TODAYS TOP NEWS
01
President Assents to National Honour Amendment Bill, 2026
President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, passed by Parliament last month. The law amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, giving the national song Vande Mataram the same statutory protection as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
02
PM Modi to Release Ram Nath Kovind's Autobiography
Prime Minister Modi will release former President Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography, 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles', in New Delhi today and address the gathering on the occasion.
03
PM Modi Urges Grand Independence Day Celebration
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged countrymen to celebrate Independence Day with pride and grandeur, taking a pledge to build a Viksit Bharat.
04
Parliament Passes Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026
Parliament has passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha approving it yesterday. The Lok Sabha had already passed the bill.
05
Lok Sabha Passes Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026
The Lok Sabha has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, which seeks to change the name of the state of Kerala to Keralam in the First Schedule of the Constitution. The Kerala Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution in this regard in June 2024.
06
Mega Tiranga Rally Held Near Line of Control in Kupwara
A mega Tiranga rally was held yesterday near the Line of Control in Teetwal, Karnah area of Kupwara district, Jammu and Kashmir.
07
Kharif Crop Area Coverage Exceeds 967 Lakh Hectares
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has reported that area coverage under Kharif crops has recorded more than 967 lakh hectares as of 7th August. Rice has been grown over more than 344 lakh hectares, and oilseeds were sown over more than 180 lakh hectares, an increase of over 5 lakh hectares compared to the corresponding period last year.
08
Integrated Science and Technology Roadmap Discussed for Odisha
Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh met Odisha's Minister for Science and Technology, Krushna Chandra Patra, in New Delhi. Dr Singh laid out an integrated roadmap for Odisha combining the Central Government's 'Rare Earth Corridor' proposal, the state's marine and coastal resources, biotechnology ecosystem, space capabilities, and network of scientific institutions.
09
NDA Parliamentary Party Holds Weekly 'Mangal Milan' Meeting
The NDA Parliamentary Party's weekly meeting, 'Mangal Milan', was held at the Parliament House premises in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President Nitin Nabin, and other NDA leaders waved the Tricolour during the meeting.
10
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Undertake Plantation Drive on Hariyali Amavasya
Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will undertake a plantation drive in New Delhi today on the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya.
11
Nation Pays Homage to Khudiram Bose on 119th Martyrdom Day
The nation paid homage to revolutionary freedom fighter Khudiram Bose on his 119th martyrdom day. He was the first among the Indian revolutionaries in Bengal to be executed by the British, hanged at Muzaffarpur Central Jail on 11 August 1908. He faced death with remarkable courage and became an enduring symbol of patriotism, youthful courage, and sacrifice.
12
IMD Forecasts Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall in Four States
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over East Rajasthan, Gangetic West Bengal, Madhya Maharashtra, and Odisha.
LEGAL REPORT
01
AAIB to Investigate Air India Phuket-Delhi Altitude Loss Incident
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will conduct a thorough investigation covering all facts and evidence in the recent Air India incident. On 4th August, the Phuket-to-Delhi aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise. The aircraft stabilised later and landed safely in Delhi.
02
Supreme Court Clarifies FIR Registration in Missing-Person Cases Applies to All
The Supreme Court has clarified that its direction for immediate registration of FIRs in missing-person cases applies to everyone, irrespective of age or gender. A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan directed states and Union Territories that have failed to comply to ensure their Chief Secretaries and police chiefs appear before the court and explain why contempt action should not be initiated. The matter will be heard on October 5.
National News
01
NDA march in Parliament over police action against Jharkhand students
NDA held a march inside the Parliament premises over alleged police action against students in Jharkhand. MPs carried placards alleging that the Opposition is avoiding discussion, despite the government's assurance that Home Minister Amit Shah is ready to respond to the student protests.
02
Over 10.33 crore Farmer IDs created nationwide
The government has said that more than 10.33 crore Farmer IDs have been created across the country till date. The Farmer ID enables integration of Direct Benefit Transfer schemes, including registrations under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Minimum Support Price-based procurement, access to credit delivery, and disaster relief.
03
CBI arrests proclaimed offender Gopal Das in West Bengal post-poll violence case
The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Proclaimed Offender Gopal Das from West Bengal, who was involved in a 2021 post-poll violence murder case in West Bengal.
Defence News
01
HAL completes delivery of all Limited Series Production Light Utility Helicopters
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has completed delivery of all Limited Series Production Light Utility Helicopters to the Army and Air Force, marking a key milestone in India's indigenous rotary-wing development.
02
RAW chief meets Bangladesh PM's Defence Affairs Advisor in Dhaka
RAW chief Parag Jain met Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's Defence Affairs Advisor Brigadier General (retired) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam in Dhaka on Monday, as both nations attempt to stabilise strained ties and move towards a reset.
03
Gaganyaan mission on track with uncrewed flight in late 2026 and crewed mission in 2027
India's Gaganyaan mission is firmly on track, with the first uncrewed experimental flight scheduled for late 2026 and the maiden crewed mission targeted for 2027. Parallelly, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station is progressing towards operationalisation by 2035, marking a decisive leap in India's human spaceflight ambitions.
04
GRSE plans to deliver five warships to Navy by end of 2026-27
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd plans to deliver five warships to the Navy by the end of 2026-27. This was announced by Cmde P R Hari, IN (Retd), chairman and managing director, GRSE, on Tuesday, August 11.
05
Indian Navy-US Navy EOD Exercise 2026 commences in Kochi
The Indian Navy-US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise 2026 commenced at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi.
International News
01
India reiterates Arunachal Pradesh is integral part of India
India reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable and integral part of India and nothing can change this indisputable reality. Briefing the media in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that in matters relating to border areas, India always emphasized in discussions with China that it considers these issues as most serious.
02
NASA invites ISRO to join Moon Base programme under Artemis Accords
NASA has invited the Indian Space Research Organisation to join its Moon Base programme, building on the two countries' partnership under the Artemis Accords. India and the US have agreed to advance discussions for cooperation on open scientific data sharing under the Accords.
03
MoU signed to accelerate commercialisation and global market access of India's GI products
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate the commercialisation and global market access of India's Geographical Indication products. The collaboration aims to promote quality standardisation, wider market access, and digital enablement of GI products, while strengthening the One District One Product ecosystem.
04
Russian cosmonauts extend Independence Day greetings to India from ISS
Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station extended greetings to India ahead of its 80th Independence Day. They held the Indian tricolour and conveyed warm wishes to the people of India.
World News
01
Hungary elects former Supreme Court chief Andras Baka as President
Hungary's parliament elected former Supreme Court chief Andras Baka as the country's next President.
02
Colombia earthquake death toll crosses 200
The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia has crossed the 200 mark.
03
Lebanon abolishes death penalty, first Arab country to replace it with life imprisonment
Lebanon's parliament abolished the death penalty, making it the first country in the Arab world to replace the sentencing with life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour.
04
Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death by Syrian court
Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and several former officials have been sentenced to death by a Syrian court for crimes against humanity, premeditated murder, and torture.
05
Congo Ebola outbreak death toll surpasses two thousand
The death toll from Congo's Ebola outbreak has surpassed the two thousand mark.
NEWS
01
Russian attacks across Ukraine
At least nine people have been killed and dozens injured in Russian overnight attacks across Ukraine. According to regional governor Ivan Fedorov, six people were killed and 19 injured in Zaporizhzhia.
02
US to mandate online immigration applications
The United States will soon make online applications mandatory for several immigration benefits, including green cards, citizenship and asylum, in a move aimed at improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.
03
Mecca Joint Defence Agreement faces first challenge
The newly announced Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia has faced its first serious challenge just days after being signed. Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck an Aramco refinery in Jazan with a drone, sparking a fire that Saudi authorities later confirmed had been extinguished.
SPORTS
01
Iga Swiatek reaches Canadian Open 2026 semifinals
Former world number one Iga Swiatek stormed into the semifinals with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Russia's Diana Shnaider.
02
India's strong start at U-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship
India has made a strong start at the U-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship in Lagos, Nigeria, winning 17 medals, including 4 gold, on the opening day. The Indian contingent has secured 4 gold, 4 silver and 9 bronze medals at the championship, which began on Sunday.
FINANCE
01
Indian Rupee value against foreign currencies
GBP: ₹128 (Approx). Euro: ₹109 (Approx). USD: ₹96 (Approx). Canadian Dollar: ₹68. Australian Dollar: ₹67. UAE Dirham: ₹26. Chinese Yuan: ₹14. Maldives Rufiya: ₹6.17. Bhutan Ngultrum: ₹1.00. Nepal Rupee: ₹0.63. Bangladesh Taka: ₹0.77. Pakistan Rupee: ₹0.34. Sri Lanka Rupee: ₹0.30.
02
BSE Sensex and Nifty decline
BSE Sensex closed at 78,154.25, down 388.19 (0.49%). Nifty closed at 24,471.70, down 112.10 (0.46%).
03
Gold and silver rates in Mumbai
Gold (24 karat): ₹15,190 per gram. Silver: ₹2,45,000 per kilogram.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
01
Batwara 1947 scheduled for release
Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta's historical drama Batwara 1947 is scheduled for release on 14 August 2026. The film is set against the backdrop of the Partition of India.
FACTS ABOUT INDIA
01
India national field hockey team history
The India national field hockey team was the first non-European team to be a part of the International Hockey Federation. In 1928, the team won its first Olympic gold medal and until 1960, the Indian men's team remained unbeaten in the Olympics, winning six gold medals in a row. The team had a 30-0 winning streak during this time, from their first game until losing in the 1960 gold medal final. India also won the 1975 World Cup. Indian men's hockey team rewrote history as they won an Olympic medal after 41 years, defeating Germany 5-4 to win the bronze at Tokyo Olympics 2020.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
01
Inspirational thought
Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.
JOKE OF THE DAY
01
Chintu and the conductor
Chintu: Should I buy tickets for my children? Conductor: Yes! Only if they are above 8. Chintu: Thank God, I have only 6 children.
WHY
01
Why water is sprinkled around the plate before taking food in Hindu tradition
Scientifically it has been done to keep insects away from food while eating. In olden days, people used to eat on leaves while sitting on the ground.
LEARN SANSKRIT
01
Sanskrit phrase for positive thinking
सकारात्मकचिन्तनं कुरु।। (sakaaraatmak chintan kuru) means 'Think positive.'
HOW IT WORKS
01
What is a pendulum?
A pendulum is a rod hanging vertically from its top end or a weight called a bob hanging from a string that swings from side to side due to the force of gravity. As Italian scientist Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) discovered, a pendulum always takes the same amount of time to make one complete swing.
02
How a pendulum works
A pendulum works by converting energy back and forth. When the bob is highest and furthest from the ground, it has maximum stored energy (potential energy). As the bob swings (oscillates) back and forth, it repeatedly switches its energy back and forth between potential and kinetic energy.
Science
01
Pendulum Motion and Isochronism
Without friction or air resistance, a pendulum would move forever. In reality, friction and drag gradually steal energy, bringing it to a halt. However, even as it slows, it keeps time: it covers a shorter distance more slowly, taking exactly the same time per swing. This property, called isochronism (meaning equal amounts of time), makes pendulums useful for timekeeping.
Observances
01
International Youth Day
International Youth Day (IYD) is observed on 12 August.
Classical Dance Forms Recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Ministry of Culture
01
Bharatanatyam
A classical dance form from Tamil Nadu.
02
Kathak
A classical dance form from Uttar Pradesh.
03
Kathakali
A classical dance form from Kerala.
04
Kuchipudi
A classical dance form from Andhra Pradesh.
05
Odissi
A classical dance form from Odisha.
06
Sattriya
A classical dance form from Assam.
07
Manipuri
A classical dance form from Manipur.
08
Mohiniyattam
A classical dance form from Kerala.
Born Today
01
Vikram Sarabhai
Indian scientist and physicist (12 August 1919 – 30 December 1971). He developed nuclear power in India. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1966 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1972. He is internationally regarded as the Father of the Indian Space programme.
Idioms and Phrases
01
Birds of a Feather Flock Together
People with similar interests, likes, and dislikes go along with each other. (समान रुचि, पसंद–नापसंद वाले लोग एक दूसरे के साथ जुड़ते हैं)
Antonyms
01
Allure
Antonym: Repulse
Synonyms
01
Allure
Synonym: Entice
Vedik Gyan
01
Navagraha
According to the Vedas, the Navagraha are nine heavenly bodies (as well as deities) that influence human life on Earth. They are: Chandra (the Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Bṛhaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (shadow body associated with the ascending or north lunar node), and Ketu (shadow body associated with the descending or south lunar node).
Health Care: Home Remedies
01
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is made by steeping hibiscus flowers in boiling water for five minutes. It can be consumed hot or cold and has a tart taste that is often sweetened with honey or flavored with lime. It is rich in powerful antioxidants and may help prevent damage and disease caused by the buildup of free radicals. It may also lower blood pressure. Test-tube studies have found that hibiscus extract reduces the growth and spread of plasma, mouth, prostate, and stomach cancer cells. Note: These home tips are followed in villages and ancient traditions; it is up to you whether to use them.
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