NEW The Hindu
Fri 18 Sep 2026 07:04:13 AM ⤴
Why was Shahzad Bhatti Network designated as a terrorist group under UAPA? | Explained
SUMMARY
The Shahzad Bhatti Network was designated as a terrorist organization under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) due to its involvement in cross-border terrorism, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling operations linked to Pakistan-based handlers. The network reportedly facilitated terror financing and logistics for attacks in India, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. Led by Shahzad Bhatti, the group operated through criminal-terror nexuses, using narco-terrorism to fund militant activities. The UAPA designation enables authorities to freeze assets, arrest members, and ban the organization, strengthening India's counter-terrorism framework against cross-border threats.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - III
Internal Security
Focus Area
UAPA
Terrorism
Cross-Border Terrorism
Terror Financing
Radicalisation
Internal Security
NEW Hindustan Times
Fri 18 Sep 2026 07:04:08 AM ⤴
Swara Bhasker, Fahad Ahmad reveal how Umar Khalid played cupid in their love story: ‘Just call her'
SUMMARY
Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker and political activist Fahad Ahmad shared the heartwarming story of how jailed activist Umar Khalid played cupid in their relationship. Fahad revealed that Umar encouraged him to reach out to Swara, simply advising him to "just call her." This nudge sparked their connection, which eventually blossomed into love. The couple got married in 2023 and welcomed a daughter. Their revelation highlights their close bond with Khalid, who remains in jail under UAPA charges related to the 2020 Delhi riots.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - I
Society & Social Justice
Focus Area
Marriage & Family
Social Relationships
Celebrity Culture
Contemporary Social Trends
NEW The Times Of India
Fri 18 Sep 2026 07:04:03 AM ⤴
'Irumudi' BO day 28: Ravi Teja film at Rs 95 lakhs
SUMMARY
Ravi Teja's latest Telugu film **'Irumudi'** has been struggling at the box office since its release. On its 28th day (Day 28), the film collected approximately **Rs 95 lakhs**, bringing its total collection to a disappointing figure. Directed by a relatively new filmmaker, the action-drama failed to attract audiences despite Ravi Teja's star power. Poor reviews, weak storyline, and stiff competition from other releases contributed to its underwhelming performance. The film's lifetime earnings remain far below expectations, marking it as one of Ravi Teja's recent setbacks.
Relevent For:
Mains
GS - I
Art & Culture
Focus Area
Indian Cinema
Telugu Cinema
Film Industry
Popular Culture
NEW Hindustan Times
Fri 18 Sep 2026 06:47:13 AM ⤴
Companies need to prove their safety measures work
SUMMARY
The EU and other regulatory bodies are increasingly requiring companies, especially in AI and tech sectors, to demonstrate that their safety measures are effective before deploying products. This shift moves from self-regulation to accountability, demanding transparent risk assessments, audits, and documented evidence of safety protocols. Companies must now show regulators and the public that their systems won't cause harm, addressing concerns around data privacy, environmental impact, and consumer protection. Failure to comply could result in heavy fines and bans.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - III
Economy
Focus Area
Occupational Safety
Labour Welfare
Workplace Safety Standards
Industrial Regulation
Corporate Accountability
NEW The Times Of India
Fri 18 Sep 2026 06:47:07 AM ⤴
Centre agrees to lower cut-off for NEET-SS admission
SUMMARY
The Centre has agreed to lower the cut-off percentile for NEET-SS (Super Specialty) admissions to ensure more seats are filled in super specialty medical courses like DM and MCh. The decision came after concerns over a large number of vacant seats in previous admission cycles. By reducing the qualifying percentile, more eligible candidates can secure admissions in critical specialties, addressing the shortage of super specialists in India. The move aims to strengthen tertiary healthcare services nationwide and was welcomed by medical bodies and aspirants alike.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
Polity & Governance
Focus Area
Medical Education
Healthcare Workforce
NEET-SS
Health Governance
Medical Seats & Accessibility
NEW Firstpost
Fri 18 Sep 2026 06:47:03 AM ⤴
Trump to sign Russia sanctions bill as US eyes 100% tariff on India, China
SUMMARY
President Trump is set to sign a new Russia sanctions bill targeting its economy over the ongoing Ukraine conflict, intensifying pressure on Moscow. Simultaneously, the US is considering imposing up to 100% tariffs on imports from India and China, escalating trade tensions with both nations. The tariff move aims to protect American industries and reduce trade deficits. India and China have expressed concern, warning of retaliatory measures. These actions signal a more aggressive US foreign and trade policy stance, impacting global markets and diplomatic relations significantly.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - III
Economy
Focus Area
Russia Sanctions
India-US Relations
Tariff & Trade War
Energy Security
Secondary Sanctions
NEW The Hindu
Fri 18 Sep 2026 06:30:11 AM ⤴
Poland warns Russia planning drone or rocket strikes on NATO territory, says attacks will be called ‘accidental’
SUMMARY
Poland's intelligence chief warned that Russia is planning drone or rocket strikes on NATO territory, likely disguised as "accidental" incidents to test the alliance's response. The warning comes amid escalating tensions over the Ukraine war, with Russian drones previously violating NATO airspace. Poland, a frontline NATO member bordering Ukraine, has heightened defense readiness. Officials stress that any attack on NATO soil could trigger Article 5, the alliance's collective defense clause, potentially escalating the conflict significantly.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
International Relations
Focus Area
NATO
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Hybrid Warfare
Article 5
Drone Warfare
European Security
NEW Dainik Bhaskar
Fri 18 Sep 2026 06:21:13 AM ⤴
दिल्ली यूनिवर्सिटी छात्र संघ चुनाव के लिए आज वोटिंग:यह देश का सबसे बड़ा स्टूडेंट इलेक्शन; पिछली बार ABVP ने 4 में से 3 पोस्ट जीती थीं
SUMMARY
**दिल्ली यूनिवर्सिटी छात्र संघ (DUSU) चुनाव के लिए आज वोटिंग हो रही है। यह भारत का सबसे बड़ा छात्र चुनाव माना जाता है, जिसमें लाखों छात्र मतदान करते हैं। अध्यक्ष, उपाध्यक्ष, सचिव और संयुक्त सचिव के चार पदों के लिए चुनाव होता है। पिछली बार ABVP ने चार में से तीन पदों पर जीत हासिल की थी। इस बार ABVP, NSUI और अन्य छात्र संगठनों के बीच कड़ी टक्कर है। कैंपस में सुरक्षा के कड़े इंतजाम किए गए हैं।**
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
Polity & Governance
Focus Area
Student Politics
Democratic Participation
University Governance
Elections
Youth Participation
NEW Dainik Bhaskar
Fri 18 Sep 2026 06:04:13 AM ⤴
दिल्ली यूनिवर्सिटी छात्र संघ चुनाव के लिए आज वोटिंग:यह देश का सबसे बड़ा स्टूडेंट इलेक्शन; पिछली बार ABVP ने 4 में से 3 पोस्ट जीती थीं
SUMMARY
**दिल्ली यूनिवर्सिटी छात्र संघ (DUSU) चुनाव 2024 के लिए आज वोटिंग हो रही है। यह भारत का सबसे बड़ा छात्र चुनाव माना जाता है, जिसमें लाखों छात्र मतदान करते हैं। चार पदों- अध्यक्ष, उपाध्यक्ष, सचिव और संयुक्त सचिव के लिए चुनाव होता है। पिछली बार ABVP ने 4 में से 3 सीटें जीती थीं, जबकि NSUI को एक सीट मिली थी। इस बार भी ABVP, NSUI और अन्य छात्र संगठनों के बीच कड़ा मुकाबला है। कैंपस में सुरक्षा के कड़े इंतजाम किए गए हैं।**
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
Polity & Governance
Focus Area
Student Politics
Democratic Participation
University Governance
Elections
Youth Participation
NEW News 18 Hindi
Fri 18 Sep 2026 05:47:06 AM ⤴
Govt In Talks With Payment Aggregators To Keep UPI Fee Off Customers: Sources
SUMMARY
The Indian government is in active discussions with payment aggregators to ensure that any proposed UPI transaction fees are not passed on to end consumers. Currently, UPI transactions are zero-cost for users, driving massive digital payment adoption. However, payment aggregators and fintech companies have sought a sustainable revenue model. Sources indicate the government aims to protect consumers while exploring ways to compensate service providers through alternative mechanisms, possibly merchant-side charges. This move is crucial to maintaining India's digital payment momentum, as UPI processes billions of transactions monthly, serving as the backbone of the country's cashless economy initiative.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
International Relations
Focus Area
UPI
Digital Payments
Payment Aggregators
Digital Public Infrastructure
Financial Inclusion
NEW The Hindu
Fri 18 Sep 2026 05:47:02 AM ⤴
North Korea warns of stronger response to U.S.-led drills
SUMMARY
North Korea has issued a stern warning, vowing a stronger military response to joint U.S.-South Korea military drills, which it views as rehearsals for invasion. Pyongyang condemned the exercises as provocative and threatened to bolster its nuclear deterrent. The U.S. and South Korea maintain the drills are defensive in nature. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated, with North Korea conducting multiple missile tests. The international community urges dialogue to prevent further escalation and maintain regional stability.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
International Relations
Focus Area
Korean Peninsula
Nuclear Diplomacy
US–North Korea Relations
Military Exercises
Nuclear Deterrence
NEW Mint
Fri 18 Sep 2026 05:30:17 AM ⤴
Mutual funds with the highest BSE exposure: Could we see a major reshuffle after NSE's listing? Experts weigh in
SUMMARY
India's top mutual funds hold significant exposure to BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange), whose stock has surged over 300% recently amid rising market activity. With NSE's anticipated IPO/listing, experts predict a major portfolio reshuffle. Fund managers may diversify holdings between BSE and NSE, potentially diluting BSE positions. NSE's larger market share could attract substantial mutual fund investments, pressuring BSE valuations. Funds like Motilal Oswal, Nippon, and others with heavy BSE stakes face rebalancing decisions. Analysts warn investors to watch for volatility in exchange stocks post-NSE listing.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - III
Economy
Focus Area
Capital Market
Mutual Funds
Stock Exchanges
Index Rebalancing
IPO & Listing
NEW The Times Of India
Fri 18 Sep 2026 05:21:15 AM ⤴
US F-16 fighter jet crashes in Michigan, bursts into flames
SUMMARY
A US Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed near Joint Base Selfridge in Harrison Township, Michigan, during a routine training mission. The pilot safely ejected before impact and was recovered with non-life-threatening injuries. The aircraft, assigned to the 107th Fighter Squadron of the Michigan Air National Guard, crashed in an unpopulated area and burst into flames upon impact. Emergency crews quickly responded to the scene. No civilian casualties or property damage were reported. An investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched by military authorities.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - III
Internal Security
Focus Area
Fighter Aircraft
Defence Technology
Aviation Safety
Disaster Response
Hazardous Chemical Management
NEW The Hindu
Fri 18 Sep 2026 05:04:13 AM ⤴
West Bengal govt. participates in PM Modi’s birthday celebrations; life-size statue unveiled at BJP office in Kolkata
SUMMARY
On PM Narendra Modi's 74th birthday on September 17, 2024, the West Bengal BJP celebrated grandly by unveiling a life-size statue of Modi at their Kolkata party office. The TMC-led West Bengal government also participated in the celebrations, marking a rare bipartisan gesture. BJP workers organized various events, including blood donation camps and food distribution drives, as part of "Seva Diwas." The statue unveiling symbolized BJP's growing presence in West Bengal's political landscape amid ongoing rivalry with TMC.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
Polity & Governance
Focus Area
Political Parties
Centre–State Relations
Government Schemes
Political Participation
Democratic Politics
NEW The Hindu
Fri 18 Sep 2026 04:47:07 AM ⤴
No culture of cut-money in Bengal anymore: PM Modi
SUMMARY
Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that the culture of "cut-money" — a term for bribes and commissions demanded by political leaders and middlemen for public services — has been eradicated in West Bengal. He made this assertion while highlighting the BJP's governance model and contrasting it with the TMC-led state government. Modi alleged that under Mamata Banerjee's rule, citizens were forced to pay cut-money for basic services. His remarks came during a political rally aimed at strengthening BJP's presence in Bengal ahead of elections.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
Polity & Governance
Focus Area
Good Governance
Transparency & Accountability
Corruption
Welfare Delivery
Direct Benefit Transfer