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NEW The Hindu Sat 12 Sep 2026 09:51:03 AM

Death toll in Philippine ferry fire rises to 35 as more bodies recovered

SUMMARY

A ferry carrying over 200 passengers caught fire off the coast of the Philippines, raising the death toll to 35 as rescuers recovered more bodies from the sea. The MV Lady Mary Joy was traveling between ports when the blaze erupted, triggering panic and forcing passengers to jump overboard. Many victims drowned or suffered burns. The Philippine Coast Guard led rescue operations, saving dozens of survivors. Authorities launched an investigation into the cause, suspecting the fire started in the cargo area.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Disaster Management

Focus Area Maritime Safety Ferry Accidents Disaster Response Emergency Management Risk Reduction

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Sat 12 Sep 2026 09:30:13 AM

BRICS Finance Ministers & central bank chiefs voice concern about 'unilateral imposition' of tariffs

SUMMARY

BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors expressed concern over the "unilateral imposition" of trade tariffs, warning they destabilize the global economy and disrupt supply chains. Meeting ahead of the BRICS summit, officials from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newer members criticized protectionist measures, largely aimed at US tariff policies under President Trump. They called for multilateral dialogue, WTO-based trade rules, and cooperation to ensure fair, inclusive economic growth, urging nations to avoid escalating trade wars that harm developing economies disproportionately.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area BRICS Trade Barriers Protectionism Tariffs Multilateral Trade

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Sat 12 Sep 2026 09:30:03 AM

Ex-Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat Quits Congress Posts After Cash, Gold Recovered From Aide

SUMMARY

Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat resigned from all Congress party positions after enforcement agencies recovered significant amounts of cash and gold from his close aide. The recovery raised serious questions about corruption and created embarrassment for the Congress party. Rawat, a veteran leader, stepped down to avoid further damage to the party's image amid the controversy. The incident fueled opposition attacks on Congress, questioning its credibility on anti-corruption stands. Rawat maintained his innocence but acknowledged the political fallout.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Polity & Governance

Focus Area Political Corruption Political Accountability Criminalisation of Politics Political Parties Law Enforcement Transparency

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Sat 12 Sep 2026 09:12:16 AM

India and Canada are well beyond reset now, says Canadian High Commissioner to India

SUMMARY

Canadian High Commissioner Cameron MacKay stated that India-Canada relations have moved well beyond the "reset" phase, signaling deepening diplomatic engagement. This comes after months of severe tensions triggered by allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June 2023. Both nations expelled diplomats and downgraded ties. However, recent diplomatic efforts have eased hostilities, with both sides expressing willingness to rebuild trust and cooperate on trade, security, and people-to-people ties.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area India-Canada Relations Bilateral Relations Diplomatic Tensions Diaspora Issues Foreign Policy

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Prabhat Khabar Sat 12 Sep 2026 09:12:09 AM

BRICS Summit 2026 Live Updates in Hindi : चीनी राष्ट्रपति शी जिनपिंग दिल्ली के लिए रवाना, गलवान के बाद पहला भारत दौरा

SUMMARY

# BRICS Summit 2026: शी जिनपिंग का ऐतिहासिक भारत दौरा

चीनी राष्ट्रपति शी जिनपिंग ब्रिक्स शिखर सम्मेलन 2026 के लिए दिल्ली रवाना हो गए हैं। यह जून 2020 में गलवान घाटी संघर्ष के बाद उनका पहला भारत दौरा है, जिसमें 20 भारतीय सैनिक शहीद हुए थे। इस दौरे को भारत-चीन संबंधों में सुधार का संकेत माना जा रहा है। भारत इस बार ब्रिक्स की अध्यक्षता कर रहा है। PM मोदी और शी जिनपिंग के बीच द्विपक्षीय वार्ता संभावित है, जिसमें सीमा विवाद, व्यापार और क्षेत्रीय सहयोग पर चर्चा हो सकती है। रूस, ब्राजील, दक्षिण अफ्रीका समेत अन्य सदस्य देशों के नेता भी शामिल होंगे।

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area India-China Relations Galwan Clash BRICS Border Dispute Strategic Diplomacy

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Times Of India Sat 12 Sep 2026 08:30:09 AM

Saudi Arabia shuts key oil pipeline as Houthis seize strategic Red Sea island

SUMMARY

Saudi Arabia temporarily halted oil shipments through its key East-West pipeline after Yemen's Houthi rebels seized a strategic island in the Red Sea, escalating regional tensions. The Houthis, backed by Iran, captured the island near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade. The shutdown raised fears of supply disruptions and spiked oil prices. Saudi-led coalition forces responded with intensified airstrikes. The move underscored the conflict's growing threat to international energy security and maritime navigation.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area Red Sea Houthi Conflict Maritime Security Oil Supply Routes West Asia Geopolitics

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Sat 12 Sep 2026 08:30:03 AM

More Than A Gesture? PM Modi Holds Iran's Pezeshkian's Hand In Rare Show Of Bonhomie At BRICS Business Forum

SUMMARY

At the BRICS Business Forum in Kazan, Russia, PM Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian shared a warm moment as Modi held Pezeshkian's hand while walking together, signaling strong bilateral ties. The rare gesture drew global attention amid rising Middle East tensions. Both leaders discussed enhancing India-Iran relations, including the Chabahar port deal and energy cooperation. The interaction highlighted India's balanced diplomatic approach, maintaining ties with Iran while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics involving the US and Israel.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area India-Iran Relations BRICS Strategic Autonomy West Asia Geopolitics Bilateral Cooperation

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Sat 12 Sep 2026 08:12:02 AM

More Thrust, Less Fuel: Russia Offers Advanced Engine For India’s Su-30MKI Fighter Jets At BRICS

SUMMARY

Russia has offered India an advanced AL-41F-1S engine upgrade for its Su-30MKI fighter fleet at the BRICS summit. This engine, currently powering Russia's Su-35 jets, delivers significantly more thrust while consuming less fuel, enhancing range and performance. India operates over 250 Su-30MKIs, forming its air force backbone. The upgrade would extend aircraft lifespan and combat capability without requiring new airframes. This proposal strengthens India-Russia defense ties amid India's broader modernization efforts.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Science & Technology

Focus Area Defence Technology Fighter Aircraft Aero-Engine Technology Defence Indigenisation India-Russia Defence Cooperation

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Sat 12 Sep 2026 07:51:02 AM

BRICS Summit 2026 LIVE: Delhi Rolls Out Red Carpet As World Leaders Arrive For High-Level Summit

SUMMARY

India hosts the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi, welcoming leaders from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, and newly admitted members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. As BRICS chair for 2025-2026, India rolled out the red carpet for high-level delegations. Key agendas include multilateral reforms, de-dollarization discussions, counter-terrorism, climate cooperation, and expanding South-South collaboration. PM Modi aims to strengthen India's leadership role in the Global South while navigating geopolitical tensions among member nations.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area BRICS Emerging Economies Multilateralism Global Governance India’s Foreign Policy

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Times Of India Sat 12 Sep 2026 07:30:12 AM

'Allow easy movement to professionals': Piyush Goyal urges Brics states

SUMMARY

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged BRICS member nations to facilitate easier movement of skilled professionals across borders. Speaking at a BRICS meeting, Goyal emphasized that easing visa norms and mobility for professionals would boost trade in services and economic growth among member states—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. He highlighted India's strength in IT, healthcare, and engineering services, advocating mutual recognition of qualifications. Goyal also called for greater cooperation in digital trade, investment, and reducing trade barriers among BRICS nations.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area BRICS Professional Mobility Skilled Labour Trade in Services Globalisation

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Sat 12 Sep 2026 07:30:07 AM

Fake ‘50% off’, ghosted complaints, dark patterns: What changes for online shoppers from next year

SUMMARY

India's new consumer protection rules, effective 2025, crack down on deceptive e-commerce practices. "Fake" discounts, where sellers inflate MRP before offering bogus discounts like "50% off," will be banned. Companies can no longer use dark patterns—manipulative UI designs tricking users into purchases or subscriptions. Ignoring consumer complaints (ghosting) will attract penalties. Platforms must display transparent pricing, genuine reviews, and clear return/refund policies, empowering online shoppers with stronger legal safeguards.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Consumer Protection E-Commerce Dark Patterns Consumer Rights Digital Markets

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Mint Sat 12 Sep 2026 07:12:07 AM

Credit score 780, but home loan application rejected? Expert explains what lenders look for | Mint

SUMMARY

Despite having a strong credit score of 780, many home loan applicants face rejection, leaving them puzzled. Financial experts explain that lenders evaluate beyond just credit scores. Key factors include income stability, employment type, existing debt-to-income ratio, property valuation, legal clearances, and applicant's age. Irregular income, high existing EMIs, or issues with property documentation can lead to rejection. Lenders also assess repayment capacity and loan-to-value ratio. Experts advise maintaining low debt obligations, ensuring proper documentation, and choosing approved properties to improve approval chances.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Credit Score Bank Lending Creditworthiness Non-Performing Assets Financial Inclusion

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Economic Times Sat 12 Sep 2026 07:12:02 AM

J&J orthopedics unit draws Apollo interest in potential $20 billion deal: Report

SUMMARY

Johnson & Johnson is reportedly in discussions with Apollo Global Management regarding a potential deal for its orthopedics unit, valued at approximately $20 billion. The unit, which produces hip and knee implants, has faced slower growth compared to J&J's other segments. Apollo's interest signals private equity's growing appetite for healthcare assets. A sale would allow J&J to streamline operations and focus on higher-growth areas like pharmaceuticals and MedTech innovations. Negotiations are ongoing, and no final agreement has been reached yet.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Mergers & Acquisitions Healthcare Industry Foreign Investment Corporate Consolidation Private Healthcare

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Sat 12 Sep 2026 06:51:07 AM

BRICS+ and mass mobility as lodestar for EV policy

SUMMARY

**BRICS+ Nations Embrace Mass Mobility as Guiding Principle for EV Policy**

The expanded BRICS+ bloc is prioritizing mass mobility over luxury EV adoption as the cornerstone of electric vehicle policy. Member nations—including Brazil, India, China, South Africa, and newer entrants—are focusing on affordable EVs, electric buses, two- and three-wheelers to serve vast populations. China leads with cost-effective EV manufacturing, while India pushes electric public transport. The strategy emphasizes accessibility, local production, and reducing fossil fuel dependence across developing economies.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Economy

Focus Area Electric Vehicles Sustainable Mobility BRICS+ Clean Energy Transition Green Transportation

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW News 18 Hindi Sat 12 Sep 2026 06:51:02 AM

BRICS Summit 2026 LIVE: Delhi Rolls Out Red Carpet As World Leaders Arrive For High-Level Summit

SUMMARY

India is hosting the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, rolling out a grand red carpet welcome for world leaders from member nations including Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, and newly inducted members like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. As the current BRICS chair, India aims to strengthen multilateral cooperation on trade, energy, security, and de-dollarization. Key discussions focus on global governance reform, economic collaboration, and counterterrorism. PM Modi leads high-level bilateral talks on the summit's sidelines.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II International Relations

Focus Area BRICS Expansion Global South Multilateralism Global Economic Governance

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts