NEW Firstpost
Tue 11 Aug 2026 09:10:19 AM ⤴
Uzbekistan FM begins India visit; talks with Jaishankar to focus on trade, connectivity & regional security
SUMMARY
Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov has arrived in India for an official visit, holding key talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral trade, enhancing connectivity through transport corridors, and addressing regional security concerns, including the situation in Afghanistan. Both nations aim to deepen strategic partnership, boost economic cooperation, and expand cultural ties. The visit underscores growing India-Central Asia engagement, with both sides exploring new avenues in energy, digital infrastructure, and multilateral collaboration.
NEW News 18 Hindi
Tue 11 Aug 2026 08:50:14 AM ⤴
Delhi’s H1N1 Cases Jump Nearly 6-Fold In A Year: What’s Driving The Surge And Who’s At Risk
SUMMARY
Delhi is witnessing an alarming nearly six-fold surge in H1N1 (swine flu) cases compared to last year, raising serious public health concerns. Experts attribute the spike to changing weather patterns, low vaccination rates, overcrowded urban conditions, and reduced immunity post-COVID. H1N1 spreads via respiratory droplets, causing fever, cough, and body aches. High-risk groups include children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses like diabetes or asthma. Health officials urge timely flu vaccination, mask usage, and hygiene.
NEW Firstpost
Tue 11 Aug 2026 08:15:07 AM ⤴
No need to revisit budget estimates yet: Sitharaman says India has buffers to tackle oil, monsoon risks
SUMMARY
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated there is no immediate need to revisit India's budget estimates despite concerns over rising global oil prices and potential monsoon disruptions. She emphasized that the government has built sufficient buffers into the fiscal framework to handle these risks. Sitharaman expressed confidence in India's economic resilience, noting that contingency measures and prudent fiscal planning provide adequate cushion. She assured that inflation management and fiscal deficit targets remain on track, and the government is closely monitoring global developments to safeguard economic stability.
NEW News 18 Hindi
Tue 11 Aug 2026 08:15:02 AM ⤴
Assam Flood Situation Remains Critical, Death Toll Reaches 100; Over 1.37 Lakh Affected
SUMMARY
The Assam flood situation remains dire as the death toll has climbed to 100, with over 1.37 lakh people affected across multiple districts. Incessant rainfall and overflowing rivers, including the Brahmaputra, have submerged vast areas, displacing thousands. Relief camps have been set up to shelter affected families. NDRF and SDRF teams are conducting rescue operations. Roads, bridges, and infrastructure have suffered severe damage. Authorities are monitoring river levels closely as more rain is forecast.
NEW Firstpost
Tue 11 Aug 2026 08:10:14 AM ⤴
Centre to introduce Public Examinations Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha amid exam reform push
SUMMARY
The Centre is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, aimed at strengthening the integrity of public exams like NEET, JEE, and government recruitment tests. The bill proposes stricter penalties for paper leaks, malpractice, and organized cheating, including imprisonment and heavy fines. This move follows widespread outrage over the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak scandal, which led to the formation of a reformed NTA structure. The amendment seeks to plug loopholes in the existing law enacted in 2024, ensuring transparent, fair examinations and restoring public trust in India's competitive exam system.
NEW The Hindu
Tue 11 Aug 2026 08:00:15 AM ⤴
Colombia earthquake: at least 111 people killed; President declares emergency
SUMMARY
A devastating earthquake struck Colombia, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least 111 lives. The President declared a state of emergency, mobilizing rescue teams and military forces to affected regions. Thousands were left displaced as buildings collapsed and infrastructure was severely damaged. Hospitals were overwhelmed with injured survivors, and rescue operations continued around the clock to locate people trapped under rubble. International aid organizations offered assistance, and neighboring countries extended support. Authorities urged citizens to remain cautious of aftershocks.
NEW News 18 Hindi
Tue 11 Aug 2026 07:55:12 AM ⤴
Attari Border Now Open For E-Visa Holders As India Expands Entry Network To 88 Ports
SUMMARY
The Attari Border has been opened for travellers holding valid Indian e-Visas, as India expands its authorised entry network to 88 ports. The move is expected to make travel and immigration procedures more accessible for eligible visitors. The expanded network reflects India’s efforts to streamline international entry while strengthening connectivity through designated land, air and sea routes.
NEW The Hindu
Tue 11 Aug 2026 07:40:17 AM ⤴
Typhoon Dolphin hits Japan's Okinawa, China shuts ports ahead of landfall
SUMMARY
Typhoon Dolphin struck Japan's Okinawa with powerful winds and heavy rainfall, causing widespread disruption, flight cancellations, and power outages. Residents were urged to evacuate low-lying areas as the storm brought dangerous storm surges and flooding risks. Meanwhile, China proactively shut down ports along its southeastern coast in preparation for the typhoon's anticipated landfall, halting shipping operations and evacuating coastal communities. Authorities in both nations issued top-level warnings, deploying emergency teams to minimize casualties and damage from the intense tropical cyclone.
NEW Firstpost
Tue 11 Aug 2026 07:15:10 AM ⤴
India turns to biogas as LNG import risks rise; Cabinet clears Rs 23,731 crore GOBARdhan scheme
SUMMARY
India's Cabinet approved the Rs 23,731 crore GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) scheme to boost domestic biogas and compressed biogas (CBG) production, reducing dependence on costly LNG imports amid global supply disruptions and geopolitical risks. The initiative aims to convert cattle dung, agricultural waste, and organic matter into clean energy, promoting rural employment and waste management. It supports India's climate goals, targets energy self-reliance, and strengthens the green energy ecosystem nationwide.
NEW Firstpost
Mon 10 Aug 2026 12:25:12 PM ⤴
RBI raises FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.7% as domestic economy stays resilient
SUMMARY
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its GDP growth forecast for FY27 upward to 6.7%, reflecting confidence in India's economic resilience amid global uncertainties. The upgrade is driven by strong domestic consumption, robust agricultural output, and improving rural demand. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted that easing inflation, favorable monsoon prospects, and government capex support growth momentum. Despite global trade tensions and geopolitical risks, India's economy remains on a solid footing, with stable macroeconomic fundamentals positioning it as one of the fastest-growing major economies worldwide.
NEW Firstpost
Mon 10 Aug 2026 11:15:02 AM ⤴
UPI charges explained: 5 things to know after Lok Sabha clears Bill allowing digital payment fees
SUMMARY
The Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill 2025, empowering the government to levy charges on UPI transactions. Currently, UPI transactions are free for users, but the new provision allows imposing fees on specific digital payment modes. The government clarified that no charges will apply on person-to-person (P2P) transfers. However, merchant transactions (P2M) above certain thresholds may attract fees. This move aims to sustain UPI infrastructure costs borne by banks and fintech companies. Critics fear it may discourage digital adoption, while supporters argue it ensures long-term viability of the payment ecosystem.
NEW Firstpost
Mon 10 Aug 2026 11:10:08 AM ⤴
India's weak monsoon may add to global food inflation as wars disrupt farm supplies
SUMMARY
India faces a weak monsoon season, threatening crop yields of key staples like rice, wheat, and sugar. As the world's largest rice exporter, reduced output could tighten global food supplies and drive prices higher. This compounds existing pressures from the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East conflicts, which have disrupted grain exports, fertilizer supplies, and shipping routes. Rising food inflation hits developing nations hardest, worsening hunger crises. India may impose export restrictions, further squeezing global markets already strained by geopolitical tensions and climate challenges.
NEW The Hindu
Mon 10 Aug 2026 11:00:01 AM ⤴
Turkiye’s Parliament passes Bill aimed at peace with Kurdish rebels
SUMMARY
Turkey's Parliament approved a landmark bill granting the government authority to pursue peace negotiations with Kurdish militants, primarily the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The legislation aimed to end a decades-long conflict that claimed over 40,000 lives since 1984. The bill provided legal framework for ongoing talks initiated between the government and imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. It authorized measures including disarmament, reintegration of fighters, and political reforms for Kurdish rights, marking a historic step toward lasting peace in the region.
NEW The Hindu
Mon 10 Aug 2026 10:50:11 AM ⤴
Zelenskyy visits Russian ally Serbia as Moscow pounds Kyiv
SUMMARY
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a historic visit to Serbia, a traditional Russian ally, marking a significant diplomatic move. The visit aimed to strengthen ties and discuss peace efforts amid the ongoing war. Serbia, while seeking EU membership, has maintained close relations with Moscow and refused to impose sanctions on Russia. Meanwhile, Russia intensified aerial attacks on Kyiv, striking civilian infrastructure. Zelenskyy's visit signaled efforts to weaken Russia's influence in the Balkans and broaden Ukraine's diplomatic support base.
NEW Hindustan Times
Mon 10 Aug 2026 10:40:01 AM ⤴
Bengal Guv asks universities to observe Aug 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
SUMMARY
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has directed all state universities to observe August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, aligning with the Centre's initiative introduced by PM Modi in 2021. The day commemorates the suffering, sacrifices, and displacement of millions during India's partition in 1947. Bose, serving as Chancellor of state universities, urged institutions to hold programs highlighting partition's impact. This move comes amid ongoing tensions between Raj Bhavan and the Mamata Banerjee-led state government.