NEW The Hindu
Wed 19 Aug 2026 10:40:15 AM ⤴
Congo's fast-moving Ebola outbreak becomes country's worst with over 2,300 dead
SUMMARY
The Democratic Republic of Congo faced its deadliest Ebola outbreak, surpassing 2,300 deaths since August 2018. Centered in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, response efforts were severely hampered by armed conflict, community mistrust, and attacks on health workers. The WHO declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Despite deploying an experimental vaccine and treatments, containing the virus proved extremely challenging due to population displacement and insecurity in the region.
Watch video
NEW Firstpost
Wed 19 Aug 2026 10:30:07 AM ⤴
This Week in Explainers: Why ‘Vande Mataram’ was sung before ‘Jana Gana Mana’ this I-Day
SUMMARY
On India's Independence Day 2023, 'Vande Mataram' was sung before 'Jana Gana Mana' at the Red Fort, breaking from the usual protocol where the national anthem is played first. This sparked debate and curiosity. The change was reportedly part of a revised ceremony order. 'Vande Mataram,' India's national song, holds deep historical significance from the freedom struggle, while 'Jana Gana Mana' is the national anthem. Critics saw political symbolism; officials called it a procedural adjustment, not a precedent shift.
Watch video
NEW Firstpost
Wed 19 Aug 2026 10:20:11 AM ⤴
Loved in Sri Lanka, dissed in Pakistan: Survey reveals how the world sees India
SUMMARY
A global survey reveals contrasting perceptions of India worldwide. Sri Lanka emerged as the most favorable nation toward India, reflecting strong cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties between the neighbors. Conversely, Pakistan holds the most negative view of India, unsurprising given decades of territorial disputes, wars, and political tensions. The survey highlights India's growing global influence, with favorable ratings in Southeast Asia and Africa, while mixed opinions persist in China and parts of the West.
Watch video
NEW The Hindu
Wed 19 Aug 2026 10:20:01 AM ⤴
BRICS condemns EU carbon tax
SUMMARY
The BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—have collectively condemned the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a carbon tax on imports of carbon-intensive goods like steel, cement, and aluminum. BRICS argues the tax is protectionist, violates free trade principles, and unfairly burdens developing economies. They claim it shifts climate responsibility onto poorer nations while benefiting EU industries. The bloc calls for climate action based on equity and common but differentiated responsibilities under the Paris Agreement.
Watch video
NEW Barandbench
Wed 19 Aug 2026 09:40:18 AM ⤴
CCPA imposes ₹1 lakh penalty on Amazon for allowing sale of ordinary sweets as Ram Mandir Prasad
SUMMARY
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on Amazon India for allowing sellers to market ordinary sweets as "Ram Mandir Prasad" on its platform. CCPA found this misleading, as the sweets had no connection to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. This violated consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, constituting unfair trade practice and false advertising. Amazon was directed to remove such listings and ensure stricter seller verification to prevent deceptive claims exploiting religious sentiments of consumers.
Watch video
NEW Zee News
Wed 19 Aug 2026 09:40:12 AM ⤴
Jinnah’s secret TB illness: Could this have stopped India’s partition?
SUMMARY
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, secretly suffered from tuberculosis during India's partition negotiations in 1947. He concealed his diagnosis, fearing it would weaken his bargaining position. Historians suggest that had British authorities or Congress leaders known, they might have delayed partition, anticipating Jinnah's death, which occurred in September 1948, just a year after independence. Lord Mountbatten later expressed regret, believing knowledge of Jinnah's illness could have changed the course of history, potentially keeping India united.
Watch video
NEW The Times Of India
Wed 19 Aug 2026 09:30:12 AM ⤴
'All trade, commercial exchanges halted': How UAE responded to Iran's latest missile attack
SUMMARY
The UAE temporarily suspended all trade and commercial exchanges with Iran following Tehran's latest missile attack on Israel in October 2024. This decisive move reflected the UAE's commitment to regional stability and its alignment with international efforts to de-escalate tensions. The suspension impacted bilateral trade worth billions, affecting imports and re-exports. The UAE, home to a significant Iranian business community, took this step to comply with evolving geopolitical pressures while safeguarding its diplomatic relationships with Western allies and Gulf partners.
Watch video
NEW Firstpost
Wed 19 Aug 2026 09:30:07 AM ⤴
From Rs 2.7 lakh crore to a $4 trillion economy: How India changed in 79 years
SUMMARY
India marks 79 years of independence, showcasing a remarkable economic transformation. From a modest GDP of Rs 2.7 lakh crore at independence in 1947, India has grown into a nearly $4 trillion economy, becoming the world's fifth largest. Key drivers include liberalization reforms of 1991, IT revolution, manufacturing growth, and digital infrastructure. Per capita income has risen significantly, lifting millions from poverty. India now aims to become a $5 trillion economy, focusing on innovation, exports, and sustainable development under initiatives like Make in India and Digital India.
Watch video
NEW The Hindu
Wed 19 Aug 2026 08:45:14 AM ⤴
Trump envoy discusses Gaza plan with Netanyahu after rare Hamas meeting
SUMMARY
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli PM Netanyahu to discuss a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal after holding a rare direct meeting with Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar. The talks aimed to advance President Trump's Gaza plan, which proposes relocating Palestinians and rebuilding the territory. Hamas expressed willingness to release hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal. Netanyahu faces pressure from both the U.S. and domestic critics. Negotiations remain fragile amid ongoing military operations and humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
Watch video
NEW Firstpost
Wed 19 Aug 2026 08:30:02 AM ⤴
‘India showing interest’: Putin says cooperation growing on Northern Sea Route
SUMMARY
Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted India's growing interest in the Northern Sea Route (NSR), an Arctic shipping corridor connecting Europe and Asia via Russia's northern coast. Putin noted expanding cooperation with India on this strategic route, which offers a shorter alternative to the Suez Canal. As climate change melts Arctic ice, the NSR becomes more navigable, attracting global attention. India seeks diversified trade routes and energy access. Russia aims to develop NSR infrastructure, boosting cargo volumes, and views India as a key partner in this venture amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Watch video
NEW Firstpost
Wed 19 Aug 2026 08:25:02 AM ⤴
Rich Indians may lose prized offshore credit cards as global banks tighten rules: Report
SUMMARY
Wealthy Indians who hold international credit cards from global banks like HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Citibank through offshore accounts may soon lose access as these institutions tighten compliance rules. Global banks are scrutinizing accounts of Indian residents holding foreign credit cards to ensure adherence to RBI regulations and anti-money laundering norms. These cards, often linked to NRI or overseas accounts, were used for luxury spending, bypassing Indian forex limits. Banks fear regulatory penalties, prompting account reviews and potential card cancellations for non-compliant holders.
Watch video
NEW Firstpost
Wed 19 Aug 2026 08:10:07 AM ⤴
India turns to biogas as LNG import risks rise; Cabinet clears Rs 23,731 crore GOBARdhan scheme
SUMMARY
India's Cabinet approved the Rs 23,731 crore GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) scheme to boost domestic biogas and compressed biogas (CBG) production, reducing dependence on costly LNG imports amid global supply disruptions and geopolitical risks. The scheme promotes converting cattle dung, agricultural waste, and organic waste into biogas, supporting clean energy, waste management, and rural employment. It aligns with India's net-zero goals and energy security strategy, targeting thousands of biogas plants nationwide to cut fossil fuel reliance.
Watch video
NEW The Hindu
Wed 19 Aug 2026 07:40:14 AM ⤴
Trump’s envoy says Hamas disarmament could begin within 30 days
SUMMARY
Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Hamas could begin disarming within 30 days as part of ongoing ceasefire negotiations. This comes amid efforts to reach a permanent Gaza ceasefire deal. Witkoff expressed optimism that a framework agreement could move forward, with Hamas relinquishing its weapons as a key condition. The proposal aligns with Israel's demand for full demilitarization of Gaza. Negotiations remain fragile, with hostage releases and humanitarian aid access also central to talks.
Watch video
NEW The Times Of India
Wed 19 Aug 2026 07:30:15 AM ⤴
What is Jamal Musiala suffering from? ‘Absence seizures’ explained
SUMMARY
Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala has revealed he suffers from absence seizures, a form of epilepsy involving brief episodes where a person "zones out" or stares blankly for a few seconds, losing awareness momentarily. Unlike dramatic convulsive seizures, absence seizures are subtle and often go unnoticed. Musiala disclosed this condition publicly, noting it hasn't significantly hindered his football career. The 21-year-old manages it with medical support and continues performing at an elite level for both Bayern Munich and Germany's national team.
Watch video
NEW The Hindu
Wed 19 Aug 2026 07:25:14 AM ⤴
Census 2027 questionnaire seeks parents’ religion, place of birth up to village level
SUMMARY
India's Census 2027 questionnaire has been finalized, introducing significant changes. For the first time, it will ask for parents' religion and detailed place of birth information down to the village level. The questionnaire includes 32 questions covering demographics, education, occupation, and migration. Notably, it won't include a caste column beyond SC/ST categories. The census, delayed since 2021 due to COVID-19, aims to update population data for policy planning. Digital enumeration using a mobile app will be employed for data collection, marking a technological shift from traditional methods.
Watch video