Top News on August 15: Independence Day celebrations, Ola Roadster e-bike launch, Kolkata doctor rape-murder row, more

India marked 78 years of Independence on Thursday as outrage over the rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor continued across the country. Ola Electric Mobility announced the launch of a new motorcycle series while reports indicated new Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol could make well in excess of $100 million in his first year. Meanwhile the State Bank of India has increased interest rates on loans by 10 basis points across tenors from August 15.

Here are the top news stories:

Independence Day Celebrations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the eleventh consecutive time on Thursday. The 98-minute-long address — the longest ever Independence Day speech by an Indian PM — touched upon a range of issues from Viksit Bharat by 2047 to secular civil code and atrocities against women.

Ola electric motorcycles
The Indian electric vehicle maker launched a new series of motorcycles on Thursday. The development comes mere days after the company raised $734 million in its initial public offering. Ola Electric will now offer two motorcycle variants and claims that the entry-level "Roadster X" had a range of 200 kms (124.27 miles) on a single charge.

SBI increases lending rates
The country’ largest state-run lender has increased interest rates on loans by 10 basis points across tenors. The Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate for three-years tenor now stands at 9.10% from 9% earlier, while overnight MCLR has been increased to 8.20% from 8.10%.

Mpox outbreak
The World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern on Thursday amid an outbreak in Congo. More than 27,000 cases and around 1100 deaths have been recorded since January 2023 as the African nation battles its worst-ever outbreak. The situation has also triggered global concern due to the rapid spread of a new virus offshoot in recent months. Sweden reported a case of the new variant on Thursday evening — the first of its kind to be diagnosed outside the African continent.

(With inputs from agencies)