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NEW Mint Wed 21 Oct 2026 12:30:13 AM

Bought a ₹50 lakh LIC policy on ₹4.81 lakh income? Why ITAT rejected the woman’s claim and upheld the tax addition

SUMMARY

A woman earning ₹4.81 lakh annually purchased a ₹50 lakh LIC policy, raising red flags. The Income Tax department questioned the source of funds, finding the premium disproportionate to her declared income. ITAT upheld the tax addition, ruling she failed to explain the fund source satisfactorily, treating it as unexplained expenditure under Section 69C. The tribunal noted that her income couldn't justify such a high-value policy, rejecting her appeal and confirming the assessing officer's decision to add the amount to her taxable income.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Income tax assessment and compliance unexplained investments under tax law Hindu Undivided Family taxation documentary evidence in financial transactions tax administration and accountability

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International Relations DAILY PRACTICE 20/10/2026 UPSC CSE

Q 1.

With reference to international humanitarian law and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, consider the following statements:

The Geneva Conventions provide protections for civilians during armed conflicts.
The principle of proportionality prohibits attacks expected to cause incidental civilian harm excessive in relation to the anticipated concrete and direct military advantage.
International humanitarian law requires parties to distinguish between civilians and combatants during hostilities.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an organ of the United Nations General Assembly.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a 1 and 2 only
b 1, 2 and 3 only
c 2 and 4 only
d 1, 2, 3 and 4

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Examine the importance of international humanitarian law in protecting civilians during armed conflicts. Discuss the role of international institutions in promoting accountability and humanitarian access in Gaza.

Mains DAILY PRACTICE 20/10/2026 GS - II — International Relations 10 marks ~150 words

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NEW News 18 Hindi Wed 21 Oct 2026 12:21:11 AM

‘Financial Heart And Soul Of India’: Marco Rubio Explains Why He Is Visiting Mumbai Instead Of Delhi

SUMMARY

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Mumbai instead of New Delhi during his India trip, calling Mumbai the "financial heart and soul of India." He emphasized its importance as India's commercial capital, signaling a focus on strengthening US-India economic and business ties rather than traditional diplomatic meetings in the political capital.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area India-US diplomatic relations economic diplomacy Mumbai's role in India's economy bilateral trade and investment strategic partnership

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Wed 21 Oct 2026 12:04:08 AM

Russian teen who drew anti-war picture at age 12 forced to flee country, now lives in hiding in France

SUMMARY

Russian girl Masha Moskaleva was 12 when she drew an anti-war picture at school in 2022 criticizing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Authorities detained her father, placed her in an orphanage, and charged him. They later fled Russia and now live in hiding in France seeking asylum.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area Freedom of expression and political dissent human rights protection Russia-Ukraine conflict political persecution and asylum democracy and civil liberties

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Wed 21 Oct 2026 12:04:03 AM

Bhagwant Mann Stopped At Delhi Airport For 3 Hours After Paris Trip, AAP Claims

SUMMARY

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann was allegedly stopped at Delhi airport for about 3 hours upon returning from Paris. AAP claimed it was political harassment by the BJP-led Centre. The party accused the central government of targeting opposition leaders using agencies and airport authorities to intimidate them.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance

Focus Area Centre-state relations federalism in India accountability of public authorities application of customs regulations political allegations and institutional neutrality

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Tue 20 Oct 2026 11:47:13 PM

Israeli fire kills four people in Gaza, medics say

SUMMARY

Israeli military forces opened fire in Gaza, killing four Palestinians, according to local medics. The incident adds to the ongoing violence amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Civilians continue to bear the brunt as tensions escalate in the region.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area Israel-Palestine conflict civilian protection during armed conflict international humanitarian law humanitarian access in Gaza West Asian regional stability

Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Tue 20 Oct 2026 11:47:03 PM

US-India Trade Ties | Can India’s Refining Power Give It Leverage in US Energy Talks? | Mukesh Aghi

SUMMARY

India, the world's third-largest oil importer, is leveraging its massive refining capacity as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations with the US. Mukesh Aghi, President of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, suggests India's growing role as a global refining hub gives it significant leverage. As the US pushes to increase energy exports, India's ability to process crude and export refined petroleum products strengthens its negotiating position. With bilateral trade tensions over tariffs and trade deficits, India aims to use increased US oil and LNG purchases to balance trade while securing favorable terms. This energy diplomacy could reshape the broader US-India economic relationship.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area India-US energy diplomacy India's crude oil refining capacity strategic autonomy in energy imports trade negotiations and tariffs global energy security

Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Tue 20 Oct 2026 11:21:10 PM

PM Modi flags three ‘enemies’ of India, calls for unity in national interest

SUMMARY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi identified three key enemies threatening India's progress: corruption, dynasty politics, and appeasement. Speaking at a public event, he urged citizens to unite against these challenges for national development, emphasizing that collective effort is essential to build a strong, prosperous India.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance

Focus Area National integration social cohesion democratic political discourse unity in diversity constitutional values

Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Tue 20 Oct 2026 11:04:06 PM

Reliance Is A Very Important Company With Extraordinary Capacity: Marco Rubio Ahead Of Jamnagar Visit | Exclusive

SUMMARY

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Reliance Industries as a company with extraordinary capacity ahead of his visit to Jamnagar, Gujarat. During his India trip, Rubio visited Reliance's massive oil refinery complex, highlighting strengthening US-India business ties and energy cooperation under the Trump administration's outreach to India.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Role of large Indian conglomerates industrial capacity and investment India-US economic cooperation energy and petrochemical industries private sector contribution to growth

Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Tue 20 Oct 2026 11:04:03 PM

Death toll from Houthi strike on Yemen government camp rises to 73

SUMMARY

A Houthi missile and drone strike hit a government military training camp in Yemen, killing at least 73 people and injuring dozens. The attack targeted forces allied with the internationally recognized government, escalating the ongoing civil war between Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed coalition.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area Yemen's internal conflict Houthi movement and regional security armed conflict in West Asia humanitarian consequences of warfare regional geopolitical stability

Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Tue 20 Oct 2026 10:30:08 PM

Rubio pushes for India to buy more U.S., Venezuelan oil

SUMMARY

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged India to increase purchases of American and Venezuelan oil during diplomatic talks. The push aims to reduce India's reliance on Russian crude, boost U.S. energy exports, and leverage Venezuelan oil under U.S.-controlled sanctions relief.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area India-US energy relations India's energy security crude oil import diversification Venezuela's oil sector energy geopolitics

Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Tue 20 Oct 2026 10:21:03 PM

Kanthapuram Sunni faction calls off protests against Waqf board reconstitution in Keralam

SUMMARY

The Kanthapuram-led AP Sunni faction in Kerala withdrew its protests against the state government's reconstitution of the Waqf Board. The faction had opposed the new board's composition, alleging inadequate representation. After discussions with the government, they called off agitations, signaling a possible compromise on board membership and administrative concerns regarding Waqf properties.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance

Focus Area Waqf administration religious endowment governance state-level political mobilisation freedom of assembly public administration

Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Tue 20 Oct 2026 10:04:03 PM

US Never Excuses Hate Crimes: Marco Rubio On 'Disturbing' Plot To Attack Hindu Temple In Illinois

SUMMARY

US Senator Marco Rubio condemned a foiled plot to attack a Hindu temple in Illinois, calling it "disturbing." He emphasized that the US never excuses hate crimes. An individual was arrested for planning the attack, highlighting ongoing threats against religious communities in America.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area India-US relations protection of religious freedom hate-crime prevention rights of religious minorities international cooperation against extremism

Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Tue 20 Oct 2026 09:47:11 PM

‘BJP wipeout certain’: Akhilesh says UP polls a battle to save democracy

SUMMARY

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav declared that the Uttar Pradesh elections are a fight to save democracy, predicting a certain BJP wipeout. He criticized BJP's governance, alleging failures in law and order, unemployment, and farmers' issues, urging voters to unite against the ruling party for change.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance

Focus Area Electoral democracy role of political parties electoral competition democratic accountability state-level governance

Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Tue 20 Oct 2026 09:47:03 PM

‘Pakistan Is A Country That…’: Marco Rubio Says US Against Anybody Who Sponsors Terrorism | Exclusive

SUMMARY

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US opposes any nation sponsoring terrorism, directly referencing Pakistan. He highlighted concerns over Pakistan's alleged support for terrorist groups, signaling a tougher American stance. This comes amid rising India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam attack.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area US-Pakistan relations state-sponsored terrorism international counterterrorism cooperation India-US strategic interests regional security in South Asia

Basic Concepts

NEW Prabhat Khabar Tue 20 Oct 2026 09:30:40 PM

रावण दहन कर बोले PM मोदी- देश को इन 3 दुश्मनों से लड़ना होगा; वीडियो में देखिए और क्या कहा

SUMMARY

**PM मोदी ने दशहरे पर रावण दहन किया और कहा कि देश को तीन बड़े दुश्मनों- भ्रष्टाचार, गरीबी और आतंकवाद से लड़ना होगा। उन्होंने बुराई पर अच्छाई की जीत का संदेश दिया और देशवासियों से एकजुट होकर इन चुनौतियों का सामना करने की अपील की।**

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance

Focus Area Prime Minister's public communication national integration social challenges in India governance priorities role of public leadership

Basic Concepts

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