Millions of people across the UK and Europe gathered to watch a rare solar eclipse, described as the most significant visible from the UK since 1999. More than 90% of the Sun was covered by the Moon in most parts of the UK, creating a striking spectacle. The eclipse was also visible across large parts of Europe, while a total eclipse could be seen in parts of Iceland and Spain. In Spain’s Benavente, crowds fell silent during 84 seconds of totality. People in Edinburgh cheered when clouds cleared, while a beach cafe in Cornwall was described as “absolutely buzzing” during the event. (PC: X/Reuters)

China on Wednesday said the border situation with India is “generally stable” amid reports of tensions in Arunachal Pradesh. Chinese spokesperson Guo Jiakun said both countries had agreed to maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels to preserve peace along the Line of Actual Control. His remarks came a day after India’s Ministry of External Affairs said border affairs have implications for bilateral ties. People familiar with the situation said face-offs were reported in the Taksing area of Upper Subansiri district since early July. India and China have been rebuilding ties after the 2020 Galwan clash severely strained relations again. (PC: X)

A major Ukrainian drone and missile attack on Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk damaged 2 major grain export terminals and struck Russia’s key naval base, reports said. Local officials said 3 people, including an 8-year-old child, were killed and 24 injured. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack used rockets, jet and naval drones in a “unique operation”. Ukraine’s military said 4 Russian warships were hit. Russia’s agriculture ministry said it was redirecting cargo to ports in the Baltic and Caspian Seas and overland routes due to logistical constraints. The attack has further disrupted grain shipments through the Black Sea. (PC: BBC)

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of 4 Domino’s outlets after inspections found multiple food safety and hygiene violations. Three outlets are in Mumbai, while the fourth is in Satara. The FDA inspected 104 establishments operated by major food chains, including KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and Subway, during its August 11 drive. Officials found issues involving food storage, temperature monitoring, pest control, sanitation and hygiene. The Satara outlet recorded a compliance score of 47%, while one Borivali outlet scored 54%. The FDA also issued 95 improvement notices during the statewide inspection. (PC: India Today)

A parliamentary inquiry panel has found all 3 charges against former Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma proved in connection with unexplained cash found at his official residence in March 2025. The 3-member committee said Varma failed to explain the source or ownership of a “huge quantity” of cash and found that material evidence was not properly preserved. The panel also described his explanations as evasive and misleading. Its report was tabled in the Lok Sabha on August 12. Varma resigned as a judge in April, raising questions over whether Parliament can proceed with his removal motion. (PC: The Indian Express)

Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight AI2379 faced multiple technical warnings before suddenly losing about 300 feet in altitude on August 4, documents reviewed by NDTV show. The aircraft reported low pressure in all 3 hydraulic systems, low fluid levels in 2 reservoirs and problems involving its elevator controls. The autopilot also disconnected during the flight. Air India initially described the incident as a brief turbulence-related event but later removed the word “turbulence” from its statement. At least 20 passengers and 4 crew members were injured. Both pilots have been removed from flying duties pending an inquiry. 

A rare total solar eclipse is taking place on August 12, with the first visuals emerging from Iceland as skywatchers gather to witness the celestial event. The eclipse is passing across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and parts of Portugal. Several regions across Europe, North America and Africa are also witnessing a partial eclipse. However, the event will not be visible from India, either as a total or partial eclipse, as the country lies outside the eclipse’s visibility path. The eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Sun and Earth, briefly blocking sunlight in areas along its path. (PC: HT)

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has announced plans for a fresh protest, with founder Abhijeet Dipke calling it “Season 2 of Jantar Mantar.” The announcement came after a CJP volunteers’ meeting in Delhi was cancelled, with Dipke alleging that the venue owner faced pressure from the BJP. The BJP has not immediately responded to the allegations. CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the party will begin a nationwide “listening tour” to gather public feedback, with education as a key focus from Independence Day. The CJP had earlier ended its 36-day Jantar Mantar protest over the NEET paper leak issue on July 25. (PC: India Today)

The Ministry of Defence has issued a Rs 1-lakh-crore tender for 60 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Soviet-origin AN-32 fleet. HAL, Tata and Mahindra will partner foreign manufacturers, with technology transfer required. Airbus, Lockheed Martin and Embraer are competing with the A400M, C-130J and C-390 Millennium respectively. The aircraft must carry 18-30 tonnes, operate from short, unprepared runways and support high-altitude logistics along Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. They should transport equipment including the 25-tonne Zorawar tank and M777 howitzers. Twelve aircraft will be imported, while 48 will be manufactured in India. Local content is expected to exceed 50%, alongside domestic MRO facilities and open architecture for future upgrades. (PC: The Tribune)

Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station sent Independence Day greetings to India ahead of its 80th Independence Day, holding the Indian tricolour in a video message. They highlighted the decades-old friendship between India and Russia and described space exploration as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation. The message recalled the long history of collaboration between Moscow and New Delhi in space exploration, spanning major milestones from India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, to the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. The gesture underscored the enduring partnership between the two countries in space. The cosmonauts congratulated the people of India while celebrating the longstanding cooperation that has connected the two nations through their shared achievements and ambitions in space.