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NEW Hindustan Times Fri 18 Sep 2026 06:21:24 PM

Thousands Stranded As Floodwaters Rise Across Northern Vietnam

SUMMARY

Severe flooding has devastated northern Vietnam, leaving thousands of residents stranded as relentless rains caused rivers to overflow. Triggered by typhoon impacts and prolonged monsoon downpours, floodwaters submerged homes, roads, and farmland across multiple provinces. Authorities evacuated vulnerable communities while rescue teams deployed boats to reach isolated areas. Landslides compounded the crisis, claiming lives and destroying infrastructure. Schools and businesses shut down as the disaster disrupted daily life. The government mobilized military support and emergency aid.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Disaster Management

Focus Area Floods Extreme Rainfall Disaster Response Climate Vulnerability

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Mint Fri 18 Sep 2026 06:21:12 PM

Rediff.com IPO: New UPI MDR rules open an additional revenue stream for the company: Report

SUMMARY

Rediff.com, the veteran Indian internet company, is set to launch its IPO, drawing investor attention amid India's evolving digital payments landscape. A key growth catalyst is the government's new UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) rules, which allow payment service providers to charge merchants a small fee on UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000. This policy shift opens a significant additional revenue stream for Rediff.com, which operates digital payment and e-commerce services. Analysts highlight that with UPI transactions surging across India, even a modest MDR can generate substantial income. The company aims to leverage its established brand and technology infrastructure to capitalize on this opportunity, strengthening its financial outlook ahead of the public listing.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area UPI MDR Digital Payments FinTech

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Fri 18 Sep 2026 06:04:07 PM

Shift to computer-based NEET-UG 2027 still under ‘active consideration’, Govt. tells SC

SUMMARY

The Supreme Court was informed by the Government that shifting NEET-UG 2027 to a computer-based format remains under "active consideration." This move aims to address recurring issues like paper leaks, malpractice, and logistical challenges associated with the pen-and-paper mode. The NTA and Education Ministry are evaluating infrastructure readiness, digital accessibility, and ensuring fairness for rural students. The SC had earlier urged reforms following the NEET-UG 2024 controversy involving alleged irregularities. A final decision is awaited.

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

Focus Area NEET-UG NTA Examination Reforms Digital Examination

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Fri 18 Sep 2026 06:04:02 PM

BJP chief Nitin Nabin donates 3 months' MP salary to Bihar CM relief fund

SUMMARY

BJP chief Nitin Nabin donated three months of his MP salary to the Bihar Chief Minister's Relief Fund as a gesture of solidarity and support for the state's relief efforts. This contribution reflects the party leader's commitment to aiding those affected by crises in Bihar, including floods or other natural disasters that frequently impact the region. Nabin, serving as a Member of Parliament, emphasized the importance of public representatives stepping forward during difficult times. His act aims to inspire others to contribute toward relief and rehabilitation efforts in the state.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Disaster Management

Focus Area Bihar Floods Disaster Relief CM Relief Fund Disaster Response

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Fri 18 Sep 2026 05:30:09 PM

India’s Gen Z is drinking more, just not like the rest of the world

SUMMARY

India's Gen Z is increasingly embracing alcohol but with distinct preferences. Unlike older generations favoring whiskey and beer, young Indians are gravitating toward craft cocktails, flavored spirits, ready-to-drink beverages, and premium brands. Social media, urbanization, and evolving social norms are driving this shift. Health-conscious choices lead many to prefer low-calorie, low-alcohol options. Moderation and experience matter more than heavy drinking. This trend is reshaping India's beverage industry, pushing brands to innovate with unique flavors and stylish marketing targeting younger consumers.

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

Focus Area Gen Z Youth Behaviour Alcohol Consumption Social Trends

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Fri 18 Sep 2026 05:30:03 PM

Trump’s Tariff Pe Tariff: India’s Trade Defence Playbook Amid US Pressure Explained

SUMMARY

**India's Trade Defence Amid US Tariff Pressure**

The US under Trump imposed steep reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods, citing India's high import duties. India, heavily reliant on US exports, adopted a strategic playbook—offering partial tariff cuts, boosting trade diversification, strengthening ties with EU and ASEAN, and promoting domestic manufacturing via "Make in India." India also explored bilateral trade deals to ease tensions while protecting key sectors like agriculture and IT. The goal: balance diplomacy with economic sovereignty amid escalating global trade wars.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Tariffs Trade Defence Measures India-US Trade WTO Rules

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Fri 18 Sep 2026 05:21:13 PM

Mazagon Dock moves into merchant shipbuilding with ₹15,000-crore yard in Andhra’s Dugarajapatnam

SUMMARY

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a leading defence shipyard under the Ministry of Defence, is diversifying into merchant shipbuilding by establishing a new shipyard at Dugarajapatnam in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore district, with an estimated investment of ₹15,000 crore. This strategic move aims to tap into the growing global commercial shipping market, reduce India's dependence on foreign shipyards, and boost the 'Make in India' initiative. The Dugarajapatnam port area offers deep-water access and proximity to industrial corridors, making it ideal for large-scale vessel construction. MDL, traditionally known for building warships and submarines for the Indian Navy, seeks to leverage its expertise for commercial vessels like tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships. The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs, strengthen India's maritime manufacturing ecosystem, and position the country as a competitive global shipbuilding hub alongside nations like South Korea, China, and Japan.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Shipbuilding Industry Maritime Economy Make in India Industrial Infrastructure

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Fri 18 Sep 2026 05:21:08 PM

Asian Games and what matters to a new Indian sport audience

SUMMARY

The 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, marked a watershed moment for Indian sports, as India achieved its best-ever medal tally of 107 medals. Beyond cricket, a new generation of Indian fans embraced diverse sports like shooting, athletics, squash, and esports—debuting as a medal event. Stars like Neeraj Chopra and the hockey team captivated audiences. This shift reflects India's growing sporting culture, increased government funding, and digital streaming making niche sports accessible to millions nationwide.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - I Current Affairs

Focus Area Asian Games Indian Sports Sports Policy Medal Performance

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Fri 18 Sep 2026 05:21:03 PM

'No Company Can Function In Deadlock': Harish Salve On Tata Sons-Tata Trusts Governance Tussle | Exclusive

SUMMARY

Senior advocate Harish Salve weighed in on the ongoing governance dispute between Tata Sons and Tata Trusts, emphasizing that no company can operate effectively in a deadlock situation. The tussle centers around control and decision-making authority between the two entities, with Tata Trusts holding majority stake in Tata Sons. Salve highlighted the need for clear governance structures, arguing prolonged disputes paralyze corporate functioning and harm stakeholders. The conflict traces back to the 2016 ouster of Cyrus Mistry as Tata Sons chairman.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Corporate Governance Business Regulation Board Management Institutional Governance

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Moneycontrol Fri 18 Sep 2026 05:04:14 PM

8वें वेतन आयोग में 3.25 फिटमेंट फैक्टर और Level 10 की डिमांड, समझिए सरकारी कर्मचारियों की सैलरी कितनी बढ़ सकती है

SUMMARY

# 8वां वेतन आयोग: 3.25 फिटमेंट फैक्टर और Level 10 की पूरी जानकारी

केंद्रीय कर्मचारी 8वें वेतन आयोग में 3.25 फिटमेंट फैक्टर की मांग कर रहे हैं। अगर यह लागू होता है तो Level 10 की बेसिक सैलरी ₹56,100 से बढ़कर लगभग ₹1,82,325 हो सकती है। 7वें वेतन आयोग में फिटमेंट फैक्टर 2.57 था। सरकार ने जनवरी 2025 में 8वें वेतन आयोग के गठन की मंजूरी दी है जो 2026 से लागू हो सकता है। न्यूनतम वेतन ₹18,000 से बढ़कर ₹58,500 होने की उम्मीद है। करीब 50 लाख कर्मचारी और 65 लाख पेंशनभोगी लाभान्वित होंगे। हालांकि अंतिम फिटमेंट फैक्टर आयोग की सिफारिशों पर निर्भर करेगा।

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area 8th Pay Commission Fitment Factor Government Employees Public Expenditure

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Fri 18 Sep 2026 04:30:17 PM

First time in India: Open top bus takes ministers in procession to Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru

SUMMARY

In a historic first for India, Karnataka state cabinet ministers traveled in an open-top double-decker bus in a grand procession through Mangaluru streets en route to a cabinet meeting. The unique event was part of the state government's decision to hold a cabinet meeting outside Bengaluru, in the coastal city of Mangaluru. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, along with other ministers, participated in the procession, drawing large crowds. The move aimed to bring governance closer to people and highlight regional development priorities. The open-bus ride symbolized transparency and public engagement.

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

Focus Area State Cabinet State Government Regional Governance Public Administration

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Times Of India Fri 18 Sep 2026 04:30:07 PM

Supermarket sold expired Chocos; consumer court orders Rs 10,182 payout to customer

SUMMARY

A consumer court ordered a supermarket to pay Rs 10,182 to a customer who was sold expired Chocos cereal. The complainant discovered the product was past its expiry date after purchase, posing health risks. The court found the supermarket guilty of unfair trade practices and deficiency in service for failing to check stock expiry dates. The compensation includes the product cost, mental agony damages, and litigation expenses. This ruling reinforces consumer rights and retailers' accountability for selling safe, unexpired products.

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

Focus Area Consumer Protection Consumer Commission Food Safety Consumer Rights

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Fri 18 Sep 2026 04:30:03 PM

'Khela' Over? Mamata's Nandigram Candidate Meets Suvendu Adhikari, Withdraws Candidature

SUMMARY

In a significant political development in West Bengal, the TMC candidate fielded by Mamata Banerjee for the Nandigram constituency has withdrawn their candidature after meeting BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. This move raises questions about TMC's strategy in Nandigram, a politically sensitive seat where Mamata lost to Suvendu in 2021. The phrase "Khela Hobe" (game on), TMC's famous slogan, now seems ironic as the withdrawal signals a possible shift in local political dynamics favoring Adhikari's dominance in the region.

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

Focus Area Election Commission Electoral Process Political Parties Candidate Nomination

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Moneycontrol Fri 18 Sep 2026 04:21:13 PM

पहले Sell फिर Buy, आखिर क्यों इन्वेस्टेक ने Supreme Industries के शेयरों को किया 'डबल अपग्रेड', जानें वजह

SUMMARY

**Investec ने Supreme Industries को 'डबल अपग्रेड' किया**

ब्रोकरेज फर्म Investec ने Supreme Industries के शेयरों को पहले 'Sell' से 'Hold' और फिर सीधे 'Buy' रेटिंग दी, यानी डबल अपग्रेड किया। इसकी मुख्य वजह कंपनी की मजबूत वॉल्यूम ग्रोथ, प्लास्टिक पाइप सेगमेंट में बढ़ती डिमांड, इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर और हाउसिंग सेक्टर में तेजी और बेहतर मार्जिन आउटलुक है। Investec को आने वाले समय में कंपनी की अर्निंग्स में अच्छी ग्रोथ की उम्मीद है। टारगेट प्राइस भी बढ़ाया गया, जिससे शेयर में अपसाइड दिख रहा है। निवेशकों के लिए यह पॉजिटिव संकेत है।

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Relevant For: Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Stock Market Equity Valuation Corporate Earnings PVC Prices Infrastructure Demand

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Times Of India Fri 18 Sep 2026 04:04:07 PM

Explosive-laden truck rams into mosque in Pakistan's Kohat; 16 dead

SUMMARY

On Friday, a devastating terrorist attack struck Kohat, Pakistan, when an explosive-laden truck rammed into a mosque, killing at least 16 people and injuring several others. The blast caused significant structural damage, reducing parts of the mosque to rubble. Rescue teams rushed to the scene to retrieve survivors trapped under debris. Authorities launched an investigation, with security forces cordoning off the area. The attack highlights ongoing militant threats in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where sectarian and extremist violence persists despite military operations. Officials condemned the attack, vowing to bring perpetrators to justice.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Internal Security

Focus Area Terrorism Pakistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Religious-Place Security

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts