India will celebrate its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025. This marks 78 years since gaining freedom from British rule in 1947. The count refers to the number of celebrations, not just the years passed. The first celebration was in 1947. The annual event includes flag hoisting and cultural programs. It honors India's freedom and the sacrifices made. The day promotes unity and progress.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has been awarded 127 Gallantry Medals, the highest number among all police forces. The awards recognize acts of bravery and distinguished service. Along with gallantry honors, the force also received 2 President's Police Medals for Distinguished Service and 14 Police Medals for Meritorious Service. This highlights their role in counter-insurgency operations and maintaining law and order in a sensitive region.

Sandeepa Virk, an internet personality with 1.2 million Instagram followers, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case involving alleged fraud and misrepresentation. She is also under scrutiny for her links with Reliance Group executive Angarai Natarajan Sethuraman. Virk's skincare product website hyboocare.com was allegedly used as a front for money laundering.

The Supreme Court will hear a petition regarding Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for murder in 2017. An advocacy group requested permission to negotiate with the victim's family by paying "blood money," but the government denied it due to security risks. The court will consider directing the government to make diplomatic efforts. The case has drawn attention from human rights groups and Kerala's political leaders.

Experts propose a national strategy to combat India's rising digital fraud, citing a lack of clarity and coordination. They suggest forming an expert group with diverse skills to define a clear taxonomy, data-sharing protocols, and assign responsibilities. The proposal emphasizes shifting financial liability to firms, incentivizing proactive security measures. Coordinated state action is crucial for effective information sharing and targeted law enforcement.

The Supreme Court addressed the stray dog issue in Delhi-NCR, directing authorities to begin a phased removal of stray dogs to shelters. The court cited rising dog bite incidents and road accidents. The court ordered authorities to create shelters and ensure humane standards, banning the rerelease of captured dogs. A helpline for bite incidents will be created, with a four-hour capture mandate. The court urged adoption but warned against using it for rerelease.

A Mumbai-based businessman alleged that Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra defrauded him of Rs 60 crore. However, their lawyer Prashant Patil denied all allegations, stating they are civil in nature and have been adjudicated by NCLT Mumbai. The transaction was an old equity investment that went into financial distress. Shilpa and Raj will take legal action against the businessman for maligning them.

Cisco Systems predicts higher-than-expected first-quarter revenue, fueled by AI-driven demand for networking gear from cloud clients. Orders for AI infrastructure surpassed $800 million in Q4, exceeding $2 billion for fiscal 2025, doubling the initial target. Cisco anticipates momentum in sovereign AI opportunities in the second half of fiscal 2026. Q4 revenue reached $14.67 billion, beating estimates.

Dr. Vece Paes, Olympic hockey bronze medalist, passed away after battling advanced Parkinson's disease. He was admitted to Woodlands Hospital on Tuesday. Paes was married to Jennifer, a former Indian basketball captain. His last rites are pending the arrival of his daughters from abroad. A versatile sportsman, Paes represented India in hockey and served as president of the Indian Rugby Football Union. His son, Leander Paes, also won an Olympic bronze in tennis.

A U.S. judge has rejected Elon Musk's request to dismiss OpenAI's claims that he engaged in a years-long harassment campaign against the company. OpenAI alleges Musk tried to harm the AI startup through various means, including social media posts and a bid for its assets. Musk had sued OpenAI over its for-profit transition. OpenAI countersued, accusing Musk of fraudulent business practices. A jury trial is scheduled for spring 2026.