- Bilkul Online Sunday Special
- The Week It Was | Aug 08 – Aug 15 2026
🔶⚪🟢 National News Highlights
- India Celebrates 80th Independence Day with Nation-Wide Festivities
India celebrated its 80th Independence Day on August 15 with flag-hoisting ceremonies and patriotic programmes across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort, while ‘Vande Mataram’ featured prominently in the historic celebrations. - ‘Vande Mataram’ Marks Historic Independence Day at Red Fort
The national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was rendered during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, adding special significance to this year’s ceremony as the country commemorates 150 years of the song. - Heavy Rain Forecast Across Several Parts of India
The India Meteorological Department forecast widespread rainfall and intense downpours across several regions between August 15 and 21. Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, the Himalayan region, the Northeast and parts of central and western India are among the areas expected to receive heavy rain. - Exam Paper Leak Row Continues to Trigger Political Debate
The issue of examination paper leaks remained a major national concern during the week, with demands for stronger safeguards and accountability. The government has also moved towards strengthening the examination system, amid continuing public concern over recruitment and competitive exams. - Jharkhand Exam Controversy Intensifies
A protest over examination irregularities in Jharkhand continued during the week, with the state government agreeing to cancel three examinations amid growing pressure from students and protesters. - India Remembers Freedom Struggle on 80th Independence Anniversary
From government institutions to schools and communities, Independence Day programmes were organised across the country, celebrating India’s freedom movement and highlighting the country’s aspirations for the coming decades. - Amrit Udyan Opens to Public at Rashtrapati Bhavan
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with public access beginning from August 16. The gardens remain one of the capital’s prominent public attractions. - India Honours Commonwealth Games Medal Winners
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met India’s Commonwealth Games medallists during the week and congratulated them for their performances in Glasgow. India finished fourth in the overall medal standings with a strong medal haul. - India Strengthens Focus on Tackling Maoist Insurgency
In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Modi said armed Maoism was nearing its end while warning that ideological support for the insurgency remained a concern. - India and Bangladesh Discuss Possible High-Level Visit
India and Bangladesh have been discussing a possible visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India later this month. The proposed visit, however, remained subject to final confirmation.
🌍 Weekly International News Highlights

