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·8 August 2026 · 07:28 UTCBreaking

CID summons three serving JPSC members in Jharkhand exam irregularities probe; protests demand cancellation of 14th JPSC civil services prelims

The CID has already arrested 19 people, including TDPL director Ramveer Singh and JPSC deputy controller Shweta Kumari Gupta, and questioned former chairman L Khyiangte four times. The agency is probing why TDPL, blacklisted by JSSC in May 2025, was still empanelled to conduct exams.

+1 source·8 August 2026 · 06:06 UTC

US official says 'we expect a deal soon' between Iran and Oman on Strait of Hormuz; US to lift blockade of Iranian ports once deal announced

The official said US actions will be performance-based and tied to Iran's implementation of its commitments. Separately, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te oversaw coastal strike drills during the Han Kuang exercises, which began Wednesday and last 10 days, focusing on combat readiness against a potential Chinese invasion.

+2 sources·8 August 2026 · 06:06 UTC

Trump administration invests $3 billion in minerals projects to boost US defense supply chains; includes $1.4B loan to Sila Nanotechnologies and $400M to Sunrise Energy Metals

The investment aims to cut US reliance on Chinese minerals like rare earths and scandium, essential for missiles and fighter jets, after the five-month Iran war depleted weapons stockpiles. The $400 million loan to Sunrise Energy Metals supports the Syerston project, which would be the world's first primary scandium mine.

+1 source·8 August 2026 · 05:35 UTC

US Senate passes Russia sanctions bill named for Lindsey Graham; 100% tariff threat looms on India, China as House weighs approval

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, which reconvenes on August 31 to consider it. The proposed 100% tariffs on India and China could escalate trade tensions, affecting global supply chains.

·8 August 2026 · 04:19 UTC

US promises $1bn in security aid to Colombia as new rightwing president Abelardo De La Espriella pledges drugs crackdown

In his inaugural speech at the Pichincha Battalion military base in Cali, De La Espriella declared peace talks with armed groups 'completely exhausted' and vowed to eradicate coca using aerial herbicides. He also blamed former president Gustavo Petro, who has not recognized his victory, for the expansion of armed groups.

·8 August 2026 · 02:08 UTC

Mecca defence pact among Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan reshapes US role in Middle East as regional states reassess security amid Iran war

Analysts say the pact is less about a formal military alliance than a signal of regional reassessment, with Saudi Arabia broadening partnerships beyond Washington. The war has already imposed costs, including Iranian strikes on civilian infrastructure and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy conduit.

+4 sources6 updates

8 August 2026 · 00:18 UTCTurkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign Trilateral Mecca defence pact; Iran-Oman Hormuz protocol framework set, pending higher-level approval 7 August 2026 · 23:40 UTCTurkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign defence pact to deter regional threats; unclear if it will create new regional order +3 more reports

+2 sources·8 August 2026 · 01:50 UTC

India rejects common BRICS currency, backs trade in national currencies; Goyal says 'India is not in favour of a BRICS currency'

The stance follows US President Donald Trump's 2024 warning of 100% tariffs on countries backing a joint currency. India advocates internationalising the Indian Rupee and settling bilateral trade in local currencies to maintain monetary sovereignty.

Yesterday

+1 source·7 August 2026 · 22:06 UTC

Lebanon cites 'positive progress' on borders, prisoners in Israel talks; Israeli media reports Iran's supreme leader Khamenei critical, hospitalised

Aoun said talks covered ceasefire, demolition, and pilot zones, and he met with Trump and Rubio, noting US understanding. Meanwhile, Khamenei has not appeared publicly since assuming office, communicating only via written statements, fueling speculation.

·7 August 2026 · 22:06 UTC

Appeals court halts $400 million White House ballroom project; Trump to appeal to Supreme Court

The appeals court ruled 2-1 that a president is 'a temporary tenant, not the owner' of the White House, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which sued, called it 'a great day for our country.' The court stayed its ruling for 14 days, and the project's cost has doubled from original estimates.

·7 August 2026 · 21:31 UTC

Jharkhand govt, JPSC protesters to hold talks on Day 14 of hunger strike; six protesters continue fast demanding exam cancellation, CBI probe

The protesters demand cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe by the CBI or retired high court judges from outside the state. A five-member government panel, including ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Sudivya Kumar, is likely to interact with the protesters.

·7 August 2026 · 19:29 UTC

India formally identifies 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh on official map, countering China's renaming attempts; includes Long Ju, Thag La, and Jairampur

The list includes Long Ju along the Line of Actual Control, a 1959 flashpoint, and Thag La, site of an opening battle in 1962. The Union Home Ministry said the move aims to facilitate accurate recognition and public awareness.

·7 August 2026 · 16:25 UTC

Thailand school shooter who killed 5 was "under stress," prime minister says; 14-year-old also killed grandparents before attack

The 14-year-old used his grandfather's handgun to kill his grandparents before shooting five school staff in Nonthaburi province, then died by suicide. Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong admitted schools hadn't checked for weapons, pledging mental health aid and tighter security.

·7 August 2026 · 16:10 UTC

Israeli media reports Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in critical condition, rushed to hospital; speculation grows over his health and leadership stability

Khamenei has not made any public appearances since taking office, communicating only through written statements. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged that direct interaction with him is 'very difficult,' and a source told the Jerusalem Post, 'We would not be surprised if we heard news of his martyrdom soon.'

·7 August 2026 · 14:26 UTC

Non-stop rain brings Delhi-NCR to its knees; IMD predicts thunderstorms, more showers in next 2 hours

Waterlogging disrupted traffic on major routes like Delhi-Jaipur Highway and Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, with commuters unable to book cabs for hours. Faridabad's Sector 17 recorded 119.4 mm rainfall by 5 pm, the highest in NCR, while e-rickshaw drivers reported overturned vehicles due to submerged potholes.

+1 source·7 August 2026 · 13:46 UTC

Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing visits Thailand; bilateral talks give fresh boost to India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project

The joint statement also proposed a Myanmar-Thailand Transport Network Enhancement Joint Working Group to coordinate road, sea, port and cross-border routes. Nearly 70% of the 1,360-km highway is complete, but conflict in Chin State and Sagaing Region continues to delay the rest.