NEW The Hindu Thu 17 Sep 2026 12:47:02 PM

Why was the former President of Kosovo convicted by The Hague? Explained

SUMMARY
In December 2024, The Hague's Kosovo Specialist Chambers convicted former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during and after the 1998-1999 Kosovo-Albania conflict against Serbia. Thaçi, once a Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) commander, was found guilty of murder, persecution, and illegal detention of Serb, Roma, and political opponents. He was sentenced to 26 years in prison. Thaçi denied all charges, calling the trial politically motivated. The verdict marked a historic moment in Balkan post-war justice.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area Kosovo Conflict War Crimes International Justice Hague International Criminal Law
NEW Hindustan Times Thu 17 Sep 2026 12:30:19 PM

2 interstate robbers shot in legs after Faridabad police encounter, 3 held

SUMMARY
Two interstate robbers were shot in their legs during a police encounter in Faridabad, while three of their associates were arrested. The gang was involved in multiple robbery cases across state borders. Acting on a tip-off, Faridabad police intercepted the criminals, who opened fire at the officers. In retaliatory firing, two suspects were injured and later hospitalized. Police recovered illegal weapons, stolen goods, and vehicles from their possession. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to uncover their wider criminal network.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Internal Security
Focus Area Police Reforms Organised Crime Inter-State Crime Criminal Justice Arms Control
NEW Dainik Bhaskar Thu 17 Sep 2026 12:30:11 PM

पीएम आज सेमीकॉन इंडिया कार्यक्रम का उद्घाटन करेंगे:52 देशों की 600 कंपनियां शामिल होंगी; रेत से चिप बनने का पूरा प्रोसेस बताया जाएगा

SUMMARY
**सेमीकॉन इंडिया 2024 कार्यक्रम**

प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी सेमीकॉन इंडिया कार्यक्रम का उद्घाटन करेंगे। यह भारत का प्रमुख सेमीकंडक्टर सम्मेलन है जिसमें 52 देशों की 600 से अधिक कंपनियां भाग लेंगी। इस कार्यक्रम में रेत से सेमीकंडक्टर चिप बनने तक की पूरी प्रक्रिया प्रदर्शित की जाएगी। भारत को वैश्विक सेमीकंडक्टर हब बनाने की दिशा में यह महत्वपूर्ण कदम है। सरकार ने चिप निर्माण को बढ़ावा देने के लिए अरबों डॉलर की प्रोत्साहन योजनाएं शुरू की हैं। इस आयोजन में उद्योग जगत के दिग्गज, नीति निर्माता और विशेषज्ञ एकत्र होंगे।
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Science & Technology
Focus Area Semiconductor Manufacturing Chip Fabrication India Semiconductor Mission Electronics Manufacturing Technology Supply Chain
NEW News 18 Thu 17 Sep 2026 12:30:04 PM

'Picture Of Trust': PM Modi Says Acceptance Of BRICS' New Delhi Declaration Shows India's Growing Influence

SUMMARY
PM Modi hailed the BRICS New Delhi Declaration as a "picture of trust," emphasizing that its unanimous acceptance by all member nations reflects India's rising global influence and diplomatic stature. The declaration, adopted during India's BRICS presidency, addressed key issues including counterterrorism, multilateral reforms, and sustainable development. Modi highlighted that India successfully built consensus among diverse nations like China, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa despite geopolitical tensions. He noted India's ability to represent the Global South's concerns on platforms like BRICS strengthens its leadership role. The declaration also pushed for reformed multilateralism and equitable global governance.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Current Affairs
Focus Area BRICS Multilateralism Global Governance India’s Foreign Policy Global South
NEW DNA India Thu 17 Sep 2026 12:21:09 PM

Rs 500 crore damage notice to Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray in Disha Salian Murder case

SUMMARY
Advocate Aditya Mishra sent a Rs 500 crore defamation notice to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray on behalf of his client in connection with the Disha Salian case. Disha Salian, former manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died in June 2020 after allegedly falling from a building in Mumbai. Conspiracy theories linked Aditya Thackeray to the case, which he denied. The notice demands compensation for alleged defamatory statements. Thackeray has consistently rejected all allegations as politically motivated.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area Judiciary Criminal Justice Defamation & Damages Rule of Law Judicial Process
NEW News 18 Thu 17 Sep 2026 12:21:03 PM

PM Modi Turns 76: 10 Big Schemes That Have Defined His 25 Years In Public Service

SUMMARY
**PM Modi Turns 76: Key Schemes Defining His Legacy**

As PM Narendra Modi celebrates his 76th birthday, his 25-year public service journey—from Gujarat CM to PM—is marked by transformative schemes. Key initiatives include Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (sanitation), Jan Dhan Yojana (financial inclusion), Ujjwala Yojana (free LPG), Ayushman Bharat (healthcare), Make in India (manufacturing), Digital India, PM Awas Yojana (housing), Startup India, Jal Jeevan Mission (clean water), and Mudra Yojana (small business loans), reshaping India's socio-economic landscape.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area Government Schemes Welfare Delivery Financial Inclusion Social Sector Governance & Public Policy
NEW Hindustan Times Thu 17 Sep 2026 11:47:16 AM

CJP's Saurav Das claims MP anganwadi workers 'ordered' to celebrate PM Modi's birthday: 'Manufacturing gratitude'

SUMMARY
Saurav Das, associated with the Commonwealth of Journalists and Producers (CJP), alleged that anganwadi workers in Madhya Pradesh were reportedly instructed to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on September 17. Das termed this "manufacturing gratitude," criticizing the directive as forced political allegiance using government employees. Anganwadi workers, who serve under the Integrated Child Development Scheme, are grassroots health and nutrition workers. Critics argued this politicizes public welfare infrastructure, while supporters dismissed claims as politically motivated.
Relevent For: Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area Political Neutrality of Administration Public Servants Welfare Administration Good Governance Separation of Politics & Administration
NEW Moneycontrol Thu 17 Sep 2026 11:47:02 AM

Manipal Payment & Identity Solutions ने किया निराश, शेयर 2% घाटे में लिस्ट

SUMMARY
# Manipal Payment & Identity Solutions की निराशाजनक लिस्टिंग

Manipal Payment & Identity Solutions का शेयर स्टॉक एक्सचेंज पर लगभग 2% के घाटे के साथ लिस्ट हुआ, जिससे निवेशकों को निराशा हुई। कंपनी का IPO प्राइस बैंड के मुकाबले शेयर ने कमजोर शुरुआत की। बाजार विशेषज्ञों के अनुसार कमजोर बाजार सेंटीमेंट और ओवरवैल्यूएशन की चिंता इसके पीछे प्रमुख कारण रहे। कंपनी पेमेंट सॉल्यूशंस, स्मार्ट कार्ड और आइडेंटिटी सर्विसेज के क्षेत्र में कार्यरत है। लिस्टिंग डे पर निवेशकों को नुकसान हुआ।
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy
Focus Area IPO Stock Market Primary Market Listing Investor Sentiment
NEW Markets-Economic Times Thu 17 Sep 2026 11:30:14 AM

Gold prices fall Rs 2,000/10 gram, silver dips Rs 4,600/kg as US Fed hikes rate after 3 years. Time to sell?

SUMMARY
Gold prices dropped Rs 2,000 to Rs 51,000 per 10 grams while silver fell Rs 4,600 to Rs 66,400 per kg after the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points for the first time in three years to combat rising inflation. Higher rates strengthen the dollar, making gold less attractive as a non-yielding asset. Experts advise against panic selling, suggesting holding gold as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, recommending buying on dips for long-term portfolios.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy
Focus Area US Federal Reserve Interest Rates Gold & Silver Global Financial Markets Monetary Policy
NEW Hindustan Times Thu 17 Sep 2026 11:30:09 AM

BJP’s state-by-state push for UCC raises a key question: Is it ‘uniform’ code?

SUMMARY
The BJP is pushing Uniform Civil Code (UCC) implementation across states it governs, with Uttarakhand becoming the first to enact it in 2024. However, critics question whether state-level UCCs can truly be "uniform" when each state drafts its own version with varying provisions on marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. Opposition parties call it a communally divisive agenda targeting minorities. Legal experts argue only a central law ensures true uniformity, as fragmented state laws contradict the concept itself.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area Uniform Civil Code Article 44 Personal Laws Fundamental Rights Federalism
NEW Hindustan Times Thu 17 Sep 2026 11:04:12 AM

H-1B fraud crackdown intensifies: Trump admin says ‘count your days’ as whistleblowers flood investigators with new tips

SUMMARY
The Trump administration is escalating its crackdown on H-1B visa fraud, warning violators to "count your days." Federal investigators report a surge of whistleblower tips exposing companies filing fraudulent petitions, using shell firms, or underpaying foreign workers. USCIS and DOL are conducting targeted site visits and audits. Officials aim to protect American jobs and ensure visa integrity. Violators face criminal charges, deportation, and company debarment. Tech and staffing industries face heightened scrutiny amid rising enforcement actions.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area H-1B Visa Immigration Policy Labour Rights Whistleblower Protection India–US Relations
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.
Relevent For: Prelims GS - I Art & Culture
Focus Area Performing Arts Cultural Expression Public Campaigns Political Communication
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.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area Judiciary Passport Rules Administrative Law Rule of Law Personal Law
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।
Relevent For: Prelims GS - III Economy
Focus Area Asset Reconstruction Companies NPAs Bad Loans Financial Sector Insolvency & Recovery
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.
Relevent For: Mains GS - II Current Affairs
Focus Area Sports Governance International Sports Federations Event Management Institutional Accountability