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NEW Hindustan Times Thu 20 Aug 2026 01:10:02 PM

Inside one of the world's few crash courses in conserving and caring for ancient papyrus manuscripts

SUMMARY

Experts are offering one of the world's rare crash courses dedicated to the conservation and preservation of ancient papyrus manuscripts. The intensive program trains participants in handling, restoring, and caring for these fragile artifacts, some thousands of years old. With few specialists globally, the course aims to address the critical shortage of trained conservators. Attendees learn techniques to stabilize deteriorating papyri, prevent further damage, and digitize texts for future study, ensuring these invaluable historical records survive for generations.

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NEW Barandbench Thu 20 Aug 2026 01:05:07 PM

'Industry' definition: Supreme Court 9-judge Bench modifies triple test of 1978 BWSSB verdict

SUMMARY

In **Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board v. A. Rajappa (1978)**, the Supreme Court's 7-judge Bench defined "industry" under the Industrial Disputes Act using a **triple test**: systematic activity, cooperation between employer and employees, and production/distribution of goods and services. This broad definition included hospitals, clubs, and even charitable organizations. However, a **9-judge Bench** was later constituted to reconsider this expansive interpretation, as it brought sovereign/governmental functions under "industry." The larger bench aimed to **modify and narrow** the definition, excluding professions, clubs, cooperatives, and institutions performing sovereign functions like defense and judiciary. Despite deliberations, the modified definition was never formally notified, creating ongoing legal ambiguity about what constitutes an "industry."

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NEW Barandbench Thu 20 Aug 2026 12:40:09 PM

Supreme Court urges CPCB to consider relaxing firecracker noise limit restrictions ahead of Diwali

SUMMARY

The Supreme Court has urged the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to reconsider and potentially relax existing noise limit restrictions on firecrackers ahead of the Diwali festival. The court's suggestion comes amid demands from firecracker manufacturers and traders who argue that strict regulations have severely impacted their livelihoods and the industry. Currently, CPCB enforces noise caps on firecrackers to curb pollution and protect public health. The court asked CPCB to balance environmental concerns with cultural traditions and economic interests while reviewing the norms.

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NEW Barandbench Thu 20 Aug 2026 12:35:08 PM

NCLT imposes ₹15 lakh costs on SpiceJet and Aviator ML for last-minute settlement

SUMMARY

The NCLT imposed ₹15 lakh in costs on SpiceJet and aircraft maintenance firm Aviator ML for attempting a last-minute settlement after prolonged insolvency proceedings. Aviator ML had filed an insolvency petition against SpiceJet over unpaid dues for maintenance services. Despite lengthy hearings and judicial time spent, both parties sought settlement at an advanced stage, wasting tribunal resources. The NCLT criticized this approach, directing ₹10 lakh from SpiceJet and ₹5 lakh from Aviator ML as costs, payable to the PM CARES Fund. The tribunal emphasized that courts' time is valuable public resource and parties cannot misuse insolvency proceedings as a pressure tactic for recovery before settling conveniently.

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NEW Hindustan Times Thu 20 Aug 2026 12:35:03 PM

School in UP's Gonda sealed after video of 'burqa dance' on Independence Day surfaces

SUMMARY

On India's Independence Day, a school in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, was sealed after a video went viral showing students performing a dance wearing burqas during the celebration. The video sparked outrage on social media and drew attention from authorities. Officials deemed the act inappropriate for a national celebration. The district administration ordered the school sealed and launched an investigation. The school management faced scrutiny for allowing the performance, which critics called communally provocative. Authorities took strict action to address the controversy.

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NEW DNA India Thu 20 Aug 2026 12:15:02 PM

EB1A experts advises high-skilled professionals to prepare before the October visa reset as new fiscal year begins

SUMMARY

**EB1A Visa Experts Urge Professionals to Prepare Before October Reset**

Immigration experts are advising high-skilled professionals to prepare their EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) green card petitions before the U.S. government's new fiscal year begins in October, when visa quotas reset. Each fiscal year brings fresh visa allocations, potentially improving approval chances. The EB-1A category targets individuals with extraordinary achievements in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Experts recommend gathering strong evidence of national/international recognition, published work, and significant contributions early to file promptly when new slots open, avoiding backlogs that build later in the year.

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NEW The Hindu Thu 20 Aug 2026 12:10:17 PM

BRICS condemns EU carbon tax

SUMMARY

The BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—have collectively condemned the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a carbon tax on imports of carbon-intensive goods like steel, cement, and aluminum. BRICS argues the tax is protectionist, violates free trade principles, and disproportionately burdens developing economies. They view it as a unilateral climate measure that shifts costs onto emerging nations rather than promoting equitable global climate cooperation, calling for multilateral solutions instead.

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NEW Dainik Bhaskar Thu 20 Aug 2026 11:55:42 AM

डॉक्टरों के लिए एक यूनिक ID का प्रस्ताव:देश में कहीं भी कर सकेंगे प्रैक्टिस, बार-बार रजिस्ट्रेशन की जरूरत नहीं

SUMMARY

**डॉक्टरों के लिए यूनिक आईडी प्रस्ताव**

केंद्र सरकार ने डॉक्टरों के लिए एक यूनिक आइडेंटिफिकेशन नंबर (Unique ID) का प्रस्ताव रखा है। इसके तहत हर डॉक्टर को एक राष्ट्रीय स्तर की ID मिलेगी, जिससे वे देश में कहीं भी प्रैक्टिस कर सकेंगे। अभी डॉक्टरों को हर राज्य में अलग-अलग रजिस्ट्रेशन कराना पड़ता है, जो समय और पैसे की बर्बादी है। यूनिक ID से यह समस्या खत्म होगी। इससे फर्जी डॉक्टरों पर भी लगाम लगेगी और मरीजों को बेहतर स्वास्थ्य सेवा मिलेगी। NMC इस योजना को लागू करेगा।

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NEW Hindustan Times Thu 20 Aug 2026 11:55:02 AM

UPSC Mains Exam 2026: Important notice issued on things to carry at the exam centre, check here

SUMMARY

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued an important advisory for candidates appearing in the Mains Exam 2026, detailing items permitted and prohibited at exam centres. Candidates must carry their admit card, valid photo ID, and black ballpoint pens. Electronic devices, smartwatches, calculators, and mobile phones are strictly banned. Only transparent water bottles and simple analog watches are allowed. Candidates should report early to avoid last-minute issues. Violation of rules may lead to disqualification. Candidates are advised to check the official UPSC website regularly.

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NEW Barandbench Thu 20 Aug 2026 11:40:07 AM

Police cannot investigate sex determination offences under PCPNDT Act: Supreme Court

SUMMARY

The Supreme Court ruled that police cannot investigate offences under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, which prohibits sex determination of foetuses. The Court held that only Appropriate Authorities appointed under the Act have the power to file complaints and initiate prosecution, not police officers. This judgment reinforces the Act's special enforcement mechanism designed to prevent female foeticide and sex-selective abortions, ensuring only designated authorities handle such sensitive cases.

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NEW The Times Of India Thu 20 Aug 2026 11:30:13 AM

South Korea rejects Trump's claim; estimates Kim Jong Un has 80-120 nuclear weapons

SUMMARY

South Korea's intelligence agencies have disputed former President Donald Trump's claim regarding North Korea's nuclear arsenal, estimating that Kim Jong Un possesses between 80 to 120 nuclear weapons. Trump had reportedly cited a significantly different figure during discussions about North Korea's military capabilities. South Korean officials emphasized their own intelligence assessments as more accurate, based on years of close monitoring. The disagreement highlights differing perspectives between allies on the scale of Pyongyang's nuclear threat, complicating diplomatic efforts toward denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

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NEW Firstpost Thu 20 Aug 2026 11:30:08 AM

PM Modi reaches out to Gen Z with AI skilling, free coaching schemes on Independence Day

SUMMARY

On Independence Day 2024, PM Modi announced key initiatives targeting Gen Z. He launched AI skilling programs to prepare youth for emerging tech careers and introduced free coaching schemes for students from underprivileged backgrounds preparing for competitive exams. Speaking from the Red Fort, Modi emphasized empowering youth as India's demographic dividend. The AI initiative aims to train millions in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital skills. The free coaching scheme targets students unable to afford expensive preparation, ensuring equal opportunities. These moves align with Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047, positioning the younger generation as drivers of innovation and economic growth.

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NEW The Hindu Thu 20 Aug 2026 11:25:09 AM

Trump to host crypto executives as SEC considers regulations

SUMMARY

Former President Donald Trump is set to host top cryptocurrency executives at a high-profile meeting as the SEC actively considers new regulatory frameworks for digital assets. The gathering signals Trump's growing embrace of the crypto industry, positioning himself as a pro-crypto candidate. Key industry leaders are expected to discuss deregulation, innovation, and clearer guidelines. Meanwhile, the SEC under scrutiny is weighing how to balance investor protection with fostering crypto growth, potentially easing enforcement-heavy approaches of the past.

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NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 20 Aug 2026 11:20:14 AM

No Power, Water For Malls, Hotels Without Proper Solid Waste Management: Supreme Court

SUMMARY

The Supreme Court of India has issued a strict directive stating that malls, hotels, and commercial establishments lacking proper solid waste management systems will face disconnection of power and water supply. The court emphasized that these establishments generate significant waste and must comply with waste disposal norms. This decision aims to enforce accountability and address India's growing garbage crisis. Authorities have been directed to monitor compliance and take immediate action against violators to ensure a cleaner environment.

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NEW The Hindu Thu 20 Aug 2026 11:20:09 AM

South Korea estimates North Korea has up to 120 nuclear warheads, far above Trump’s figure

SUMMARY

South Korea's military intelligence estimates North Korea possesses up to 120 nuclear warheads, significantly higher than the figure cited by former President Trump, who suggested around 20-25. This discrepancy highlights differing intelligence assessments between allies. The South Korean estimate reflects concerns about Pyongyang's accelerating nuclear program, including expanded uranium enrichment and plutonium production. The revelation complicates denuclearization diplomacy and raises alarm about the growing threat on the Korean Peninsula.

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