NEW The Hindu Fri 16 Oct 2026 09:30:06 AM

India raises windfall tax on petrol, cuts duty on diesel

SUMMARY
India revised its windfall tax, increasing the levy on domestically produced crude oil and petrol exports while reducing the duty on diesel exports. The government periodically adjusts these taxes based on global oil prices to balance revenue and ensure domestic fuel supply stability.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy
Focus Area Windfall Tax Petroleum Export Duty Taxation Policy Crude Oil Prices Energy Security Domestic Fuel Supply Fiscal Policy
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

India raises windfall tax on petrol, cuts duty on diesel

India raises windfall tax on petrol, cuts duty on diesel

India raises windfall tax on petrol, cuts duty on diesel

Concept not available.
NEW Hindustan Times Fri 16 Oct 2026 09:30:03 AM

Zirakpur bypass project | NHAI’s new alignment plan to save 1,900 trees from the axe

SUMMARY
NHAI has revised the Zirakpur bypass alignment plan to save around 1,900 trees from being felled. The new design reroutes the highway corridor, minimizing environmental damage while easing traffic congestion. This eco-friendly approach balances infrastructure development with green conservation.
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Relevant For: Mains GS - III Environment & Ecology
Focus Area Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Tree Felling Compensatory Afforestation Biodiversity Conservation Sustainable Infrastructure
Related
Basic Concepts

Zirakpur bypass project | NHAI’s new alignment plan to save 1,900 trees from the axe

Zirakpur bypass project | NHAI’s new alignment plan to save 1,900 trees from the axe

Zirakpur bypass project | NHAI’s new alignment plan to save 1,900 trees from the axe

Concept not available.
NEW Firstpost Fri 16 Oct 2026 09:04:10 AM

India raises petrol export tax, slashes diesel duty to Rs 8.5 per litre

SUMMARY
India has increased the windfall tax on petrol exports while cutting the special additional excise duty on diesel exports to Rs 8.5 per litre. These changes aim to balance domestic fuel supply and government revenue amid fluctuating global crude oil prices.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy
Focus Area Windfall Tax Export Duties Petroleum Products Crude Oil Prices Energy Security Fiscal Policy Domestic Fuel Availability
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

India raises petrol export tax, slashes diesel duty to Rs 8.5 per litre

India raises petrol export tax, slashes diesel duty to Rs 8.5 per litre

India raises petrol export tax, slashes diesel duty to Rs 8.5 per litre

Concept not available.
NEW Mint Fri 16 Oct 2026 08:47:12 AM

Jio parent Reliance Industries breaks silence on Starlink row: 'We have never feared competition’

SUMMARY
Reliance Industries responded to the Starlink satellite internet debate, stating it welcomes competition but demands a level playing field. Mukesh Ambani's firm urged that satellite spectrum be auctioned, not allocated administratively, to ensure fairness with telecom operators like Jio who invest billions in spectrum purchases. Elon Musk's Starlink seeks direct allocation, sparking regulatory tensions in India.
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Mains GS - III Economy
Focus Area Telecom Sector Competition Satellite Internet Starlink vs Jio Private Space Sector Spectrum Allocation TRAI Regulations
Related
Basic Concepts

Jio parent Reliance Industries breaks silence on Starlink row: 'We have never feared competition’

Jio parent Reliance Industries breaks silence on Starlink row: 'We have never feared competition’

Jio parent Reliance Industries breaks silence on Starlink row: 'We have never feared competition’

Concept not available.
NEW Hindustan Times Fri 16 Oct 2026 08:30:13 AM

India & the UK: From ties of history to scripting a future

SUMMARY
India and the UK share deep historical ties rooted in the colonial era. Today, both nations are strengthening their partnership through trade, defence, technology, and people-to-people connections. With a large Indian diaspora in the UK, bilateral relations focus on a Free Trade Agreement, climate cooperation, and strategic collaboration. Both aim to build a forward-looking relationship beyond colonial legacies, emphasizing mutual growth, innovation, and shared democratic values for a prosperous future.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area India-UK Vision 2035 Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Free Trade Agreement Bilateral Trade
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

India & the UK: From ties of history to scripting a future

India & the UK: From ties of history to scripting a future

India & the UK: From ties of history to scripting a future

Concept not available.
NEW The Times Of India Fri 16 Oct 2026 08:30:03 AM

Zelenskyy’s worst nightmare is here: Ukraine runs out of Patriot missiles

SUMMARY
Ukraine faces a critical defense crisis as its Patriot missile stocks are reportedly depleted. These US-made systems are vital for intercepting Russian ballistic and cruise missiles targeting cities and infrastructure. Zelenskyy has urgently appealed to Western allies for more supplies, warning that without them, Ukraine cannot protect civilians. The shortage highlights growing strain on Western arms production and debates over sustained military aid amid an intensifying Russian aerial campaign.
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Relevant For: Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area Patriot Air Defence System Surface-to-Air Missile Ballistic Missile Defence Missile Interception Air Defence Systems Russia-Ukraine Wa
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

Zelenskyy’s worst nightmare is here: Ukraine runs out of Patriot missiles

Zelenskyy’s worst nightmare is here: Ukraine runs out of Patriot missiles

Zelenskyy’s worst nightmare is here: Ukraine runs out of Patriot missiles

Concept not available.
NEW The Times Of India Fri 16 Oct 2026 06:30:12 AM

Migrants taking four in five new jobs in Britain; Indians largest foreign workforce

SUMMARY
Recent UK data reveals migrants are securing four out of five new jobs created in Britain. Indians now represent the largest foreign workforce in the country, raising debates on immigration policy, labor market impact, and domestic employment opportunities amid ongoing economic challenges.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area Indian Diaspora International Migration Labour Mobility India-UK Relations Overseas Employment Skilled Migration
Related
Basic Concepts

Migrants taking four in five new jobs in Britain; Indians largest foreign workforce

Migrants taking four in five new jobs in Britain; Indians largest foreign workforce

Migrants taking four in five new jobs in Britain; Indians largest foreign workforce

Concept not available.
NEW The Hindu Fri 16 Oct 2026 06:30:09 AM

China says 'divergent opinions' contributed to lack of G20 consensus

SUMMARY
China stated that "divergent opinions" among G20 members prevented consensus on key issues, likely involving geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and climate policies. Divisions between major economies hindered joint statements, reflecting growing global fragmentation on critical matters.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Current Affairs
Focus Area G20 Global Economic Governance International Organisations Global Trade Trade Protectionism Import Tariffs
Related
Basic Concepts

China says 'divergent opinions' contributed to lack of G20 consensus

China says 'divergent opinions' contributed to lack of G20 consensus

China says 'divergent opinions' contributed to lack of G20 consensus

Concept not available.
NEW Hindustan Times Fri 16 Oct 2026 03:04:12 AM

Greenland takes a step towards banning deep-sea mining

SUMMARY
Greenland's parliament is advancing legislation to ban deep-sea mining in its waters, aiming to protect fragile Arctic ecosystems. The move aligns with growing global concerns over environmental damage from seabed extraction. Activists praise the decision, urging other nations to follow suit.
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Relevant For: Mains GS - III Environment & Ecology
Focus Area Deep-Sea Mining Marine Biodiversity Arctic Region Sustainable Development Ocean Governance
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

Greenland takes a step towards banning deep-sea mining

Greenland takes a step towards banning deep-sea mining

Greenland takes a step towards banning deep-sea mining

Concept not available.
NEW The Hindu Fri 16 Oct 2026 02:30:14 AM

Two more judges sworn in at Madras High Court increasing its working strength to 67

SUMMARY
Two new judges were sworn in at Madras High Court, raising its working strength to 67. The judges took the oath of office, strengthening the judiciary to handle the growing caseload. This appointment aims to reduce case pendency and ensure faster justice delivery across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area High Court Judges Appointment Articles 217 and 224 Collegium System Sanctioned vs Working Strength
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

Two more judges sworn in at Madras High Court increasing its working strength to 67

Two more judges sworn in at Madras High Court increasing its working strength to 67

Two more judges sworn in at Madras High Court increasing its working strength to 67

Concept not available.
NEW Dainik Bhaskar Fri 16 Oct 2026 02:04:12 AM

भास्कर अपडेट्स:राष्ट्रपति मुर्मू ने तत्काल प्रभाव से एल मुरुगन का इस्तीफा मंजूर किया

SUMMARY
**राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मू ने केंद्रीय मंत्री एल मुरुगन का इस्तीफा तत्काल प्रभाव से स्वीकार कर लिया। मुरुगन को महाराष्ट्र का राज्यपाल नियुक्त किया गया है। वे भाजपा नेता हैं और पहले सूचना प्रसारण तथा मत्स्य पालन मंत्रालय संभाल रहे थे।**
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Relevant For: Prelims GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area President of India Union Council of Ministers Article 75(2) Prime Minister's Advice Ministerial Resignation
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

भास्कर अपडेट्स:राष्ट्रपति मुर्मू ने तत्काल प्रभाव से एल मुरुगन का इस्तीफा मंजूर किया

भास्कर अपडेट्स:राष्ट्रपति मुर्मू ने तत्काल प्रभाव से एल मुरुगन का इस्तीफा मंजूर किया

भास्कर अपडेट्स:राष्ट्रपति मुर्मू ने तत्काल प्रभाव से एल मुरुगन का इस्तीफा मंजूर किया

Concept not available.
NEW Firstpost Thu 15 Oct 2026 10:30:04 PM

India issues fresh advisory for nationals in Saudi Arabia amid drone, missile attacks

SUMMARY
India issued a fresh advisory urging its nationals in Saudi Arabia to stay vigilant amid escalating drone and missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting Saudi cities. The Indian Embassy advised citizens to follow local authorities' instructions, stay away from border areas, and keep emergency contacts handy for safety.
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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area India-Saudi Arabia Relations West Asian Geopolitics Indian Diaspora Protection of Indian Nationals Abroad Consular Diplomacy
Related
Basic Concepts

India issues fresh advisory for nationals in Saudi Arabia amid drone, missile attacks

India issues fresh advisory for nationals in Saudi Arabia amid drone, missile attacks

India issues fresh advisory for nationals in Saudi Arabia amid drone, missile attacks

Concept not available.
NEW The Hindu Thu 15 Oct 2026 10:21:03 PM

Minister calls for eradication of drugs to protect youth, students

SUMMARY
A government minister urged the complete eradication of drugs from society, emphasizing the need to protect youth and students from substance abuse. The minister called for stricter law enforcement, awareness campaigns, and community involvement to combat drug trafficking and addiction.
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Relevant For: Mains GS - II Society & Social Justice
Focus Area Drug Abuse Drug Trafficking Substance Addiction Youth and Student Welfare Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

Minister calls for eradication of drugs to protect youth, students

Minister calls for eradication of drugs to protect youth, students

Minister calls for eradication of drugs to protect youth, students

Concept not available.
NEW The Hindu Thu 15 Oct 2026 09:47:06 PM

'Severe drought' declared in parts of United Kingdom

SUMMARY
Parts of southern and central England have been officially declared in "severe drought" due to prolonged dry conditions and record-breaking heatwaves. Water companies imposed hosepipe bans, rivers hit critically low levels, and reservoirs depleted significantly, affecting agriculture, wildlife, and daily life across affected regions.
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Relevant For: Mains GS - III Environment & Ecology
Focus Area Drought Severe Drought Climate Change Extreme Weather Events Heatwaves Rainfall Deficit Water Scarcity Water Resource Management
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

'Severe drought' declared in parts of United Kingdom

'Severe drought' declared in parts of United Kingdom

'Severe drought' declared in parts of United Kingdom

Concept not available.
NEW Forbes India Thu 15 Oct 2026 08:47:06 PM

India’s alternative-stay market set to grow 21 percent annually through FY29

SUMMARY
India's alternative-stay market, including homestays, villas, and serviced apartments, is projected to grow at 21% annually through FY29, driven by rising domestic tourism, remote work trends, and travelers seeking unique experiences over traditional hotels. The sector, valued at billions, benefits from platforms like Airbnb and OYO expanding into tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Read at Zinkpot →
Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy
Focus Area Tourism Hospitality GDP Employment Air BnB
Related
MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

India’s alternative-stay market set to grow 21 percent annually through FY29

India’s alternative-stay market set to grow 21 percent annually through FY29

India’s alternative-stay market set to grow 21 percent annually through FY29

Concept not available.