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NEW News 18 Hindi Sat 08 Aug 2026 08:20:13 AM

India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-4 Ballistic Missile from Odisha, Boosts Strategic Deterrence

SUMMARY

India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The surface-to-surface missile, with a strike range of approximately 4,000 km, is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The test validated the missile's reliability, accuracy, and operational readiness, strengthening India's strategic deterrence capabilities. Conducted by the Strategic Forces Command with DRDO support, the launch met all mission parameters. Agni-4 is a key component of India's credible minimum deterrence policy under its No First Use doctrine, enhancing national security.

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NEW The Hindu Sat 08 Aug 2026 08:05:14 AM

Iran resumes missile attacks as U.S. and Saudis strike Tehran-backed militias in Iraq

SUMMARY

Iran has resumed missile attacks targeting key adversaries amid escalating Middle East tensions. In response, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia have launched coordinated strikes against Tehran-backed militias operating in Iraq. These militias, supported by Iran's Revolutionary Guard, have repeatedly targeted U.S. bases and Saudi interests. The strikes aim to degrade Iranian proxy capabilities and deter further aggression. The escalation raises concerns about a broader regional conflict, with diplomatic channels strained. International leaders urge de-escalation to prevent further destabilization.

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NEW The Hindu Fri 07 Aug 2026 07:00:18 PM

Pakistan, Saudi and Turkiye sign joint defence agreement

SUMMARY

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye have signed a landmark joint defence cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening military ties among the three Muslim-majority nations. The trilateral pact focuses on joint military exercises, defence production, counterterrorism coordination, and intelligence sharing. This agreement reflects deepening strategic alignment amid evolving regional security challenges. Analysts view it as a significant geopolitical shift, enhancing collective defence capabilities and fostering a stronger Islamic bloc on global platforms, while balancing relations with major world powers.

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NEW The Hindu Fri 07 Aug 2026 06:55:15 PM

Iran threatens to hit Gulf states if U.S. launches new strikes

SUMMARY

Iran has warned it will target U.S. military bases and allied Gulf states if Washington launches new strikes against it. Tensions escalated following U.S. attacks on Iranian-linked targets in the region. Iran's Revolutionary Guard declared that nations hosting American forces, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, would be considered legitimate targets. The threat heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, prompting diplomatic efforts to de-escalate. Gulf states urged restraint from both sides, fearing economic and security fallout.

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NEW Barandbench Fri 07 Aug 2026 06:40:07 PM

You only appoint judges with your ideology: Menaka Guruswamy in Rajya Sabha debate on Supreme Court judges bill

SUMMARY

Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, speaking during the Rajya Sabha debate on the Supreme Court judges bill, criticized the government for attempting to appoint judges aligned with its ideology. She argued that the bill undermines judicial independence by giving the executive greater control over judicial appointments. Guruswamy emphasized that an independent judiciary is essential for democracy and warned against political interference in the collegium system. The bill sparked heated debate, with opposition members echoing concerns about threats to the separation of powers.

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NEW The Hindu Fri 07 Aug 2026 04:30:12 PM

Thailand shooting incident: Eight dead, including teen suspect’s grandparents

SUMMARY

In Thailand, a 14-year-old boy opened fire at a shopping mall in Nakhon Ratchasima, killing eight people, including his own grandparents. The teen used a firearm reportedly obtained from a family member. After the rampage, the suspect was apprehended by authorities. The motive remains under investigation, though reports suggest possible personal and family disputes. The incident reignited debates on gun control and youth mental health in Thailand. Officials expressed condolences and vowed to strengthen safety measures nationwide.

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NEW The Hindu Fri 07 Aug 2026 04:25:11 PM

North Korea fires ballistic missile: South Korea military

SUMMARY

North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea (Sea of Japan), prompting alerts from South Korea's military. The launch was closely monitored by South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies. Japan also issued warnings, assessing potential threats to its territory. The launch violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions banning North Korea's ballistic missile program. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan condemned the provocation, calling for diplomatic accountability. Tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula amid stalled denuclearization talks.

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NEW The Hindu Thu 06 Aug 2026 08:45:17 PM

India invites Bangladesh PM Rahman to attend BRICS summit

SUMMARY

India has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Rahman to attend the upcoming BRICS summit, signaling strengthened bilateral ties between the neighboring nations. The invitation reflects India's effort to expand BRICS engagement beyond its core members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Bangladesh's participation as a guest highlights its growing geopolitical significance in South Asia. The move aims to boost economic cooperation, regional connectivity, and diplomatic collaboration, reinforcing India's role as a key regional leader fostering inclusive multilateral dialogue.

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NEW The Hindu Thu 06 Aug 2026 07:10:18 PM

China announces ‘countermeasures’ after U.S. trade sanctions

SUMMARY

China has announced retaliatory countermeasures following the latest round of U.S. trade sanctions targeting Chinese technology and economic sectors. Beijing condemned the sanctions as violations of international trade rules and vowed to impose tariffs and restrictions on American goods and companies. The escalating trade tensions have rattled global markets and raised fears of a broader economic decoupling between the world's two largest economies. China urged the U.S. to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than unilateral actions, warning of consequences for global supply chains.

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NEW Hindustan Times Thu 06 Aug 2026 04:40:03 PM

UPSC Success Story: How a farmer's son from Rajasthan landed 12 government jobs before becoming IPS officer

SUMMARY

A farmer's son from Rajasthan achieved remarkable success by clearing 12 government exams before finally cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination to become an IPS officer. Despite humble beginnings and financial struggles, his relentless dedication and perseverance set him apart. He worked in various government positions, gaining experience while continuing to prepare for UPSC. His inspiring journey highlights that consistent hard work, unwavering determination, and never giving up can overcome any socioeconomic barrier, motivating countless aspirants from rural backgrounds across India.

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NEW The Hindu Thu 06 Aug 2026 11:30:03 AM

What are the key issues of the BRICS Summit to be held in New Delhi in September? | Explained

SUMMARY

India is set to host the BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September 2025, as current chair of the bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newer members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. Key issues include reforming global governance institutions, expanding multilateral cooperation, de-dollarization and alternative payment systems, counterterrorism, climate change, and digital transformation. India aims to balance geopolitical tensions, especially between Russia-China and the West, while promoting the Global South's interests. The summit's theme centers on strengthening economic collaboration and equitable development among emerging economies.

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NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 06 Aug 2026 03:35:17 AM

'Clear Attack On Christians': US Lawmaker Warns India's FCRA Changes Could Affect Bilateral Ties

SUMMARY

A US lawmaker has criticized India's amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), calling them a "clear attack on Christians." The stricter FCRA rules have tightened regulations on foreign funding to NGOs and religious organizations, impacting many Christian charities operating in India. The lawmaker warned these changes could strain US-India bilateral relations, as several American-funded organizations have been affected. Critics argue India is using FCRA to suppress minority religious groups and civil society, while India maintains the rules ensure transparency and prevent foreign interference.

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NEW The Times Of India Thu 06 Aug 2026 02:10:07 AM

Navigation sat NVS-03 ready for launch, 3 more to follow: Space min Jitendra Singh

SUMMARY

India's Navigation satellite NVS-03 is ready for launch, with three more satellites to follow, announced Union Space Minister Jitendra Singh. NVS-03 is part of India's NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) system, which provides accurate position, navigation, and timing services. NavIC serves both civilian and strategic purposes. The upcoming launches aim to strengthen and expand India's indigenous navigation network, reducing dependence on foreign systems like GPS, enhancing coverage and reliability for users across the region.

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NEW News 18 Hindi Wed 05 Aug 2026 09:30:02 PM

Sheikh Hasina Hails PM Modi, Says 'India Has Always Stood By Bangladesh, Treated Me Like Head Of State'

SUMMARY

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina praised Indian PM Narendra Modi, expressing gratitude for India's unwavering support to Bangladesh. During her stay in India after fleeing Bangladesh amid political unrest in August 2024, Hasina acknowledged that India treated her with full dignity as a head of state. She highlighted the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, emphasizing India's role during Bangladesh's liberation and continued cooperation. Her comments came amid political turmoil in Bangladesh following her ouster.

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NEW The Hindu Wed 05 Aug 2026 08:00:08 PM

Dissanayake holds talks with leaders of ethnic minorities, underscores need for ‘national consensus’ on new Constitution

SUMMARY

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held discussions with leaders of ethnic minority parties, emphasizing the importance of building a "national consensus" for drafting a new Constitution. The talks aimed to address long-standing ethnic grievances, particularly of Tamil and Muslim communities, and promote inclusivity in governance. Dissanayake stressed that constitutional reform must reflect the aspirations of all communities, ensuring unity and reconciliation. The move signals his commitment to resolving ethnic tensions through dialogue and participatory democratic processes.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II International Relations

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