TODAYS TOP NEWS
01
Parliament passes NCDC (Amendment) Bill, 2026
The Rajya Sabha approved the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, after the Lok Sabha had already passed it. Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol moved the bill, which aims to further amend the National Co-operative Development Corporation Act, 1962.
02
Parliament passes Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026
The Rajya Sabha approved the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, following its passage in the Lok Sabha. The bill seeks to change the name of the state of Kerala to Keralam in the First Schedule of the Constitution.
03
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 referred to Joint Parliamentary Committee
The Lok Sabha referred the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to the Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny. The bill aims to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, to make the use of foreign contributions more transparent and accountable.
04
Over 50,000 saplings planted on Hariyali Amavasya
More than 50,000 saplings were planted across the country on the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya as part of a nationwide plantation drive led by Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan in collaboration with the Vriksh Mitra Parivar.
05
One Herb, One Standard initiative aims to protect traditional medicine heritage
AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav stated that the One Herb, One Standard initiative aims to strengthen the quality and credibility of traditional medicines and protect India's traditional medicine heritage. He was addressing an event on the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the initiative.
06
Vice President addresses Har Ghar Tiranga Bike Rally marking 150 years of Vande Mataram
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan addressed the Har Ghar Tiranga Bike Rally marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. He said the words of Vande Mataram ignited patriotism and united people across regions, languages, faiths, and backgrounds in the fight against colonial rule.
07
Himachal Pradesh imposes orphan and widow cess on petrol and diesel
The Himachal Pradesh state government has issued a notification imposing an orphan and widow cess of 60 paise per litre on petrol and diesel.
08
West Bengal plans bill to prevent forced religious conversions
Chief Minister of West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari has said that the state government is planning to introduce a bill to prevent forced religious conversions in the state.
09
IMD predicts low-pressure area over North Bay of Bengal
The India Meteorological Department has predicted the formation of a low-pressure area over the North Bay of Bengal in the next 12 hours.
10
Heavy rainfall expected across multiple states
The Weather Department said heavy rainfall conditions are likely over Karnataka, East Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karaikal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kerala, Goa, and Rajasthan for the day. Similar weather conditions are expected over Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Madhya Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and North Eastern parts of India till 15th of this month.
LEGAL REPORT
01
Calcutta High Court cancels OBC certificates issued under revised rules
The Calcutta High Court has cancelled all OBC-A and OBC-B certificates issued under the revised rules introduced by the previous Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal.
02
Union Home Minister says government ready to discuss students' issue in Parliament
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the government is ready to discuss the students' issue and answer questions in Parliament. He stated that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has already made it clear that the government is ready for a discussion on all aspects related to the students' protests over the NEET examination.
03
No breakthrough in Jharkhand between government and protesting students
In Jharkhand, despite several rounds of talks and an Assembly gherao, no breakthrough has been reached between the government and the protesting students. The students are demanding cancellation of the 2024 JSSC-CGL examination, through which more than two thousand candidates have already been appointed in various government departments.
04
Maharashtra ATS busts inter-state drug network
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad has busted an inter-state drug network and seized more than 4.7 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at more than 9 crore rupees in Mumbai and Greater Noida.
National News
01
Arrest of suspected Pakistani national near India-Bangladesh border
West Bengal's Special Task Force arrested two individuals, including a suspected Pakistani national identified as Rana Rauf alias Wahab Alam, near the India-Bangladesh border. Investigators believe he has links to Pakistan's ISI and was involved in espionage activities, including tracking military and railway movements.
02
Transfer of IAS officer Prasanna Ramaswamy G
The Government of India ordered the transfer of Prasanna Ramaswamy G, IAS (AGMUT:2010), from Jammu and Kashmir to Lakshadweep with immediate effect.
03
Relocation of Uttarakhand High Court from Nainital to Haldwani
The Uttarakhand government approved the relocation of the Uttarakhand High Court from Nainital to Haldwani in August 2026. The final executive order identified a 30-hectare site at Lamachaur on the Haldwani-Rudrapur highway (NH-05) for the new High Court campus.
Mishaps
01
Landslide at chawl in Mumbai's Ghatkopar West
In Mumbai, seven people were killed and seven others injured after a landslide struck a chawl in Chirag Nagar, Ghatkopar West.
02
Vehicle falls into gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district
In Himachal Pradesh, a Bolero pickup vehicle fell into a deep gorge at Gatlog in the Renuka Assembly constituency of Sirmaur district. Four people were killed and nine others injured.
Defence News
01
Tender issued for IAF multirole transport aircraft program
The Defence Ministry issued a tender worth approximately ₹1 lakh crore to acquire 60 multirole transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. TATA, Mahindra, and HAL are competing for the program.
02
IAF begins process to replace Hawk MK-132 advanced jet trainers
The Indian Air Force initiated the long-awaited process to replace its Hawk MK-132 advanced jet trainers, issuing a Request for Information to both Indian and global manufacturers for around 150 aircraft.
03
Plans to induct Medium-Range Loitering Munition for Indian Navy
The Ministry of Defence is advancing plans to induct a Medium-Range Loitering Munition designed for ship-based operations with the Indian Navy. This initiative reflects a growing emphasis on enhancing maritime strike capabilities through indigenous unmanned systems that can deliver precision effects against both sea and land targets.
04
ISRO conducts ground static test of SSLV solid booster stage SS1
The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully carried out the ground static test of an improved version of the solid booster stage, designated SS1, of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle. The test was conducted on 11 August 2026 at the static test facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
05
Othisis successfully hot-fires fully cryogenic 3D-printed rocket engine
Bangalore-based Othisis achieved a major breakthrough by successfully hot-firing its fully cryogenic, 3D-printed rocket engine delivering 5 kN thrust. With a total impulse of 100 kNs, this engine is set to power their reusable hopper rocket scheduled for launch and landing trials later this year, marking a significant step in India's private space sector.
06
17th India-Australia Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks held in Sydney
The navies of India and Australia convened in Sydney from 11 to 12 August 2026 for the 17th Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks. The discussions were co-chaired by Rear Admiral Sachin Reuben Sequeira, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Foreign Cooperation and Intelligence), and Rear Admiral Christopher Smith, Commander of the Australian Fleet. The talks centred on strengthening operational interoperability and expanding cooperation.
07
India hands over five laser radial-class boats to Seychelles
India formally handed over five laser radial-class boats to the Seychelles.
International News
01
India and Nepal sign MoUs for eight development projects
The Embassy of India in Nepal and various Nepali government bodies signed Memoranda of Understanding for the execution of eight projects across the education, health, and agriculture sectors utilising Indian grant aid. The eight developmental initiatives, carrying an estimated total value of 803 million Nepali rupees, are set to be executed via local government entities and institutions under the Government of Nepal.
02
British Deputy High Commissioner meets Punjab NRI Affairs Minister
British Deputy High Commissioner Alba Smeriglio discussed various concerns of Punjabis residing in the United Kingdom, including issues affecting their interests, with Punjab's NRI Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh. During their meeting in Chandigarh, both emphasised the need to further strengthen mutual communication and cooperation on matters concerning the Punjabi diaspora.
03
Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala rolls out first rake for Bangladesh Railways
The Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab, is rolling out the first rake comprising 19 LHB broad gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railways. The rake comprises 3 AC Sleeper Cars, 3 AC Chair Cars, 11 Non-AC Chair Cars, and 2 Power Cars.
India
01
India warns border incidents with China are most serious
India has warned that incidents along its disputed border with China are considered most serious and that the state of border affairs will directly reflect on the broader bilateral relationship. The Ministry of External Affairs made this clear during its regular biweekly briefing on Tuesday, underscoring the sensitivity of frontier stability in shaping ties between the two nations.
02
Senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commander dies under mysterious circumstances in Islamabad
Qari Saeed Abdul Aziz, a senior commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, a close associate of Hafiz Saeed, and reportedly linked to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has died under mysterious circumstances at the Quba Mosque in Islamabad.
03
Russia appoints former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud as arbitrator in Ukraine investment treaty case
Russia has appointed former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud as its arbitrator in an investment treaty arbitration filed by Ukraine's state-owned Oschadbank. The dispute concerns assets and operations that Oschadbank says it lost in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions after Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
World News
01
Hungary elects former Supreme Court chief Andras Baka as next President
Hungary's parliament elected former Supreme Court chief Andras Baka as the country's next President.
02
Russia frees former US Marine Robert Gilman on humanitarian grounds
A former US Marine, Robert Gilman, who had been imprisoned by Russia for over four years, has been freed on humanitarian grounds and is due to return home after advocates raised concerns about his health.
03
Thailand elevates school safety to national agenda after mass shooting
Thailand's cabinet has approved an Education Ministry proposal to elevate school safety to a national agenda, following a mass shooting at a secondary school outside Bangkok last week that killed nine people.
04
Philippines issues alert on water-borne diseases after floods in northern region
Philippine health authorities have issued an alert on water-borne diseases after floods hit the northern part of the country. The local health centre in the Ilocos region has warned residents of rising health risks as enhanced southwest monsoon rains continue to trigger flooding across the region.
05
15 killed as three-wheeler carrying wedding guests falls into canal in Punjab
In Pakistan, 15 people, including women and children of a family, died after a three-wheeler vehicle fell into a canal due to over-speeding in Punjab province. The vehicle was carrying 26 wedding guests when it fell into the canal at Kot Addu in Muzaffargarh district of Punjab.
06
Death toll from earthquake in western Colombia crosses 200
The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia yesterday has crossed the 200 mark.
07
Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji dies at 98
Zhu Rongji, China's fifth premier, died in Beijing on 12 August 2026 at 11:06 a.m. local time after an unspecified illness. He served as premier from 17 March 1998 to 16 March 2003 and held major offices in Shanghai and the People's Bank of China before becoming head of government.
Sports
01
Indian fencing team wins three gold, one silver, one bronze at Commonwealth Championship
The Indian fencing team collected three gold, one silver, and one bronze medal across various senior individual events on the third day of the Commonwealth Championship at Lagos in Nigeria.
02
Sports Ministry suspends recognition of Table Tennis Federation of India
The Sports Ministry suspended its recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) and asked the Indian Olympic Association to form an ad-hoc committee to administer the sport, citing governance deficiencies within TTFI.
03
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa wins second-round match at Sinquefield Cup
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa defeated Javokhir Sindarov in a second-round match of the Sinquefield Cup in St Louis, United States.
04
Canadian Open Tennis men's and women's semi-final lineups confirmed
In the Canadian Open Tennis, the men's and women's semi-final lineups are officially locked in. In Women's Singles, seventh-seeded Iga Swiatek of Poland takes on ninth seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in Toronto for a place in the final. Swiatek routed fifteenth-seeded Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-1, while Svitolina defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 in the quarterfinal. In another semifinal, Elena Rybakina will meet fourth seed Coco Gauff. Rybakina defeated 11th-seed Naomi Osaka 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 to advance to the last four. Gauff reached the last four after the American received a walkover in her quarter-final when her opponent Belinda Bencic of Switzerland withdrew due to a hip injury.
Finance
01
Indian Rupee Value
Indian Rupee Value
Currency Rates
01
GBP to INR
Approximately ₹128 per British Pound.
02
Euro to INR
Approximately ₹109 per Euro.
03
USD to INR
Approximately ₹96 per US Dollar.
04
Canadian Dollar to INR
Approximately ₹68 per Canadian Dollar.
05
Australian Dollar to INR
Approximately ₹67 per Australian Dollar.
06
UAE Dirham to INR
Approximately ₹26 per UAE Dirham.
07
Chinese Yuan to INR
Approximately ₹14 per Chinese Yuan.
08
Maldives Rufiyaa to INR
Approximately ₹6.17 per Maldives Rufiyaa.
09
Bhutan Ngultrum to INR
Approximately ₹1.00 per Bhutan Ngultrum.
10
Nepal Rupee to INR
Approximately ₹0.63 per Nepal Rupee.
11
Bangladesh Taka to INR
Approximately ₹0.77 per Bangladesh Taka.
12
Pakistan Rupee to INR
Approximately ₹0.34 per Pakistan Rupee.
13
Sri Lanka Rupee to INR
Approximately ₹0.30 per Sri Lanka Rupee.
Stock Market
01
BSE Sensex
77,966.35, down 187.90 (0.24%).
02
Nifty
24,435.95, down 35.75 (0.15%).
Commodity Rates in Mumbai
01
Gold (24 Karat)
₹15,190 per gram.
02
Silver
₹2,45,000 per kilogram.
Entertainment News
01
Awarapan 2 Theatrical Release
Scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on August 14, 2026, coinciding with Independence Day weekend. Advance booking is available on platforms like BookMyShow. Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Suvinder Vicky. Director: Nitin Kakkar.
Facts About India
01
Shivkar Bapuji Talpade's 1895 Flight
Shivkar Bapuji Talpade is credited with flying a flying machine over Chowpatty in 1895, eight years before the Wright brothers.
Thought of the Day
01
Impact Over Income
Life is about making an impact, not making an income.
Joke of the Day
01
Twins and Sequels
A nurse tells Chintu he has twins. Chintu says it was expected since his wife watched programs with sequels like Indian Idol 2, Nach Baliye 2, Dhoom 2, and Bahubali 2. The nurse replies it is a good thing she did not watch Delhi 6.
Why?
01
Why Volcanoes Erupt
Volcanoes erupt when molten rock called magma rises to the surface. When part of the earth's upper mantle or lower crust melts, magma forms. A volcano is an opening or vent through which magma and dissolved gases are discharged.
02
Main Reasons for Volcanic Eruption
The buoyancy of the magma, pressure from exsolved gases in the magma, and injection of a new batch of magma into an already filled magma chamber.
03
Lava Eruption Temperature
The eruption temperature of lava is approximately 1,170 degrees Celsius (2,140 degrees Fahrenheit). In general, temperatures range from about 4,400 degrees Celsius (7,952 degrees Fahrenheit) to about 6,000 degrees Celsius (10,800 degrees Fahrenheit). The core is made of two layers: the outer core, which borders the mantle, and the inner core. The boundary separating these regions is called the Bullen discontinuity.
04
Volcanic Sites in India
Narcondam in the Andaman Islands, Baratang in the Andaman Islands, and the Deccan Traps in Maharashtra.
Learn Sanskrit
01
Sanskrit is Easy
संस्कृतं सुलभम्। अतः अहं संस्कृतं पठामि। (sanskrtan sulabham. atah ahan sanskrtan pathatami) meaning: Sanskrit is easy. So, I am studying Sanskrit.
How It Works
01
Hair and Nail Growth After Death
After death, dehydration causes the skin and other soft tissues to shrink while the hair and nails remain the same length. This change in the body creates the optical illusion of growth that people observe.
GK Today
01
Tungsten in Electric Bulb Filaments
Tungsten is mostly used for filaments of electric bulbs due to its resistance to high temperatures. Of all metals in their purest form, tungsten has the highest melting point at 3,422 degrees Celsius.
Born Today
01
Fidel Castro
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (13 Aug 1926 to 25 Nov 2016) was a Cuban revolutionary, lawyer, and politician who led Cuba from 1959 to 2008. He served as prime minister from 1959 to 1976 and president from 1976 to 2008. Ideologically a Marxist-Leninist and Cuban nationalist, he served as first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from 1961 until 2011. Under his administration, Cuba became a one-party communist state.
Idioms and Phrases
01
By and By
When something happens slowly or takes a long time. In Hindi: जब कोई चीज धीरे–धीरे होती है या उतना ही समय लेती है।
Antonyms
01
Busy and Idle
Busy is the antonym of Idle.
SYNONYMS
01
Busy
Active
VEDIK GYAN
01
Hidimba Devi Worship in Manali
During Navaratri, all Hindus across the nation worship goddess Durga, but people in Manali worship Hidimba Devi.
02
Hidimbi and Bhima
Hidimbi was a demoness who fell in love with Bhima when he took shelter in a forest along with his four brothers and mother. The Pandava brothers - Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva - along with their mother Kunti were in exile when they came in contact with Hidimbi, the sister of a demon named Hidimba. Hidimba was killed by Bhima, which is recounted in the 9th sub-parva (Hidimba-vadha Parva) of the Adi Parva.
03
Marriage Condition
After the death of her brother, Hidimba wanted to marry Bhima. Bhima refused and wanted to kill Hidimba as well, but Kunti interfered. Kunti acceded to Hidimba's proposal on one condition: once she had a child from Bhima, she must allow Bhima to leave her and join the Pandavas.
04
Birth of Ghatotkacha
Within a year, Hidimbi gave birth to a huge half-rakshasa son named Ghatotkacha, because his bald head looked like a pot. Ghatotkacha greatly loved the Pandavas and they were enamored with him.
HEALTH CARE: HOME REMEDIES
01
Benefits of Lassi
Since lassi is churned out of yogurt or dahi, it is said to be quite beneficial for our digestive system. It prevents stomach problems like bloating and improves bone health. Lassi is a popular drink among weight-conscious people and is often included as part of a weight loss diet because it contains all the nutrients and is low in calories. Lassi helps in burning belly fat, which usually covers the inside walls of the stomach.
02
Curd Consumption at Night
Do not eat curd at night, especially if you are prone to cough and cold. Ayurveda explains that curd consumption at night is not good as it leads to mucus development. But if you cannot do without it, opt for buttermilk instead.
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