Daily News Wrap – BILKULONLINE

• Bilkul Online
• 9:00 PM |  12 Aug – 13 Aug 2026

 National News Highlights

1. Parliament Monsoon Session Concludes Amid Protests
The Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded on Thursday after weeks marked by repeated disruptions and Opposition protests. Several Bills remained pending as both Houses were adjourned sine die.

2. Karnataka Bandh Over Cauvery Water Release Gets Mixed Response
A statewide bandh was observed in Karnataka over the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and demands linked to the Mekedatu and Mahadayi projects. Bengaluru saw a relatively low response, with many schools and shops functioning normally.

3. Cauvery Dispute Reaches Supreme Court
The Cauvery water-sharing dispute returned to the Supreme Court. Karnataka told the court that it had complied with the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s directive on water release, while Tamil Nadu continues to seek additional water.

4. FIR Against 300 After Jharkhand Assembly March
Police in Jharkhand registered an FIR against around 300 people following a march towards the state Assembly, adding to the political tensions surrounding protests in the state.

5. 51 Protesters Arrested in Tamil Nadu Over Mekedatu Issue
Tamil Nadu police arrested 51 protesters amid demonstrations connected with the Mekedatu project and the Cauvery water dispute.

6. Supreme Court Reaffirms RTE Admission Obligation
The Supreme Court reiterated that neighbourhood schools, including private unaided schools, are legally required to admit students allotted to them under the Right to Education framework. The court described implementation of the provision as a national mission.

7. Heavy Rain Alerts Continue Across Several States
The India Meteorological Department forecast widespread rainfall over Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep and coastal Karnataka, with rain activity expected to continue over several parts of southern India. Gujarat was also forecast to receive rain on August 13.

8. Wayanad to Get Advanced Weather Radar
Kerala’s Wayanad is set to receive an advanced X-band weather radar, aimed at improving rainfall forecasting and providing earlier warnings for extreme weather and landslides.

9. India Says Border Peace Is Vital to Ties With China
India reiterated that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the disputed border is essential for stable relations with China, amid reports of renewed military tensions.

10. ED Director Rahul Navin Gets One-Year Extension
The government extended Enforcement Directorate Director Rahul Navin’s tenure by one year beyond August 13, according to a government order.

 International News Highlights

1. US-Iran Clash Over Control of Strait of Hormuz
A fresh war of words erupted over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump claimed the United States had “total control”, while Iran said the waterway remained under its control and management.

2. Russian Drone Strike Hits Passenger Train in Ukraine
Two people were reported killed after a Russian drone strike hit a passenger train in Ukraine on Thursday, according to Ukrainian railway authorities.

3. Ukraine Strikes Russian Black Sea Port Infrastructure
Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk reportedly hit naval and grain-related infrastructure, raising concerns over disruption to grain shipments.

4. Fighting Intensifies in Yemen
Clashes between Houthi forces and Yemen’s government forces have intensified in Taiz, with reports of significant casualties. The escalation has also raised concerns about wider regional involvement.

5. Romania Pauses Nuclear Plant Operations Amid Low Danube Levels
Romania temporarily halted operations at its sole nuclear power plant after record-low water levels in the Danube raised concerns over the availability of cooling water.

Quote of the Day

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
— Nelson Mandela

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