IBTimes

Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader clarified that the state government has not withdrawn its ban order on gutka, but has prohibited nicotine-laced gutka and pan masala in the interest of public health. He said the move would not affect arecanut growers, claiming it could instead push up arecanut prices.

Aamir Khan was spotted outside a Mumbai pet clinic with Kiran Rao and their son Azad Rao Khan. The actor was carrying a cat carrier, while Kiran looked distressed and Azad was seen crying.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan celebrated India's 80th Independence Day by sharing an AI-tagged picture of himself in a white Pathani suit and expressing pride in being Indian. He highlighted India's diversity, unity and spirit while urging people to contribute towards making the country proud.

NDA leaders criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi for skipping Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

A controversy erupted after Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi were seen speaking during the rendition of 'Vande Mataram' at the party's Independence Day event. The BJP accused Congress of disrespecting the national song and demanded an apology.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said on Saturday that people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) could have risen to demand their merger with J&K if the Centre had not abrogated the region's special status and revoked its statehood in 2019.

At least five people were killed after a Mahindra Scorpio skidded off the road and plunged into a deep ravine in the Dachhan area of Kishtwar district on Saturday. Rescue teams recovered five bodies, while authorities continued efforts to ascertain the exact number of people travelling in the vehicle and the cause of the accident.

The tricolour flag was hoisted atop the Kedarnath temple to celebrate 80th Independence Day. Despite the rain and fog, devotees and locals at Kedarnath shrine were filled with enthusiasm for Independence Day.

Yash discussed vulgarity, intimate scenes and Gen Z in a recent interview. He said the younger generation is often labelled spoilt by those before it, calling this a lifelong pattern.

Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of free online coaching for needy students, saying quality education should be accessible free of cost to every child in India. Pandey offered his unconditional support to the government and stressed that effective execution would be key.

Gold prices rose 0.86 per cent weekly as weaker-than-expected US economic data strengthened expectations that the US Federal Reserve may keep interest rates unchanged. MCX gold futures gained 0.73 per cent on Friday to Rs 1,54,590, while silver rose 0.15 per cent to Rs 2,36,272 per kg.

Govinda hit back at his wife Sunita Ahuja after she criticised his reported closeness with actress Komal Rani Swarnkar. He urged her to stop using abusive language, saying such remarks demean the words mother and sister. Govinda also said Sunita's comments were affecting his reputation and business.

Milky Mist Dairy Food has flagged several business risks in its red herring prospectus (RHP), including inadequate insurance coverage, food safety incidents, technology disruptions and challenges in retaining key management personnel.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, addressing the 80th Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, reiterated his government's commitment to restoring the Union Territory's statehood and constitutional guarantees. He also stressed development, employment, federalism, transparency in recruitment and strengthening public trust, while paying tribute to the martyrs and recalling J&K's contribution to defending the region in 1947.

The government has decided to remove the 12-minute advertisement duration cap for television channels, citing increased competition in the broadcasting sector and the need to ensure a level playing field with digital media.

Taxpayers will have two months to make payment without interest after the payable amount is determined, with an additional two-month period available with 1 per cent monthly interest.

The Central government cut export duties on petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), reducing the petrol levy to zero, diesel's total export duty to Rs 24 per litre from Rs 25.5 and ATF duty to Rs 19.5 per litre from Rs 22. The revised rates apply only to petroleum products cleared for export

India's sporting fraternity came together to celebrate the country's 80th Independence Day, with cricket stars and international sporting personalities sharing messages of unity, freedom and national pride. Former India captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Shikhar Dhawan and Mithali Raj extended their wishes

Rekha hoisted the Indian National Flag in Melbourne on Independence Day 2026, with actor Pankaj Tripathi joining her as they sang the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'. Rekha also shared a fun moment with Pankaj by teaching him to greet the crowd in English, to which he jokingly said he was a Hindi-medium student

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year, amid continued political tensions between the government and Opposition.

Trisha Krishnan grabbed attention after a video from an Independence Day event in Chennai surfaced online. The actress was seen sitting beside Vijay's parents, happily talking with them and interacting with other guests.