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
NEW The Hindu
Fri 18 Sep 2026 04:30:14 AM ⤴
U.S. again denies visa to Palestinian President Abbas to attend UN Assembly; allowed to speak via video
SUMMARY
The U.S. has once again denied a visa to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, preventing him from attending the United Nations General Assembly in person. This move reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Palestinian leadership, particularly amid the Israel-Palestine conflict. Despite the denial, Abbas was permitted to address the Assembly via video link. Critics condemned the decision as politically motivated and an attempt to sideline Palestinian representation on the global stage. The Palestinian Authority called it a violation of diplomatic norms.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
International Relations
Focus Area
UN General Assembly
Israel-Palestine Conflict
Two-State Solution
UN Headquarters Agreement
International Diplomacy
NEW News 18 Hindi
Fri 18 Sep 2026 04:30:03 AM ⤴
From Diarrhoea To Acidity, Monsoon Gut Troubles Drive Demand For Medicines
SUMMARY
During the monsoon season, there is a significant surge in demand for over-the-counter medicines treating digestive issues like diarrhoea, acidity, and stomach infections. Contaminated water, street food, and increased humidity create ideal conditions for bacterial and viral infections, leading to widespread gut-related ailments. Pharmacies report a notable spike in sales of antacids, ORS packets, probiotics, and anti-diarrheal drugs. Doctors advise maintaining hygiene, drinking boiled water, and avoiding raw foods to prevent infections during this period.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
Society & Social Justice
Focus Area
Public Health
Communicable Diseases
Monsoon Diseases
Healthcare Access
Preventive Healthcare
NEW The Hindu
Fri 18 Sep 2026 04:21:02 AM ⤴
U.S. approves sale of 48 F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia
SUMMARY
The U.S. has approved the sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a historic shift in Middle East defense policy. Previously, such advanced aircraft were limited to close allies like Israel. The deal, valued at billions, aims to strengthen Saudi-U.S. ties amid regional threats from Iran. It is part of broader negotiations potentially linked to Saudi-Israel normalization efforts. Critics worry about human rights concerns and destabilizing the regional military balance. Israel seeks assurances its qualitative military edge will be maintained.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - III
Internal Security
Focus Area
F-35 Lightning II
US–Saudi Defence Relations
West Asia Geopolitics
Arms Trade
Regional Security
NEW The Hindu
Fri 18 Sep 2026 04:04:08 AM ⤴
Russia, China veto U.S. proposal for UN experts to keep monitoring sanctions on Iran
SUMMARY
Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-backed UN Security Council resolution to extend the mandate of experts monitoring sanctions on Iran. The panel, which tracked violations of arms embargoes and other restrictions, was set to expire. The U.S. sought to maintain oversight, but Russia and China argued the move was unnecessary, citing the 2015 Iran nuclear deal's framework. The veto effectively ends independent UN monitoring of Iran sanctions, raising concerns about accountability and potential arms proliferation in the region.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
International Relations
Focus Area
UN Security Council
Iran Nuclear Issue
UN Sanctions
JCPOA
Snapback Mechanism
NEW The Times Of India
Fri 18 Sep 2026 03:47:12 AM ⤴
2 Jaish terrorists killed in J&K's Udhampur
SUMMARY
Two Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir. The operation was launched after intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the area. Security forces, including the Indian Army and J&K Police, cordoned off the area and engaged the terrorists. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site. The operation is part of ongoing anti-terror efforts to neutralize infiltrators and maintain peace in the region. Authorities are investigating the militants' identities and possible terror plans.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
Internal Security
Focus Area
Terrorism
Jaish-e-Mohammad
Counter-Terrorism Operations
Cross-Border Terrorism
J&K Security
NEW Dainik Bhaskar
Fri 18 Sep 2026 03:30:12 AM ⤴
महिला LPG-सिलेंडर नहीं उठा सकती... कहकर नौकरी नहीं दी थी:अब इंडियन ऑयल कॉर्पोरेशन महिला को देगा 12 लाख रुपए का मुआवजा
SUMMARY
**इंडियन ऑयल कॉर्पोरेशन (IOC) को एक महिला को 12 लाख रुपए मुआवजा देने का आदेश दिया गया है। मामला यह था कि IOC ने एक महिला को LPG डिलीवरी की नौकरी देने से यह कहकर मना कर दिया कि वह सिलेंडर नहीं उठा सकती। यह लैंगिक भेदभाव का स्पष्ट मामला था। महिला ने इसके खिलाफ शिकायत दर्ज कराई। उपभोक्ता फोरम/कोर्ट ने IOC के इस रवैये को भेदभावपूर्ण और गैरकानूनी माना। कोर्ट ने कहा कि केवल लिंग के आधार पर किसी को नौकरी से वंचित करना संवैधानिक अधिकारों का उल्लंघन है। इसलिए IOC को महिला को 12 लाख रुपए मुआवजा देने का निर्देश दिया गया।**
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
Polity & Governance
Focus Area
Gender Equality
Equality of Opportunity
Women’s Rights
Supreme Court
Gender Discrimination
NEW Hindustan Times
Fri 18 Sep 2026 03:30:07 AM ⤴
US to allow Iranian leaders to attend UN General Assembly
SUMMARY
The US has agreed to grant visas to Iranian leaders to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, fulfilling its obligations as the UN host country. Despite ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran over nuclear negotiations, sanctions, and regional conflicts, the US is required under the UN Headquarters Agreement to permit foreign delegations access to the assembly. Iranian officials, including the president, are expected to participate in the annual diplomatic gathering. However, their movements may be restricted to a limited radius around the UN headquarters, as has been customary.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
Current Affairs
Focus Area
UN General Assembly
UN Headquarters Agreement
US-Iran Relations
West Asia Conflict
Diplomatic Immunities
NEW The Times Of India
Fri 18 Sep 2026 03:30:03 AM ⤴
Flowers at 10,600ft: World’s highest twin fields unveiled in Leh
SUMMARY
India unveiled the world's highest twin lavender and tulip fields in Leh, Ladakh, situated at an altitude of 10,600 feet. This initiative, part of the Aroma Mission by CSIR-IIIM Jammu, aims to boost local agriculture, tourism, and the livelihood of farmers in the region. The fields showcase high-altitude floriculture potential, attracting tourists and promoting essential oil production. The project supports Ladakh's economy while highlighting India's capability in cultivating exotic flowers in extreme climatic conditions.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - III
Environment & Ecology
Focus Area
High-Altitude Ecosystems
Ladakh Geography
Horticulture
Cold Desert Ecology
Sustainable Tourism
NEW The Hindu
Fri 18 Sep 2026 03:21:16 AM ⤴
The crucial Uttar Pradesh test of the BJP’s hegemony
SUMMARY
The BJP faces a crucial test in Uttar Pradesh, India's most politically significant state, where its dominance is being challenged. With 80 Lok Sabha seats, UP is key to BJP's national power. Factors like unemployment, inflation, caste dynamics, and opposition unity under INDIA bloc (SP-Congress alliance) threaten BJP's stronghold. Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party leverages OBC-Muslim consolidation. BJP banks on Modi's popularity, Hindutva, and welfare schemes. The outcome determines BJP's hegemony nationally.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - II
Polity & Governance
Focus Area
Electoral Politics
Federalism
Political Representation
State Elections
Party System
NEW The Times Of India
Fri 18 Sep 2026 03:21:10 AM ⤴
Kashmir cracks walnut success code, turns to medium-sized, grafted trees
SUMMARY
Kashmir has achieved a breakthrough in walnut cultivation by shifting focus to medium-sized, grafted walnut trees, replacing traditional tall, seedling-grown varieties. Grafted trees bear fruit in 4-5 years compared to 10-15 years for seedling trees, boosting productivity and farmer income. These compact trees simplify harvesting and reduce losses. The initiative, backed by horticulture experts, aims to revive Kashmir's walnut industry, which faces competition from imported varieties. This strategy enhances nut quality, uniformity, and marketability, positioning Kashmir walnuts competitively in national and global markets.
Relevent For:
Prelims + Mains
GS - III
Economy
Focus Area
Horticulture
Grafted Plants
High-Density Farming
Agricultural Productivity
Kashmir Agriculture