News Headlines for CAT, CLAT and IPM aspirants
Source: The Hindu , Indian Exp and others

Centre in SC reduces NEET-SS qualifying percentile to 30%; TN to get 40 vacant seats back

The Centre on Thursday (September 17, 2026) agreed to reduce the qualifying percentile for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Super Speciality (NEET-SS) seats from the existing 50% to 30%, even as it agreed to return 40 vacant in-service seats pertaining to Tamil Nadu to the State.

“The matter has since been reconsidered in consultation with the concerned stakeholders. In order to ensure that the available super speciality seats do not remain vacant and that the available training capacity is optimally utilised, it has been decided that the qualifying percentile for NEET-SS may be reduced from the existing 50th percentile to 30th percentile for the purpose of the proposed Special Stray Vacancy Round,” a Union government note filed before a Bench headed by Justice P.S. Narasimha said.

U.S. House passes Russia sanctions bill seeking to impose up to 100% tariffs on India, others

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) passed legislation targeting Russia’s energy sector, individuals and “shadow fleet” of tankers, including authorising the U.S. President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and other countries for buying oil and gas from Russia. The House voted ​262-159 ⁠in favour ⁠of the Bill.

The Bill, which will now be sent President Donald Trump for his signature, could result in significant U.S. tariffs on India. This Bill comes as New Delhi and Washington have been negotiating a preliminary trade deal, with India also increasing its purchase of Russian oil in comparison to last year. The President will have the authority, under the legislation, to waive sanctions in national interest.

Supreme Court asks CBSE to consider implementing 3-language policy for Class 6 from next year

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the CBSE to consider implementing its policy mandating the study of three languages, including two native Indian languages, for Class 6 students from the next academic session starting 2027. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, told the Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana that it would consider the suggestion. Justice Bagchi, at the outset, said that just to comfort the children, the CBSE should consider deferring the implementation of the three-language policy from the next academic year.

ECI bars both factions of Trinamool from using party name, symbol for byelections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) in an interim order on Thursday (September 17, 2026) barred both factions of the Trinamool Congress from using the party symbol and name in the coming Assembly bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar in West Bengal.

DUSU polls today: Delhi HC threatens to stay vote counting over violence

The Delhi High Court on Thursday (September 17, 2026) cautioned that it could stay the counting of votes and declaration of results of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections if it was not satisfied with the action taken by the authorities over alleged violence and hooliganism during the campaign. Voting is scheduled for Friday (September 18, 2026) and counting for September 19.

PAC pulls up Railways over gaps in passenger amenities despite promises

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday (September 17, 2026) expressed concern over persistent deficiencies in passenger amenities and sanitation across railway stations, with a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit finding that bio-toilets, projected as a game changer by the Indian Railways, were found deficient or non-functional at 491 of the 512 stations inspected.

Supreme Court agrees to give ‘precedence’ in hearing plea against Delhi SIR

The Supreme Court on Thursday (September 17, 2026) agreed to give “precedence” in hearing to a writ petition raising discrepancies in the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Delhi, including the removal of lakhs of voters from the draft roll for nebulous reasons.

Chandrasekaran’s reappointment as Tata Sons chairman cleared, Tata Trusts calls it illegal

A major dispute has arisen between Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd.’s Board and its majority owner, Tata Trusts, regarding the reappointment of N. Chandrasekaran as Tata Sons chairman for a five-year tenure and the listing of the company as mandated by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines. Tata Trusts has termed Mr. Chandrasekaran’s appointment “illegal”.

On his birthday, life-size statue of PM Modi unveiled at BJP office in Kolkata

West Bengal government held multiple events as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday celebrations on Thursday (September 17, 2026), including lighting one lakh diyas [lamps] across Kolkata. A life-size statue of the Prime Minister was also unveiled at the Bharatiya Janata Party office in the capital city.

Russia, China veto U.S. proposal for UN experts to keep monitoring sanctions on Iran

Russia and China vetoed a United Nations resolution on Thursday (September 17, 2026) that would have authorised UN experts to keep monitoring sanctions that were reimposed against Iran last year over its nuclear program. U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the UN Jennifer Locetta said the United States wasn’t surprised by the vetoes because the experts “would have shined the light” on prohibited cooperation between Iran and its partners.

AFG vs IND third T20I: Abhishek’s hurricane hundred powers Men in Blue’s emphatic series sweep

Six-hitting is a skill that Abhishek Sharma has honed to perfection. A sublime example came in the third T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday (September 17, 2026) as the opener hammered a record-breaking 34-ball 108, studded with nine fours and 11 sixes, to take India to 221 for seven. With Afghanistan capitulating for 94 in response, Shreyas Iyer & Co. completed a resounding 127-run

win for a 3-0 sweep.

T.N. CM Vijay returns from U.K. with ₹15,300-crore investment commitments

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who visited the United Kingdom to meet industrialists and attract investments, returned to Chennai on Thursday (September 17, 2026). He secured investment commitments worth ₹15,300 crore, which are expected to create 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to a statement from the State government office.

Mr. Vijay met Indian High Commissioner Kumaran Periyasamy and held discussions on joint ventures between India and the U.K. under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). As Mr. Vijay had already announced in the Assembly his government’s intention to create a world-class Sports City, he visited the Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit to hold discussions on modern car-racing technology and security arrangements. U.S. House passes Russia sanctions bill seeking to impose up to 100% tariffs on India, others.
 

International News

News Headlines for CAT, CLAT and IPM aspirants
Source: The Hindu , Indian Exp and others

Fire breaks out in southern Lebanese town following Israeli artillery shelling

Israeli artillery has been shelling the town of Hadata in the Bint Jbeil district of southern Lebanon. The shelling caused a fire to break out in one of the houses in the area. -Aljazeera

Malaysian king allows jailed ex-PM Najib Razak to serve house arrest

Malaysia’s king agreed on Friday to allow jailed former premier Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, the government said, four years after his conviction for his involvement in a multi-billion-dollar financial scandal. Najib, prime minister from 2009 to 2018, was found guilty of corruption in relation to the embezzlement of billions of dollars tied to 1Malaysia Development Berhad, a state investment fund he co-founded ⁠while ​in power. He has consistently denied wrongdoing.

$24 billion deal: US arms Saudi Arabia with its most advanced F-35 jets as West Asia tensions soar

The United States has told Congress it plans to sell up to 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a deal set to cost Riyadh roughly $24.3 billion. The deal, which comes amid renewed tensions in West Asia, would make Saudi Arabia the first Arab country to get access to the advanced fighter jet.

The US Department of State in a statement on Thursday said the sale would support US foreign policy and security goals by strengthening a key partner in the Gulf. It said the move would help Saudi Arabia defend its own territory and work more closely with US forces, and would also improve the country’s ability to defend itself in the air.

Saudi embassy welcomes proposed F-35 fighter jet sale

The Saudi Arabian embassy in the United States has said the potential sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter jets to the kingdom reflects the advancement of Saudi-US defence cooperation and the strength of its strategic partnership. The sale, estimated at about $24.3bn, was approved by the US State Department and is aimed at improving security for “a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region”, according to the State Department.

Israeli air attacks reported across southern Lebanon

Israeli forces have carried out a series of air strikes across southern Lebanon, according to the country’s National News Agency. Israeli aircraft struck Talloussah and launched two attack on the Jinjil area of al-Qantara on Thursday evening. A separate air strike targeted Nabatieh al-Fawqa, while Israeli forces fired illumination flares over the outskirts of Yater and Beit Lif.

Qatar signs agreement with UN to send 1.3 million liters of fuel to health sector in Gaza

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a deal with the UN to deliver around 1.3 million litres of fuel to help meet humanitarian needs in Gaza, as the territory continues to struggle with severe fuel shortages, particularly in its medical sector. Bus drivers went on strike over fuel shortages, causing a sharp drop in medical staff numbers at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Hasan al-Balaawi, medical coordinator for Medical Aid for Palestinians at al-Shifa, said low staffing has forced the hospital to limit care to emergency surgery and intensive care only.

Israel launches air attacks across southern Lebanon

Israel has launched several attacks across southern Lebanon in recent hours, according to the country’s state-run National News Agency. Four air strikes by Israeli warplanes were reported in al-Qantara and Nabatieh al-Fawqa. Another attack was launched on the Lebanese town of Talloussah.

At least 48 dead in Nigeria after consuming drink suspected to contain methanol, authorities say

At least 48 people have died and around 100 others are receiving treatment in southern Nigeria after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic concoction suspected to contain methanol, officials said on Thursday.Banji Ajaka, Ondo state’s commissioner for health, said the cases had been reported in the Odigbo and Irele local government areas. A total of 182 people are believed to have been affected and some are being treated in the hospital, he said.“I took like two shots and I went out on Friday.

Trump tells Axios he's approaching major crossroads in Iran war

US President Donald Trump told Axios that he is approaching a critical juncture in the Iran war as he weighs whether to resume large-scale attacks in an effort to bring the conflict to an end. “It’s a big decision. Anything could happen with me,” Axios quoted him as saying. Iran is in direct contact with the US, Trump said, adding that the Iranians still want to reach a deal.