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Assam records world’s first-ever release of captive-bred slender-billed vultures
In a global first, five captive-bred slender-billed vultures (Gyps tenuirostris) were released into the wild at the [Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve] in Assam. The release, coordinated by the [Bombay Natural History Society] (BNHS) and the Assam Forest Department, also included five white-rumped vultures (Gyps bengalensis).
Must ReadT.N. MPs’ meeting convened by CM Vijay seeks freeze on 543 Lok Sabha seats
Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu met to oppose the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies and demand maintaining the status quo of 543 seats. They plan to pass a state assembly resolution against the move, reflecting deep anxieties among Southern states that delimitation based on current population figures would penalize them for successful population control measures.
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Must ReadGovt considering raising CCEA approval threshold for FDI proposals to Rs 15,000 crore: Sources
The central government is evaluating a proposal to increase the threshold for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) proposals requiring approval from the [Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs] (CCEA) from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 15,000 crore. This proposed revision, the first since 2015, aims to enhance the ease of doing business and expedite investment clearances by allowing line ministries to handle larger proposals.
![Illustration about Economy: The central government has clarified that person-to-person [UPI] transactions will remain free, and the vast majority of](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-08-09%2Fupi-stays-free-for-users-vast-majority-of-transactions-to-remain-free-for-merchants-as-well-says-government-485c3478.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadUPI stays free for users, vast majority of transactions to remain free for merchants as well, says government
The central government has clarified that person-to-person [UPI] transactions will remain free, and the vast majority of merchant transactions will also not attract any charges. This statement addresses concerns arising from proposed amendments to the [Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007] via the [Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026], which create an enabling provision for levying a **Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)** on high-value merchant transactions to ensure the long-term sustainability and technological resilience of the digital payment infrastructure.
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Must ReadCM Vijay to hold consultation with Tamil Nadu MPs on Delimitation Bill on August 9
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has convened a consultative meeting with the State's Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on August 8, 2026.
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Must Read2024 Wayanad landslide: Study reveals the interplay of climate and geology
A new scientific study analyzing the devastating 2024 Wayanad landslide concludes that the disaster was caused by an interplay of extreme rainfall acting as a trigger upon a pre-existing, highly vulnerable geological framework. The research, utilizing field mapping, lab analysis, and drone technology, demonstrates that millions of years of rock deformation and chemical weathering created the specific conditions that determined the landslide's origin, path, and destructive magnitude in the Western Ghats.
Must ReadWhat is the significance of India’s first privately built FFSC rocket engine? | Explained
Astrobase Space Technologies, a Bengaluru-based private company, has unveiled 'EVEREST', India's first privately built 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) LOX-Methane rocket engine. This positions India as the fourth nation globally to possess FFSC engine technology, marking a significant milestone in indigenous space capabilities and highlighting the growing role of the private sector in India's space ecosystem.
Read on The HinduDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Economy: Agriculture & Food Security: A recent report by [S&P Global Ratings] has highlighted that households in India and other Asia-Pacific economies are hi](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-08-09%2Fhouseholds-in-india-other-asia-pacific-regions-highly-vulnerable-to-el-nino-driven-price-shocks-sp-90a6d33c.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadHouseholds in India, other Asia-Pacific regions highly vulnerable to El Nino-driven price shocks: S&P
A recent report by [S&P Global Ratings] has highlighted that households in India and other Asia-Pacific economies are highly vulnerable to price shocks driven by [El Nino]. The report suggests that the macroeconomic impact, primarily through weaker rainfall and climate disruption starting in 2026, will be manageable due to proactive policies like expanded food buffer stocks and improved water management.
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Hidden environmental cost of powering growing digital and AI-world
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and the push to make India a global data centre hub are creating a massive, often overlooked 'water footprint.' Data centres require significant water for cooling systems, leading to concerns about resource depletion in already water-stressed regions of India, prompting calls for mandatory disclosure of water consumption and stricter environmental regulations.
Must ReadMayawati opposes ‘creamy layer’ for SCs, STs in reservation, hits out at RSS
BSP leader Mayawati strongly opposed the application of the 'creamy layer' concept to reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), asserting that affirmative action is primarily meant to rectify centuries of social discrimination, not merely economic backwardness. She criticized the RSS for politicizing the issue and urged the Central Government to robustly defend the exclusion of SCs and STs from the creamy layer ambit before the courts, emphasizing the constitutional mandate for social transformation.
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