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NEW The Times Of India Mon 17 Aug 2026 05:50:02 PM

'US discussing using nukes on Iran': Ex-lawmaker makes explosive claim

SUMMARY

Former US Congressman Matt Gaetz claimed that discussions have taken place within US political circles about the possibility of using nuclear weapons against Iran, particularly regarding its nuclear facilities. The explosive allegation raised serious concerns about escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. The claim came amid ongoing disputes over Iran's nuclear program, with the US pushing for stricter measures. Officials largely distanced themselves from such extreme rhetoric, but the statement fueled debate over US foreign policy and military options in the Middle East.

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NEW Firstpost Mon 17 Aug 2026 05:45:08 PM

Indian Army Chief Dhiraj Seth receives Nepal’s honorary General rank after Guard of Honour in Kathmandu

SUMMARY

Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth was conferred with the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army during his visit to Kathmandu. He received a Guard of Honour at the Nepal Army headquarters. This tradition dates back to 1950, symbolizing the strong bilateral military ties between India and Nepal. The honour is mutually exchanged, as Nepal's Army Chief also holds an honorary General rank of the Indian Army. The visit aims to strengthen defense cooperation, enhance military diplomacy, and reinforce the historic bond between the two neighbouring nations' armed forces.

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NEW News 18 Hindi Mon 17 Aug 2026 05:40:20 PM

UGC-NET 2026 Re-Test: Centre Asks NTA To Conduct Audit Of All Exam Processes, Take Corrective Steps

SUMMARY

The Union Education Ministry has directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to conduct a comprehensive audit of all examination processes following irregularities in the UGC-NET 2026 exam. The government ordered NTA to take corrective steps to ensure transparency and integrity in future exams. A re-test has been announced after concerns over paper leaks and procedural lapses emerged. NTA has been asked to review security protocols, question paper handling, and centre management to restore public trust in the national examination system.

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NEW The Times Of India Mon 17 Aug 2026 05:35:14 PM

India’s biggest urban problem might not be potholes. It could be us

SUMMARY

India's urban crisis extends beyond crumbling infrastructure. Experts argue citizens themselves contribute significantly to urban decay through littering, encroaching public spaces, violating traffic rules, illegal construction, and civic apathy. Despite government investments in Smart Cities and Swachh Bharat missions, lack of civic responsibility undermines progress. Residents often blame authorities while ignoring their own role in pollution, waste mismanagement, and disregard for public property. The piece highlights that sustainable urban development requires behavioral change alongside policy reforms, urging collective accountability for cleaner, better-planned cities.

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NEW Firstpost Mon 17 Aug 2026 05:30:08 PM

Lashkar commander dies mysteriously in Pakistan days after terror operative claims 30 killed

SUMMARY

A senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander died under mysterious circumstances in Pakistan, just days after a terror operative linked to the group claimed responsibility for an attack that killed 30 people. The commander's sudden death has raised suspicions of internal conflict, a possible silencing operation, or involvement by intelligence agencies. Pakistani authorities have not disclosed details about the cause of death. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about terror networks operating from Pakistani soil and the instability within militant organizations. India and international agencies are closely monitoring the situation, demanding accountability from Pakistan regarding harboring terror outfits.

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NEW News 18 Hindi Mon 17 Aug 2026 05:30:02 PM

Suspected Jaish Operative Arrested In UP, ATS Says He Sent Madrasa Donations To Pakistan-Based Outfit

SUMMARY

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operative from the state. The accused allegedly collected donations from various madrasas across India and funneled the funds to the Pakistan-based terror outfit. The ATS revealed that the suspect had been operating covertly, using religious institutions as a cover to channel money supporting terrorist activities. Authorities are investigating his network and possible links to other operatives. The arrest highlights ongoing concerns over terror financing in India.

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NEW The Times Of India Mon 17 Aug 2026 05:25:13 PM

USS Benfold spent 4 days without toilets, AC, galley after power failure in S China Sea

SUMMARY

The USS Benfold, a US Navy guided-missile destroyer, suffered a complete power failure while operating in the South China Sea, leaving the crew without functioning toilets, air conditioning, and galley (kitchen) facilities for four days. Sailors endured extreme heat and unsanitary conditions aboard the Arleigh Burke-class warship. The incident raised concerns about Navy ship maintenance, crew welfare, and operational readiness in a strategically vital region where tensions with China remain high. The Navy acknowledged the event and worked to restore systems.

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NEW News 18 Hindi Mon 17 Aug 2026 04:30:02 PM

Which Indian State Has The Most Job-Ready Youth? India Skills Report 2026 Reveals Top 10

SUMMARY

# India Skills Report 2026: States With Most Job-Ready Youth

The India Skills Report 2026 reveals Maharashtra tops the list with the highest percentage of job-ready youth, followed by states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The report, prepared by Wheebox in collaboration with agencies like CII and AICTE, assessed employability across domains. Overall national employability stands around 54.81%, showing improvement. Engineering, MBA, and professional course graduates scored higher. The report emphasizes skill gaps in AI, digital literacy, and communication, urging academia-industry collaboration to boost workforce readiness across India.

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NEW The Times Of India Mon 17 Aug 2026 04:25:14 PM

Odisha removes six-attempt cap for OCS exam, general candidates can now appear till age 42

SUMMARY

The Odisha government has scrapped the six-attempt limit for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) exam, allowing general category candidates to appear unlimited times until they reach the upper age limit of 42 years. This landmark decision aligns Odisha with reforms seen in other states and the UPSC pattern. Previously, general candidates were restricted to six attempts, creating undue pressure. The move aims to provide equal opportunities, reduce stress, and encourage aspirants to pursue their civil services dream without fear of exhausting attempts prematurely.

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NEW Firstpost Mon 17 Aug 2026 04:25:09 PM

'We don't maintain data': MEA on how many passports issued to non-citizens | RTI reply

SUMMARY

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed in an RTI reply that it does not maintain data on how many passports have been issued to non-citizens. This admission raised serious concerns about potential passport fraud and national security vulnerabilities. Critics questioned how the government can ensure passport integrity without tracking such data. The revelation comes amid ongoing debates over illegal immigration and citizenship verification. Opposition parties demanded accountability, urging stronger verification systems to prevent unauthorized passport issuance to ineligible individuals.

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NEW News 18 Hindi Mon 17 Aug 2026 04:20:02 PM

UGC-NET 2026 Re-Exam: No Extra Fee For Re-Test, NTA To Fix Paper-Setting Lapses

SUMMARY

The UGC-NET 2026 re-examination will be conducted without any additional fees for candidates, as announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The re-test was necessitated after paper-setting lapses were identified in the original exam, raising concerns about fairness and integrity. NTA has assured corrective measures to fix irregularities in the paper-setting process to prevent future issues. Affected candidates can appear for the re-exam at no extra cost, ensuring no financial burden. NTA aims to restore credibility and transparency in the examination system, prioritizing students' interests and academic standards.

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NEW The Times Of India Mon 17 Aug 2026 04:15:14 PM

Matrimonial site promised 100 matches, delivered 51; Kerala panel orders Rs 15K refund

SUMMARY

A Kerala consumer forum ordered a matrimonial website to refund Rs 15,000 to a customer after it failed to deliver promised services. The complainant had paid for a premium package guaranteeing 100 matches but received only 51 profiles. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission found the site guilty of service deficiency and unfair trade practices. The panel ruled the company breached its contractual obligation, directing the refund along with compensation for mental agony and litigation costs.

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NEW Firstpost Mon 17 Aug 2026 04:05:12 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 importing more Russian oil and exploring new export markets. The Arctic shipping route offers a shorter trade corridor between Asia and Europe, reducing logistics costs. Discussions also cover technology transfer, joint ventures generating jobs, and deepening economic integration amid shifting global dynamics and Western sanctions on Russia.

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NEW The Hindu Mon 17 Aug 2026 03:55:13 PM

Issues can be sorted through talks: Envoy hopeful of Bangladesh PM's ‘much sooner’ visit to India

SUMMARY

Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India expressed optimism that PM Sheikh Hasina would visit India "much sooner," emphasizing that bilateral issues between the two nations can be resolved through dialogue. The envoy highlighted the strong ties shared by both countries and stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement to address pending matters, including water-sharing disputes, border issues, and trade concerns. The anticipated visit is expected to strengthen relations, boost cooperation, and provide a platform for resolving outstanding issues amicably through constructive talks at the highest level.

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NEW The Hindu Mon 17 Aug 2026 03:50:13 PM

Atleast 20 killed in clashes between Kambari, Fulani in central Nigeria

SUMMARY

At least 20 people were killed in violent clashes between Kambari farmers and Fulani herders in central Nigeria, a region long plagued by ethnic and resource-driven conflicts. The violence erupted over disputes involving land, grazing rights, and cattle rustling. Homes were burned, and many residents were displaced. Authorities deployed security forces to restore order. Such farmer-herder conflicts remain a major security challenge in Nigeria, often escalating due to competition for dwindling resources amid climate change and desertification.

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