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NEW The Hindu Thu 24 Sep 2026 12:04:07 PM

Over 70 tree species among 1,128 marked for felling for Hebbal tunnel project in Bengaluru

SUMMARY

Bengaluru's Hebbal tunnel project requires felling 1,128 trees, with over 70 species identified, raising environmental concerns. The project aims to ease traffic congestion. Activists oppose the move, urging authorities to explore alternatives. The BBMP has sought permissions, sparking debate over urban development versus ecological preservation in the city.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Environment & Ecology

Focus Area Urban Biodiversity Tree Felling Environmental Impact Urban Heat Island Microclimate Ecosystem Services Infrastructure Development

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Markets-Economic Times Thu 24 Sep 2026 11:47:10 AM

SoftBank taps bond market for $11.1 billion to fund AI bets

SUMMARY

SoftBank is raising $11.1 billion through bond sales to finance its aggressive investments in artificial intelligence. The Japanese tech conglomerate, led by Masayoshi Son, is doubling down on AI ventures, including its stake in Arm Holdings and planned AI infrastructure projects. This marks one of SoftBank's largest debt raises, reflecting Son's conviction that AI will drive the next technological revolution. The move comes amid surging global interest in AI, though it increases the company's already significant debt load, raising concerns among some investors about financial risk.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Corporate Debt Bond Market Artificial Intelligence Investment Financial Markets Technology Financing

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 24 Sep 2026 11:47:02 AM

NJAC To CEC Law: The Long Executive-Judiciary Battle Over Who Gets To Appoint Whom

SUMMARY

India's Supreme Court struck down the NJAC (National Judicial Appointments Commission) Act in 2015, preserving the collegium system for judicial appointments. Recently, Parliament passed a law giving the executive power over Chief Election Commissioner appointments, reigniting tensions between judiciary and executive over appointment authority. Critics argue this undermines institutional independence, while the government claims democratic accountability. The battle reflects a deeper constitutional struggle over separation of powers and checks and balances in Indian democracy.

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

Focus Area Judicial Appointments NJAC Executive-Judiciary Relations Constitutional Amendments Separation of Powers

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Moneycontrol Thu 24 Sep 2026 11:30:14 AM

हाईकोर्ट का बड़ा फैसला! धर्म नहीं परंपरा तय करेगी आदिवासी पहचान, ST दर्जा होगा खत्म

SUMMARY

# हाईकोर्ट का बड़ा फैसला: आदिवासी पहचान पर ऐतिहासिक आदेश

झारखंड हाईकोर्ट ने महत्वपूर्ण फैसला सुनाया कि यदि कोई अनुसूचित जनजाति (ST) का व्यक्ति अपनी मूल आदिवासी परंपराएं, रीति-रिवाज और सांस्कृतिक पहचान छोड़कर किसी अन्य धर्म जैसे ईसाई या इस्लाम अपनाता है, तो उसका ST आरक्षण का लाभ समाप्त हो सकता है। कोर्ट ने स्पष्ट किया कि आदिवासी दर्जा धर्म से नहीं बल्कि पारंपरिक जीवनशैली, रूढ़ियों और जनजातीय संस्कृति से जुड़ा है। धर्मांतरण के बाद भी यदि व्यक्ति आदिवासी परंपराओं का पालन करता रहे तो ST दर्जा बना रह सकता है, लेकिन परंपराएं पूरी तरह त्यागने पर आरक्षण का हक खत्म होगा। यह फैसला उन मामलों में आया जहां धर्मांतरित व्यक्ति ST प्रमाणपत्र के जरिए सरकारी नौकरी और शिक्षा में आरक्षण का लाभ ले रह

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

Focus Area Scheduled Tribes Article 342 Tribal Identity ST Reservation Constitutional Safeguards Tribal Customs Community Recognition Social Justice

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Times Of India Thu 24 Sep 2026 11:30:08 AM

Inside China’s nuclear buildup: New activity spotted across 7 sites

SUMMARY

China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, with satellite imagery revealing new construction activity across seven sites, including missile silo fields and reactor facilities. Analysts estimate China aims to possess over 1,000 warheads by 2030, significantly boosting its deterrence capabilities amid rising tensions with the US and regional rivals. The buildup signals a major shift from China's traditionally minimal nuclear posture.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area Nuclear Weapons Nuclear Deterrence Arms Race China’s Nuclear Modernisation ICBMs SSBNs Strategic Stability No First Use Global Security

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Mint Thu 24 Sep 2026 11:30:04 AM

Mumbai tenant gets flats worth ₹1.38 cr after surrendering tenancy rights; receives tax notice — ITAT grants relief

SUMMARY

A Mumbai tenant surrendered tenancy rights and received two flats worth ₹1.38 crore as compensation from the landlord. The Income Tax Department issued a tax notice, treating it as taxable income. The tenant challenged this before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT). The ITAT granted relief, ruling that the compensation received for surrendering tenancy rights is a capital receipt, not taxable as regular income, as it represents extinguishment of a right in property, eligible for capital gains treatment rather than being taxed as ordinary income.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Income Tax Section 56(2)(x) Taxation of Property Redevelopment Tenancy Rights Capital Gains Real Estate Taxation Tax Dispute Resolution

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Thu 24 Sep 2026 11:21:03 AM

IIT Gandhinagar students develop AI system to protect critical establishments from cyber attacks

SUMMARY

Students from IIT Gandhinagar have developed an AI-based cybersecurity system designed to safeguard critical infrastructure like power grids, banks, and government networks from cyber threats. The system detects and responds to attacks in real time, enhancing security for vital establishments.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Science & Technology

Focus Area Artificial Intelligence Cyber Security Critical Infrastructure Protection Emerging Technologies National Security

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Thu 24 Sep 2026 11:04:10 AM

Mamata calls for Chief Election Commissioner’s arrest, seeks fresh West Bengal polls

SUMMARY

Mamata Banerjee demanded the arrest of Chief Election Commissioner and called for fresh elections in West Bengal, alleging massive electoral fraud and malpractice. She accused the Election Commission of bias and working in favor of the ruling party at the center, undermining democracy.

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

Focus Area Election Commission of India SIR Electoral Rolls Free & Fair Elections Electoral Reforms Constitutional Bodies Voter Rights Election Dispute

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Times Of India Thu 24 Sep 2026 11:04:06 AM

Trump winces as B-1 bombers roar, Xi stands unfazed during US welcome: Watch

SUMMARY

During President Xi Jinping's US welcome ceremony, B-1 bombers flew overhead creating a thunderous roar. Trump visibly winced at the noise while Xi remained composed and unfazed. The moment went viral, highlighting contrasting reactions between the two leaders during the formal military display.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area US-China Relations Strategic Signalling Military Diplomacy Indo-Pacific Geopolitics Global Security

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 24 Sep 2026 10:47:03 AM

'Judges Appointing Judges' A Myth, Judiciary Relegated To Playing Second Fiddle: Justice Datta

SUMMARY

Justice Datta dismissed the "judges appointing judges" narrative as a myth. He stated the judiciary plays second fiddle in the collegium system, as the government holds significant power to accept or reject recommendations. He highlighted delays in judicial appointments, with the executive often sitting on names suggested by the collegium, undermining judicial independence.

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

Focus Area Judicial Appointments Collegium System Judicial Independence Separation of Powers Executive-Judiciary Relations Constitutional Governance NJAC

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Thu 24 Sep 2026 10:30:04 AM

Election Commissioners Law: SC Judge Says PM's Cabinet Pick, Not CJI's Exclusion, Is Sticking Point

SUMMARY

The Supreme Court judge highlighted that the real concern in the Election Commissioners appointment law isn't the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, but rather the inclusion of a Prime Minister's Cabinet nominee, which could compromise the body's independence and impartiality.

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

Focus Area Election Commission Appointment of Election Commissioners Electoral Reforms Constitutional Bodies Judicial Review

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Prabhat Khabar Thu 24 Sep 2026 09:21:09 AM

CEC Appointment Law: चुनाव आयुक्तों की नियुक्ति का कानून क्यों है विवाद में, सुप्रीम कोर्ट में क्या हुआ?

SUMMARY

# CEC नियुक्ति कानून विवाद

2023 में सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने अनूप बरनवाल केस में CEC और EC की नियुक्ति के लिए PM, विपक्ष नेता व CJI की कमेटी बनाने का आदेश दिया। लेकिन मोदी सरकार ने नया कानून बनाकर CJI की जगह कैबिनेट मंत्री को रखा। विपक्ष ने इसे आयोग की स्वतंत्रता पर हमला बताया। SC में इस कानून को चुनौती दी गई है।

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

Focus Area Election Commission Constitutional Bodies Electoral Reforms Appointment of Election Commissioners Judicial Review

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Thu 24 Sep 2026 09:21:03 AM

MANUU faces sexual harassment row over ICC report

SUMMARY

Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad, faced controversy after its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) submitted a sexual harassment report. Allegations surfaced against faculty members, sparking outrage among students and staff. Critics questioned the university's handling of complaints and transparency. The incident raised concerns about women's safety in educational institutions, prompting demands for stricter action and accountability from university administration.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Society & Social Justice

Focus Area POSH Act Internal Complaints Committee Workplace Sexual Harassment Women’s Rights Higher Education Governance

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Thu 24 Sep 2026 08:47:10 AM

‘Super El Niño’ projected to cause 15,800 additional heat deaths in India, says report

SUMMARY

A new report warns that the projected 'Super El Niño' weather phenomenon could cause approximately 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in India due to extreme temperatures. El Niño intensifies global warming effects, pushing temperatures to dangerous levels. India, already vulnerable to heatwaves, faces heightened risks to public health, particularly among elderly, outdoor workers, and marginalized communities. Experts urge the Indian government to strengthen heat action plans, improve early warning systems, and expand access to cooling infrastructure to mitigate the deadly impact of this climate event.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Environment & Ecology

Focus Area El Niño ENSO Climate Change Extreme Heat Heatwave Disaster Management Climate Adaptation Public Health

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Thu 24 Sep 2026 08:30:03 AM

With Trump-Xi truce, China looks to reshape Asian order

SUMMARY

The Trump-Xi trade truce temporarily eased US-China tensions, with both sides agreeing to pause tariff escalations. China seized this opportunity to strengthen ties across Asia, expanding economic partnerships and diplomatic influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road project, aiming to reshape regional order in its favor while the US focused inward.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area US-China Relations China’s Rise Indo-Pacific Asian Security Taiwan Issue Trade War Strategic Autonomy Quad Regional Order

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts