NEW Hindustan Times
Thu 13 Aug 2026 04:45:02 PM ⤴
Kushal Yuva Program extended till 2031: Check eligibility, benefits and other details
SUMMARY
**Kushal Yuva Program Extended Till 2031**
The Bihar government has extended the Kushal Yuva Program (KYP) till 2031 to enhance employability among youth. Launched in 2016, it provides free training in communication skills, computer literacy, and soft skills. Youth aged 15-28 (relaxation for reserved categories) who have passed 10th are eligible. The course duration is around 240 hours. Training is offered through empaneled centers across Bihar. Upon completion, candidates receive certification, boosting their job prospects in private and government sectors. The extension aims to skill more youth and reduce unemployment in the state.
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NEW Dainik Bhaskar
Thu 13 Aug 2026 02:10:12 PM ⤴
मोदी ने कहा- रील्स के दौर में शॉर्टकट न अपनाएं:जेन-जी को दूसरों के संघर्षों से सीखना चाहिए; पूर्व राष्ट्रपति कोविंद की बायोग्राफी लॉन्च की
SUMMARY
**मोदी ने जेन-जी को दिया संदेश**
प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने पूर्व राष्ट्रपति रामनाथ कोविंद की बायोग्राफी लॉन्च की। इस मौके पर मोदी ने युवा पीढ़ी (जेन-जी) को संबोधित करते हुए कहा कि रील्स और शॉर्ट वीडियो के इस दौर में शॉर्टकट अपनाने से बचें। उन्होंने कहा कि युवाओं को दूसरों के संघर्षों से प्रेरणा लेनी चाहिए। कोविंद की जीवनी उनके संघर्ष और सफलता की कहानी बयां करती है। मोदी ने कहा कि मेहनत का कोई विकल्प नहीं है और सफलता धैर्य व समर्पण से मिलती है।
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NEW The Hindu
Thu 13 Aug 2026 01:20:15 PM ⤴
A new security architecture in West Asia?
SUMMARY
**Iran's New West Asian Security Architecture Proposal**
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, during the UN General Assembly (2024), proposed a new security framework for West Asia, urging regional nations to resolve conflicts without external interference. The initiative emphasizes dialogue, collective cooperation, and non-aggression among neighbors, targeting reduced U.S. and Western military presence. It builds on Iran's earlier "Hormuz Peace Endeavor." Amid Israel-Gaza tensions, Iran seeks diplomatic leadership, promoting sovereignty and multilateral engagement for lasting regional stability.
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NEW The Hindu
Thu 13 Aug 2026 11:15:10 AM ⤴
Trump pivots back to sanctions for Iran as other strategies to end his war fizzle
SUMMARY
President Trump has shifted back to imposing heavy sanctions on Iran after diplomatic efforts and other strategies to resolve tensions failed to gain traction. The administration intensified economic pressure targeting Iran's oil exports, banking sector, and key officials, aiming to force Tehran into negotiations over its nuclear program and regional activities. Previous approaches, including military threats and back-channel diplomacy, produced no breakthroughs. Critics argue sanctions alone won't achieve lasting peace, while supporters believe maximum pressure remains the most effective tool short of military action.
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NEW Mint
Thu 13 Aug 2026 07:30:14 AM ⤴
RBI set to hold rates on 5 Aug as global risks cloud outlook: Mint poll
SUMMARY
The Reserve Bank of India is expected to keep benchmark interest rates unchanged at its monetary policy meeting on August 5, according to a Mint poll of economists. Despite easing inflation, the RBI is likely to maintain a cautious stance due to rising global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions, volatile crude oil prices, and tightening financial conditions worldwide. Analysts believe the central bank will prioritize economic stability over rate cuts, monitoring monsoon progress and food price trends closely. The repo rate currently stands at 6.5%. Any future rate adjustments will depend on sustained inflation within the 4% target and improved global sentiment.
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NEW The Hindu
Thu 13 Aug 2026 07:30:02 AM ⤴
Study shows AI can design bacteriophages with potential to overcome bacterial resistance
SUMMARY
Scientists have demonstrated that artificial intelligence can design synthetic bacteriophages—viruses that infect and kill bacteria—capable of bypassing bacterial defense mechanisms. Using AI models trained on vast genomic data, researchers engineered novel phages with modified tail fibers and receptor-binding proteins, enabling them to target resistant bacterial strains. This breakthrough addresses the growing antibiotic resistance crisis, offering a promising alternative therapy. AI-designed phages showed effectiveness against drug-resistant bacteria in lab tests, potentially revolutionizing treatment for infections that current antibiotics cannot cure.
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NEW The Hindu
Thu 13 Aug 2026 07:20:09 AM ⤴
Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy: The doctor who brought reforms
SUMMARY
Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy (1886–1968) was a pioneering Indian doctor and social reformer. She was the first woman legislator in British India and the first female student admitted to a men's college. She fought against the Devadasi system, leading to its abolition in Madras Presidency. She founded the Adyar Cancer Institute in 1954 in Chennai. A champion of women's rights, she advocated for women's education, healthcare, and legal reforms, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian social and medical history.
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NEW The Hindu
Thu 13 Aug 2026 05:15:12 AM ⤴
What we can learn from nature switching off human genes
SUMMARY
Scientists have discovered that natural mechanisms can silence specific human genes, a process called gene silencing. This occurs through epigenetics, where chemical modifications like DNA methylation turn genes off without altering DNA sequences. Environmental factors, diet, stress, and aging can trigger this process. Understanding natural gene switching helps researchers study diseases like cancer, where tumor-suppressing genes get deactivated. This knowledge opens doors for targeted therapies, potentially reactivating silenced genes to treat genetic disorders and improve personalized medicine approaches.
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NEW The Times Of India
Thu 13 Aug 2026 03:55:02 AM ⤴
'Magical eeriness': Spain, Iceland witness spectacular total solar eclipse; watch
SUMMARY
On August 12, 2026, Spain and Iceland witnessed a spectacular total solar eclipse, plunging parts of both countries into darkness during daytime. Observers described the experience as "magical eeriness" as the Moon completely blocked the Sun, revealing the glowing corona. Thousands of tourists and astronomers gathered at prime viewing locations across northern Spain and Iceland. The rare celestial event lasted several minutes, offering breathtaking views. Scientists used the opportunity to study the Sun's outer atmosphere and solar phenomena.
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NEW The Hindu
Thu 13 Aug 2026 03:15:08 AM ⤴
31-member parliamentary panel to review FCRA Bill
SUMMARY
A 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has been constituted to review the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Bill. The panel comprises members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, tasked with scrutinizing provisions regulating foreign funding to NGOs, associations, and individuals. The FCRA governs foreign donations to ensure they don't affect India's sovereignty and internal politics. The committee will examine concerns over transparency, compliance burdens on civil society organizations, and national security implications before submitting its recommendations to Parliament for further legislative action.
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NEW The Times Of India
Thu 13 Aug 2026 02:50:02 AM ⤴
'Magical eeriness': Spain, Iceland witness spectacular total solar eclipse; watch
SUMMARY
On August 12, 2026, Spain and Iceland witnessed a spectacular total solar eclipse, drawing millions of viewers and astronomers worldwide. The moon completely blocked the sun, plunging parts of northern Spain, including cities like Bilbao and Oviedo, into brief darkness during daytime. Iceland also experienced totality. Witnesses described a "magical eeriness" as temperatures dropped, skies darkened, and the sun's corona became visible. This was a rare celestial event, with the next total solar eclipse visible in these regions not expected for decades. Tourists and scientists flocked to prime viewing locations, boosting local tourism significantly.
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NEW News 18 Hindi
Thu 13 Aug 2026 02:45:02 AM ⤴
Peaceful Protest Is A Right, Not An ‘Undesirable Purpose’: Kerala HC Slams Centre’s FCRA Denial To 2 NGOs
SUMMARY
The Kerala High Court criticized the Centre for denying FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration renewal to two NGOs, stating that peaceful protest is a fundamental right, not an "undesirable purpose." The government had rejected their applications citing the NGOs' involvement in protests and agitations. The Court held that participating in democratic dissent cannot be grounds for FCRA denial, as it violates constitutional freedoms. This ruling reinforces civil society's right to receive foreign funding while engaging in lawful advocacy.
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NEW Hindustan Times
Thu 13 Aug 2026 02:10:07 AM ⤴
'Once in a lifetime': Iceland experiences full solar eclipse, Spain up next
SUMMARY
On August 12, 2026, Iceland witnessed a rare total solar eclipse, a breathtaking celestial event visible across the island. Thousands of locals and tourists gathered to observe the moon fully blocking the sun, plunging the landscape into brief darkness. Scientists and astronomers seized the opportunity for research. Spain is next in line to experience a total solar eclipse on the same path. Dubbed a "once in a lifetime" event, it marks a historic astronomical moment for Europe.
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NEW The Hindu
Thu 13 Aug 2026 01:00:02 AM ⤴
Millions of people in Iceland and Spain set for 'event of the century' eclipse
SUMMARY
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across Iceland and Spain, being dubbed the "event of the century." Millions of residents and tourists are expected to witness the rare celestial phenomenon. The eclipse's path of totality will cross northern Spain, including cities like Bilbao and Zaragoza, and parts of Iceland. This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999. Authorities are preparing for massive tourism surges and infrastructure demands.
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NEW The Hindu
Thu 13 Aug 2026 12:10:02 AM ⤴
U.S. helicopter fired on ship that tried to break Iran ports blockade
SUMMARY
In January 2024, a U.S. Navy helicopter came under fire from a commercial ship in the Red Sea that had been seized by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, and U.S. forces returned fire. The Houthis had been disrupting global shipping routes, targeting vessels they claimed were linked to Israel, in response to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The U.S. military intervened to protect international maritime trade. The incident escalated tensions in the region, prompting coalition naval operations to safeguard key shipping lanes.
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