NEW The Hindu
Thu 13 Aug 2026 12:05:02 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 cross Iceland and Spain, being dubbed the "event of the century." Millions of people in these regions will witness the Moon completely blocking the Sun, plunging areas into darkness. The path of totality will first hit Iceland before crossing into northern Spain, including cities like Bilbao and Zaragoza. This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999, drawing massive tourism and scientific interest.
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NEW The Hindu
Wed 12 Aug 2026 04:05:16 PM ⤴
Ebola deaths cross 2,000 in Democratic Republic of Congo
SUMMARY
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed over 2,000 lives, making it one of the deadliest in history and the worst in the nation's records. Centered in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, the epidemic has been worsened by armed conflict, community mistrust, and attacks on health workers. The WHO declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Despite deployment of an experimental vaccine and treatments, containing the virus remains challenging due to ongoing violence and population displacement in the affected regions.
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NEW Firstpost
Tue 11 Aug 2026 11:30:25 AM ⤴
UPI charges explained: 5 things to know after Lok Sabha clears Bill allowing digital payment fees
SUMMARY
The Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill 2025, allowing the government to impose fees on UPI transactions in the future. Currently, UPI transactions are free for users. The bill empowers the government to prescribe charges on digital payment modes, including UPI, though no fees have been announced yet. Finance Minister assured that the government will decide specifics later. This move aims to sustain digital payment infrastructure. Experts worry it may discourage UPI adoption among small users and merchants.
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NEW News 18
Tue 11 Aug 2026 09:20:01 AM ⤴
India’s Map Strike On China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means And Why Beijing Is Fuming
SUMMARY
India renamed 30 places in Arunachal Pradesh (including 27 recently), asserting sovereignty over the state China claims as "South Tibet." The renamed locations include mountains, rivers, and settlements, using local indigenous names to reinforce cultural and historical ties. China furiously protested, calling it futile, as it considers parts of Arunachal its territory. India's move is a strategic counter to China's repeated renaming of places in the region. This escalates the ongoing border tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
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NEW Firstpost
Tue 11 Aug 2026 09:10:19 AM ⤴
Uzbekistan FM begins India visit; talks with Jaishankar to focus on trade, connectivity & regional security
SUMMARY
Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov has arrived in India for an official visit, holding key talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral trade, enhancing connectivity through transport corridors, and addressing regional security concerns, including the situation in Afghanistan. Both nations aim to deepen strategic partnership, boost economic cooperation, and expand cultural ties. The visit underscores growing India-Central Asia engagement, with both sides exploring new avenues in energy, digital infrastructure, and multilateral collaboration.
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NEW News 18 Hindi
Tue 11 Aug 2026 08:50:14 AM ⤴
Delhi’s H1N1 Cases Jump Nearly 6-Fold In A Year: What’s Driving The Surge And Who’s At Risk
SUMMARY
Delhi is witnessing an alarming nearly six-fold surge in H1N1 (swine flu) cases compared to last year, raising serious public health concerns. Experts attribute the spike to changing weather patterns, low vaccination rates, overcrowded urban conditions, and reduced immunity post-COVID. H1N1 spreads via respiratory droplets, causing fever, cough, and body aches. High-risk groups include children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses like diabetes or asthma. Health officials urge timely flu vaccination, mask usage, and hygiene.
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NEW Firstpost
Tue 11 Aug 2026 08:15:07 AM ⤴
No need to revisit budget estimates yet: Sitharaman says India has buffers to tackle oil, monsoon risks
SUMMARY
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated there is no immediate need to revisit India's budget estimates despite concerns over rising global oil prices and potential monsoon disruptions. She emphasized that the government has built sufficient buffers into the fiscal framework to handle these risks. Sitharaman expressed confidence in India's economic resilience, noting that contingency measures and prudent fiscal planning provide adequate cushion. She assured that inflation management and fiscal deficit targets remain on track, and the government is closely monitoring global developments to safeguard economic stability.
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NEW News 18 Hindi
Tue 11 Aug 2026 08:15:02 AM ⤴
Assam Flood Situation Remains Critical, Death Toll Reaches 100; Over 1.37 Lakh Affected
SUMMARY
The Assam flood situation remains dire as the death toll has climbed to 100, with over 1.37 lakh people affected across multiple districts. Incessant rainfall and overflowing rivers, including the Brahmaputra, have submerged vast areas, displacing thousands. Relief camps have been set up to shelter affected families. NDRF and SDRF teams are conducting rescue operations. Roads, bridges, and infrastructure have suffered severe damage. Authorities are monitoring river levels closely as more rain is forecast.
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NEW Firstpost
Tue 11 Aug 2026 08:10:14 AM ⤴
Centre to introduce Public Examinations Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha amid exam reform push
SUMMARY
The Centre is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, aimed at strengthening the integrity of public exams like NEET, JEE, and government recruitment tests. The bill proposes stricter penalties for paper leaks, malpractice, and organized cheating, including imprisonment and heavy fines. This move follows widespread outrage over the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak scandal, which led to the formation of a reformed NTA structure. The amendment seeks to plug loopholes in the existing law enacted in 2024, ensuring transparent, fair examinations and restoring public trust in India's competitive exam system.
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NEW The Hindu
Tue 11 Aug 2026 08:00:15 AM ⤴
Colombia earthquake: at least 111 people killed; President declares emergency
SUMMARY
A devastating earthquake struck Colombia, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least 111 lives. The President declared a state of emergency, mobilizing rescue teams and military forces to affected regions. Thousands were left displaced as buildings collapsed and infrastructure was severely damaged. Hospitals were overwhelmed with injured survivors, and rescue operations continued around the clock to locate people trapped under rubble. International aid organizations offered assistance, and neighboring countries extended support. Authorities urged citizens to remain cautious of aftershocks.
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NEW News 18 Hindi
Tue 11 Aug 2026 07:55:12 AM ⤴
Attari Border Now Open For E-Visa Holders As India Expands Entry Network To 88 Ports
SUMMARY
The Attari Border has been opened for travellers holding valid Indian e-Visas, as India expands its authorised entry network to 88 ports. The move is expected to make travel and immigration procedures more accessible for eligible visitors. The expanded network reflects India’s efforts to streamline international entry while strengthening connectivity through designated land, air and sea routes.
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NEW The Hindu
Tue 11 Aug 2026 07:40:17 AM ⤴
Typhoon Dolphin hits Japan's Okinawa, China shuts ports ahead of landfall
SUMMARY
Typhoon Dolphin struck Japan's Okinawa with powerful winds and heavy rainfall, causing widespread disruption, flight cancellations, and power outages. Residents were urged to evacuate low-lying areas as the storm brought dangerous storm surges and flooding risks. Meanwhile, China proactively shut down ports along its southeastern coast in preparation for the typhoon's anticipated landfall, halting shipping operations and evacuating coastal communities. Authorities in both nations issued top-level warnings, deploying emergency teams to minimize casualties and damage from the intense tropical cyclone.
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NEW Firstpost
Tue 11 Aug 2026 07:15:10 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 Dhan) scheme to boost domestic biogas and compressed biogas (CBG) production, reducing dependence on costly LNG imports amid global supply disruptions and geopolitical risks. The initiative aims to convert cattle dung, agricultural waste, and organic matter into clean energy, promoting rural employment and waste management. It supports India's climate goals, targets energy self-reliance, and strengthens the green energy ecosystem nationwide.
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NEW Firstpost
Mon 10 Aug 2026 12:25:12 PM ⤴
RBI raises FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.7% as domestic economy stays resilient
SUMMARY
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its GDP growth forecast for FY27 upward to 6.7%, reflecting confidence in India's economic resilience amid global uncertainties. The upgrade is driven by strong domestic consumption, robust agricultural output, and improving rural demand. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted that easing inflation, favorable monsoon prospects, and government capex support growth momentum. Despite global trade tensions and geopolitical risks, India's economy remains on a solid footing, with stable macroeconomic fundamentals positioning it as one of the fastest-growing major economies worldwide.
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NEW Firstpost
Mon 10 Aug 2026 11:15:02 AM ⤴
UPI charges explained: 5 things to know after Lok Sabha clears Bill allowing digital payment fees
SUMMARY
The Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill 2025, empowering the government to levy charges on UPI transactions. Currently, UPI transactions are free for users, but the new provision allows imposing fees on specific digital payment modes. The government clarified that no charges will apply on person-to-person (P2P) transfers. However, merchant transactions (P2M) above certain thresholds may attract fees. This move aims to sustain UPI infrastructure costs borne by banks and fintech companies. Critics fear it may discourage digital adoption, while supporters argue it ensures long-term viability of the payment ecosystem.
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