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NEW News 18 Hindi Sun 18 Oct 2026 01:04:03 PM

Noodles Not To Blame, Greater Noida Family Of 5 Suspected To Have Died By Suicide Amid Property Feud

SUMMARY

A Greater Noida family of five, initially suspected of dying from poisoned noodles, was found to have died by suicide. Police investigations revealed the deaths were linked to an ongoing property dispute within the family, not contaminated food as earlier reported.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Society & Social Justice

Focus Area Family Disputes Mental Health Awareness Social Support Systems Property-related Conflicts Police Investigation

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Barandbench Sun 18 Oct 2026 12:30:04 PM

Mere presence not an offence: Delhi High Court quashes FIR against protestor in 2025 SSC demonstrations

SUMMARY

The Delhi High Court quashed an FIR against a protestor involved in the 2025 SSC (Staff Selection Commission) demonstrations, ruling that mere presence at a protest site does not constitute a criminal offence. The court upheld the right to peaceful assembly, stating no evidence linked the accused to violence or unlawful activity. This landmark ruling reinforces constitutional protections under Article 19.

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

Focus Area Right to Peaceful Protest Article 19(1)(a) Article 19(1)(b) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Common Intention Judicial Review

Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Sun 18 Oct 2026 12:04:11 PM

CJI Surya Kant to inaugurate Ladakh's first permanent High Court Bench in Leh

SUMMARY

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will inaugurate Ladakh's first permanent High Court Bench in Leh, marking a historic milestone for the Union Territory. This bench will provide easier access to justice for Ladakh residents, eliminating the need to travel to Jammu or Srinagar for legal matters.

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

Focus Area Access to Justice Judicial Infrastructure High Courts Judicial Administration Article 214 Article 226 Regional Accessibility

Basic Concepts

NEW Moneycontrol Sun 18 Oct 2026 10:47:17 AM

टाटा ट्रस्ट्स का बड़ा ऐलान: देशभर में खुलेंगे 50 नॉट-फॉर-प्रॉफिट अस्पताल, नोएल टाटा ने बताया मास्टरप्लान

SUMMARY

टाटा ट्रस्ट्स के चेयरमैन नोएल टाटा ने घोषणा की कि ट्रस्ट देशभर में 50 नॉट-फॉर-प्रॉफिट अस्पताल खोलेगा। इसका उद्देश्य गरीब और मध्यम वर्ग को सस्ती और गुणवत्तापूर्ण स्वास्थ्य सेवा उपलब्ध कराना है। ये अस्पताल टियर-2 और टियर-3 शहरों में बनाए जाएंगे।

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Society & Social Justice

Focus Area Healthcare Infrastructure Affordable Healthcare Non-profit Healthcare Models Public Health Access Public-Private Partnerships

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Sun 18 Oct 2026 10:30:04 AM

In the mid-1800s, lantana came to South African gardens; it spread over 2 million hectares and may use up to 97 million cubic meters of water a year

SUMMARY

In the mid-1800s, lantana was introduced to South African gardens as an ornamental plant. It became highly invasive, spreading across over 2 million hectares. This aggressive plant consumes up to 97 million cubic meters of water annually, threatening native ecosystems and water resources.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Environment & Ecology

Focus Area Invasive Alien Species Biodiversity Loss Water Resource Competition Ecosystem Restoration Ecological Management

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Sun 18 Oct 2026 10:21:06 AM

Gaganyaan: ISRO completes key test ahead of first uncrewed mission

SUMMARY

India's ISRO successfully completed a critical test for the Gaganyaan program, its first human spaceflight mission. The key test validated essential systems ahead of the first uncrewed mission, planned to demonstrate crew safety, life support, and re-entry capabilities before sending Indian astronauts to space.

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

Focus Area Gaganyaan Mission Human Spaceflight Crew Module Service Module Re-entry Technology ISRO Indigenous Space Technology

Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Sun 18 Oct 2026 10:04:10 AM

Speaker assures decision on disqualification petitions against four former AIADMK MLAs within two months

SUMMARY

Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker assured the Madras High Court that he would decide on disqualification petitions filed against four former AIADMK MLAs within two months. The petitions were pending for a long time, prompting judicial intervention seeking a timeline for resolution.

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

Focus Area Anti-Defection Law Tenth Schedule Role of Speaker Disqualification of MLAs Judicial Review Legislative Accountability

Basic Concepts

NEW Firstpost Sun 18 Oct 2026 10:04:07 AM

Kolkata Durga Puja stampede: Death toll rises to 19; Bengal govt announces Rs 25 lakh compensation

SUMMARY

A stampede occurred during Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, killing 19 people. The incident happened due to overcrowding at a popular pandal. The West Bengal government announced Rs 25 lakh compensation for each victim's family and ordered an inquiry into the tragedy.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Disaster Management

Focus Area Disaster Management Crowd Control Religious Gatherings Urban Safety Early Warning Systems Emergency Response

MCQs Basic Concepts

NEW Mint Sun 18 Oct 2026 09:47:11 AM

8th Pay Commission: What is the difference between basic pay, grade pay and pay level? Expert explains

SUMMARY

# 8th Pay Commission: Basic Pay, Grade Pay & Pay Level Explained

The Centre has approved the 8th Pay Commission for central government employees, expected to be implemented by 2026. Experts clarify key salary terms: **Basic Pay** is the fixed core salary excluding allowances. **Grade Pay**, introduced in the 6th Pay Commission, was an additional amount based on job hierarchy/responsibility. The 7th Pay Commission replaced grade pay with **Pay Levels** (1-18) under a simplified Pay Matrix system, making salary structures more transparent. Higher pay levels correspond to senior positions. The 8th Commission may further revise this matrix, potentially increasing the fitment factor from 2.57 to around 2.86, significantly boosting salaries and pensions for approximately 50 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Indian Economy

Focus Area th Pay Commission Central Government Employees Pay Matrix Basic Pay Grade Pay Fitment Factor Dearness Allowance

Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Sun 18 Oct 2026 09:04:05 AM

Sri Lanka’s Tamil parties seek sustained Indian push to realise spirit of Indo-Lanka Accord

SUMMARY

Sri Lanka's Tamil political parties have urged India to maintain consistent diplomatic pressure on Colombo to fully implement the 13th Amendment, born from the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord. They seek devolution of power, including land and police powers, to provincial councils to address Tamil political aspirations. Tamil leaders emphasize that despite decades passing, the Accord's spirit remains unfulfilled, with successive Sri Lankan governments resisting meaningful power-sharing. They want India to prioritize Tamil rights in bilateral engagements.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - II Current Affairs

Focus Area Indo-Lanka Accord 1987 13th Constitutional Amendment India–Sri Lanka Relations Tamil Minority Rights

Basic Concepts

NEW Prabhat Khabar Sun 18 Oct 2026 08:30:10 AM

भारत में उड़ने वाली कार की डिलीवरी की 'नो गारंटी', ₹50 लाख रुपये देकर बुकिंग करने से पहले जान लें ये जरूरी बातें

SUMMARY

# भारत में उड़ने वाली कार: जानें पूरी बात

भारत में फ्लाइंग कार की बुकिंग शुरू हो गई है, लेकिन कंपनी ने साफ कहा है कि डिलीवरी की कोई गारंटी नहीं है। बुकिंग के लिए ₹50 लाख देने होंगे। यह eVTOL (इलेक्ट्रिक वर्टिकल टेकऑफ एंड लैंडिंग) तकनीक पर आधारित है। भारत में इसके लिए अभी रेगुलेटरी अप्रूवल, इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर और एयरस्पेस नियम तैयार नहीं हैं। कंपनी ने रिफंड पॉलिसी भी स्पष्ट नहीं की है। विशेषज्ञ सलाह देते हैं कि बिना पूरी जानकारी के इतनी बड़ी रकम न दें, क्योंकि डिलीवरी टाइमलाइन और सर्टिफिकेशन अनिश्चित है।

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MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Sun 18 Oct 2026 08:30:07 AM

President wants 60 days to analyse impact of Russia sanctions law: Rubio

SUMMARY

President Trump seeks a 60-day period to review and assess the impact of a Russia sanctions law before implementing it. Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed this request, signaling the administration's cautious approach toward Russia relations amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and geopolitical tensions.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II Current Affairs

Focus Area Russia–Ukraine War US Foreign Policy Economic Sanctions India–US Relations Russian Oil Imports Energy Security

MCQs Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Sun 18 Oct 2026 08:30:04 AM

Trump waives sanction threat over Russian oil purchases

SUMMARY

President Trump decided not to impose threatened sanctions on countries buying Russian oil, easing pressure on nations like India and China. The move signals a shift in US policy, prioritizing diplomatic ties and energy market stability over punishing Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II Current Affairs

Focus Area India–US Relations Russia–Ukraine War Economic Sanctions Russian Oil Imports Energy Security Trade Tariffs

Basic Concepts

NEW Hindustan Times Sun 18 Oct 2026 07:30:07 AM

The right, gutsy choice for the 2026 Nobel Peace prize

SUMMARY

**Nobel Peace Prize 2026: A Bold Selection**

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese organization of atomic bomb survivors (Hibakusha). However, as of my last update (July 2025), the 2026 laureate hasn't been announced yet. Could you clarify which specific news you're referring to?

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Relevant For: Mains GS - II Current Affairs

Focus Area Nobel Peace Prize Navi Pillay United Nations International Law Human Rights International Criminal Justice

Basic Concepts

NEW The Hindu Sun 18 Oct 2026 06:21:07 AM

PAC grills Centre, States on ‘fraud markers’ flagged by CAG in SC scholarship schemes

SUMMARY

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) questioned the Centre and State governments over "fraud markers" identified by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in Scheduled Caste scholarship schemes. CAG flagged irregularities including fake beneficiaries, duplicate entries, and fund misuse in pre-matric and post-matric scholarship programs meant for SC students. PAC sought explanations on lapses in verification processes and demanded accountability for ensuring funds reach genuine beneficiaries.

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Relevant For: Prelims + Mains GS - III Indian Economy

Focus Area Public Accounts Committee CAG Audit SC Scholarships Direct Benefit Transfer Aadhaar Verification Welfare Leakages

MCQs Mains Question Basic Concepts