TODAY NEWS ON September 24, 2026

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

Election Commission announces schedule for by-election to five Assembly constituencies and one parliamentary constituency

Election Commission of India (ECI) scheduled the by-elections to five assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and West Bengal as well as a lone parliamentary constituency from Assam for October 6, 2026. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 9, 2026, as per the announcement.

50 years on, Sarkaria Commission rocks Tamil Nadu Assembly again

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday (September 7, 2026) singled out the DMK, the main Opposition in the Assembly, and invoked the nearly 50-year old Sarkaria Commission inquiry into the DMK government headed by M. Karunanidhi, the Veeranam “scandal” and the report by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on the alleged collection of “party funds.”

LPG refill booking interval cut to 25 days for rural consumers too, Minister Suresh Gopi confirms

The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Monday (September 7, 2026) directed State-run oil marketing companies — Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) — to uniformly implement a 25-day inter-refill booking interval for domestic LPG consumers across both urban and rural areas, with immediate effect.

In meeting with Rubio, Jaishankar raises India’s concerns about sanctions Act

In their first meeting since the United States enacted the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRIA), External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns about the law with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on Wednesday (September 23, 2026).

Xi arrives in Washington, kicking off his state visit with rare planeside welcome from Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday (September 23, 2026), where he was to be met with a rare planeside greeting from U.S. President Donald Trump, who was there to welcome his counterpart on the tarmac instead of waiting for him to drive up to the White House.

We have been victims of terrorism: Iran President tells UN in rare wartime address

Iran’s President on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) said that his people have been “victims of terrorism” by the United States, delivering a rare wartime speech at the UN General Assembly a day after the U.S. President Donald Trump said he could “annihilate” the Islamic Republic.

Zelenskyy, at UN, urges leaders to keep choking Russia’s revenues and impede its war efforts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the world’s leaders Wednesday (September 24, 2026) to keep choking Russia’s revenues and impede its war efforts, telling the UN General Assembly that “Russia’s revenues must remain a target.”

One Indian killed in attack on ship off Oman; Centre condemns attack

An Indian was killed in an attack on the vessel MV Cape Dao off Oman on Wednesday (September 23, 2026). The vessel was reportedly sailing towards India. The Centre condemned the attack, calling for an end to “targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region”.

Front-of-pack nutrition labelling to be rolled out in single phase, FSSAI tells Supreme Court

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the country’s food regulator, on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) conveyed to the Supreme Court its proposal to adopt a single-phase approach for the implementation of front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FoPL) on packaged food products indicating sugar, salt and saturated fat levels.

Supreme Court stays High Court order to recover ₹5 lakh from Noida DM in NSA detention case

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) stayed an Allahabad High Court direction to recover ₹5 lakh from the salary of Gautam Buddha Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam and other officials to compensate Delhi University student Akriti Chaudhary for detaining her under the National Security Act (NSA) over a workers’ protest in Noida in April this year.

Ladakh L-G approves withdrawal of cases against 20 individuals booked over 2025 Leh violence

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) announced the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 people booked in connection with the violence that erupted in Leh on September 24 last year.

India categorically rejects OIC Contact Group’s remarks on Kashmir

India on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) categorically rejected the references to Kashmir in the Joint Communique of the Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Amit Shah chairs 28th Western Zonal Council meeting in Goa

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 28th meeting of the Western Zonal Council in Goa on Monday (September 7, 2026). Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Administrator Praful Patel participated in the meeting, which was also attended by high-ranking officials from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and state governments, officials said.

Women’s reservation will open new avenues for political leadership: Lok Sabha Speaker

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday (September 7, 2026) said the 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies would open new avenues for women’s political leadership, stressing that the role of women must move beyond receiving support to shaping policies and laws. Inaugurating a two-day All-India Capacity Building Workshop on ‘Gender-Responsive Governance’, organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in Faridabad, Mr. Birla said the day was not far when women would account for more than 50% of public services.

Shot putter Tajinderpal eyes history as athletics squad targets 20-plus medals

While athletics icon Neeraj Chopra had a premature end to his season due to injury, Tajinderpal is certain to finish on top. A two-time defending champion, the 31-year-old hopes to complete his hat trick of gold medals and enter the history books as the first-ever Indian track and field athlete to stand on top of the podium three times in a row in a single event.

IPL 2027 auction in Goa in mid December

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction will be held in Goa in mid-December, its chairman Arun Dhumal told PTI on Wednesday (September 23, 2026).

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

Zelenskyy names India among 47 nations recruited by Russia to fight

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia was using citizens of 47 countries, including India, in its war against Ukraine and urged their governments to prevent their nationals from being drawn into the conflict. Addressing the UN General Assembly, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had received prisoners of war from several countries and that foreign nationals were also dying on the battlefield. “Do not let Putin drag you into this war,” he said, naming India, Nepal, Ghana, Tajikistan, Cuba, South Africa, Sudan and others. His remarks come weeks after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India had identified 227 nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces, of whom 139 had been discharged and 51 had died. Zelenskyy also called for continued sanctions and restrictions on trade with Russia, arguing that Moscow’s revenues help sustain the war.

Trump, Xi face tough talks on trade, Iran, Taiwan and AI at White House

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to discuss issues including trade, Iran, Taiwan, and artificial intelligence when they meet at the White House today. The two sides have agreed to extend their trade truce by two months, but major differences remain over tariffs, rare earth exports and advanced technology. Trump has also pressed China to use its influence over Iran to help end the nearly seven-month war, while Beijing is seeking an end to US arms sales to Taiwan and fewer restrictions on advanced chip exports. (AP)

USS Abraham Lincoln deployment saw eight suicide attempts: Navy

Eight sailors assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during its lengthy deployment in the Middle East, Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated. In a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Cao said the sailors were from the carrier crew, air wing, strike group and destroyer squadron staff, as well as escorting ships and aviation squadrons. The disclosure came after concerns raised by sailors’ families over deteriorating mental health and living conditions during the deployment, which began in November and was repeatedly extended, according to BBC reports. Cao said five chaplains and several mental health professionals were on board. The Navy stated there were temporary problems with plumbing, water desalination and food supplies, but denied reports of a wider mental health crisis on the carrier.

Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan

In other news, Pakistan said it carried out airstrikes on 10 sites in Afghanistan that it claimed were being used to launch drone attacks against Pakistan. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the strikes targeted military sites linked to the attacks and were deliberate, precise and proportionate. Kabul has not immediately responded, while Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid denied that Afghan forces had attacked Pakistan, the Associated Press reported. These strikes come days after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, which Islamabad said targeted militant hideouts and Kabul said killed civilians.

Xi Jinping says China and US should be partners, not rivals

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for China and US to be partners rather than rivals, saying the two countries can find the right way to coexist in a new era. Speaking after arriving in Washington, Xi said China and US should work towards a stable relationship centred on cooperation, while managing competition and differences.

He said the interests of the two countries were connected and that China’s national rejuvenation and US President Donald Trump’s goal of “making America great again” could complement each other and benefit the world.

Trump's Board of Peace to unveil $2.45 billion Gaza recovery plan: Report

US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace will unveil a six-month, $2.45 billion recovery plan for Gaza at a meeting of its members on Wednesday, Axios reported. The 66-project proposal includes estimated spending for temporary housing, rubble removal, hospital repairs, economic recovery and ⁠the deployment of a multinational security force, the report added, citing a copy of the plan.

Morocco votes in parliamentary election after youth protests

Moroccans began voting on Wednesday in a parliamentary election shaped by youth frustration, high unemployment and demands for better schools, hospitals and housing. Polling will remain open from 8 am to 7 pm local time, with results expected on Thursday. Voters are choosing among 7,288 candidates from 27 parties for the 395-seat House of Representatives. The winning party is expected to lead coalition talks, as no single party is likely to secure an absolute majority. The election is the first since youth-led protests nearly a year ago and comes amid declining voter registration. Some opposition groups have called for a boycott, while analysts expect low turnout.

Indonesia ferry death toll rises to 20, 115 still missing

The death toll from the Virgo Transport 8 ferry that capsized in Indonesia’s Java Sea has risen to 20, with 115 people still missing and 108 survivors, officials said. The ferry was carrying 243 people, including 30 crew members, when it capsized in bad weather on September 13 while travelling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin. Rescuers recovered 10 bodies over the past three days, including eight from inside the ship and two washed ashore. Divers are focusing on the vessel’s cabins, where several passengers were found trapped, but murky water and strong currents have hampered the search. Operations have been extended until Sunday, while efforts to right the ship are underway.

11 killed in South Africa house party shooting

Three armed men opened fire at a house party in KwaMakhutha township in KwaZulu-Natal province on Tuesday, killing at least 11 people and injuring three, police said. A woman believed to be pregnant and 13 men were among those attending the party. Police said 10 victims, including the woman, died at the scene, while one of four taken to hospital later succumbed to gunshot injuries. The motive was not immediately known. Police said some victims were known to authorities, without providing further details.

G4 says UN Security Council unable to maintain global peace

Foreign ministers of the G4 countries-Brazil, Germany, India and Japan said the UN Security Council is currently unable to effectively discharge its core responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. They underlined the need for UNSC reform, saying it has become more urgent than ever given the increasingly challenging geopolitical environment.

Mark Carney reaffirms Canada’s support for two-state solution for Palestine

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada’s support for a two-state solution is “longstanding and resolute”. He said Canada, alongside the UK, France and Saudi Arabia, brought partners together at the UN to discuss creating conditions for lasting peace, where Israelis and Palestinians can live “side by side in safety and dignity”.

French President Macron rejects Trump’s claim of peace in Gaza

French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed US President Donald Trump’s claim of securing peace in Gaza, saying humanitarian access had not been restored in the enclave. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Macron criticised the portrayal of Trump’s Gaza peace plan as a diplomatic success and questioned the world’s inaction over the humanitarian situation. The White House defended Trump’s record, saying he had ended the Israel-Hamas war, secured the release of all living hostages and was leading the implementation of his 20-point Gaza peace plan.

Turkish President Erdogan again raises Kashmir issue in UNGA address

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan again raised the Kashmir issue during his UN General Assembly address, calling for dialogue to resolve disputes. Erdogan had also raised Kashmir at the UNGA last year. India had rejected his earlier remarks as “completely unacceptable” and urged Turkiye to respect other nations’ sovereignty.

US Justice Department defends ban on CNN, MS NOW, Politico for White House related coverage

The US Justice Department argued in a court filing that White House access is a “privilege, not a right”, despite First Amendment protections. It said Trump could restrict reporters from private areas, including the Oval Office, to protect national security information. The filing came ahead of an emergency hearing before federal judge Timothy Kelly in Washington. CNN, MS NOW and Politico are seeking the immediate restoration of their White House access. The media houses are seeking immediate restoration of their access, arguing the ban violates First Amendment press protections.

Trump backs India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

US President Donald Trump said his administration strongly supports India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, calling for alternative routes to move Middle East energy away from Iran.

Taiwan vows to stay in close touch with US on arms sales

Taiwan said it would maintain close contact with the US to ensure planned arms sales go ahead, ahead of the Trump-Xi meet. The defence ministry said security and stability in the Indo-Pacific were a “common interest” of democratic nations, while Taiwan also showcased domestically made and US-supplied weapons during military drills.

Japan agrees to strengthen economic security cooperation with US

Japan PM Takaichi says she agreed with Trump to strengthen economic security cooperation. Takaichi said that she discussed China with Trump, stressing that US-China ties should contribute to international stability.

Trump to personally welcome Xi Jinping at US air base

US President Donald Trump is expected to greet Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, a rare gesture as Xi begins his first US state visit in more than a decade. The visit comes amid tensions over trade, AI, Iran and Taiwan, with Trump seeking to maintain “strategic stability” and strengthen ties with Xi. The White House visit will include a formal state dinner on Thursday, as Trump seeks to match the pageantry of his May visit to China.

PM Modi expected to visit Canada around December: Mark Carney

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada around December this year, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said, as the two countries make progress on trade talks. Carney said Modi and he had committed to concluding negotiations by the G20 summit. He said the precise date of Modi’s visit was not yet known but he looked forward to hosting him. Modi last visited Canada in June 2025 for the G7 Summit. Bilateral goods trade stood at USD 8.6 billion in 2024, while services trade was USD 14.3 billion.