India will mark the 72nd Armed Forces Flag Day today in remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the armed forces and martyrs in protecting the nation. This day serves as a reminder for citizens to contribute towards the welfare of the armed forces personnel and their families through donations and support. The tradition of celebrating Armed Forces Flag Day began in 1949 and has continued to symbolize the unity and respect for the men and women in uniform.
Irfan Ansari, a Congress candidate and Minister in Jharkhand, stirred heated debate with his derogatory remarks about BJP candidate Sita Soren, the wife of the late brother of Jharkhand's Chief Minister. His comment about Soren being a "borrowed player" and "rejected" has drawn public outcry and backlash, with Soren demanding a public apology from Ansari. She has also warned of potential protests if he does not take back his words. This incident further highlights the need for accountability and respect towards women in politics.
In the midst of a controversy surrounding Telangana Minister Konda Surekha's derogatory comments aimed at Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya, Vishnu Manchu, President of the Movie Artistes Association, has issued an official statement. He addresses the pain caused to the families involved and calls for respect and protection of their personal lives. Meanwhile, Konda Surekha clarifies that her comments were meant to question a leader's belittling of women, not to hurt Samantha's sentiments.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar took to his official Twitter handle to extend his heartiest greetings to the nation on the joyous occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Along with the traditional celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters, the Vice-President also emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where women can thrive and realize their full potential. He urged citizens to make a commitment towards upholding the dignity and respect of women in society.
Actor John Abraham shares his views on the recent Kolkata doctor case stating that boys need to be taught to respect women and parents should play a more active role in raising their male children. He also talks about his upcoming film Vedaa, which addresses the issue of violence against women in India and the urgent need for a change in societal attitudes towards women. John advocates for better treatment and protection of women in India through his film and personal statements.
During a Durand Cup match between East Bengal and Shillong Lajong, player Nandhakumar Sekar scored an equaliser in the 78th minute and used his goal celebration to raise awareness for women’s rights. The winger revealed a message on his undershirt that read ‘Respect women’, showing his support for the cause. This gesture by Sekar has been widely praised by fans and fellow players, highlighting the power of sports in spreading important messages.
In the wake of the sexual assault and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, the Joint Platform of Doctors has called for a symbolic rakhi festival on Monday (August 19). Instead of traditional rakhi, doctors will be wearing black ribbons and tying black rakhis as a mark of their protest against the incident, along with a march to the Kolkata Police headquarters to show support for two doctors who have been summoned. The President has also urged citizens to take a pledge to ensure the safety and respect of women on the occasion of Rakshabandhan.
The education department of Pakistan is facing backlash for including false and harmful information about Hindus and Sikhs in school textbooks. Pakistani students have spoken to BBC about their experiences, with one girl recounting how she was taught that Hindus do not respect women and another boy sharing how his nephew was told that being an infidel means worshipping idols. These incidents raise questions about the government's intentions and the impact it may have on future generations.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is known to be a true gentleman, especially when it comes to treating women with respect. However, a recent video clip of him and co-star Katrina Kaif has raised eyebrows among netizens. While some find their chemistry cute, others question SRK's intentions as he is seen hugging Katrina tightly in the clip. This incident has sparked discussions among fans as SRK is known for his no-kissing clause in films, but not with Katrina. Meanwhile, the actor is busy with his upcoming movies, including one that will launch his daughter Suhana in Bollywood.
The BJP and JD(S) party leaders in Karnataka have sparked controversy by making derogatory comments against women in their campaigns for the upcoming state election. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal have faced backlash for their remarks, while JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy has been criticized for his comments about the state's women losing their way due to government guarantees. The controversies have led to protests and calls for condemnation, even from within the NDA alliance. Another former BJP MLA, Sanjay Patil, has also come under fire for his derogatory remarks towards woman minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. These incidents have highlighted the need for greater respect and empowerment for women in Indian politics.