricultural markets.

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US Tariffs

The corridors of power in New Delhi are bracing for tense deliberations this Friday at 1 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will convene a high-level Cabinet meeting to strategize India’s response to the steep 50% tariff recently announced by US President Donald Trump on Indian exports.

The decision, tied to India’s trade with Russia, has injected sudden strain into a relationship that had been enjoying a period of relative warmth. The move comes as Washington ramps up economic pressure on Moscow, using global trade levers to force a potential ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict.

Why the Tariff Hike Matters

This is not just another trade dispute. The US has effectively doubled duties on Indian imports in two waves — the first 25% earlier in the year, followed by an additional 25% this week. The second hike was explicitly linked to India’s continued oil purchases from Russia, making it part of Washington’s broader sanctions playbook.

While the new tariff won’t kick in until August 27, the signal is clear: nations trading with Moscow could face economic retaliation. India, as Russia’s second-largest oil customer, finds itself directly in the crosshairs.

Trump’s Position — No Talks Until Resolution

Speaking to reporters, President Trump was unequivocal: there will be no fresh trade negotiations with India “until we get it resolved.” The ambiguity lies in what needs resolving — is it India’s energy ties with Russia, the larger Ukraine conflict, or the lingering issues from the first round of tariffs?

Either way, Washington’s stance leaves New Delhi with limited diplomatic room in the short term. The timeline is even tighter as Trump’s initial 50-day ceasefire deadline for Moscow was cut to 12 days, ending today.

India’s Economic Stakes

A 50% tariff could severely impact key export sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, and certain agricultural products. Beyond the immediate economic hit, the move raises questions about the stability of trade partnerships in an increasingly politicized global market.

For India, the challenge will be balancing its strategic autonomy in foreign policy with the economic realities of global trade dependence.

What Happens Next

Friday’s Cabinet meeting is expected to explore multiple responses, including:

  • Diplomatic engagement to seek partial rollbacks or exemptions.
  • Diversifying export markets to reduce reliance on the US.
  • Accelerating domestic trade reforms to offset losses.

The outcome will signal whether India intends to take a conciliatory path or prepare for a prolonged trade standoff.

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National Handloom Day

Honouring the Backbone of Indian Textiles

At a prestigious event held in New Delhi, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh conferred the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025 to weavers, designers, entrepreneurs, marketers, and producer companies who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to India’s handloom heritage.

The ceremony coincided with the 11th National Handloom Day, a symbolic reminder of the Swadeshi Movement and the central role handloom continues to play in India’s cultural and economic landscape.

Handlooms: A Global Symbol of Sustainability

In his address, Giriraj Singh highlighted how Indian handlooms are becoming an answer to the world’s rising demand for sustainable textile products. He emphasized that this isn’t just about preserving tradition but aligning it with modern, eco-conscious values.

The Minister announced fresh initiatives to protect indigenous weaver designs and ensure their rightful recognition and ownership in the global marketplace.

“Our handloom sector is not just heritage; it’s the future of ethical fashion,” Singh remarked.

Empowering Weavers Through Digital Integration

Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita echoed this vision, noting how e-commerce platforms are transforming market access for weavers. With zero commission selling models, artisans are now able to connect directly with consumers, boosting both income and autonomy.

He also spoke about the Geographical Indication (GI) tagging of products and the Handloom Mark initiative, which ensure authenticity and promote the “Handloom India” brand internationally.

“Digital tools are not replacing tradition; they’re amplifying it,” Margherita said.

Recognising Excellence Across the Sector

The awarded individuals and organisations this year span a wide spectrum—from grassroots weavers preserving age-old patterns to young designers blending heritage with modern aesthetics, and start-ups leveraging technology for ethical fashion.

Their stories not only reaffirm the resilience of handloom communities but also demonstrate how innovation and tradition can coexist powerfully.

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Parliament Monsoon Session

Persistent Deadlock Grips Parliament

The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed another tumultuous day on August 7, 2025, as the opposition ramped up its protest over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Day 13 of the session was characterized by repeated adjournments, uproarious scenes, and a rising sense of impasse between the treasury and opposition benches.

INDIA bloc MPs launched a coordinated protest, accusing the ruling government of manipulating the revision process to disenfranchise large sections of marginalized voters in Bihar. Their demand for an immediate, detailed debate went unmet—triggering an unrelenting standoff inside both Houses.

Lok Sabha in Gridlock

The Lok Sabha was adjourned almost immediately after it convened at 11 AM. Sloganeering and vocal demands for a discussion on the SIR exercise drowned out all attempts to proceed with business. Although the House reconvened at noon, disorder persisted, leading to another abrupt adjournment.

When proceedings resumed briefly later in the day, the government attempted to push through the Manipur Appropriation Bill, 2025, which was passed by voice vote. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized the opposition’s obstruction, pointing out that the funds were crucial for a state currently under President’s Rule.

Rajya Sabha Proceeds Amid Protests

The Rajya Sabha mirrored the turbulence of the lower house. Deputy Chairman Harivansh struggled to maintain order as opposition MPs raised slogans and disrupted scheduled debates. Despite the din, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 was passed, a rare legislative moment in an otherwise paralyzed session.

Opposition Stages Symbolic Protest

Beyond the chaos within the chambers, the opposition staged a visible and pointed protest on Parliament premises. Standing at the iconic Makar Dwar, leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Dharmendra Yadav, and newcomer MP Sagarika Ghose joined hands in denouncing what they termed “systematic voter suppression.”

Placards, silence, and unified presence sent a clear message to the government — that the opposition would not relent unless the SIR issue was addressed in Parliament.

A Session at Crossroads

The continued friction has turned this Monsoon Session into a political standoff. While the government pushes ahead with legislative priorities, the opposition remains locked in on accountability around the SIR process — a confrontation rooted in fundamental concerns about electoral fairness and democratic inclusion.

Unless dialogue replaces deadlock, both legislative productivity and public trust in Parliament could erode further in the remaining days of the session.

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Uttarkashi Cloudburst

Flash Floods Strike Without Warning

In a devastating turn of events, Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district was rocked by a sudden cloudburst near Dharali village on Monday afternoon, unleashing a torrent of muddy water that flattened buildings, swallowed roads, and left dozens feared trapped beneath debris.

The cloudburst struck around 1:30 PM IST, sending the Kheerganga river into a violent swell. Within moments, a surge of water tore through Dharali—a once-bustling tourist hub now buried in silt and rubble.

Eyewitness Accounts: “We Had No Time to Run”

Locals from nearby villages, who captured chilling videos of the event, described a nightmare scenario. As the muddy floodwater thundered down, people could be heard screaming and blowing whistles, warning others to flee. But the speed of the flash flood left little room for escape.

Entire structures were swept away in seconds. Eyewitnesses believe many people, including tourists and hospitality workers, could be trapped under collapsed buildings.

Sacred Kalpkedar Temple Among Damaged Sites

Among the many structures engulfed in mud and debris is the ancient Kalpkedar temple. Locals fear the spiritual landmark has sustained significant damage, though officials have yet to confirm the extent of the destruction.

Nearby, the floodwaters have also swallowed roads and submerged portions of a government helipad, complicating rescue logistics.

An Artificial Lake Threatens Further Damage

Perhaps even more concerning is the formation of an artificial lake caused by silt and debris blocking the Bhagirathi river—one of the key tributaries of the Ganges. Authorities worry that if the accumulating water is not drained soon, it could burst and flood low-lying towns and villages downstream.

Army units have arrived on-site and are urging residents to stay far from the water’s edge.

Rescue Efforts Face Challenges

Despite the quick deployment of personnel from the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), continued rainfall and poor connectivity in the region are slowing rescue efforts. The injured are being transported to nearby army facilities for urgent treatment.

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the gravity of the situation, stating that dense tourism infrastructure in the area—hotels, eateries, and camps—makes the rescue operation even more complex.

Government Responds, PM Offers Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation via social media, offering prayers for the victims and assuring full-scale rescue and relief operations. “Relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people,” his post read.

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