August 16, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for implementation of 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies and announced free online coaching for competitive-exam aspirants from poor and middle-class families, while the CBDT’s FAST-DS 2026 scheme for small taxpayers came into force.
Top India Headlines
- PM Modi Calls for 33% Women’s Reservation in Parliament, Assemblies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged political parties to support implementation of 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies without turning the issue into a political dispute. He made the appeal during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort. - PM Modi Announces Free Online Coaching for Competitive Exams
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced free online coaching for students from poor and middle-class families preparing for competitive examinations. The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on aspirants and their families. - CBDT’s FAST-DS 2026 Scheme for Small Taxpayers Comes Into Force
The Central Board of Direct Taxes has notified the Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers–Disclosure Scheme (FAST-DS) Rules, 2026, which came into force on August 16. The deadline for filing declarations under the scheme is December 31, 2026. - India-US Ties Stronger Than Ever, Says US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Indians on Independence Day and said the India-US relationship continues to grow and is stronger than ever. He attributed the strengthening relationship in part to the ties between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. - PM Modi Thanks World Leaders for Independence Day Greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, for their Independence Day greetings. He also responded to greetings from Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah. - President Murmu Thanks World Leaders for Independence Day Greetings
President Droupadi Murmu thanked world leaders for their greetings on India’s 80th Independence Day. In her message to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, she expressed hope that the India-Maldives partnership would continue to grow. - Jerusalem’s Friendship Bridge Illuminated in Indian Tricolour
Jerusalem’s iconic Friendship Bridge, also known as the Chords Bridge, was illuminated in saffron, white and green to mark India’s 80th Independence Day, highlighting India-Israel friendship. - SURYAPATH TIRANGA Global Relay Concludes Across 54 Countries
The SURYAPATH TIRANGA Global Relay concluded on August 15 after travelling from Fiji to the United States across 54 countries and multiple time zones. The External Affairs Ministry said the initiative was organised as part of India’s Independence Day celebrations. - Nation Pays Tribute to Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee
The nation paid homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary on August 16. Vajpayee, who served as Prime Minister three times, passed away on this day in 2018.
