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NEW News 18 Hindi Sun 02 Aug 2026 08:15:19 AM

BRICS Summit 2026: Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin May Visit India Amid West Asia conflict

SUMMARY

The 2026 BRICS Summit, to be hosted by India, may see Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting the country. This would mark a significant diplomatic moment, especially given India-China border tensions and Russia's global isolation over the Ukraine war. The summit gains further importance amid the ongoing West Asia conflict involving Israel, Iran, and regional players. India, as host, aims to strengthen multilateral dialogue, boost BRICS cooperation, and position itself as a key mediator on global issues, balancing ties with both Western nations and BRICS partners.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II International Relations

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Sun 02 Aug 2026 08:15:15 AM

U.S. launches strikes on Iranian targets day after it foiled missile attack on American forces

SUMMARY

The U.S. military launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian-backed militia targets in Iraq and Syria after foiling a planned missile attack on American forces in the region. The strikes targeted weapons storage facilities, command centers, and launch sites used by Iran-backed groups. Tensions have escalated amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with Iranian proxies frequently targeting U.S. bases. The Pentagon confirmed the defensive action was necessary to protect American personnel and deter future attacks, warning Iran of further consequences if provocations continue.

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NEW The Indian Express Sat 01 Aug 2026 05:40:12 PM

The Indian government should not invest in AI companies. It threatens fair competition

SUMMARY

India's government investing in AI companies raises concerns about fair competition. Critics argue state-backed funding gives select firms unfair advantages over startups and private competitors, distorting the market. Such investments may create monopolistic tendencies, discourage innovation, and limit equal opportunities for smaller players. Opponents suggest the government should instead focus on creating regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and skill development programs that benefit the entire AI ecosystem equally, rather than picking winners through direct financial involvement in private enterprises.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - III Indian Economy

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Indian Express Sat 01 Aug 2026 02:50:09 PM

Knowledge Nugget | Can Vizhinjam Port become a game changer for India’s maritime trade?

SUMMARY

**Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, India's first deep-water transshipment port, is poised to transform India's maritime trade. Developed by Adani Ports with ₹7,525 crore investment, it features a natural depth of 20+ metres, enabling mega container ships to dock. Currently, 75% of India's transshipment cargo goes to Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai, costing billions. Vizhinjam, located near international shipping routes, can recapture this cargo, saving foreign exchange and boosting exports significantly.**

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - IV International Relations

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Sat 01 Aug 2026 01:50:17 PM

Will return to Bangladesh but ‘could be killed’: Bangladesh’s former PM Hasina

SUMMARY

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, currently in exile in India, expressed willingness to return to Bangladesh but warned she "could be killed" if she goes back. She fled in August 2024 amid massive anti-government protests led by students over job quota reforms, which turned violent, killing hundreds. An interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus replaced her. Hasina faces multiple criminal charges, including murder and crimes against humanity. She accused conspirators of orchestrating her ouster and fears political persecution upon return.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III International Relations

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Mint Sat 01 Aug 2026 01:40:19 PM

FD rates in July 2026: Small finance banks offer up to 8.10%; compare returns from 7 leading lenders

SUMMARY

As of July 2026, small finance banks are offering highly competitive fixed deposit rates, with the highest reaching up to 8.10%, significantly outpacing major commercial banks. Seven leading small finance banks, including Unity, Utkarsh, Equitas, Suryoday, Jana, AU, and Northeast, are attracting depositors with superior returns on various tenures. While large banks like SBI and HDFC offer FD rates between 6.5%-7.25%, small finance banks provide 7%-8.10% for similar tenures. These banks are RBI-regulated and deposits up to ₹5 lakh are insured under DICGC, ensuring safety. Senior citizens typically receive an additional 0.25%-0.75% premium. Experts advise comparing tenures, premature withdrawal penalties, and auto-renewal terms before investing.

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Relevant For: Prelims GS - III Indian Economy

Focus Area Fixed deposits investment

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Moneycontrol Sat 01 Aug 2026 01:30:11 PM

Crude Oil Price: ब्रेंट क्रूड की कीमत $92 के पार, क्या यूएस- ईरान के बीच नए तनाव से भारत के लिए बढ़ेगा जोखिम

SUMMARY

# ब्रेंट क्रूड $92 के पार: भारत पर बढ़ता खतरा

ब्रेंट क्रूड ऑयल की कीमत $92 प्रति बैरल के पार पहुंच गई है। अमेरिका-ईरान के बीच बढ़ते तनाव, मध्य-पूर्व में अस्थिरता और OPEC+ देशों द्वारा उत्पादन कटौती जारी रखने से कीमतें तेजी से बढ़ी हैं। भारत अपनी कुल तेल जरूरत का लगभग 85% आयात करता है, इसलिए कच्चे तेल की बढ़ती कीमतें भारत के लिए बड़ा जोखिम हैं। इससे पेट्रोल-डीजल महंगा हो सकता है, मुद्रास्फीति बढ़ सकती है, व्यापार घाटा बढ़ेगा और रुपये पर दबाव आएगा। चालू खाता घाटा (CAD) भी प्रभावित होगा, जिससे आर्थिक विकास दर पर नकारात्मक असर पड़ सकता है।

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Relevant For: Prelims GS - III Indian Economy

Focus Area Current Account Deficit

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW India Today Thu 30 Jul 2026 02:25:21 AM

Science behind J&J baby powder's link with two cancers

SUMMARY

Johnson & Johnson's baby powder faced allegations that its talc-based products were contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Talc and asbestos are naturally found near each other in mines, raising contamination risks. Studies linked prolonged talcum powder use to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled or applied near genitals, can cause chronic inflammation and DNA damage, triggering cancer. J&J faced thousands of lawsuits and discontinued talc-based powder in 2020, switching to cornstarch. The company denied wrongdoing but proposed a multibillion-dollar settlement.

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

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NEW Hindustan Times Sun 26 Jul 2026 01:04:01 PM

23 missing after Vietnamese ship sinks in South China Sea, rescue operations on

SUMMARY

A search-and-rescue operation is underway in the South China Sea after the Vietnamese cargo ship Khoi Nguyen 18 sank near Yongshu Reef with 62 crew members aboard. Out of the 62 on board, 39 crew members have been rescued so far, while 23 remain missing. Joint search efforts involving six Chinese vessels, a rescue helicopter, and a Vietnamese vessel were deployed following a distress signal, searching life rafts in the area.

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NEW Hindustan Times Sun 26 Jul 2026 12:52:17 PM

Trump swapped planes mid-trip from Turkey due to ‘credible threat’ from Iranian proxies: Report

SUMMARY

US President Donald Trump switched from his newly acquired, Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8 to the legacy Air Force One while leaving the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The Secret Service advised the mid-trip swap after intelligence revealed a "credible threat" and missile plot from Iranian proxy forces targeting Trump. The move was made because the legacy jet has superior missile-defense capabilities compared to the newer plane.

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NEW Mint Sun 26 Jul 2026 08:37:18 AM

US Fed meeting to Q1 results FY27, US-Iran war: Top five triggers that may dictate the Indian stock market this week

SUMMARY

The Indian stock market this week will be driven by five key triggers: the upcoming US Federal Reserve rate decision, ongoing Q1 FY27 corporate earnings, and geopolitical tensions in the US-Iran war. Additionally, volatile global crude oil prices, Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) flows, and rupee movements will significantly influence investor sentiment and overall market direction in upcoming sessions.

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NEW The Indian Express Sun 26 Jul 2026 06:47:45 AM

‘Safeguard essential’: Supreme Court on withholding children’s Aadhaar details under APAAR scheme

SUMMARY

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre and CBSE to amend the consent form under the APAAR scheme to explicitly allow parents to withhold or refuse consent for sharing their children's Aadhaar details. Calling the opt-out option an "essential safeguard," the bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana ordered a pan-India implementation. It also ruled data sharing with third parties impermissible under the DPDP Act, 2023.

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NEW The Indian Express Sun 26 Jul 2026 06:44:50 AM

How many US troops have really died in the Iran war? Pentagon accused of hiding truth

SUMMARY

The Pentagon faces intense scrutiny after quietly revising the US troop death toll in the Iran war from 18 down to 14, citing "data disruptions," while critics like former defense secretary Leon Panetta accuse officials of hiding the true cost of the conflict. Over 430 American troops have been injured, with nearly 100 recent casualties initially withheld. With no formal press briefings in over two months, lawmakers allege casualty figures are being manipulated ahead of elections.

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NEW Firstpost Sun 26 Jul 2026 06:39:22 AM

Centre to introduce Public Examinations Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha amid exam reform push

SUMMARY

Amid nationwide concerns over paper leaks, the Centre is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha. The legislation proposes significantly tougher penalties for exam fraud—including up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching ₹10 crore for organized crime. It also mandates a Special Task Force, 60-day investigation deadlines, and Special Fast-Track Courts to complete trials within three months.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II Polity & Governance

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Indian Express Sun 26 Jul 2026 06:36:06 AM

UK cabinet reshuffle: 3 Indian-origin Labour MPs get front-bench roles under Burnham

SUMMARY

In a major cabinet reshuffle under UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, three Indian-origin Labour MPs from the 2024 intake have been appointed to front-bench roles. Bihar-born Kanishka Narayan retained his post, elevated as Britain's first Cabinet-level AI minister. Meanwhile, Satvir Kaur was appointed Minister for Equalities and Safeguarding, and Harpreet Uppal took charge as Assistant Whip, strengthening Indian-origin representation in government.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II International Relations

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts