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When AI eats books

The Hindu 26 Aug 2026 9:09 am

Tamil Nadu life convict Selvams book Oru Thooku Kaithiyin Vaakumoolam wins Iyal Award of Canada

The book strongly advocates prison reforms and truthfully records life behind bars

The Hindu 23 Aug 2026 9:55 am

Where Sikh Soldiers Fell, Italy Remembers

More than eight decades after the guns of the Second World War fell silent, The post Where Sikh Soldiers Fell, Italy Remembers appeared first on Khalsa Vox .

Khalsa Vox 23 Aug 2026 6:01 am

Edmonton Gurdwara Attack Shakes Sikh Community; Hate Crime Suspected

Two men were injured after a man allegedly attacked worshippers with a screwdriver inside The post Edmonton Gurdwara Attack Shakes Sikh Community; Hate Crime Suspected appeared first on Khalsa Vox .

Khalsa Vox 23 Aug 2026 6:00 am

Elephants Destroy Crops in Komarada of Manyam; Farmers Demand Compensation

The kumkis help control wild elephant movements and reduce crop losses.

Deccan Chronicle 21 Aug 2026 9:17 pm

Roundtable raises alarm over SIR process, forms Voter Protection Forum in A.P.

The meeting adopts a resolution stating it was the responsibility of the Election Commission to protect the voting rights of all citizens who attain the age of 18

The Hindu 21 Aug 2026 9:13 pm

Roundtable raises alarm over SIR process, forms Voter Protection Forum in A.P.

The meeting adopts a resolution stating it was the responsibility of the Election Commission to protect the voting rights of all citizens who attain the age of 18

The Hindu 21 Aug 2026 9:13 pm

SC fines lawyer and former client Rs 5 lakh for court misuse

The News Mill

The News Mill 21 Aug 2026 9:07 pm

Poor-quality medical devices being sold in India, stronger finished-product testing needed, says Pharma Secretary

Calls for stronger testing of finished devices and a regulatory framework designed specifically for the sector

The Hindu Businessline 21 Aug 2026 9:07 pm

U.S. FDA flags Aurobindo arms Hyderabad plant

The Hindu 21 Aug 2026 9:04 pm

Quote of the Day by Chris Martin: There comes a point where it doesn't matter how many zeroes are Inspiring lessons on money, happiness, gratitude, bank balance and why money cant buy happiness by the English singer known for his powerful performances and deep insights on life and wealth

Quote of the Day by Chris Martin: Chris Martins quote, There comes a point where it doesn't matter how many zeroes are at the end of your bank account, explores the importance of understanding the limits of financial wealth and recognizing the deeper sources of happiness and fulfillment. The quote suggests that money can provide comfort, security, and opportunities, but accumulating more wealth does not always lead to greater happiness, meaning, or personal satisfaction. Martins words encourage us to look beyond financial success and appreciate relationships, experiences, creativity, personal growth, and emotional well-being.

The Economic Times 21 Aug 2026 8:41 pm

On August 3, 2026, Ethiopia planted 805.3 million seedlings in 12 hours with 26.2 million participants; years later, survival data will reveal whether that extraordinary national effort actually transformed degraded landscapes

Ethiopia also says that more than 48 billion seedlings have been planted since the Green Legacy Initiative began. These figures demonstrate the remarkable logistical capacity behind the program, but they also create a much more important question: how many of those seedlings will survive long enough to become functioning forests, agroforestry systems, or productive trees?

The Economic Times 21 Aug 2026 8:41 pm

Himachal Assembly Speaker confirms Vande Mataram sung per practice

The News Mill

The News Mill 21 Aug 2026 8:38 pm

Kallan Vijayan row: former editor in-charge of Deshabhimani weekend supplement resigns

Following objections to the headline given to a feature article, the supplement was allegedly published later after replacing the article in question

The Hindu 21 Aug 2026 8:33 pm

Paytm revises ESOP framework, links future vesting more closely to performance, stock option pool remains unchanged

New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) The board of One 97 Communications, which operates mobile payments brand Paytm, has proposed changes to its employee stock option framework that would link future ESOP vesting more closely to performance, while keeping the overall stock option pool unchanged, reinforcing a greater focus on performance-based employee incentives. According to One []

bhaskarlive 21 Aug 2026 8:32 pm

Remembering Achyut Potdar: From Army to Iconic Roles in Bollywood

Mumbai, August 21: Achyut Potdar, a notable character actor in Bollywood, has left an indelible mark on the Hindi film industry. Just as leading actors, singers, and producers have elevated the industry, character actors like Potdar have also played a crucial role in its evolution. Best known for his role as a strict professor in ... Read more Remembering Achyut Potdar: From Army to Iconic Roles in Bollywood

Morningstar 21 Aug 2026 8:30 pm

NCSK to launch missed call facility to address grievances of safai karmacharis

The commission is engaging with the Labour Ministry to raise the minimum wages of safai karmacharis to be on par with those of skilled or semi-skilled workers

The Hindu 21 Aug 2026 8:22 pm

Govt eases norms for exporters to get 'One Star Export House' status

The government on Friday relaxed the 'One Star Export House' eligibility condition for exporters by revising the specific international trade and financial performance norms in three consecutive fiscal years. Earlier, exporters were required to achieve specific export performance in all three preceding financial years to receive the 'Star Export House' status. Under the revised norms, export firms reporting the same in any two of the three preceding fiscals will be eligible to get this recognition. This change, however, does not apply to the gems and jewellery sector as that sector already has a separate two-year requirement under foreign trade policy (FTP) 2023. The directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) has amended a provision of the FTP o allow granting of One Star Export House status to applicants (other than for the Gems and Jewellery sector) who possess export performance in any two out of the three preceding financial years subject to other provisions.... Upon achiev

Business Standard 21 Aug 2026 8:21 pm

Mohan Bhagwat to Visit the US, UK, and Canada to Counter Misinformation About India and RSS

Visakhapatnam, August 21: Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is set to embark on a tour of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This visit aims to address the misinformation and misconceptions surrounding India, Hindus, and the RSS, according to a senior leader from the organization. C.R. Mukund, the ... Read more Mohan Bhagwat to Visit the US, UK, and Canada to Counter Misinformation About India and RSS

Morningstar 21 Aug 2026 8:19 pm

Tenant farmers in Andhra Pradesh seek unsecured crop loans of up to 2 lakh

They say that members of RMGs and JLGs are not receiving crop loans in accordance with the Scale of Finance applicable to various crops

The Hindu 21 Aug 2026 8:19 pm

Alaska plane crash kills 8 on US Army Corps charter near remote radar site

Alaska plane crash kills on US Army Corps charter near remote radar site

India Today 21 Aug 2026 8:16 pm

SEBI study: Proprietary traders outperform FPIs and MFs in FY26 derivatives

99% of the gross profit of FPIs and Proprietary traders came from algo trading

The Hindu Businessline 21 Aug 2026 8:07 pm

Delhi Warns Pharmacies Over 'Up To 80% Off' Ads, Says Discounts Must Be Genuine

The department, however, made it clear that selling medicines below the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) is permitted. Its objection is to vague or exaggerated advertisements that could mislead customers about the discount actually available.

NDTV 21 Aug 2026 8:05 pm

BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra refuses to resign amid protests

The News Mill

The News Mill 21 Aug 2026 7:57 pm

Japanese proverb of the day: 'One kind word can warm three winter months...'; A simple reminder that kindness costs nothing

A thoughtful word can bring great comfort during tough moments. Little acts of kindness can have a far-reaching impact on people's lives. In the hustle of modern communication, we sometimes lose the essence of genuine connection. Nurturing positive relationships is essential for our well-being and joy. It's important not to overlook the significant ripple effect of our kind actions.

The Economic Times 21 Aug 2026 7:53 pm

Delhi Master Plant 2047 promotes urban farming across underused spaces

Delhi Master Plant promotes urban farming across underused spaces

India Today 21 Aug 2026 7:53 pm

Saw Person In Blue Uniform With Large Gun: Delhi Pellet Victim In FIR After Rahul Gandhi's Dharna

FIR was registered after Rahul Gandhi accompanied Sahil Lochab's to Parliament Street police station and held a sit-in.

NDTV 21 Aug 2026 7:37 pm

Indonesian Army recruit stands alone at graduation, breaks down as commander hugs him

Indonesian Army recruit stands alone at graduation breaks down as commander hugs him

India Today 21 Aug 2026 7:33 pm

Maharashtra FDA suspends licenses of Radio Club, 12 other hotels for violation of hygiene norms

Amid concerns over food safety violations, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday suspended the licences of the Bombay Presidency Radio Club and a McDonald's outlet in south Mumbai along with 12 other food establishments across the state for alleged violations of food safety and hygiene norms.

India TV 21 Aug 2026 7:25 pm

Sowcar Janaki: A life lived on her own terms

The Hindu 21 Aug 2026 7:23 pm

Quote of the Day by Ben Kingsley: I've never had to turn my hand to anything for monetary gain, other than Inspiring lessons on purpose, gratitude, career, money and why work should be more than a paycheck by the British Actor known for his powerful performances and deep insights on passion and financial success

Quote of the Day by Ben Kingsley: I've never had to turn my hand to anything for monetary gain, other than pretending to be somebody else. I'm deeply fortunate Inspiring lessons on purpose, gratitude, career, money and why work should be more than a paycheck by the British Actor known for his powerful performances and deep insights on passion and financial success

The Economic Times 21 Aug 2026 7:20 pm

Mediation must be institutionalised as a permanent process, says Justice P.S. Narasimha

Samadhan Samaroh, which began on April 21, seeks to facilitate the amicable settlement of cases pending before the Supreme Court through consent-based mechanisms. The initiative will conclude with a Special Lok Adalat from August 21 to 23

The Hindu 21 Aug 2026 7:19 pm

General show of strength: Thousands storm Jantar Mantar over UGC norms, quota reforms

General show of strength Thousands storm Jantar Mantar over UGC norms quota reforms

India Today 21 Aug 2026 7:07 pm

MEA dismisses Pakistan's frustration over US envoy's remarks; reaffirms J-K is indivisible part of India

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday dismissed Pakistans objections to US envoy Sergio Gors remarks describing Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and indivisible parts of India, amid a diplomatic row between Islamabad and Washington.

The Economic Times 21 Aug 2026 6:58 pm

DGFT relaxes One Star Export House norms, exporters can qualify on performance in any two of three preceding years

The government has relaxed export house status eligibility criteria for exporters. Exporters now qualify with performance in any two of three preceding financial years. This change excludes the gems and jewellery sector which has separate rules. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade amended the Foreign Trade Policy for this update. An automated facility for export obligation extensions was also introduced by the DGFT.

The Economic Times 21 Aug 2026 6:57 pm

Starting pregnancy with long-term conditions linked with 20% higher miscarriage risk: study

The researchers analysed over 2.2 million pregnancies and birth events recorded between 2000 and 2022 in five datasets spanning England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

The Hindu 21 Aug 2026 6:53 pm

Informal sector growth cools in June quarter as jobs, enterprises decline

Establishments and employment remained above year-ago levels but contracted sequentially, with rural India accounting for much of the decline in the June quarter

Business Standard 21 Aug 2026 6:53 pm

Why Indian Consumers Are Moving From Mass-Market Whey To Cleaner Formulations

Indian consumers are increasingly looking beyond protein content and price when choosing whey protein.

The Quint 21 Aug 2026 6:36 pm

Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of Radio Club, Khar Gymkhana, 11 others for violation of hygiene norm

The Maharashtra FDA has suspended the licences of Radio Club, Khar Gymkhana and 11 other food establishments for violating hygiene norms, as part of inspections across the state.

The Economic Times 21 Aug 2026 6:35 pm

Finnish firms eye India after EU FTA, but 'Make in India' poses challenges

Finnish companies are looking to expand their India presence from next year, though local manufacturing requirements could pose challenges for some high-end products

Business Standard 21 Aug 2026 6:23 pm

Arjun Rampal marries Gabriella Demetriades, couple completes registration formalities in Goa

Dhurandhar actor Arjun Rampal and his longtime partner Gabriella Demetriades registered their marriage in Goa on Friday. The couple completed the formalities at the Sub-Registrar's office in Mapusa, North Goa, in the presence of close friends.

India TV 21 Aug 2026 6:08 pm

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit review: Nivin, Mamitha power this warm hug of a film

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit review Nivin Mamitha power this warm hug of a film

India Today 21 Aug 2026 6:02 pm

Army Safely Dismantles Live Mortar Shell Near LOC in Poonch

Jammu, August 21: The Indian Army safely destroyed a live mortar shell found near the Line of Control (LOC) in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday. Officials reported that the shell was discovered in the Mankot sector of Poonch and was neutralized without incident. The Armys Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) conducted a controlled disposal ... Read more Army Safely Dismantles Live Mortar Shell Near LOC in Poonch

Morningstar 21 Aug 2026 6:00 pm

Vande Mataram row: What Sharmila Tagore really said that upset Kangana Ranaut

Vande Mataram row What Sharmila Tagore really said that upset Kangana Ranaut

India Today 21 Aug 2026 5:45 pm

Centre Denies Approval to Revanth Reddy for US Trip Citing Non-conformity of Norms

The visits of chief ministers as well as of other dignitaries are assessed by the Ministry of External Affairs in order to accord political clearance, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said

Deccan Chronicle 21 Aug 2026 5:45 pm

Gill takes on left-arm spinners in Colombo nets, Kuldeep, Rahul miss session

Gill takes on leftarm spinners in Colombo nets Kuldeep Rahul miss session

India Today 21 Aug 2026 5:45 pm

All 22 Indian Sailors Safe on Two Hijacked Ships, Confirms Ministry

New Delhi, August 21: The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that all 22 Indian sailors aboard two commercial vessels hijacked by pirates near the coasts of Yemen and Somalia are safe. During a press briefing on Friday, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal provided this update. In response to a question, he stated, There are two ships; ... Read more All 22 Indian Sailors Safe on Two Hijacked Ships, Confirms Ministry

Morningstar 21 Aug 2026 5:34 pm

Former Cop To Get President

Former Madhya Pradesh police officer Vivek Singh Chouhan is set to receive the Presidents Medal for Gallantry for his role in a 2003 anti-dacoit operation, after the Centre informed the Supreme Court that the award has received presidential approval. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta on Friday [] The post Former Cop To Get Presidents Gallantry Medal After 23-year Wait; Centre Tells SC appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Pragativadi 21 Aug 2026 5:29 pm

China Robot Dogs Use U.S. Army Research, Outpace American Military Machines

Chinas Unitree sells a robot dog for $1,600 that rivals American military robots costing over $165,000 and the technology traces back to US Army funded research. This explainer breaks down how Pentagon backed breakthroughs from Penn, MIT and Boston Dynamics ended up powering Chinese quadruped robots, why American manufacturers couldnt scale the cheap version, and how Washington is now responding with Pentagon blacklists and FCC import bans. A deep look at the widening gap between US research and Chinese industrial manufacturing power.#RobotDog #Unitree #USChina #MilitaryTech #Pentagon #ChinaManufacturing #DefenceTech #Robotics #NationalSecurity #TechWar

The Times of India 21 Aug 2026 5:25 pm

Kangana Ranaut Slams Sharmila Tagores Vande Mataram View, Says Come Out of Hindu-Muslim Mindset

Kangana Ranaut has strongly reacted to Sharmila Tagores remarks on Vande Mataram. While Sharmila said the first two stanzas may be more inclusive for people of different faiths, Kangana argued that the songs religious imagery should be understood as artistic metaphor and in the context of Indias freedom struggle. The debate comes amid a wider political row over Vande Mataram, with Mukesh Khanna also calling for it to replace Jana Gana Mana.

The Times of India 21 Aug 2026 5:25 pm

Unbelievably cruel: Iltija slams move to shift former Pakistan PM Imran Khan back to jail

The former Pakistan Prime Minister and cricketer-turned-politician was shifted back to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Friday (August 21, 2026) morning after undergoing a medical examination

The Hindu 21 Aug 2026 5:00 pm

Arjun Bijlani in car accident in Mumbai, team confirms actor uninjured

The News Mill

The News Mill 21 Aug 2026 4:47 pm

Nik Kotecha: Why supporting grassroots charities can transform communities

IF 2026 has taught us anything so far, it is that resilience in the third sector is no longer optional. Charities are navigating one of the most demanding landscapes we have seen in years. Global needs are growing and we are feeling increasing pressure on our limited resources. In times like these, hope becomes more than an idea it becomes a driving force. A reason to keep building, supporting and showing up, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL speaks about his charitable foundations focus on Leicester and Leicestershire, supporting organisations that truly inspire and bring hope through their work, significantly improving and saving lives. Dr Kotecha and his wife Moni set up their foundation in 2017. In this interview, he explains the impact of the foundations efforts in Leicestershire and beyond. The Randal Foundation was set up in 2017. What drove the ambitious focus on Leicestershire? Dr Kotecha: Leicestershire is home for my family and me, so it was natural that it became a real focus for our foundation. The people and communities of the county helped us in so many ways when we arrived as refugees from Uganda in 1972, and Ive seen first-hand how organisations at the heart of the community step in and step up when people are in need. Fast forward more than 50 years and, having built my global pharmaceuticals business, Morningside Pharmaceuticals (MPL), here in Loughborough, Ive built relationships with a host of third-sector organisations, recognising the central role they play in our communities. Having supported many as partners alongside MPL, when we created our foundation the local priorities were in sharp focus for me. Some of the earliest grants we made were to local charities. You have a strategy for all your giving and youve always considered grants within themed areas. How has that played out in Leicestershire? Between 2019 and 2025, our Randal Foundation supported a total of 36 organisations across the full range of our focus areas. These include 11 charities tackling mental ill-health, an area which has been a priority from the outset and remains so today. Our ongoing partnership with the Curve Theatre on its Shine programme is a great example, supporting young people from five Leicester schools to access a programme centred on building life skills, restoring confidence and growing resilience. Another key area has been supporting charities helping those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds who face barriers in education. Weve aided eight organisations with projects to tackle this. Our flagship here in Leicester is our significant investment in the IntoUniversity centre at Beaumont Leys, helping young people aspire to higher and further education, opening doors for the future and raising achievement levels. There has also been a great need over time to provide healthcare for vulnerable people, including the elderly and terminally ill. Im proud of the work weve done supporting nine local charities that play these crucial roles in our communities, making a difference and alleviating suffering every day. That has included supporting Age UK in Leicester and grant-aiding related projects during the pandemic, including providing thousands of meals for NHS workers. Thank goodness those days are behind us, but Im proud to have been able to support our fantastic Leicestershire NHS at a time of great need. Nik Kotecha Randal Foundation Finally, tackling poverty and extreme hardship, helping to rehabilitate prisoners, including female offenders, and supporting organisations that step in to help women and children at risk of violence have been the focus of another seven grants weve made in the past few years. Weve supported the Shama Womens Centre, whose incredible work, I believe, saves lives, and weve also given grants to Loughborough College to help students overcome financial hardship. This is an exceptionally wide range of organisations to have supported, but are there any in particular that stand out for you over time? I can honestly say that each one has been memorable in terms of impact and the tangible difference made. What really stands out for me is that there are so many passionate people determined to make a difference in our county, very often unsung heroes getting on with the business of making lives better, making lives bearable and helping others on the path to better lives. Its clear to me how much it means to those leading, guiding and working with in community-led organisations, and how deeply passionate they are about their causes. And, of course, it means a great deal to those who need help, whether thats providing a listening ear to those with worries or a food bank to help feed a family. It might be a youth group helping to steer young lives or a befriending service combating loneliness and isolation. That combined effort, that shared and immense investment in our communities, means so much for our society too. Leicester and Leicestershires communities are stronger, safer, cleaner, healthier and better cared for because of so many people doing, frankly, incredible things. Its been my privilege to get to know and support these charities. Youve highlighted the areas of work that youve supported. What about the scale of organisations you partner with? Thats a great question and, to coin a phrase, not all charities are created equal. Its a well-known fact that a handful, the top one per cent of about 170,000 registered charities in England and Wales, receive almost 70 per cent of all the charitable donations people make. Big charities with big marketing budgets can deliver memorable campaigns that draw in funds. Meanwhile, closer to home, there are thousands of organisations delivering right at the heart of our communities, often relying on tiny incomes and volunteers time, but achieving so very much. So, while weve supported some large charities, weve chosen to support grassroots organisations too. In fact, in 2025, we started working with a large number of community foundations as partners, including Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, with which weve supported 10 small charities delivering extraordinary work right here in our county. In 2025, we supported more than 65 frontline, grassroots charities throughout the Midlands and, in 2026, weve increased that number again by working nationally, doubling the number of small charities we work with to more than 130. Kotecha's partnership with the Curve Theatre on its Shine programme supports young people from five Leicester schools to access a programme centred on building life skills, restoring confidence and growing resilience Randal Foundation So, having had a sustained focus on supporting some incredible causes in Leicester, whats been achieved? Having started out in my career as a scientist, evidence, impact and outcomes are key for me. Weve always asked all the organisations we give to to help us understand the difference our grants make. Since starting our grant-giving in 2019, Im proud to say weve touched the lives of more than 70,091 people in Leicestershire, sometimes improving lives significantly through our work with Rainbows Hospice and, at other times, supporting charities such as Leicester Blood Bikes, which are directly saving lives. Weve also seen potential in causes that change a persons life course, and by that I mean opening doors that might have seemed closed, allowing new directions to be considered. Great examples of these indirect but potentially life-transforming projects include support for Warning Zone, equipping children with knowledge and skills that keep them safe in our city, and support for the National Space Centre in its fantastic STEM engagement work with young people. Our policy-changing work is key here too. In getting government attention and focus on matters as wide-ranging as tackling addiction, reversing economic inactivity and spotlighting the plight of those facing loneliness and isolation, weve been the catalyst for national policy shifts, and were working on more. Were working now, for instance, to raise the profile of the need for action on suicide among men and boys. These are national programmes for policy change, but theyll benefit Leicestershire too. Finally, what would you say to businesses considering their own charitable giving or CSR? Id simply say look close to home, or close to your heart. Making a difference in your own community or in the areas that mean the most to you means you connect closely with your charity partners. And Id suggest perhaps forging longer-lasting relationships, which can have a greater impact on what matters to you most.

easterneye 21 Aug 2026 4:34 pm

Mankind Pharma signs in-licensing deal for Insulin Aspart and Insulin Degludec

Mankind Pharma has entered into an exclusive in-licensing and marketing agreement with Chongqing Chenan Biopharmaceutical Co., China, for the commercialisation of two insulin analogues, Insulin Degludec and Insulin Degludec + Aspart Combination, in India.

Business Standard 21 Aug 2026 4:31 pm

Tea prices firm ahead of Onam holidays

Orthodox leaf also witnessed strong demand, with 94% of the 2,56,527 kg offered being sold. The average price realisation increased by 3 to 180 a kg, compared with 177 in the previous week

The Hindu Businessline 21 Aug 2026 4:26 pm

10,000 Kilos Of Bananas Ripened With Harmful Chemicals Seized In Karnataka, How To Spot Artificially Ripened Fruit

More than 10,800 kg of chemically ripened bananas worth Rs 8.71 lakh were seized during the raid. Learn how to identify artificially ripened bananas

NDTV 21 Aug 2026 4:16 pm

Kangana Ranaut calls out 'Hindu-Muslim mindset' after Sharmila Tagore questions 'Vande Mataram'

Highlights Kangana Ranaut has responded to Sharmila Tagore's comments on Vande Mataram . Tagore said some sections of the song may not align with the beliefs of people who believe in one God. Kangana defended the song's imagery as poetry and urged people to move beyond a Hindu-Muslim mindset. Kangana Ranaut has reacted to Sharmila Tagore' s comments on Vande Mataram , pushing back against the veteran actor's concerns about the religious references in the National Song. Tagore recently spoke about the ongoing debate surrounding the song and said some of its imagery could be difficult for people who follow a single-God belief system. Kangana, however, argued that such references should be understood through the language of art and poetry rather than viewed purely as religious practice. Kangana Ranaut defends Vande Mataram as art Sharing a video of Sharmila Tagore's interview on her Instagram Stories, Kangana said she appreciated that the veteran actor had expressed her reservations but was surprised by what she considered a restrictive interpretation of art. I appreciate that Sharmila ji has spoken about her reservation on Vande Mataram, but I am shocked as an artist how can her views on art/poetry can be so limiting and contrived, Kangana wrote. She went on to explain that poetry often relies on metaphors and imaginative comparisons to convey an idea. In any poetry or song words are metaphors, a poet or artist uses all kinds of imaginations draws unbelievable parallels to bring about the desirable effect, she added, arguing that Vande Mataram should be understood in that context. Kangana described the song as he spirit of freedom struggle and said Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was using the idea of Shakti to inspire the nation. How can you reduce such a great piece of art to mere religious practice, she asked. 'Please come out of Hindu-Muslim mindset' Kangana further referenced Swami Vivekananda while explaining her interpretation of Shakti . Referring to Vivekananda's call for young people to possess immense strength, she wrote, Vivekananda famously said I need youth who are made of iron, bones of steel and veins in which runs thunderbolt, he was not giving weather forecast, he was simply demanding Shakti to rise. She then directly addressed the religious dimension of the debate, writing, Please come out of Hindu Muslim mindset even if we believe in one God doctors also call power Shakti, let's embrace each other like our own. Kangana concluded the message with a personal expression of affection for Tagore, adding, I absolutely love you and don't mind a crushing hug like you always give me. What Sharmila Tagore said about the National Song Tagore had explained her position while speaking to IANS, saying that the issue was particularly relevant for people whose religious beliefs centre on a single God. My point of view is that there are many religious people who believe in one single God, not many Gods. In 'Vande Mataram', there is a stanza which says that many Gods are mentioned in 'Vande Mataram', she said. Elaborating on her concern, Tagore pointed to the references to Kali and Durga in the song. It is difficult for those who believe in one religion to say, 'Vande Kali, Vande Durga', she said. At the same time, she clarified that she viewed the first two stanzas differently, saying, Therefore, if we take all the religious people in India together, the first two stanzas are very good. The two actors have therefore approached the debate from different perspectives. While Tagore has raised questions about how the song's religious imagery may be received by people with monotheistic beliefs, Kangana has argued that those references should be understood as artistic metaphor rather than religious instruction.

easterneye 21 Aug 2026 4:15 pm

German Proverb of the Day: First comes the food, then comes morality. A lesson on basic needs and ethics

German Proverb of the Day: First comes the food, then comes morality highlights how basic human needs can influence priorities, choices and moral expectations. The proverb places immediate necessities such as food before broader ethical concerns, encouraging a more careful understanding of human behaviour. Its message suggests that circumstances matter when assessing decisions, particularly when survival and morality come into tension.

The Economic Times 21 Aug 2026 4:09 pm

In 1856, a 23-Year-old widow became Americas first female detective. Years later, she helped save former US president Abraham Lincolns life

Kate Warne became America's first female detective in 1856. She proved her skills investigating a major theft for the Adams Express Company. Warne later infiltrated secessionist circles to protect President-elect Abraham Lincoln. She disguised herself and helped Lincoln travel safely through Baltimore. Her groundbreaking career challenged societal assumptions about women's professional capabilities.

The Economic Times 21 Aug 2026 3:43 pm

RSS Leader CR Mukund Emphasizes System Reforms at Annual Meeting

Visakhapatnam, August 21: CR Mukund, the Joint General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), addressed a press briefing regarding the three-day annual meeting held in Visakhapatnam. He noted that this event gathers members inspired by the RSS from various sectors to discuss national and societal issues. The meeting takes place annually for three days. ... Read more RSS Leader CR Mukund Emphasizes System Reforms at Annual Meeting

Morningstar 21 Aug 2026 3:39 pm

Political Turmoil Erupts Over Congresss Decision to Sing Only Two Verses of Vande Mataram

New Delhi, August 21: A political storm has reignited over Congresss decision to sing only two verses of Vande Mataram. BJP leaders have launched sharp attacks against the party, claiming that Congress has not only fragmented the song but also contributed to the division of the nation. In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav ... Read more Political Turmoil Erupts Over Congresss Decision to Sing Only Two Verses of Vande Mataram

Morningstar 21 Aug 2026 3:00 pm