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NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 17 Sep 2026 11:04:07 AM

'Ashirwad Ka Diya': Artists Dedicate Special Song To PM Modi On 76th Birthday

SUMMARY

On PM Narendra Modi's 76th birthday, a group of artists released a special tribute song titled "Ashirwad Ka Diya." The song celebrates Modi's leadership, vision, and dedication to India's development. Composed as a heartfelt musical tribute, it highlights his contributions to the nation and his connect with citizens. The artists expressed admiration for his governance and wished him good health. The song gained traction on social media, with supporters sharing it widely as birthday celebrations were held across India by BJP workers and admirers.

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Relevant For: Prelims GS - I Art & Culture

Focus Area Performing Arts Cultural Expression Public Campaigns Political Communication

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Barandbench Thu 17 Sep 2026 11:04:02 AM

Divorce decree not needed to delete ex-spouse's name from passport: Kerala High Court

SUMMARY

The Kerala High Court ruled that a divorce decree is not mandatory to remove an ex-spouse's name from a passport. The court observed that insisting on a divorce decree causes unnecessary hardship, especially when marriages are dissolved through mutual consent or other legal processes. The ruling came while hearing a petition where passport authorities refused to delete the ex-spouse's name without a formal divorce decree. The court directed authorities to accept other valid legal documents proving marital dissolution, simplifying the process for individuals seeking passport amendments post-separation. This landmark judgment eases bureaucratic hurdles for divorced individuals.

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

Focus Area Judiciary Passport Rules Administrative Law Rule of Law Personal Law

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Moneycontrol Thu 17 Sep 2026 10:47:15 AM

Asset Reconstruction IPO Listing: लोन रिकवरी कंपनी ने दिया झटका, एकदम फ्लैट लिस्ट हुए ₹139 का शेयर

SUMMARY

**Asset Reconstruction IPO Listing:**

लोन रिकवरी कंपनी International Asset Reconstruction Company (IARC) का IPO आज BSE SME प्लेटफॉर्म पर लिस्ट हुआ। ₹139 प्रति शेयर के इश्यू प्राइस पर यह शेयर फ्लैट लिस्ट हुआ, यानी निवेशकों को कोई लिस्टिंग गेन नहीं मिला। यह कंपनी बैंकों और वित्तीय संस्थानों से NPA (Non-Performing Assets) खरीदकर लोन रिकवरी का काम करती है। IPO को सब्सक्रिप्शन के दौरान मिलाजुला रिस्पॉन्स मिला था। फ्लैट लिस्टिंग से निवेशक निराश हैं। विशेषज्ञों का कहना है कि कमजोर मार्केट सेंटिमेंट और सेक्टर में अनिश्चितता इसकी वजह रही।

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Relevant For: Prelims GS - III Economy

Focus Area Asset Reconstruction Companies NPAs Bad Loans Financial Sector Insolvency & Recovery

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Times Of India Thu 17 Sep 2026 10:21:13 AM

'Deeply regrets': FIDE apologises over Chess Olympiad lodging crisis

SUMMARY

FIDE issued a formal apology for the accommodation crisis at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest 2024, acknowledging serious lodging issues faced by participating teams. Several delegations reported substandard housing, overcrowding, and logistical failures, with some teams placed far from venues. FIDE stated it "deeply regrets" the inconvenience and pledged to investigate the organizational shortcomings. The controversy sparked widespread criticism from players and federations, raising concerns about future event planning and FIDE's oversight responsibilities.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II Current Affairs

Focus Area Sports Governance International Sports Federations Event Management Institutional Accountability

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 17 Sep 2026 10:21:03 AM

PM Modi Turns 76: Birthday Greetings Pour In From President, Ministers And Top Leaders

SUMMARY

**PM Modi Turns 76: Nation Celebrates**

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his 76th birthday on September 17, receiving warm wishes from President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union Ministers, and leaders across party lines. President Murmu praised his visionary leadership and dedication to nation-building. Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed his transformative governance. Opposition leaders also extended greetings. September 17 is also observed as Seva Diwas by the BJP, with workers undertaking social service activities nationwide to mark the occasion.

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

Focus Area Political Leadership Constitutional Offices Political Institutions Parliamentary Democracy

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Thu 17 Sep 2026 10:04:15 AM

U.S. lawmaker submits amendment naming India in Russia sanctions act

SUMMARY

A U.S. lawmaker introduced an amendment to the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) specifically naming India due to its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile defense system. The move aims to penalize nations engaging in significant defense transactions with Russia. India completed the S-400 deal despite U.S. warnings, straining bilateral ties. While the U.S. had previously considered waiving sanctions for India given their strategic partnership, this amendment signals growing Congressional pressure to hold allies accountable for Russian defense dealings.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area India–US Relations India–Russia Relations Economic Sanctions Secondary Sanctions Strategic Autonomy

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Mint Thu 17 Sep 2026 09:47:08 AM

Who is Alexandre Arnault, the LVMH top executive appointed to Nike's Board of Directors?

SUMMARY

Alexandre Arnault, son of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, was appointed to Nike's Board of Directors. He serves as EVP of Products and Communications at LVMH, overseeing Tiffany & Co. after its acquisition. His appointment signals Nike's push to elevate its brand through luxury expertise amid efforts to revitalize sales. Arnault, in his early 30s, brings experience in luxury branding and digital innovation. The move strengthens ties between sportswear and high fashion industries.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Corporate Governance Multinational Companies Global Business Leadership & Management Foreign Investment

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 17 Sep 2026 09:47:03 AM

11.59pm Countdown, Photos And 'Swag Se Swagat': How BJP Rang In PM Modi's 76th Birthday

SUMMARY

BJP celebrated PM Narendra Modi's 76th birthday on September 17, 2025, with grand festivities starting from an 11:59 PM countdown. Party workers across India cut cakes, displayed massive photo installations, and played the popular Bollywood song 'Swag Se Swagat' to welcome the occasion. Leaders shared tributes on social media, hailing Modi's leadership. BJP organized welfare drives, blood donation camps, and food distribution as part of "Seva Saptah" (service week) to mark the celebration nationwide.

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

Focus Area Political Parties Political Leadership Political Communication Political Culture

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 17 Sep 2026 09:21:17 AM

Two Terrorists Killed In Late-Night Operation By Security Forces In J&K’s Udhampur

SUMMARY

Security forces conducted a successful late-night counter-terrorism operation in Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir, eliminating two terrorists. The encounter was launched after intelligence inputs about terrorist presence in the area. Security personnel, including the Indian Army and J&K Police, cordoned off the area and engaged the militants. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to neutralize terror threats in the region, particularly along the Jammu belt, which has seen increased infiltration attempts recently. Identities and affiliations of the slain terrorists are being investigated.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Internal Security

Focus Area Counter-Terrorism Operations J&K Security Terrorist Networks Intelligence-Based Operations Arms & Ammunition

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Moneycontrol Thu 17 Sep 2026 09:21:07 AM

‘ब्याज दरें जल्द कम करें...’ फेड की दर वृद्धि के बाद ट्रंप ने 1% या उससे कम रेट की मांग की

SUMMARY

**ट्रंप की फेड से ब्याज दर कम करने की मांग**

अमेरिकी पूर्व राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रंप ने फेडरल रिजर्व (Fed) द्वारा ब्याज दरें बढ़ाने के फैसले की कड़ी आलोचना की। ट्रंप ने मांग की कि फेड तुरंत ब्याज दरें घटाकर 1% या उससे कम करे। उनका कहना है कि ऊंची ब्याज दरें अमेरिकी अर्थव्यवस्था की वृद्धि को रोक रही हैं, कारोबार और रोजगार पर नकारात्मक असर डाल रही हैं। ट्रंप ने फेड चेयरमैन जेरोम पॉवेल पर भी निशाना साधा, उन्हें अर्थव्यवस्था को नुकसान पहुंचाने का जिम्मेदार ठहराया। हालांकि, फेड एक स्वतंत्र संस्था है जो महंगाई नियंत्रण और आर्थिक स्थिरता के आधार पर निर्णय लेती है। विशेषज्ञों का मानना है कि राजनीतिक दबाव से मौद्रिक नीति प्रभावित नहीं होनी चाहिए।

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Monetary policy Interest rates Inflation Central bank independence Federal Reserve

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Thu 17 Sep 2026 09:21:02 AM

Centre questions Meta's 'intermediary' status over Facebook, Instagram ads

SUMMARY

The Indian government has questioned Meta's claim of being an "intermediary" platform, arguing that Facebook and Instagram actively participate in advertising by curating, targeting, and profiting from ads. The Centre contends that Meta exercises editorial control over ad content, making it more than a passive intermediary under IT laws. This distinction matters because intermediary status grants legal immunity from liability for user-generated content. If Meta loses this status, it could face greater accountability for misleading or harmful advertisements on its platforms, significantly impacting its business model in India.

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

Focus Area Intermediary liability IT Act Safe harbour Social media regulation Platform accountability

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Thu 17 Sep 2026 08:47:02 AM

After 'Vande Mataram' Feud With Congress, Omar Backs Centre's UPI Fee Rollout: 'We Don't Appreciate...'

SUMMARY

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who recently clashed with Congress over the 'Vande Mataram' controversy, has now sided with the Centre on rolling out UPI transaction fees. Omar expressed support for the government's move, stating, "We don't appreciate things until we have to pay for them." He suggested that nominal charges on UPI transactions could help sustain digital payment infrastructure. This stance surprised many, as Omar's National Conference often opposes BJP-led central policies. His dual stand—against Congress on national symbols and with the Centre on fintech—signals independent positioning ahead of key political developments.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area UPI & Digital Payments MDR FinTech Digital Economy Financial Regulation

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Ndtv Thu 17 Sep 2026 08:30:19 AM

Will Pakistan Play In India? PHF Reveals Major Hurdle Before Asian Champions Trophy

SUMMARY

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has expressed uncertainty over Pakistan's participation in the Asian Champions Trophy scheduled in India. PHF revealed that obtaining visas from India remains the major hurdle, as political tensions between the two nations continue to affect sporting ties. PHF officials stated they are awaiting clearance from the Pakistan government and Indian visa approvals for the team. Without timely visas, Pakistan may be forced to withdraw from the prestigious tournament. PHF urged Asian Hockey Federation to intervene and ensure smooth participation, emphasizing sports should remain separate from politics.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area India–Pakistan Relations Sports Diplomacy Bilateral Sporting Ties International Sports Governance Regional Cooperation

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Thu 17 Sep 2026 08:30:03 AM

In a first, Punjab to deploy drones to spot satellite-evading farm fires

SUMMARY

Punjab is pioneering drone technology to detect stubble-burning farm fires that often evade satellite monitoring due to cloud cover or small fire sizes. The state government plans to deploy drones across key agricultural districts to ensure real-time identification and faster response to crop residue burning, a major contributor to severe air pollution in North India, especially Delhi-NCR, during the post-harvest season. This initiative aims to strengthen enforcement against violators, as satellite-based systems like NASA's VIIRS and MODIS sometimes miss short-duration fires. The move complements existing penalties and subsidies for crop residue management machinery, reflecting Punjab's intensified efforts to curb farm fires amid Supreme Court directives and growing public health concerns over hazardous air quality levels.

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

Focus Area Stubble burning Crop-residue management Air pollution Drone surveillance Environmental governance

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Business News India Thu 17 Sep 2026 08:21:12 AM

ITC Hikes Cigarette Prices Again: Classic Connect, Gold Flake Super Star Get Costlier

SUMMARY

ITC has once again raised prices of select cigarette brands, making popular brands like Classic Connect and Gold Flake Super Star costlier for consumers. The price hike comes amid rising input costs and increased government taxes on tobacco products. ITC, India's largest cigarette manufacturer, periodically revises prices to maintain profit margins. The move is expected to impact millions of smokers nationwide. Health advocates welcome higher prices as a deterrent to smoking, while consumers express dissatisfaction over the frequent increases.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Sin Goods Taxation GST & Excise Duty Tobacco Industry Price Elasticity Public Health Economics

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts