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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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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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