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NEW The Times Of India Thu 20 Aug 2026 06:15:12 PM

India, Japan deepen defence ties with maritime security pact as China challenge looms

SUMMARY

India and Japan have strengthened their defence partnership by signing a landmark maritime security pact amid growing concerns over China's aggressive military posture in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreement enhances joint naval exercises, intelligence sharing, and interoperability between both nations' maritime forces. This pact reflects their shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific order. Both nations, part of the Quad alliance alongside the US and Australia, aim to counter China's expanding naval presence, territorial claims in the South and East China Seas, and its Belt and Road influence.

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NEW Hindustan Times Thu 20 Aug 2026 01:45:02 PM

NTA Overhaul: What are the major changes to be introduced in the examination system?

SUMMARY

# NTA Overhaul: Major Changes in Examination System

Following controversies surrounding NEET-UG 2024, including paper leak allegations and irregularities, the government announced a comprehensive overhaul of the National Testing Agency. A high-level committee recommended key reforms: adopting a hybrid mode (online and offline) for exams, conducting NEET multiple times a year to reduce one-attempt pressure, implementing encrypted question papers with real-time monitoring, and strengthening security protocols at exam centers. The panel also suggested restructuring NTA's leadership with domain experts, establishing grievance redressal mechanisms, and ensuring transparent result declaration with normalization procedures for multiple sessions.

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NEW Dainik Bhaskar Thu 20 Aug 2026 01:30:02 PM

बच्चों को प्रॉपर्टी से बेदखल कर सकते हैं माता-पिता:सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने कहा- बढ़ती उम्र का मतलब अपमान-असुरक्षा नहीं; हाईकोर्ट का फैसला पलटा

SUMMARY

**सुप्रीम कोर्ट का अहम फैसला:** सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने कहा कि माता-पिता अपने बच्चों को प्रॉपर्टी से बेदखल कर सकते हैं, खासकर जब बच्चे उनकी देखभाल न करें या अपमान करें। कोर्ट ने हाईकोर्ट का फैसला पलटते हुए कहा कि बुजुर्गों की बढ़ती उम्र का मतलब यह नहीं कि उन्हें असुरक्षा और अपमान सहना पड़े। वरिष्ठ नागरिकों को अपनी संपत्ति पर पूरा अधिकार है। यह फैसला वरिष्ठ नागरिक अधिनियम के तहत बुजुर्गों के अधिकारों को मजबूत करता है और बच्चों की जवाबदेही तय करता है।

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NEW Hindustan Times Thu 20 Aug 2026 01:15:02 PM

How B-schools are reinventing themselves for India's startup economy

SUMMARY

India's top B-schools are overhauling curricula to align with the booming startup ecosystem. Institutions like IIMs and ISB now offer courses in entrepreneurship, venture capital, design thinking, and emerging tech like AI. Incubation centers, startup funding, and mentorship programs are being integrated into MBA programs. Students increasingly prefer founding ventures over traditional corporate placements. Industry collaborations, experiential learning, and flexible specializations are replacing rigid models, ensuring graduates are equipped to innovate, lead disruption, and thrive in India's dynamic entrepreneurial landscape.

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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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