NEW Mint Tue 18 Aug 2026 09:10:07 PM

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: ₹2,500 aid cannot be spent on tobacco, gambling and...; here's what’s banned? | Mint

SUMMARY
The Delhi government's Lakshmi Yojana provides ₹2,500 monthly financial aid to eligible women. However, strict spending restrictions apply. Recipients are banned from using the funds on tobacco products, gambling, alcohol, and lottery tickets. The scheme aims to empower women financially while ensuring money is used for essential needs like food, education, and healthcare. Violations may lead to disqualification. The initiative targets women residents of Delhi, promoting welfare and responsible spending among beneficiaries.
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NEW The Economic Times Tue 18 Aug 2026 09:10:02 PM

MEA says credibility of India’s election machinery ‘well-established’ globally after Trump remarks

SUMMARY
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded to former US President Donald Trump's remarks questioning the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), asserting that the credibility of India's election machinery is "well-established" worldwide. Trump had criticized EVMs broadly, advocating for paper ballots. MEA spokesperson stated that India's EVMs are robust, transparent, and have been upheld by the Supreme Court. India's Election Commission has consistently defended EVMs as tamper-proof, conducting millions of votes successfully across elections.
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NEW News 18 Hindi Tue 18 Aug 2026 06:10:08 PM

'Please Take CEC Gyanesh Kumar To America': Congress' Swipe After Trump Praise

SUMMARY
Congress party took a sharp swipe at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar after US President Donald Trump praised India's electronic voting machines (EVMs) and quick election results. Trump lauded India's ability to declare results within hours, unlike prolonged US vote counting. Seizing the moment, Congress sarcastically urged the government to "take CEC Gyanesh Kumar to America," implying the BJP-led government influences election processes. Congress has repeatedly questioned EVM credibility, alleging manipulation in elections, a charge the Election Commission firmly denies.
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NEW Dainik Bhaskar Tue 18 Aug 2026 06:10:01 PM

अब देश में बनेंगे डिफेंस से जुड़े 405 आइटम:इनमें कोस्ट गार्ड के 16 आइटम, 3070 करोड़ का कारोबार होगा; रक्षा मंत्रालय ने लिस्ट जारी की

SUMMARY
**भारत में रक्षा उत्पादन को बढ़ावा देने के लिए रक्षा मंत्रालय ने 405 डिफेंस आइटम्स की नई सूची जारी की है, जो अब देश में ही बनाए जाएंगे। इनमें कोस्ट गार्ड से जुड़े 16 आइटम भी शामिल हैं। इससे लगभग 3070 करोड़ रुपये का कारोबार होने का अनुमान है। यह कदम 'मेक इन इंडिया' और आत्मनिर्भर भारत अभियान के तहत उठाया गया है ताकि रक्षा क्षेत्र में आयात निर्भरता कम हो, स्वदेशी उद्योगों को मजबूती मिले और देश की सुरक्षा आत्मनिर्भर बने।**
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NEW News 18 Hindi Tue 18 Aug 2026 06:05:10 PM

Bihar Govt Transfers Siwan Top Cop After Constable Uses AK-47 During Student Protest

SUMMARY
The Bihar government transferred Siwan SP Santosh Kumar after a police constable fired rounds from an AK-47 during a student protest against the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). The incident occurred when students were demonstrating demanding cancellation of the controversial BPSC exam. The constable, identified as Raju Kumar, opened fire with the assault rifle, escalating tensions. The government took swift action, transferring the SP for mishandling the situation. No casualties were reported, but the incident drew widespread criticism over excessive force against peaceful protesters.
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NEW Dainik Bhaskar Tue 18 Aug 2026 06:05:02 PM

सुप्रीम कोर्ट बोला-7 दिन में फाइनल करें हवाई किराया नियम:अगर एयरलाइंस न मानें तो प्लेन खड़े कर दें; सरकार ने 3 हफ्ते मांगे थे

SUMMARY
**सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने हवाई किराये पर सख्त रुख अपनाते हुए सरकार को 7 दिन के भीतर हवाई किराया नियम फाइनल करने का आदेश दिया है। कोर्ट ने कहा कि अगर एयरलाइंस नियमों का पालन नहीं करें तो उनके विमान जमीन पर खड़े कर दिए जाएं। सरकार ने इसके लिए 3 हफ्ते का समय मांगा था, लेकिन कोर्ट ने इसे खारिज कर दिया। यात्रियों से मनमाने किराये वसूलने की शिकायतों के बाद यह मामला उठा। कोर्ट ने यात्रियों के हितों की रक्षा पर जोर दिया और एयरलाइंस की लूट पर लगाम लगाने की जरूरत बताई।**
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NEW The Hindu Tue 18 Aug 2026 06:00:17 PM

After killing hundreds in boat strikes, U.S. military expands campaign on land in Latin America

SUMMARY
The U.S. military has escalated its counter-narcotics operations in Latin America, expanding from maritime interdictions—where boat strikes have killed hundreds of suspected drug traffickers—to land-based campaigns. These operations target drug cartels and trafficking networks across the region. Critics raise concerns over human rights violations, use of lethal force, and lack of accountability. The expansion includes intelligence sharing, training local forces, and direct operations in countries like Colombia and Central America, aiming to curb drug flow into the U.S.
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NEW Hindustan Times Tue 18 Aug 2026 06:00:02 PM

IIT JAM 2027 portal launched, registration begins on September 5 at jam.iitkgp.ac.in

SUMMARY
**IIT JAM 2027 Registration Opens September 5**

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has launched the official portal for IIT JAM 2027 at jam.iitkgp.ac.in. Registration begins on September 5, 2026. IIT JAM is a national-level entrance exam for admission into M.Sc., Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D., and other postgraduate programs at IITs and NITs. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Science can apply online. The exam is conducted in CBT mode across multiple subjects. Visit the portal for eligibility, fees, and schedule details.
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NEW Barandbench Tue 18 Aug 2026 05:40:08 PM

Delhi High Court allows JNU to continue admitting students based on deprivation points

SUMMARY
The Delhi High Court has permitted Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to continue its admission policy of awarding deprivation points to candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those from BPL families, transgender communities, and certain marginalized regions. The system grants up to 5 extra points to promote inclusivity. The court upheld JNU's autonomy in framing admission criteria, dismissing petitions challenging the policy as discriminatory. This ensures continued affirmative action for underprivileged students seeking higher education at JNU.
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NEW The Times Of India Tue 18 Aug 2026 04:25:14 PM

India eyes first cargo ship along Arctic Route to Russia - why it matters

SUMMARY
India is planning to send its first cargo ship via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) through the Arctic to Russia, marking a significant shift in trade logistics. This route, made viable by melting Arctic ice due to climate change, drastically cuts shipping time between India and Russia compared to the traditional Suez Canal route—from approximately 40 days to around 25 days. The move aims to boost bilateral trade, reduce transportation costs, and diversify India's energy imports, especially oil and gas from Russia. It also signals India's growing strategic interest in the Arctic region, where nations like China are already active. However, the route poses challenges including harsh weather, limited infrastructure, and geopolitical sensitivities involving Western nations amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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NEW The Hindu Tue 18 Aug 2026 04:25:02 PM

Bangladesh does not want ties with India to deteriorate over Teesta: Minister

SUMMARY
Bangladesh's Foreign Minister stated that Bangladesh does not want its relationship with India to deteriorate over the long-pending Teesta River water-sharing agreement. The Teesta issue has been a key point of contention between the two nations for years. Bangladesh seeks a fair share of Teesta waters, crucial for its agriculture, while India's West Bengal opposes the deal. Despite the disagreement, Bangladesh emphasized maintaining strong bilateral ties, urging diplomatic dialogue to resolve the dispute amicably without letting it overshadow broader cooperation.
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NEW News 18 Hindi Tue 18 Aug 2026 04:20:07 PM

Jharkhand's Exam Mess: Soren Govt's Political Fix May Open A Fresh Legal Battle

SUMMARY
The Jharkhand government under CM Hemant Soren faces controversy over handling exam irregularities. After widespread allegations of paper leaks and malpractices in state recruitment exams, the Soren government attempted a political fix by announcing re-examinations and committee formations. However, critics argue these measures are superficial and politically motivated rather than addressing systemic corruption. Opposition parties, particularly BJP, have accused the government of incompetence and shielding culprits. The decision may trigger fresh legal battles as affected candidates and opposition groups plan to challenge the government's approach in courts, questioning transparency and accountability. Thousands of aspirants remain frustrated, demanding permanent solutions and strict action against those involved in the exam scam.
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NEW Zee News Tue 18 Aug 2026 01:45:10 PM

एक जमीन, 3 मजहब और हजारों साल का टकराव! आखिर जेरूसलम पर क्यों नहीं थम रही जंग?

SUMMARY
# जेरूसलम विवाद: 3 धर्मों का एक पवित्र शहर

जेरूसलम यहूदी, ईसाई और इस्लाम तीनों धर्मों का पवित्र शहर है। यहूदियों का पवित्र "वेस्टर्न वॉल," ईसाइयों का "चर्च ऑफ होली सेपल्चर" और मुसलमानों की "अल-अक्सा मस्जिद" यहीं है। 1948 में इजराइल बना, तब से फिलिस्तीन से संघर्ष जारी है। 1967 में इजराइल ने पूर्वी जेरूसलम पर कब्जा किया। फिलिस्तीन इसे अपनी राजधानी मानता है, इजराइल भी। अमेरिका ने 2017 में जेरूसलम को इजराइल की राजधानी माना, जिससे तनाव और बढ़ा। दोनों पक्ष धार्मिक और ऐतिहासिक दावों के कारण समझौते को तैयार नहीं, इसलिए शांति असंभव बनी हुई है।
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NEW News 18 Hindi Tue 18 Aug 2026 01:25:22 PM

‘India Inspiring US’: BJP Hails Trump's Voter ID Remark, Congress Says ‘Use Ballot Papers’

SUMMARY
During a speech, former US President Donald Trump praised India's voter ID system, advocating similar measures in the US. BJP seized the moment, claiming "India is inspiring the US," highlighting PM Modi's governance model gaining global recognition. Congress countered, urging the US to also adopt ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines, reviving its long-standing demand for paper ballots in Indian elections. The exchange reignited debate over election transparency and voting methods in both nations.
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NEW News 18 Hindi Tue 18 Aug 2026 12:10:15 PM

'Factually Inaccurate': Pakistan Rejects India's '100% Mission Success' Claim In Op Sindoor Film

SUMMARY
Pakistan has rejected India's claim of "100% mission success" in Operation Sindoor, calling it "factually inaccurate." India released a film showcasing the military strikes conducted against alleged terror infrastructure in Pakistan-administered territory, asserting complete success. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry dismissed the claims as exaggerated propaganda, stating India failed to achieve its objectives and caused minimal damage. Pakistan maintained it responded effectively, downing Indian aircraft and defending its airspace. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with both nations presenting contrasting narratives of the military confrontation following a deadly terror attack in Kashmir that triggered India's retaliatory strikes.
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