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NEW News 18 Hindi Sun 28 Jun 2026 06:00:31 PM

UPI Payments, Defence Cooperation: India, Seychelles Sign 19 Agreements During PM Modi's Visit

SUMMARY

India and Seychelles have signed 19 agreements spanning defence, maritime security, digital payments, healthcare, space cooperation and the Blue Economy, significantly expanding their strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the island nation. The agreements were signed following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie in Victoria.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

MCQs Mains Question

NEW The Indian Express Sun 28 Jun 2026 04:05:41 PM

Baby humpback washes up at Mumbai’s Carter Road, dies despite rescue efforts

SUMMARY

Labourers working for Mumbai’s Bandra-Versova Sea Link project woke up to an unusual sight on Saturday morning as a baby humpback whale was found stranded between the rocks along the shores of Carter Road. The incident came to light around 6 am near Otters Club, where the Bandra-Versova Sea Link road work is underway. According to preliminary reports, the 26-foot-tall calf was alive and seen writhing as it lay on the rocky shores.

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Relevant For: Prelims Environment & Ecology

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Times Of India Sun 28 Jun 2026 03:35:25 PM

Russia deploys its most powerful nuclear warship near key Nato sea routes in the Arctic

SUMMARY

Russia has stationed its most powerful nuclear-powered surface warship, Admiral Nakhimov, at the strategic Arctic naval base of Severomorsk, a move seen as strengthening Moscow's nuclear deterrence and sending a strong message to Nato as the war in Ukraine enters a new phase. The deployment comes as Ukraine has launched a 40-day campaign of long-range drone strikes aimed at increasing military pressure on Russia.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II International Relations

MCQs Mains Question

NEW Firstpost Sun 28 Jun 2026 03:19:43 PM

PM Modi conferred Seychelles' highest environmental honour: 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon'

SUMMARY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday conferred the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’, Seychelles’ highest honour for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development. The prestigious honour was presented during PM Modi’s official visit to the East African island nation. The award recognises his long-standing commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection and international cooperation in addressing global climate challenges.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Indian Express Sun 28 Jun 2026 02:46:06 PM

Indian Railways to roll out new wagon design policy in July to boost freight transport

SUMMARY

Indian Railways is introducing a new Wagon Design Policy to modernise freight operations. It allows industries and private players to design customised wagons for specific goods like cement, steel, and automobiles, with safety approval from RDSO and CCRS. The reform aims to improve efficiency, reduce logistics costs, increase rail freight share, and promote greener, more sustainable transport by shifting cargo from road to rail.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - III Economy

MCQs Mains Question

NEW News 18 Hindi Sun 28 Jun 2026 02:43:11 PM

Big Boost To India-Seychelles Ties: PM Modi Announces UPI MoU And Connectivity Push

SUMMARY

PM Modi’s visit to Seychelles strengthened bilateral ties with a focus on digital payments, connectivity, and maritime cooperation. Both countries agreed to expand UPI usage to boost seamless transactions. Discussions also covered improving air and sea links, enhancing trade, tourism, and security in the Indian Ocean region. India reiterated support for Seychelles in infrastructure, blue economy, and capacity building, marking a deeper strategic and economic partnership between the two nations.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Times Of India Sun 28 Jun 2026 01:41:59 PM

Isro moves step closer to more powerful LVM-3 with key engine test

SUMMARY

The test, conducted on June 24 at the Isro Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri involved firing the “Power Head Test Article (PHTA)” at 175 tonnes of thrust, or 88% of the engine’s planned full power. It marks the highest thrust level achieved so far during the development of the engine. Unlike a complete rocket engine, the PHTA contains almost every major component except the thrust chamber, where the actual exhaust flame is produced.

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

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Firstpost Sun 28 Jun 2026 01:32:37 PM

PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Seychelles President Herminie, focus on deepening ties

SUMMARY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie to strengthen India–Seychelles relations. The discussions focused on defence cooperation, maritime security, blue economy, trade, and development partnership in the Indian Ocean region. India reaffirmed support for Seychelles through infrastructure and capacity-building assistance. Both leaders emphasized regional peace, stability, and sustainable development, marking a step toward deeper strategic ties between the two countries.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II International Relations

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Sun 28 Jun 2026 01:30:45 PM

What does the Centre’s Vision Document on Drug Control 2026-2029 propose?

SUMMARY

The Centre’s Drug Control Vision (2026–2029) aims to combat narcotics through a network-focused strategy targeting entire trafficking chains. It emphasizes intelligence sharing, technology use, and control of precursor chemicals. The plan also focuses on financial tracking of drug networks, stronger enforcement, and rehabilitation measures. Along with demand reduction through awareness, it seeks a balanced approach to achieve a drug-free India.

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

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Prabhat Khabar Sun 28 Jun 2026 11:02:02 AM

छुटकू से सेशेल्स के जरिए चीन को मात देगा भारत, हिंद महासागर में ‘स्ट्रिंग ऑफ पर्ल्स’ की काट ‘नेकलेस ऑफ डायमंड्स’

SUMMARY

प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी की सेशेल्स यात्रा हिंद महासागर क्षेत्र में भारत की रणनीतिक नीति के लिए महत्वपूर्ण मानी जा रही है। भारत और सेशेल्स के बीच समुद्री सुरक्षा, रक्षा सहयोग और तटीय निगरानी जैसे क्षेत्रों में सहयोग बढ़ाया जा रहा है। यह पहल भारत की “नेकलस ऑफ डायमंड्स” रणनीति का हिस्सा है, जिसका उद्देश्य क्षेत्र में चीन के प्रभाव को संतुलित करना है। सेशेल्स की भौगोलिक स्थिति इसे भारत के लिए एक अहम साझेदार बनाती है।

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MCQs Mains Question

NEW The Hindu Sun 28 Jun 2026 07:27:24 AM

Germany, Denmark gripped by record temperatures as European heatwave moves east

SUMMARY

Europe is facing an intense heatwave, with Germany and Denmark recording record-high temperatures. The extreme heat has disrupted transport, strained power supplies, and increased wildfire risks. As the heatwave moves eastward, several countries remain on alert. Scientists link the growing frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events to human-driven climate change.

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

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW DNA India Sun 28 Jun 2026 07:27:02 AM

Iran slams Italy over 'technical and logistical' support to US during war; Rome denies allegations

SUMMARY

Iran has accused Italy of providing technical and logistical support to the United States during the recent conflict, claiming it aided military operations against Tehran. Italy denied the allegations, saying it neither participated in combat nor authorized offensive missions. Rome reaffirmed its commitment to international law and called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II International Relations

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Prabhat Khabar Sun 28 Jun 2026 07:17:23 AM

चंदननगर के जलभरा संदेश, जनाई की मनोहरा मिष्टी और बालागढ़ की डिंगी नाव को मिला जीआई टैग

SUMMARY

पश्चिम बंगाल के पांच पारंपरिक उत्पादों, जिनमें **चंदननगर का जलभरा संदेश, जनाई का मनोहरा, बालागढ़ की मिष्टी और डिंगी नाव** शामिल हैं, को **भौगोलिक संकेतक (GI) टैग** मिला है। यह सम्मान उनकी विशिष्ट गुणवत्ता और क्षेत्रीय पहचान को संरक्षित करने के लिए दिया गया है। GI टैग से स्थानीय कारीगरों और मिठाई निर्माताओं को आर्थिक लाभ मिलेगा, नकली उत्पादों पर रोक लगेगी तथा राज्य की सांस्कृतिक विरासत, हस्तशिल्प और पर्यटन को बढ़ावा मिलेगा।

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Relevant For: Prelims GS - III Economy

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Sat 27 Jun 2026 05:53:48 PM

5 Flowering Plants To Grow In Your Garden That Thrive In Indian Monsoons

SUMMARY

The article recommends five flowering plants that thrive during the Indian monsoon: hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, ixora, and lotus. These plants flourish in humid, rainy conditions, require relatively low maintenance, and add vibrant colours and fragrance to gardens. They also attract pollinators and help create lush, attractive outdoor spaces throughout the monsoon season.

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

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Prabhat Khabar Sat 27 Jun 2026 04:43:35 PM

सेशेल्स में पीएम मोदी का भव्य स्वागत, राष्ट्रपति हर्मिनी के साथ पहुंचे बॉटनिकल गार्डन

SUMMARY

प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी शनिवार को तीन दिन की आधिकारिक यात्रा पर सेशेल्स पहुंचे. सेशेल्स अंतरराष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डे पर हर्मिनी और एक उच्च-स्तरीय प्रतिनिधिमंडल ने मोदी का स्वागत किया. प्रधानमंत्री को औपचारिक गार्ड ऑफ ऑनर भी दिया गया. सेशेल्स पहुंचने के बाद पीएम मोदी, राष्ट्रपति डॉ पैट्रिक हर्मिनी के साथ एक ही गाड़ी में सवार होकर नेशनल बॉटनिकल गार्डन गए. पीएम मोदी ने सेशेल्स के बॉटनिकल गार्डन में एक पौधा भी लगाया. उसके बाद गार्डन में घुमने के दौरान राष्ट्रपति के साथ नारियाल का पानी पिया.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II International Relations

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts