NEW The Times Of India Thu 17 Sep 2026 10:47:15 PM

In 1993, Michael Jackson, along with two collaborators, patented the ‘anti-gravity’ shoes

SUMMARY
In 1993, Michael Jackson, along with co-inventors Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins, patented a special shoe design (US Patent 5,255,452) that created the iconic anti-gravity lean seen in the "Smooth Criminal" music video and live performances. The shoe featured a specially designed heel slot that engaged with a hitch mechanism (a peg) rising from the stage floor, allowing the wearer to lean forward at a 45-degree angle defying gravity without wires or harnesses. This illusion stunned audiences worldwide.
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Science & Technology
Focus Area Patent Innovation Mechanical Engineering Applied Physics Intellectual Property Rights
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

In 1993, Michael Jackson, along with two collaborators, patented the ‘anti-gravity’ shoes

In 1993, Michael Jackson, along with two collaborators, patented the ‘anti-gravity’ shoes

In 1993, Michael Jackson, along with two collaborators, patented the ‘anti-gravity’ shoes

Concept not available.
NEW Nbt Navbharattimes Thu 17 Sep 2026 10:47:07 PM

हूतियों के कहर के बीच ओमान ने भारत के लिए खोला विशाल द्वार, पश्चिम एशिया, अमेरिका और अफ्रीका तक सुलभ होगा रास्ता

SUMMARY
ओमान ने लाल सागर में हूती हमलों के बीच भारत को अपने डुकम बंदरगाह के इस्तेमाल की सुविधा दी है। यह बंदरगाह अरब सागर के तट पर स्थित है, जो लाल सागर और स्वेज नहर के खतरनाक मार्ग से बचाकर भारत को पश्चिम एशिया, अफ्रीका और अमेरिका तक वैकल्पिक व्यापार मार्ग उपलब्ध कराता है। हूतियों द्वारा जहाजों पर लगातार हमलों से अंतरराष्ट्रीय शिपिंग बुरी तरह प्रभावित हुई है। भारत और ओमान के बीच यह रणनीतिक साझेदारी दोनों देशों के आर्थिक और सुरक्षा हितों को मजबूत करेगी। डुकम पोर्ट भारतीय नौसेना और व्यापारिक जहाजों के लिए महत्वपूर्ण पारगमन केंद्र बनेगा।
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area India-Oman relations Sohar Port Maritime security Trade connectivity West Asia
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

हूतियों के कहर के बीच ओमान ने भारत के लिए खोला विशाल द्वार, पश्चिम एशिया, अमेरिका और अफ्रीका तक सुलभ होगा रास्ता

हूतियों के कहर के बीच ओमान ने भारत के लिए खोला विशाल द्वार, पश्चिम एशिया, अमेरिका और अफ्रीका तक सुलभ होगा रास्ता

हूतियों के कहर के बीच ओमान ने भारत के लिए खोला विशाल द्वार, पश्चिम एशिया, अमेरिका और अफ्रीका तक सुलभ होगा रास्ता

Concept not available.
NEW The Hindu Thu 17 Sep 2026 10:47:02 PM

Pakistan, China activate boundary joint commission in Islamabad

SUMMARY
Pakistan and China have activated their Boundary Joint Commission in Islamabad, reaffirming their commitment to managing their shared border efficiently. The commission aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation on boundary management, maintenance of border markers, and related matters along the 523-km Karakoram border. Senior officials from both nations participated, discussing border security, infrastructure development, and enhancing communication mechanisms. This move reflects the enduring Pakistan-China strategic partnership and their mutual desire for regional stability and peace.
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area India-China-Pakistan Relations Border Management Jammu & Kashmir CPEC Geopolitics
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

Pakistan, China activate boundary joint commission in Islamabad

Pakistan, China activate boundary joint commission in Islamabad

Pakistan, China activate boundary joint commission in Islamabad

Concept not available.
NEW Moneycontrol Thu 17 Sep 2026 10:30:21 PM

Crude Oil Price: कच्चे तेल की कीमतों में गिरावट जारी, $102 के नीचे आया; सऊदी अरब की पाइपलाइन से मिली राहत

SUMMARY
**कच्चे तेल की कीमतों में लगातार गिरावट देखी जा रही है। ब्रेंट क्रूड $102 प्रति बैरल से नीचे आ गया है। इस गिरावट की मुख्य वजह सऊदी अरब की पाइपलाइन से सप्लाई बहाल होना है, जिससे बाजार में तेल की आपूर्ति बढ़ी है। इसके अलावा वैश्विक मांग में कमी और मंदी की आशंका ने भी कीमतें नीचे लाई हैं। भारत जैसे तेल आयातक देशों के लिए यह राहत की खबर है, क्योंकि इससे पेट्रोल-डीजल की कीमतों पर दबाव कम हो सकता है और महंगाई में नरमी आ सकती है।**
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy
Focus Area Crude oil prices Energy security Saudi oil supply Inflation Global commodity market
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

Crude Oil Price: कच्चे तेल की कीमतों में गिरावट जारी, $102 के नीचे आया; सऊदी अरब की पाइपलाइन से मिली राहत

Crude Oil Price: कच्चे तेल की कीमतों में गिरावट जारी, $102 के नीचे आया; सऊदी अरब की पाइपलाइन से मिली राहत

Crude Oil Price: कच्चे तेल की कीमतों में गिरावट जारी, $102 के नीचे आया; सऊदी अरब की पाइपलाइन से मिली राहत

Concept not available.
NEW Nbt Navbharattimes Thu 17 Sep 2026 10:30:04 PM

'यमन की गुफाओं से हुकूमत, पोस्टरों में हर जगह', कौन हैं हूती नेता अब्दुल मलिक, जो सऊदी अरब पर पड़े भारी

SUMMARY
**हूती नेता अब्दुल मलिक अल-हूती यमन के शिया जैदी विद्रोही समूह अंसारुल्लाह के प्रमुख हैं। वे यमन की गुफाओं और गुप्त ठिकानों से अपने संगठन का संचालन करते हैं। उनके पोस्टर यमन में हर जगह दिखते हैं। ईरान समर्थित हूती विद्रोहियों ने 2014 में यमन की राजधानी सना पर कब्जा किया। सऊदी अरब ने 2015 में हूतियों के खिलाफ सैन्य अभियान शुरू किया, लेकिन हूतियों ने ड्रोन और मिसाइल हमलों से सऊदी अरब को भारी नुकसान पहुंचाया। इजराइल-हमास युद्ध के दौरान हूतियों ने लाल सागर में जहाजों पर हमले कर अंतरराष्ट्रीय व्यापार को प्रभावित किया। अब्दुल मलिक सार्वजनिक रूप से कम दिखते हैं और सुरक्षा कारणों से गुप्त स्थानों से संदेश देते हैं।**
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area Houthi movement Yemen conflict Bab-el-Mandeb Iran's regional influence Red Sea security
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

'यमन की गुफाओं से हुकूमत, पोस्टरों में हर जगह', कौन हैं हूती नेता अब्दुल मलिक, जो सऊदी अरब पर पड़े भारी

'यमन की गुफाओं से हुकूमत, पोस्टरों में हर जगह', कौन हैं हूती नेता अब्दुल मलिक, जो सऊदी अरब पर पड़े भारी

'यमन की गुफाओं से हुकूमत, पोस्टरों में हर जगह', कौन हैं हूती नेता अब्दुल मलिक, जो सऊदी अरब पर पड़े भारी

Concept not available.
NEW The Hindu Thu 17 Sep 2026 10:21:04 PM

Congress says U.S. law on Russian oil purchase is an ‘affront’ to India’s sovereignty

SUMMARY
India has strongly criticized a U.S. congressional provision targeting countries purchasing Russian oil, calling it an "affront" to India's sovereignty. Indian officials argue the nation has the right to make independent energy decisions based on its economic interests. India has significantly increased Russian oil imports since the Ukraine conflict began, benefiting from discounted prices. The legislation threatens secondary sanctions on nations facilitating Russian oil trade. India maintains its stance that energy purchases are driven by market dynamics, not geopolitical alignment, and refuses to bow to external pressure on its foreign policy choices.
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area India-US relations Russian oil Secondary sanctions Strategic autonomy Economic diplomacy
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

Congress says U.S. law on Russian oil purchase is an ‘affront’ to India’s sovereignty

Congress says U.S. law on Russian oil purchase is an ‘affront’ to India’s sovereignty

Congress says U.S. law on Russian oil purchase is an ‘affront’ to India’s sovereignty

Concept not available.
NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 17 Sep 2026 10:04:05 PM

Bengaluru Woman Abducted After Love Marriage, Car Hits Over 20 Vehicles During Chase

SUMMARY
A Bengaluru woman was allegedly abducted by her family members after she married a man against their wishes in a love marriage. The incident triggered a dramatic high-speed car chase through city streets, during which the abductors' vehicle rammed into over 20 vehicles, causing panic and damage. Police pursued the car and eventually intercepted it, rescuing the woman. Several people sustained injuries during the chaotic chase. Authorities arrested the accused family members involved in the abduction. The incident highlights ongoing honor-related conflicts over inter-caste or love marriages in India. Police registered cases for abduction, rash driving, and endangering public safety.
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Society & Social Justice
Focus Area Honour-related violence Women’s safety Forced abduction Gender-based violence Criminal justice
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

Bengaluru Woman Abducted After Love Marriage, Car Hits Over 20 Vehicles During Chase

Bengaluru Woman Abducted After Love Marriage, Car Hits Over 20 Vehicles During Chase

Bengaluru Woman Abducted After Love Marriage, Car Hits Over 20 Vehicles During Chase

Concept not available.
NEW Mint Thu 17 Sep 2026 09:30:22 PM

UPI transactions: No need to pay extra charges; 5 times payments remain free despite new government rules

SUMMARY
The Indian government clarified that UPI transactions remain free for users, dismissing concerns about extra charges. Despite new interchange fee rules introduced by NPCI, no additional costs will be passed to consumers. Users can continue making UPI payments without any transaction fees. The interchange fee applies only between banks and payment service providers, not end-users. The government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting digital payments by keeping UPI cost-free, ensuring financial inclusion and ease of transactions for all citizens across India.
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy
Focus Area UPI Digital payments MDR Financial inclusion Digital economy
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

UPI transactions: No need to pay extra charges; 5 times payments remain free despite new government rules

UPI transactions: No need to pay extra charges; 5 times payments remain free despite new government rules

UPI transactions: No need to pay extra charges; 5 times payments remain free despite new government rules

Concept not available.
NEW The Times Of India Thu 17 Sep 2026 09:30:05 PM

At 16, Arjun Jain’s hydroponics project has grown 3,500 pounds of produce

SUMMARY
At just 16, Arjun Jain has made a remarkable impact through his hydroponics project, successfully growing 3,500 pounds of fresh produce. Using soil-free, water-based farming techniques, Arjun launched this initiative to address food insecurity in his community. The harvested fruits and vegetables have been donated to local food banks and shelters, feeding hundreds of families in need. His project highlights how young innovators can leverage sustainable agriculture to tackle hunger and inspire environmental responsibility among peers.
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Environment & Ecology
Focus Area Hydroponics Urban agriculture Water-efficient farming Food security Sustainable agriculture
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

At 16, Arjun Jain’s hydroponics project has grown 3,500 pounds of produce

At 16, Arjun Jain’s hydroponics project has grown 3,500 pounds of produce

At 16, Arjun Jain’s hydroponics project has grown 3,500 pounds of produce

Concept not available.
NEW Hindustan Times Thu 17 Sep 2026 09:21:08 PM

Iran tells Swedish diplomat to leave country in 48 hours after Sweden expels Iranian embassy staffer

SUMMARY
Iran ordered a Swedish diplomat to leave within 48 hours in retaliation after Sweden expelled an Iranian embassy staff member. Sweden's move was linked to security concerns, reportedly tied to Iranian intelligence activities on Swedish soil. The tit-for-tat expulsions heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations, already strained over issues including Iran's detention of Swedish nationals and Sweden's prosecution of an Iranian official for war crimes committed in the 1980s.
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area Diplomatic relations Vienna Convention Reciprocal expulsion Iran-Sweden relations International law
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

Iran tells Swedish diplomat to leave country in 48 hours after Sweden expels Iranian embassy staffer

Iran tells Swedish diplomat to leave country in 48 hours after Sweden expels Iranian embassy staffer

Iran tells Swedish diplomat to leave country in 48 hours after Sweden expels Iranian embassy staffer

Concept not available.
NEW Moneycontrol Thu 17 Sep 2026 09:04:13 PM

दुनिया के सबसे उम्रदराज बरगद के पेड़ की उम्र है 700 साल, जानिए किस तकनीक से तय की गई इसकी उम्र

SUMMARY
# दुनिया का सबसे पुराना बरगद का पेड़ - 700 साल पुराना

वैज्ञानिकों ने दुनिया के सबसे उम्रदराज बरगद के पेड़ की आयु लगभग 700 साल आंकी है। इस पेड़ की उम्र जानने के लिए रेडियोकार्बन डेटिंग तकनीक का इस्तेमाल किया गया, जिसमें कार्बन-14 आइसोटोप की मात्रा मापकर किसी जैविक वस्तु की आयु निर्धारित की जाती है। बरगद के पेड़ों की उम्र तय करना कठिन होता है क्योंकि इनमें स्पष्ट वार्षिक वलय (growth rings) नहीं बनते और ये aerial roots से फैलते रहते हैं। यह खोज वनस्पति विज्ञान के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है।
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Science & Technology
Focus Area Radiocarbon dating Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Ancient trees Scientific dating Biodiversity conservation
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

दुनिया के सबसे उम्रदराज बरगद के पेड़ की उम्र है 700 साल, जानिए किस तकनीक से तय की गई इसकी उम्र

दुनिया के सबसे उम्रदराज बरगद के पेड़ की उम्र है 700 साल, जानिए किस तकनीक से तय की गई इसकी उम्र

दुनिया के सबसे उम्रदराज बरगद के पेड़ की उम्र है 700 साल, जानिए किस तकनीक से तय की गई इसकी उम्र

Concept not available.
NEW Hindustan Times Thu 17 Sep 2026 08:47:18 PM

Iran-backed Houthis claim they shot down Saudi's F-15 jet with 'locally manufactured missile'; release video

SUMMARY
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed they shot down a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jet using a locally manufactured surface-to-air missile. The group released video purportedly showing the incident. Saudi Arabia, leading a coalition fighting Houthis since 2015, did not immediately confirm the claim. Houthis have previously made similar claims, often disputed by the coalition. The conflict stems from Houthis seizing Yemen's capital Sanaa, prompting Saudi military intervention to restore the internationally recognized government.
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area Yemen conflict Saudi-Houthi conflict Iran's regional role Red Sea security West Asia
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

Iran-backed Houthis claim they shot down Saudi's F-15 jet with 'locally manufactured missile'; release video

Iran-backed Houthis claim they shot down Saudi's F-15 jet with 'locally manufactured missile'; release video

Iran-backed Houthis claim they shot down Saudi's F-15 jet with 'locally manufactured missile'; release video

Concept not available.
NEW Mint Thu 17 Sep 2026 08:47:12 PM

RBI FAQs may pave way for Tata Son's listing

SUMMARY
# RBI FAQs May Pave Way for Tata Sons' Listing

The RBI recently released FAQs clarifying norms for upper-layer NBFCs, mandating them to list within three years of classification. Tata Sons, classified as an upper-layer NBFC, had previously surrendered its NBFC license to avoid mandatory listing, which would have diluted the Tata Trusts' control. The new FAQs address regulatory ambiguities, potentially reopening the listing debate. If Tata Sons lists, it would unlock massive value for shareholders but could reshape the group's ownership structure, impacting Tata Trusts' philanthropic mission and control over the $400 billion conglomerate.
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy
Focus Area RBI regulation NBFC framework Tata Sons Corporate governance Stock-market listing
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

RBI FAQs may pave way for Tata Son's listing

RBI FAQs may pave way for Tata Son's listing

RBI FAQs may pave way for Tata Son's listing

Concept not available.
NEW The Hindu Thu 17 Sep 2026 08:47:04 PM

Article 371(J) has given wings to dreams of Kalyana Karnataka youth: Khandre

SUMMARY
Article 371(J), a special constitutional provision for the Hyderabad-Karnataka region (now Kalyana Karnataka), has been praised by Minister Eshwar Khandre for transforming the lives of youth in the region. He stated that this provision has empowered local youth by ensuring reservation in education and government jobs, addressing historical backwardness. Granted in 2012, Article 371(J) established a separate development board for the region, covering districts like Kalaburagi, Bidar, Raichur, and Yadgir. Khandre emphasized that the provision has given wings to the dreams of Kalyana Karnataka's youth by providing equal opportunities, reducing migration, and promoting regional development. He urged the community to fully utilize its benefits for progress.
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area Article 371 Kalyana Karnataka Regional development Special constitutional provisions Inclusive development
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

Article 371(J) has given wings to dreams of Kalyana Karnataka youth: Khandre

Article 371(J) has given wings to dreams of Kalyana Karnataka youth: Khandre

Article 371(J) has given wings to dreams of Kalyana Karnataka youth: Khandre

Concept not available.
NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 17 Sep 2026 08:21:03 PM

Narendra Modi Birthday: 5,000 Diyas Create PM Modi’s Portrait In Assam On His 76th Birthday | Video

SUMMARY
On PM Narendra Modi's 76th birthday (September 17, 2025), devotees in Assam celebrated by creating a stunning portrait of him using 5,000 diyas (oil lamps). The grand tribute was organized by supporters and BJP workers as part of nationwide celebrations marking the occasion. Modi's birthday is also observed as "Seva Diwaj," with followers undertaking social service activities. The diya portrait went viral on social media, drawing widespread admiration for its artistic brilliance and devotion.
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area Political Communication Political Parties Public Outreach Cultural Symbols Religious Practices
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

Narendra Modi Birthday: 5,000 Diyas Create PM Modi’s Portrait In Assam On His 76th Birthday | Video

Narendra Modi Birthday: 5,000 Diyas Create PM Modi’s Portrait In Assam On His 76th Birthday | Video

Narendra Modi Birthday: 5,000 Diyas Create PM Modi’s Portrait In Assam On His 76th Birthday | Video

Concept not available.