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NEW The Hindu Sun 16 Aug 2026 04:22:53 PM

We want people of Tamil Nadu to develop zero tolerance for corruption: CM Vijay

SUMMARY

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called on citizens to adopt “zero tolerance” towards corruption, stressing that combating corruption requires active public participation alongside government action. He highlighted the importance of transparency, accountability and ethical administration in strengthening governance. The statement underlines that corruption is not merely an institutional problem but also a challenge to public trust and democratic governance. Effective prevention requires strong institutions, citizen vigilance and transparent administrative systems.

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NEW Hindustan Times Sun 16 Aug 2026 04:20:14 PM

This sprawling Chinese refinery is bankrolling Tehran

SUMMARY

A major Chinese refinery, identified as Shandong-based Dongming Petrochemical, has been accused of purchasing significant volumes of Iranian crude oil, effectively providing Tehran with crucial revenue despite US sanctions. Investigators reveal the refinery processes Iranian oil disguised under false origin labels, often routed through intermediaries. This trade undermines Washington's "maximum pressure" campaign aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence. US officials are pressuring Beijing to crack down on such transactions, threatening secondary sanctions.

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NEW Firstpost Sun 16 Aug 2026 04:20:07 PM

India-Russia relations: Trade, jobs and Arctic route emerge as new areas of cooperation

SUMMARY

India and Russia are strengthening bilateral ties beyond traditional defense cooperation, focusing on expanding trade, creating employment opportunities, and developing the Northern Sea Route through the Arctic. Both nations aim to boost bilateral trade significantly, with India seeking cheaper Russian energy imports. The Arctic shipping route offers a shorter trade corridor between Asia and Europe, reducing transit time and costs. Job creation through joint ventures in technology, energy, and manufacturing is also a priority. These new cooperation areas were discussed during high-level diplomatic engagements, signaling a deeper strategic partnership amid shifting global geopolitics.

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NEW Mint Sun 16 Aug 2026 04:15:19 PM

Ayushman Bharat: West Bengal launching scheme today — Check hospitals, eligibility, benefits, documents, how to apply

SUMMARY

West Bengal has launched Ayushman Bharat–PM-JAY from August 16, 2026, aiming to provide health coverage to around 1.5 crore families, covering nearly 6 crore people. About 1,930 hospitals—627 government and 1,303 private—are reportedly empanelled. Eligible beneficiaries can receive cashless hospitalisation cover of up to ₹5 lakh annually. The rollout strengthens access to affordable healthcare and advances the goal of Universal Health Coverage.

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NEW The Hindu Sun 16 Aug 2026 04:05:07 PM

In one of its largest aerial attack, Ukraine kills atleast six in Russia

SUMMARY

In one of its largest aerial attacks on Russia, Ukraine launched a massive drone and missile barrage targeting multiple Russian regions, killing at least six people and injuring several others. The strikes hit energy infrastructure, residential areas, and military sites across regions including Moscow, Saratov, and others. Russia reported intercepting numerous drones, but several evaded defenses causing significant damage. The attack marked a major escalation in Ukraine's cross-border strategy amid the ongoing war.

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NEW News 18 Hindi Sun 16 Aug 2026 03:55:12 PM

‘Had Things Not Changed In 2019’: Omar Abdullah Says PoK Would Have Rejoined J&K Under Article 370

SUMMARY

Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a controversial claim that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would have eventually rejoined Jammu & Kashmir had Article 370 not been abrogated in August 2019. He argued that Article 370 provided a constitutional framework that could have facilitated PoK's reunification with India. The BJP sharply criticized his remarks, calling them anti-national and pro-Pakistan. Abdullah defended his stance, saying the special status was a bridge for integration, not separation.

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NEW The Hindu Sun 16 Aug 2026 03:45:08 PM

Indians and Pakistanis view each other as greatest threat, survey finds

SUMMARY

A recent survey reveals that Indians and Pakistanis perceive each other as the greatest security threat, reflecting decades of geopolitical tension between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Historical conflicts over Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and military standoffs fuel mutual distrust. The survey highlights deep-rooted hostility among citizens of both nations, despite occasional diplomatic efforts. Experts warn that such perceptions hinder peace prospects and regional stability, urging dialogue and people-to-people engagement to bridge divides.

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NEW Hindustan Times Sun 16 Aug 2026 03:35:02 PM

RRB JE Recruitment 2026: Notification for 3993 posts out at rrb.indianrailways.gov.in, details here

SUMMARY

**RRB JE Recruitment 2026:** The Railway Recruitment Boards have released the official notification for 3,993 Junior Engineer (JE) posts on rrb.indianrailways.gov.in. The recruitment covers various departments including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics. Eligible engineering graduates can apply online through the official RRB website. Candidates must check eligibility criteria, age limits, and educational qualifications before applying. The selection process includes CBT Stage-I, CBT Stage-II, and document verification. Aspirants should visit the official portal for detailed vacancy breakdowns, application fees, exam patterns, and important dates to ensure timely submission.

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NEW The Times Of India Sun 16 Aug 2026 03:30:14 PM

India Day Parade: Zohran Mamdani attends as first Indian American mayor of New York

SUMMARY

India Day Parade 2025 in New York City saw a historic moment as Zohran Mamdani attended as the first Indian American mayor of New York City. Mamdani, of Ugandan-Indian descent, recently won the NYC mayoral race, marking a milestone for the South Asian community. The annual parade on Madison Avenue celebrates Indian Independence Day and Indian culture. His presence highlighted growing Indian American political representation in the U.S. Thousands attended the vibrant event showcasing India's rich heritage and diversity.

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NEW News 18 Hindi Sun 16 Aug 2026 03:30:02 PM

Pakistan Sought Ceasefire as India Claims Major Military Objectives Achieved | News18

SUMMARY

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, striking nine terrorist targets across Pakistan and PoK in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists. India used Rafale jets, drones, and precision missiles, destroying terror camps linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Pakistan's military suffered significant losses. After India declared major objectives achieved, Pakistan sought a ceasefire. International pressure, especially from the US, led both nations to agree on a ceasefire. India maintained it acted purely against terrorism, not Pakistani civilians.

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NEW The Times Of India Sun 16 Aug 2026 03:25:13 PM

From GST reform to GCCs: How India can become a $20 trillion economy by 2036

SUMMARY

India aims to become a $20 trillion economy by 2036, requiring bold reforms across multiple sectors. Key strategies include simplifying and rationalizing GST to boost compliance and revenue, while leveraging Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which are rapidly expanding in India, driving innovation, employment, and tech exports. Experts emphasize infrastructure development, manufacturing growth under Make in India, digital transformation, and skilling initiatives as critical enablers. Attracting foreign investment, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and ensuring policy stability are essential. With over 1,700 GCCs already operational, India's talent pool and cost advantages position it as a global hub, potentially adding trillions to GDP if reforms accelerate consistently.

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NEW Firstpost Sun 16 Aug 2026 03:20:12 PM

Russia appoints former CJI DY Chandrachud as arbitrator in Ukrainian Oschadbank case

SUMMARY

Russia has appointed former Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, as its arbitrator in the ongoing international arbitration case involving Ukraine's state-owned Oschadbank. The bank is seeking over $1 billion in compensation from Russia for losses suffered due to the 2014 annexation of Crimea. The case is being heard under a bilateral investment treaty between Ukraine and Russia. Chandrachud, who retired as CJI in November 2024, is recognized globally for his legal expertise, making him a notable choice for this high-profile dispute.

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NEW The Hindu Sun 16 Aug 2026 03:20:02 PM

In one of its largest aerial attack, Ukraine kills atleast six in Russia

SUMMARY

In one of its largest aerial assaults, Ukraine launched a massive drone and missile attack on multiple Russian regions, killing at least six people and injuring several others. The strikes targeted energy infrastructure, military sites, and residential areas across Russia, including Moscow and border regions. Russian air defenses intercepted several drones, but significant damage was reported. The attack marked a major escalation in Ukraine's cross-border offensive strategy, signaling its growing capability to strike deep into Russian territory amid the ongoing war.

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NEW News 18 Hindi Sun 16 Aug 2026 03:15:06 PM

This Is India’s First Airport To Make Passenger Announcements In Sanskrit. Any Guesses?

SUMMARY

India's Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, Ladakh, became the first airport in the country to make passenger announcements in Sanskrit, alongside Hindi and English. This initiative was introduced to promote and preserve the ancient Indian language. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) implemented this unique step as part of efforts to revive Sanskrit in everyday life. The move was widely appreciated by Sanskrit enthusiasts and cultural organizations, highlighting India's rich linguistic heritage and commitment to keeping traditional languages alive in modern public spaces.

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NEW The Hindu Sun 16 Aug 2026 03:05:14 PM

Indian Independence Day celebrations in New York Tri-State area culminate in Guinness World Record

SUMMARY

India's 78th Independence Day celebrations in the New York Tri-State area concluded grandly with a Guinness World Record achievement. The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) organized the annual India Day Parade on Madison Avenue, one of the largest outside India. During the festivities, participants set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people waving Indian flags simultaneously. The event showcased Indian culture, dance, music, and unity, drawing thousands of Indian Americans and diaspora members celebrating India's freedom and heritage.

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