Operation Kayakalp: How UP Is Upgrading Infrastructure in Government Schools
Uttar Pradesh’s Operation Kayakalp is focused on improving basic infrastructure and facilities in government primary and upper-primary schools across the state. Launched in 2018, the programme tracks improvements against 19 key infrastructure parameters. The initiative uses an inter-departmental convergence model, combining resources from schemes and funding sources including Samagra Shiksha, Gram Panchayat funds, District Mineral Foundation funds, urban-area funds, Jal Jeevan Mission and MGNREGA.
Maharashtra Restricts Officials’ Leave Amid Drought-Like Conditions
Authorities in Maharashtra have restricted leave for officials from key field departments as prolonged dry conditions have created drought-like situations in several parts of the state. The move is intended to ensure that relief and mitigation work continues without disruption. In Nanded, District Collector Rahul Kardile directed officials from revenue, agriculture, rural development, water resources, animal husbandry, land records and other departments to prioritise drought-related work.
Youth Congress Protests Across Cities, Demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation
The Indian Youth Congress and Congress state units held protests in several cities on September 25, demanding the resignation and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid an ongoing controversy over the functioning of the Election Commission and electoral-roll revision. Demonstrations were reported in Delhi, Chandigarh, Patna and other locations.
Delhi SIR: ‘Mark VIP’ Voter App Feature Sparks Controversy Over Electoral Roll Revision
The Election Commission’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Delhi has come under scrutiny following reports about a new “Mark VIP” feature in the Booth Level Officer (BLO) app and allegations of unequal treatment of voters. The feature, reportedly added to the BLO app in July, allows Booth Level Officers to flag certain electors as VIPs during house-to-house verification.
Allahabad HC Orders School Transport Safety Committees Across Uttar Pradesh
The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure regular meetings of district school vehicle safety committees and establish school transport safety committees in schools across the state. The directions were issued while hearing a public interest litigation concerning compliance with safety rules for vehicles carrying schoolchildren.
Nithin Kamath Flags Regulatory Risk for Fintech and Broking Firms
Zerodha founder and CEO Nithin Kamath has highlighted regulatory risk as a major factor that can affect businesses operating in India’s tightly regulated financial sector. His comments came after the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) proposed changes to insurance distribution and commission structures. Kamath said changes in regulations can quickly alter the economics of regulated businesses.
NRI Property Purchase Rules Change From October 1, 2026: What Buyers Need to Know
Buying property from a non-resident Indian (NRI) is set to become simpler for resident buyers from October 1, 2026, as the income tax system removes a separate compliance requirement for certain transactions.
52% of FD Investors Explore Alternative Investments in 2026 Survey
Fixed deposits remain a popular savings option in India, but investor behaviour appears to be shifting as more people explore alternative investments for a portion of their money. A 2026 online survey by alternative investment platform Per Annum, covering 10,000 investors with current or past exposure to fixed deposits and the stock market, found that 52% had moved part of their FD corpus into alternative investments.
Pakistan Seeks Deeper Bangladesh, Iran Ties at UNGA Talks
Pakistan is seeking to strengthen bilateral ties with Bangladesh and Iran following separate meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. During his meeting with Rahman, Sharif said both countries agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Clash: Several Taliban Fighters Reportedly Killed in Gulistan
Pakistani security forces said they killed several Afghan Taliban fighters during a clash in the Gulistan sector along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Friday. The reported fighting comes amid a fresh escalation between Islamabad and the Taliban government in Kabul following Pakistani strikes inside Afghanistan. According to Pakistani security sources, Afghan Taliban fighters allegedly attempted to enter Pakistani territory in Balochistan’s Gulistan area, leading to an exchange of fire.
Europe Expands Fuel Relief as Iran War and Ukraine Conflict Drive Energy Costs
European governments are expanding subsidies, tax cuts and other measures to cushion households and businesses from sharply higher fuel prices linked to disruptions caused by conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The OECD has reported that seven of the 10 countries taking the most measures to limit the economic impact of the energy shock are in the European Union.
Nepal Landslides: Kathmandu Public Transport Suspended as Heavy Rain Blocks Highways
Nepal has suspended public transport services to and from Kathmandu after heavy rain triggered landslides and blocked major highways connecting the capital with several parts of the country. Authorities have also warned residents and travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys, particularly at night, as more rainfall is expected.
B-1 for Xi, B-2 for Putin: What US Bomber Flyovers Signalled During Trump Meets
US President Donald Trump’s welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping featured a striking display of American airpower, with two B-1B Lancers flying over Joint Base Andrews during Xi’s arrival ceremony. The Chinese leader’s three-day state visit comes amid discussions on trade, technology, rare earths and wider US-China relations.
Bangladesh Urges UN to Continue Aid for 1.2 Million Rohingya Refugees
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged the international community to maintain humanitarian assistance for more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh and support efforts for their safe return to Myanmar. He made the appeal during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Rahman said the prolonged refugee crisis has placed pressure on Bangladesh’s resources, environment, security and local communities.
Trump to Take Xi Jinping to National Archives as US-China Summit Ends
US President Donald Trump is set to conclude Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-day state visit to Washington with a tour of the National Archives on Friday. The leaders are expected to view historic documents including the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The visit follows a high-profile state dinner and a 90-minute meeting between Trump and Xi at the White House.
Asian Games 2026: India Women Beat Japan 3-1, Move Closer to Hockey Semifinals
India’s women’s hockey team continued its strong Asian Games campaign with a 3-1 win over hosts Japan on Friday. The victory was India’s fourth consecutive win in Pool B and moved the team closer to securing a place in the semifinals. Lalremsiami opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a field goal as India quickly took control of the match.
Asian Games 2026: India Men’s and Women’s Kabaddi Teams Reach Finals
India’s men’s and women’s kabaddi teams have reached the Asian Games finals after dominant semifinal victories, keeping their bids to defend both titles on track. Both teams remain unbeaten in the tournament and are now one win away from gold. The women’s team defeated Nepal 48-24 at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium. India led 31-17 at half-time and maintained control after the break, producing three All-Outs during the match.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Announces Rs 50 Lakh Each for Asian Games Silver Medallists
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh each for athletes Vithya Ramraj and Vishal T K after they helped India win silver in the mixed 4x400m relay at the Asian Games. The announcement comes days after the state government awarded Rs 75 lakh to cricketer G Kamalini following India’s women’s T20 gold.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Reunite in Nets Ahead of India vs West Indies ODI Series
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli reunited in India colours during the team’s first training session ahead of the three-match ODI series against West Indies. The two senior batters were seen together at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 24, as India began preparations for the opening match.
Make in India Turns 12: India Expands Smartphone Manufacturing Beyond Assembly
India marked 12 years of the Make in India initiative on September 25, with Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighting the expansion of the country’s smartphone manufacturing ecosystem. He said India is now moving beyond assembling phones to producing more components and materials used in them.
Love & War: Alia Bhatt’s First Look Unveiled, Film Releases January 21, 2027
Alia Bhatt’s first look from Love & War has been unveiled, a day after Ranbir Kapoor’s character poster was released. Directed and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film also stars Vicky Kaushal and is set to bring a grand period-style visual aesthetic to the screen. In the poster, Alia is seen seated on a chair in a dramatic red-and-black ensemble, surrounded by an opulent red-and-gold setting.
Bigg Boss 20: Aasif Khan Faces Backlash Over ‘No Moustache, No Man’ Remark
Aasif Khan faced criticism during the latest Bigg Boss 20 episode after making remarks linking moustaches with masculinity during a captaincy task. The Panchayat actor said that moustaches were an identity for men from Rajasthan and claimed that men without moustaches were not considered “real men.” The comment came during a task involving Yung DSA’s team, which had won the diss battle competition and entered the captaincy race.
Aman Gandhi Gets Emotional Over Ex Shagun Sharma on Bigg Boss 20, Hopes She Hasn’t Moved On
Bigg Boss 20 contestant Aman Gandhi became emotional while recalling a former relationship in the latest episode promo. While discussing his past, Aman said he now understands why his former girlfriend continued calling him while she was shooting for Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 in South Africa. Although Aman did not mention her name, the conversation appeared to refer to actor Shagun Sharma.
Ajay Devgn Jokes Kajol Would Have Ruined Drishyam on The Great Indian Kapil Show 5
Ajay Devgn brought his signature deadpan humour to the opening episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 5, joking that the Drishyam franchise would never have existed if his wife, Kajol, had been cast in the first film. The hilarious exchange began when host Kapil Sharma asked director Abhishek Pathak whether Kajol would have made the film's protagonist reveal everything immediately.
The Vvaan Review: Sidharth Malhotra’s Folk Thriller Struggles to Sustain Its Mystery
The Vvaan: Force of the Forest follows Rishi and Mamta, a grieving couple who return to their ancestral village during Chhath Puja. Six years after losing their unborn child, the couple is still struggling with grief and hoping to become parents again. Their return takes them into a local legend involving Van Devi, a forbidden forest and supernatural forces believed to have been trapped there centuries ago.
UPSC CSE Mains Marks: CIC Asks DoPT to Restore Paper-Wise Disclosure From 2018
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has recommended restoring the publication of detailed, paper-wise marks of candidates selected through the UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination. The recommendation follows a finding that the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) had no recorded policy decision explaining why detailed marks stopped being published from 2018.
Bihar School Exam: Students Caught Using Mobile Phones, Headmistress Faces Action
Several students were seen using mobile phones while appearing for their half-yearly examinations at an upgraded secondary school in Begusarai's Bhagwanpur block. A video showing students using phones inside the examination hall has gone viral on social media, prompting action against the school's headmistress. The incident reportedly took place on September 22 at the Upgraded Secondary School in Mokhtiyarpur.
Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 Launches at IISc Bengaluru, Registration Opens
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi will inaugurate the Seva First Innovation Challenge at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, on September 25. The initiative aims to encourage students and young participants to identify local problems and develop practical solutions that can eventually be tested and implemented. The challenge will cover Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
Delhi University Fee Waiver 2026-27: Apply for Up to 100% Financial Support by October 13
Delhi University has opened applications for its Financial Support Scheme (FSS) for the 2026-27 academic session, offering eligible students fee waivers of up to 100%. The scheme is aimed at reducing the financial burden on students from families with lower annual incomes.
NOAA Plane Flies Inside Category 5 Hurricane Polo, Captures Eye-Wall Footage
NOAA has captured a dramatic view from inside Hurricane Polo after its WP-3D Orion aircraft flew through the storm’s eyewall and into its eye on September 22. The footage showed the aircraft passing through dense clouds before reaching the eye, where towering clouds surrounded a clearer patch of sky.
India Sets Up Xenotransplantation Department as Pig-to-Human Transplants Advance
India is taking steps to develop expertise in xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs, tissues or cells between different species. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi has established a dedicated Department of Xenotransplantation Sciences, while the Union health ministry is working on guidelines for the emerging field. The development follows growing international interest in genetically modified pig organs.
UGC NET June 2026 E-Certificate Released, Download Link at ugcnet.nta.nic.in
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the UGC NET June 2026 e-certificates for candidates who qualified in the examination. The certificates are now available for download through the official UGC-NET website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in. The e-certificates have been issued for candidates qualifying under four categories: Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) only, JRF with Assistant Professor eligibility, Assistant Professor eligibility with PhD admission, and PhD admission only.
West Bengal to Close 250 Private Madrasas Over Low Enrolment, Poor Infrastructure
The West Bengal Cabinet has decided in principle to close 250 government-recognised private madrasas in phases by December, citing very low or negligible enrolment and inadequate infrastructure. The institutions will continue classes until December for the students currently enrolled, after which the closure process will begin. The decision follows a state-wide review of madrasa institutions.
Rahul Gandhi Speaks to Sahil Wakode’s Family, Assures Support
Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi spoke to the parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode and assured them of support in their efforts to seek justice. Gandhi reportedly held a video call with Ravindra and Sonali Wakode while they were travelling from Washim to Mumbai. The conversation lasted around 17 minutes, according to party sources.
AAP Protests in Mohali as ED Raids GMADA Offices and Minister’s Kin
The Enforcement Directorate has continued searches at the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) headquarters in Mohali as part of a money-laundering investigation linked to alleged financial irregularities in land allotments, development projects and related transactions. The operation has also extended to other locations, including the residence of a relative of Punjab minister Hardeep Singh Mundian.
Calcutta High Court Questions EC Over Envelope Symbol for Ritabrata Camp
The Calcutta High Court questioned the Election Commission’s decision to allot the envelope election symbol to the Ritabrata Banerjee-led Democratic Trinamool Congress for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls. During the hearing of a petition filed by the Indian Secular Front (ISF), the court questioned why the poll panel selected a symbol previously associated with the ISF when other free symbols were available.
Govt Cuts Edible Oil Import Duties Amid Rising Cooking Oil Prices
The government has reduced import duties on several crude and refined edible oils in an effort to contain rising cooking oil prices ahead of the festive season. The changes cover palm, soybean and sunflower oils and are expected to reduce import costs for the industry. The basic customs duty on crude soybean oil and crude palm oil has been lowered to 5% from 10%.
Tata Sons Plans AGM Within a Month Amid Tata Trust Quorum Dispute
Tata Sons is preparing to convene its annual general meeting (AGM) within the next month, but continuing restrictions on the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) could again create a quorum problem. The meeting is expected to consider pending matters including N Chandrasekaran’s reappointment as a director. The previous AGM, scheduled for August 18, was adjourned after the required quorum was not available.
PB Fintech Shares Crash 30% After IRDAI Commission Proposal
Shares of PB Fintech, the parent company of Policybazaar, plunged nearly 30% on Thursday as investors reacted to proposed changes by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) covering insurance distribution commissions and payouts. PB Fintech shares were trading at Rs 1,320.10 around 12:57 pm, down 30.02% from Wednesday’s close of Rs 1,886.30.
NSE Shares Rise 5% After Listing at Rs 1,800 on BSE
National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) shares made their stock market debut on Thursday at Rs 1,800 on the BSE, marking a 0.84% premium over the IPO issue price of Rs 1,785. The stock gained further during the session, touching a high of Rs 1,878, or about 5.2% above the issue price.
US, China Extend Trade Truce by 2 Months Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
The United States and China have agreed to extend their existing trade truce by two months, keeping tariff arrangements in place while negotiators work on a potentially broader economic agreement. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the extension after meeting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng ahead of a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
F-35 Parts Diverted to Hong Kong, China Reportedly Takes Possession
Sensitive components from an Australian F-35 stealth fighter that were being shipped to the United States were unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong, where Chinese authorities have reportedly taken possession of them. The incident has triggered investigations by the US and Australia over how the shipment was rerouted and whether sensitive military technology could have been exposed.
Islamabad Bans Rallies for 2 Months Ahead of PTI March for Imran Khan
Pakistan’s Islamabad administration has imposed Section 144 across the federal capital for two months, restricting public gatherings, rallies, processions and demonstrations ahead of a planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march on September 27 seeking the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. The order covers public places across Islamabad, including the high-security Red Zone.
Judge Orders White House to Restore CNN, MS NOW and Politico Access
A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, ordering officials to immediately restore the outlets’ press access. The 14-day temporary restraining order was issued by US District Judge Timothy Kelly as the court considers the broader legal challenge.
OpenAI AI Agent Breached Australian Medicare Portal, Albanese Slams Delay
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticised OpenAI after an AI agent gained unauthorised access to a government Medicare statistics portal in June, with the company informing authorities about the incident nearly three months later. Albanese raised the issue directly with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and questioned both the delay and the way the breach was reported.
Pakistan Strikes 10 Afghan Sites After Eight Drones Intercepted
Pakistan said it carried out precision aerial and drone strikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan on September 24, after its forces intercepted eight drones that had entered Pakistani airspace from Afghanistan a day earlier. Islamabad said the targeted sites were allegedly being used to launch and store drones involved in the attempted attacks.
From Uber Driver to Asian Games Medallist: Salman Khan Makes Rowing History
Indian rowers Salman Khan and Satnam Singh created history at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya by winning bronze in the men’s double sculls, giving India its first-ever medal in the event. The duo clocked 6:13.25 in the final, finishing behind gold medallists China and silver medallists Uzbekistan. The medal marked Salman’s first Asian Games podium and capped a remarkable journey that began far away from professional rowing.
Asian Games 2026: India Storm Into Kabaddi Semifinals With 37-21 Win
Defending champions India advanced to the men’s kabaddi semi-finals at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Chinese Taipei 37-21 in their final Group A match. The victory completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign, with India winning all four of their matches. India had previously defeated South Korea, Japan and Bangladesh before overcoming Chinese Taipei at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium.
Asian Games 2026: Anant Jeet, Parinaaz Win Mixed Skeet Bronze
Anant Jeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal won bronze in the mixed team skeet event at the 2026 Asian Games, adding a second medal each to their campaign and helping India complete a medal sweep across all three skeet team events. India finished the mixed team final with 44 points at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery.
Carlo Ancelotti Says India Needs Stronger Football Culture and Grassroots System
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said India needs to develop a stronger football culture and grassroots system to consistently produce young players. Speaking ahead of Brazil’s international friendly against India in Kolkata, Ancelotti said the match would also give his team an opportunity to experience a different football environment.