NEW The Hindu Sun 13 Sep 2026 01:30:13 PM

Kolkata’s Bonedi Bari Durga Pujas stick to ‘non-veg’; reject Bageshwar Baba’s ‘veg only’ push

SUMMARY
Kolkata's historic Bonedi Bari (aristocratic household) Durga Puja organizers have firmly rejected self-styled godman Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, known as Bageshwar Dham Baba, who advocated that Durga Puja celebrations should be purely vegetarian. These centuries-old families have a longstanding tradition of offering non-vegetarian bhog, including mutton and fish, during the festival. They emphasized that animal sacrifice and non-veg offerings are integral to their ancestral rituals rooted in Shakta tradition and Bengali culture. Organizers called the suggestion an outsider's interference, asserting they would preserve their heritage and not dilute traditions under pressure from any religious figure promoting a pan-Indian vegetarian narrative alien to Bengali customs.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - I Art & Culture
Focus Area Durga Puja Bonedi Bari Tradition Bengali Culture Religious Practices Cultural Diversity
NEW Hindustan Times Sun 13 Sep 2026 01:30:08 PM

Residents of Mumbai's Powai protest against proposed cutting through forested area

SUMMARY
Residents of Mumbai's Powai area are protesting against a proposed plan to cut through a forested stretch, fearing ecological damage and loss of green cover. The forested area, home to diverse wildlife including leopards, is vital for the local ecosystem. Activists and locals argue the project threatens biodiversity and worsens urban flooding. They demand alternative routes and environmental assessments. Authorities cite infrastructure development needs, but citizens insist on preserving the green belt amid Mumbai's rapid urbanization.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Environment & Ecology
Focus Area Forest Conservation Urbanisation Environmental Impact Infrastructure Development Public Participation
NEW Ndtv Sun 13 Sep 2026 01:12:02 PM

IPS भानुप्रताप सिंह की पत्‍नी रात को थाने बैठी रहीं, ससुराल वालों ने नहीं खोला गेट, चर्चा में आई प्रेम कहानी

SUMMARY
IPS भानुप्रताप सिंह की पत्नी से जुड़ा मामला चर्चा में है। पत्नी ने आरोप लगाया कि ससुराल वालों ने रात को घर का गेट नहीं खोला, जिसके बाद वह थाने में बैठी रहीं। बताया जाता है कि भानुप्रताप सिंह ने लव मैरिज की थी और उनकी प्रेम कहानी भी चर्चा में आई। पत्नी ने पति और ससुराल वालों पर प्रताड़ना के आरोप लगाए। पुलिस ने दोनों पक्षों की बात सुनी। यह मामला वैवाहिक विवाद और पारिवारिक कलह से जुड़ा है, जिसमें पत्नी ने दहेज उत्पीड़न और मानसिक प्रताड़ना की शिकायत दर्ज कराई।
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Society & Social Justice
Focus Area Gender Issues Family Disputes Women’s Rights Domestic Relations Social Justice
NEW Hindustan Times Sun 13 Sep 2026 12:51:12 PM

Work on proposed national museum gathers pace, 350+ artisans and firms join project

SUMMARY
The proposed national museum project has gained significant momentum, with over 350 artisans and firms joining the initiative. This ambitious project aims to showcase the country's rich cultural heritage, history, and artistic legacy under one roof. Skilled craftsmen, architects, and construction firms are collaborating to bring the vision to life, ensuring traditional craftsmanship blends with modern design. The museum is expected to become a landmark cultural institution, preserving artifacts and promoting national identity. Authorities have accelerated planning and construction efforts to meet projected timelines.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - I Art & Culture
Focus Area National Museum Cultural Heritage Indian Art & Crafts Traditional Artisans Museum Conservation
NEW Firstpost Sun 13 Sep 2026 12:51:07 PM

Why was Chinese Prez Xi Jinping absent from Brics gala dinner?

SUMMARY
Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the BRICS gala dinner hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 2023 BRICS summit in Johannesburg. His absence sparked widespread speculation. Chinese officials cited "scheduling matters" without elaborating further. Xi did participate in other summit events, including bilateral meetings and the main sessions. His no-show fueled rumors about internal political issues in China, though Beijing dismissed such speculation. The incident drew global attention amid heightened scrutiny of Xi's public appearances.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area BRICS India-China Relations Bilateral Diplomacy Diplomatic Signalling Strategic Relations
NEW Ndtv Sun 13 Sep 2026 12:51:02 PM

'Optics Of Xi Visiting India Very Important': Ex-Envoy On BRICS Bilateral

SUMMARY
Former Indian diplomat highlighted the significance of Chinese President Xi Jinping's potential visit to India for the BRICS summit, emphasizing that the "optics" of such a visit carry immense diplomatic weight. The ex-envoy noted that a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Xi on Indian soil would signal improving India-China relations amid ongoing border tensions in Ladakh. The visit could provide a platform for dialogue on LAC disengagement, trade disputes, and regional stability. Experts believe face-to-face engagement is crucial for rebuilding trust between the two Asian powers, making the visual symbolism of Xi visiting India a powerful diplomatic message to the world.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Current Affairs
Focus Area India-China Relations BRICS Bilateral Diplomacy Strategic Signalling Asian Geopolitics
NEW The Hindu Sun 13 Sep 2026 12:12:02 PM

Chile arrests 284 in protests condemning Pinochet dictatorship

SUMMARY
On September 11, 2023, Chile marked the 50th anniversary of Augusto Pinochet's 1973 military coup that overthrew President Salvador Allende. Thousands protested across Santiago, condemning the dictatorship's brutal legacy, which killed over 3,000 people and tortured tens of thousands. Clashes erupted between demonstrators and police, leading to 284 arrests. President Gabriel Boric led commemorations, emphasizing human rights and national unity. The anniversary reignited debates over accountability and reconciliation in Chilean society.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - I World History
Focus Area Chilean Dictatorship Augusto Pinochet Military Coup Human Rights Violations Democratic Transition
NEW The Times Of India Sun 13 Sep 2026 11:51:07 AM

India’s gem exports rise 3.14% in August as studded gold jewellery shipments surge

SUMMARY
India's gem and jewellery exports rose 3.14% in August, driven primarily by a significant surge in studded gold jewellery shipments. The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) reported increased global demand, particularly from key markets like the US and Middle East. While cut and polished diamond exports faced challenges due to sluggish demand and lab-grown diamond competition, gold jewellery set with precious stones offset the decline. The sector remains optimistic about festive season demand boosting future export figures.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy
Focus Area Gem & Jewellery Sector Merchandise Exports Export Growth Foreign Trade Gold Jewellery
NEW The Hindu Sun 13 Sep 2026 11:51:02 AM

Myanmar government revokes status, seeks action against UN envoy Kyaw Moe Tun

SUMMARY
Myanmar's military junta revoked the diplomatic status of UN Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun and urged the UN to take action against him. Kyaw Moe Tun gained global attention in 2021 when he dramatically broke from the junta, flashing the three-finger salute at the UN General Assembly and pleading for international help to restore democracy after the military coup. Despite the junta's repeated attempts to replace him, the UN has allowed him to continue representing Myanmar, recognizing his appointment by the ousted elected government.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area Myanmar Crisis UN Representation Diplomatic Recognition ASEAN India-Myanmar Relations
NEW Prabhat Khabar Sun 13 Sep 2026 11:30:14 AM

BRICS Summit 2026 LIVE : भारत मंडपम पहुंचे PM मोदी, समिट के आखिरी दिन करेंगे 4 बाइलेटरल मीटिंग्स

SUMMARY
**BRICS समिट 2026 दिल्ली:** PM मोदी भारत मंडपम पहुंचे जहां BRICS समिट का आखिरी दिन है। भारत इस बार BRICS की अध्यक्षता कर रहा है। आज PM मोदी 4 द्विपक्षीय बैठकें करेंगे जिसमें चीन, रूस, ब्राज़ील और दक्षिण अफ्रीका के नेताओं से मुलाकात शामिल हो सकती है। व्यापार, सुरक्षा, बहुध्रुवीय विश्व व्यवस्था और वैश्विक मुद्दों पर चर्चा होगी। BRICS में अब नए सदस्य देश भी शामिल हैं। भारत ने इस समिट में "सबका साथ, सबका विकास" का संदेश दिया।
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Current Affairs
Focus Area BRICS Bilateral Relations Multilateral Diplomacy India’s Foreign Policy Global South
NEW Hindustan Times Sun 13 Sep 2026 11:30:08 AM

Osama bin Laden wanted to attack India years before 9/11, CIA file reveals

SUMMARY
Declassified CIA files reveal that Osama bin Laden had plans to attack India years before the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. The documents indicate bin Laden viewed India as a target due to its policies in Kashmir and its alliance with Western nations. Al-Qaeda reportedly explored operations against Indian interests, reflecting its broader anti-Western and jihadist agenda. These revelations highlight the global scope of bin Laden's ambitions beyond the US, showing India was also on his radar as a strategic enemy long before 9/11 reshaped global security.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Internal Security
Focus Area Terrorism Al-Qaeda Global Terror Networks Counter-Terrorism National Security
NEW Hindustan Times Sun 13 Sep 2026 11:12:07 AM

US $100K OPT fee proposal clears White House review: How Indian students could be affected and what happens next

SUMMARY
The Trump administration's proposal to impose a $100K fee on Optional Practical Training (OPT) applications has cleared White House review. OPT allows international students, predominantly Indians, to work in the US post-graduation for up to 3 years in STEM fields. If enacted, this steep fee could deter Indian students from pursuing US education and employment, severely impacting their career plans. The proposal now moves to the federal rulemaking process, including public comment periods, before potential finalization.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Current Affairs
Focus Area US Immigration Policy Indian Students Higher Education Skilled Migration India-US Relations
NEW The Times Of India Sun 13 Sep 2026 10:51:13 AM

Ship carrying 240 onboard loses contact in Java Sea near Indonesia

SUMMARY
A ship carrying 240 people, including passengers and crew, lost contact while sailing through the Java Sea near Indonesia. Authorities launched a search and rescue operation after communication was disrupted. The vessel was reportedly traveling between Indonesian islands when it went missing. Indonesia, an archipelago nation, frequently experiences maritime incidents due to overcrowding, poor safety standards, and rough seas. Officials are coordinating with naval and coast guard teams to locate the ship, assess conditions, and rescue survivors amid growing concerns for those onboard.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Disaster Management
Focus Area Maritime Safety Search and Rescue Disaster Response Java Sea International Maritime Cooperation
NEW News 18 Hindi Sun 13 Sep 2026 10:51:02 AM

Xi Jinping Skipped BRICS Gala Dinner Hosted By PM Modi, Went Back To Hotel To Take Rest: Sources

SUMMARY
Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the BRICS gala dinner hosted by Indian PM Narendra Modi during the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. Sources revealed Xi returned to his hotel to rest instead of attending the dinner. This occurred amid the significant Modi-Xi bilateral meeting where both leaders agreed to resolve the India-China border standoff. Despite the diplomatic breakthrough on LAC disengagement, Xi's absence from the dinner raised eyebrows, though officials downplayed it as a routine scheduling matter.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations
Focus Area BRICS India-China Relations Bilateral Diplomacy Multilateral Diplomacy Diplomatic Signalling
NEW The Hindu Sun 13 Sep 2026 10:30:12 AM

Why is NCPCR investigating Meta, Instagram?

SUMMARY
The NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) is investigating Meta and Instagram over concerns regarding children's safety and privacy on the platforms. The commission found that Instagram's algorithms expose minors to harmful content, including sexual material, self-harm, and cyberbullying. NCPCR issued notices to Meta, seeking details on age verification mechanisms, data collection practices involving minors, and steps taken to protect children. The probe follows global scrutiny of Meta's impact on young users' mental health and well-being.
Relevent For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance
Focus Area Child Rights Social Media Regulation Digital Governance Online Safety Data Protection