Ahead of Independence Day, Delhi Police has sounded a high alert and heightened security across the national capital. Posters of 19 most-wanted terrorists, including individuals linked to Indian Mujahideen, Al-Qaeda, and Khalistani outfits like KTF and Babbar Khalsa, have been pasted in prominent public places. The list includes names like Riyaz Bhatkal, Arsh Dalla, and Harwinder Singh Rinda. Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspicious activity via the 112 helpline, promising anonymity and rewards for credible information. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/national/security-tightened-in-delhi-ahead-of-independence-day-2026-posters-of-19-terrorists-put-up/3286356

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This law grants 'Vande Mataram' the same legal protection as the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'. Deliberately obstructing its singing is now a punishable offense with up to three years of imprisonment. The Home Ministry has mandated the singing of all six stanzas (3 minutes 10 seconds) at government events and schools. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor questioned the feasibility of standing for this duration during every event. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/nation/120826/vande-mataram-accorded-legal-protection-similar-to-the-national-anth.html

In a tragic incident in Nawanshahr, Punjab, a 22-year-old youth named Dilpreet consumed poison after suffering heavy financial losses and debt due to online gaming. Upon hearing this, his two friends, including a 13-year-old boy, also consumed poisonous tablets. All three were rushed to the hospital, where the 13-year-old passed away during treatment. The other two remain in critical condition. Police are investigating the case to determine the exact circumstances and the source of the poison. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/nawanshahr-youth-poison-after-loss-in-online-gaming-two-friends-also-swallow-it-877595

Tim and Chris Vanderhook, co-founders of Viant Technology and owners of MySpace, have hinted at a relaunch of the platform in a recent documentary. Despite a failed attempt in 2013 that resulted in a $150 million loss, the owners believe it's time to bring back the brand. Analysts suggest that while MySpace has strong brand recognition, it faces stiff competition from modern giants like Instagram and TikTok. To succeed, the platform needs to balance nostalgia with modern design to attract both old users and the Gen Z audience. No official launch date has been announced yet. https://www.etvbharat.com/pa/technology/myspace-eyes-comeback-as-an-antidote-to-social-media-fatigue-pbs26081004119

Renowned international Kabaddi player Gurtej Singh Toot passed away at Guru Gobind Singh Medical Hospital in Faridkot. He had been suffering from kidney-related ailments for a long time. Known as a powerful raider and defender, his demise has left the international sports community and Kabaddi fans in deep mourning. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/sports/renowned-international-kabaddi-player-gurtej-singh-toot-passes-away/3286939

MP Amritpal Singh's party, Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), has announced 5 more candidates for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Notably, Daljit Singh Kalsi and Gurmeet Singh Bukkanwala, who are currently in jail under the National Security Act (NSA), have been fielded from Ajnala and Moga respectively. Other candidates include Darshan Singh Shivalik from Gill, Jagjit Singh from Kapurthala, and Rashpal Singh from Kotkapura. Amritpal Singh, currently in Dibrugarh jail, has already been declared the party's CM face. The announcement was made by Amritpal's father, Tarsem Singh, in Amritsar. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/akali-dal-waris-punjab-de-announces-5-more-candidates-daljit-kalsi-and-gurmeet-bukkanwala-in-the-electoral-fray-877613

On August 12, 2026, gold and silver prices saw a significant surge. The price of 24-carat gold rose by ₹201 to reach ₹1,53,840 per 10 grams, while silver increased by ₹900 to ₹2,36,150 per kg. 22-carat gold is priced at ₹1,41,020 and 18-carat at ₹1,15,380 per 10 grams. The price hike is attributed to global market fluctuations, US inflation data, and Middle East tensions, leading investors to treat gold as a safe haven. https://punjabi.abplive.com/business/gold-silver-price-today-12-august-2026-city-wise-24k-22k-18k-latest-gold-rate-list-check-all-details-inside-877584

The Indian government has approved 11 additional entry points for foreign nationals traveling with a valid e-Visa. This increase brings the total number of authorized entry points for e-Visa holders to 88. The initiative aims to provide more options and ease of access for foreign tourists and persons of Indian origin. There are no changes for Indian passport holders or OCI cardholders, who usually do not require an e-Visa. Travelers are advised to ensure their documents align with Indian immigration rules. https://punjabi.newsd5.in/%E0%A8%AD%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%A4-%E0%A8%A8%E0%A9%87-e-visa-%E0%A8%B5%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%B2%E0%A9%87-%E0%A8%B5%E0%A8%BF%E0%A8%A6%E0%A9%87%E0%A8%B8%E0%A8%BC%E0%A9%80-%E0%A8%AF%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%A4%E0%A8%B0/

Three women were killed and one was seriously injured due to lightning strikes in the Chanan block of Lakhisarai district, Bihar. The victims, identified as Rudra Devi, Komal Kumari, and Anusua Devi, were returning from paddy fields when the incident occurred. Additionally, four cattle including two oxen and a buffalo were killed in separate lightning incidents across Bhandar and Bataspur villages. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/nation/120826/bihar-3-women-die-due-to-lightning-strike-in-lakhisarai.html

Shiromani Akali Dal Punar Surjeet has proposed a new alliance formula to 'Waris Punjab De' for the 2027 assembly elections. Former Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh suggested a seat-sharing plan of 40 seats each for the two groups and 35 seats for martyr families. A 7-member committee was proposed to finalize candidates, although Waris Punjab De has not yet responded positively. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/amritsar/akali-dal-resurgent-offers-new-alliance-to-waris-punjab-de/