A look at the headlines right now:

  1. Toll in rain-related incidents in Kerala rises to 45, red alert issued in 12 districts: Train services have been disrupted at many places.  
  2. ‘The sleeping elephant is now up and running,’ says Narendra Modi as he lists NDA’s achievements: The prime minister addressed the nation from the Red Fort on Wednesday on the occasion of Independence Day.
  3. Law Commission set to recommend a legal framework for simultaneous elections, say reports: The panel will submit its final proposals to the government before its term ends on August 31.  
  4. Arvind Kejriwal rejects Aam Aadmi Party leader Ashutosh’s resignation: He had quit citing personal reasons.  
  5. First local body polls since 2011 to begin next month, says Jammu and Kashmir governor: Urban civic elections will be held in September and October, and panchayat polls will take place between October and December, NN Vohra said. 
  6. Japan emperor Akihito attends his last World War II memorial service before abdication: He expressed ‘deep remorse’ for the war and hoped that the ‘ravages of war will never be repeated’. 
  7. Our goal is to strengthen Air India before disinvestment, says Jayant Sinha: The Union minister said the civil aviation ministry was working on a comprehensive package to make the airline globally competitive again.  
  8. India will launch a manned mission to space by 2022, announces Narendra Modi: The prime minister, who addressed the nation from Delhi’s Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day, also hailed the contribution of Indian scientists.  
  9. Fall Armyworm insect, recently detected in India, can threaten food security, warns UN agency: The pest can have a ‘devastating impact’ on rice and corn producers in Asia, according to the Food and Agricultural Organisation.  
  10. Post office employee suspended in Odisha as he did not deliver mail for nearly 10 years: The undelivered letters included official notices, examination admit cards, and job acceptance letters.