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.
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.
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.
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.
Relevent For:
Science & Technology
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.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
Science & Technology
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.
Relevent For:
International Relations
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.