TODAYS TOP NEWS
01
Nag Panchami Celebrated on August 17, 2026
Nag Panchami is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of serpent deities (Nag Devta), observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright fortnight in the holy month of Shravan.
02
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan Addresses SRM Institute Convocation
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan called upon graduating students to use their knowledge, skills, and innovation for nation-building, guided by the principle of 'Nation First.' He was addressing the 22nd Convocation of S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology at Kattankulathur near Chennai.
03
West Bengal Chief Minister Launches Ayushman Bharat Scheme
West Bengal Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikari formally launched Ayushman Bharat, the Central Government's flagship health insurance scheme, in the state.
04
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Addresses Development in Rajasthan
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that empowering the youth, poor, women, and farmers is essential to achieving the goal of making India a fully developed nation by 2047. He was addressing a programme in Alwar, Rajasthan, after laying the foundation stones for and inaugurating development projects worth over six thousand four hundred crore rupees across 17 districts of the state.
05
Amit Shah Unveils Statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Rajasthan
Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Nimbahera in Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan on his death anniversary.
06
Sungal Tunnel Opened to Public in Jammu and Kashmir
The much-awaited Sungal Tunnel on the Jammu-Poonch National Highway has been opened to the public, providing a major boost to connectivity with the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch and surrounding areas. Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation, the tunnel was earlier scheduled to open on 22 August.
07
Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu Inaugurates 25 New Atal Canteens in Delhi
Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated 25 new Atal Canteens in the National Capital from Timarpur on the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. With this, the number of Atal Canteens in Delhi has reached one hundred. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Delhi Government Minister Ashish Sood were also present.
08
Karnataka Cabinet Clears Government Premises Regulation Bill 2026
The Karnataka State Cabinet cleared The Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026. The draft law requires prior government permission for events, rallies, and gatherings on state-maintained properties, including land, buildings, roads, parks, and playgrounds.
09
Delhi Government Extends Pink Ticket Facility for Women Bus Passengers
The Delhi government has extended the existing paper-based pink ticket facility for women passengers in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses till 31st of this month. A Transport Department order states that women eligible for free bus travel can continue to use paper-based pink tickets in DTC and Delhi Cluster buses.
10
Amrit Udyan Opens for Visitors with Free Entry
Amrit Udyan has opened for the general public with free entry and will remain open till the 15th of next month. The garden will be open from 10 AM to 6 PM, with the last entry at 5 PM. It will remain closed on Mondays for maintenance.
11
Maharashtra Government Adds 29 New Schemes to MahaDBT Portal
The Maharashtra Government has added 29 new schemes to the MahaDBT portal, taking the total number of schemes available on the platform to 105. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said efforts are underway to bring all remaining government schemes onto the single digital platform in a phased manner, making it easier for citizens to access government benefits.
12
Nagaland Governor Pays Tributes to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and La. Ganesan
Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav paid solemn tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his eighth death anniversary. He also remembered former Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan on his first death anniversary.
13
Odisha Faces Fresh Flood Threat from Bay of Bengal Low-Pressure Area
Odisha is facing a fresh flood threat as a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify, with the northern part of the state expected to bear the brunt of torrential rain.
Weather Alert
01
IMD Red Alert for Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall over Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha today.
Legal Report
01
Jharkhand Government Invites Protesting JPSC-JSSC Students for Fresh Talks on Aug 17
In Jharkhand, students protesting against irregularities in the state's recruitment examinations burnt effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav in Ranchi. Students raised slogans against the state government and reiterated their demand for the cancellation of JPSC and JSSC examinations.
Mishaps
01
Accidental Firearm Discharge at Varanasi Airport Injures Two Screening Personnel
A licensed firearm was accidentally discharged at Varanasi Airport in Uttar Pradesh while security formalities were being carried out for a passenger scheduled to travel to Mumbai on an Air India Express flight. The passenger had declared the firearm along with 21 live cartridges at the check-in counter as required under prescribed procedure, and was escorted to the designated screening area for mandatory security checks. During handling and inspection of the weapon, a round was accidentally discharged. The projectile ricocheted and injured two screening personnel.
Defence News
01
Assam Rifles Organises Cycle Rally in Nagaland Under Fit India Movement
The Assam Rifles organised a cycle rally at Kohima and Chieswema in Nagaland under the nationwide Fit India Movement's 'Sundays on Cycle' initiative, promoting physical fitness, healthy living, and community participation.
02
15th Battalion Tripura State Rifles Wins First Place in Parade Exhibition at Guwahati
The 15th Battalion Tripura State Rifles (TSR) parade contingent secured first place in a parade exhibition held at Khanapara in Guwahati, Assam.
03
Major Aditya Pratap Singh Approved for Bar to Shaurya Chakra
Major Aditya Pratap Singh, SC, SM, of the 9th Battalion, The Rajputana Rifles (currently serving with 44 Assam Rifles), is a rare double recipient of the Shaurya Chakra who also holds the Sena Medal (Gallantry). On 14 August 2026, the President of India approved the Bar to Shaurya Chakra for his actions on 5 July 2025, recognising a second act of exceptional gallantry that followed his earlier Shaurya Chakra for an operation in October 2024.
04
Five Army Personnel Missing After Flash Flood in Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley
In Arunachal Pradesh, five Army personnel went missing after a flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall washed away two shelters in Dibang Valley district.
International News
01
DRI Dismantles Network Fraudulently Importing South-East Asian Areca Nets Under SAFTA
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a major network involved in importing South-East Asian areca nuts into India by falsely declaring them as being of Bangladeshi origin and fraudulently availing concessional duty benefits under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
02
Prime Minister Modi Thanks Israeli Leadership for Independence Day Wishes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked Israel's President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for their wishes on India's Independence Day.
03
Jerusalem's Friendship Bridge Illuminated in Indian Tricolour for Independence Day
India-Israel friendship has taken centre stage in Jerusalem as the city's iconic Friendship Bridge, also known as the Chords Bridge, was illuminated in the colours of the Indian tricolour to mark India's 80th Independence Day.
04
SURYAPATH TIRANGA Global Relay Concludes Across 54 Countries
The first-of-its-kind SURYAPATH TIRANGA Global Relay concluded yesterday, completing its journey from Fiji in the East to the United States in the West, across 54 countries and multiple time zones.
World News
01
Ukraine and Russia Exchange Missile and Drone Strikes Killing at Least 11
Ukraine and Russia exchanged missile and drone strikes today, with attacks killing at least 11 people on both sides.
02
Indonesia Declares 14-Day Emergency Response Period After 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake
Indonesia has declared a 14-day emergency response period following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake.
03
Hawaii Faces Strong Winds and Torrential Rain From Category One Hurricane Lala
The Pacific island nation of Hawaii is facing strong winds and torrential rain as Category One Hurricane Lala moves across the Big Island. Lala has maximum sustained winds of around 120 kilometres per hour. Forecasters warn of up to 63 centimetres of rain, raising the risk of flash floods and mudslides.
04
Baloch Leader Accuses Pakistani Military of War Crimes in Surab Airstrikes
Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch has accused the Pakistani military of committing war crimes and targeting civilians, claiming that video footage from the recent airstrikes in Surab provides evidence of military aggression against the local population in Balochistan.
Sports
01
BWF Badminton World Championship Begins in New Delhi
The BWF Badminton World Championship is set to begin at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. India is hosting the World Championships after 17 years. Shuttlers PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, Treesa Jolly and Gayathri Gopichand will be leading the charge for the Indian contingent.
02
FIH Women's Hockey World Cup: India Draws with China
In the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup, India began their campaign with a 2-2 draw against China in a group-stage match at Amstelveen in the Netherlands. India and China are in Pool D alongside England and South Africa. The top two teams from the pool will advance to the next round.
03
India vs Sri Lanka: First Test Match Day 2 Stumps
In Men's Cricket, India were 460 for 9 in their first innings at stumps against hosts Sri Lanka on Day 2 of the first Test match of the series at the Galle International Stadium.
Finance
01
Indian Rupee Value Against Major Currencies
GBP: ₹128 (Approx). Euro: ₹109 (Approx). USD: ₹96 (Approx). Canadian Dollar: ₹68. Australian Dollar: ₹67. UAE Dirham: ₹26. China 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 Performance
BSE Sensex: 78,009.25, down 70.71 points (0.091%). Nifty: 24,366.00, down 29.85 points (0.12%).
03
Gold and Silver Rates in Mumbai
Gold (24 karat): ₹15,300 per gram. Silver: ₹2,55,000 per kilogram.
Entertainment News
01
Shah Rukh Khan to Feature in Asha Bhosle Tribute Music Video
National Award and Academy Award-winning musician AR Rahman announced that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is set to be a part of the upcoming tribute music video of late singer Asha Bhosle. Sharing a note on his X handle, AR Rahman penned a gratitude note for the actor for agreeing to become a part of the project.
Facts About India
01
Etymology and Legends Behind the Name Jalandhar
Jalandhar is named after Jalandhara, a demon king who lived in water, as his name suggests Jal (water) and Andhar (inside). During British occupation it was called Jullundur. The district finds a mention in the Puranas and Mahabharata. According to another legend, Jalandhar was the capital of the kingdom of Lav, son of Rama. Another version says the name is derived from the vernacular term meaning area inside the water, referring to the tract lying between the two rivers Satluj and Beas. Another historical name was Trigartta, as it was watered by three rivers: Satluj, Beas, and Ravi.
Thought of the Day
01
Message of Hope and Perseverance
Unexpected results and problems are part of life. Never lose hope in any condition, because the darkness of night always ends with the light of the day.
Joke of the Day
01
Skeleton Dieting Joke
Interviewer: What is a skeleton? Chintu: Skeleton is nothing but a person who started dieting but forgot to stop it.
Educational
01
Understanding REM and NREM Sleep Stages
Sleep can be divided into two broad stages: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The vast majority of our sleep (around 75 to 80 per cent) is NREM, characterized by electrical patterns in the brain known as sleep spindles and high, slow delta waves. This is the time we sleep the deepest. After deep sleep, the brain starts to perk up, and its electrical activity starts to resemble the brain when it is awake. This is the period of the night when most dreams happen. During this stage, muscles are temporarily paralyzed, and eyes dart back and forth, giving this stage its name. REM sleep is the period during the night when we have our most vivid dreams, but people dream during both NREM and REM sleep. During NREM sleep, dreams tend to be more concept-based, whereas during REM sleep dreams are more vivid and emotional. Mostly one cannot remember the dreams which we have during REM sleep.
02
Learn Sanskrit: Verb Forms of Go
I go: Aham Gachhami. We go: Vayam Gachhamah. He goes: Saha Gachhati. She goes: Saa Gachati.
03
How Spring Water Comes
The excerpt poses the question of how spring (chasma) water comes but does not provide an explanation.
Springs and Aquifers
01
What Aquifers Are
The water for springs comes from underground sources called aquifers. Aquifers are most commonly inside permeable rock, or underground layers of materials like sand, clay, and gravel. These substances function as a sponge, soaking up water that seeps down into them. Less common are aquifers made of free bodies of water, but these do happen in areas where eroded limestone forms karsts.
02
How Springs Form
A spring is simply a place where the water from an aquifer flows out of the ground naturally. In this respect, it is useful to think of a spring as a naturally occurring well. In a well, one must dig into the ground to reach the aquifer and tap the water supply. In springs, those conditions are already present and on the surface.
03
Seasonal Springs
Some springs only flow during particular times of year. For example, an aquifer that is highly reliant on seasonal rainfall or snow-melt to feed it may not be able to sustain a spring all year around. There would still be water in the aquifer, but not enough to sustain the outflow of the spring.
04
Mineral Springs
Because aquifers are often made of stone, water passing through them will pick up minerals from local deposits. That is how mineral water is created. Because not all aquifers and mineral deposits are the same, the water from a particular mineral spring may have its own unique taste.
05
Hot Springs
Some aquifers are located near sources of geothermal activity, which heats the water. If that hot water feeds a spring, the result is a hot spring.
GK Today
01
The Radcliffe Line Declared
On 17th August 1947 the Radcliffe Line was declared as the boundary between India and Pakistan, following the Partition of India. The Radcliffe Line was the boundary demarcation line between the Indian and Pakistani portions of the Punjab and Bengal provinces of British India.
02
Cyril John Radcliffe
Cyril John Radcliffe, 1st Viscount Radcliffe, GBE, PC, QC, FBA (30 March 1899 to 1 April 1977) was a British lawyer responsible for the Radcliffe Line.
03
Indonesian Independence Day
Indonesian Independence Day is celebrated on 17 August every year.
Born Today
01
Bimal Jalan
Bimal Jalan (born 17 August 1941) is a former Governor of Reserve Bank of India and was a nominated member of the Upper House of India's Parliament, the Rajya Sabha during 2003 to 2009.
Idioms & Phrases
01
Synonyms and Antonyms of Noxious
Synonyms: Baneful, injurious. Antonyms: Healing.
Spiritual Knowledge
01
Nag Panchami Festival
Nag Panchami is an important Hindu festival that honors snakes, which are regarded as sacred and powerful in puranas. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight, or the Shukla Paksha, in the lunar month of Shravana, according to the Hindu calendar. The festival expresses reverence for the divine serpent energy believed to bring fertility, protection, and balance to nature.
02
Symbolism of the Serpent
The serpent, or Naga, is regarded as more than just a snake; it represents cosmic energy, transformation, protection, and the hidden forces of nature. They are seen as guardians of treasures and secret knowledge, symbolizing both material and spiritual wealth. Worshipping them on Nag Panchami is a way of honoring forces beyond human control and learning humility in life.
03
Teachings of Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami teaches a balance between fear and respect. By offering milk, flowers, and prayers, people learn discipline, courage, and reverence for higher forces.
04
Ecological and Social Significance
Nag Panchami holds important ecological and social significance. In villages, snakes were seen as natural controllers of pests and protectors of the environment. Feeding and honoring them helped people live in harmony with nature and develop respect for all forms of life.
Home Tips
01
Benefits of Eating Soaked Kala Chana in the Morning
Daily consumption of around 3/4 cup of chickpeas helps to decrease LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol triglycerides. The carbohydrates in kala chana are digested slowly, which reduces the blood sugar levels. This contributes to insulin resistance, thereby reducing the risk of getting type-2 diabetes. Soaked black chana is rich in fibre which helps in improving the digestive system. It flushes out all the harmful toxins from your body and keeps your digestive tract healthy.
Health Benefits
01
Kala Chana as a Source of Iron
Kala chana is a rich source of iron, which plays an important role in the formation of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin helps transport oxygen from the lungs to all body cells. This can prevent anaemia and boost energy levels, and is particularly beneficial for pregnant and lactating women as well as growing children.
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