🛢️ Import duty cut on edible oils ahead of festivals

The Union government cut the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on major imported crude edible oils on Thursday, September 24, 2026. This move was made to moderate domestic edible oil prices and ease inflationary pressures. The BCD for crude sunflower oil dropped from 10% to nil, while crude soybean and palm oil duties fell from 10% to 5%. This rationalization aims to lower landed costs and help consumers during the festive season. The government advised industry bodies to ensure the benefit reaches the consumers. 🛢️

🎬 Russo spills on how Endgame links to Doomsday

Anthony Russo revealed that 'Avengers Endgame: Encore' serves as a full-circle moment connecting to 'Avengers: Doomsday.' The director mentioned the intense energy from the 2019 opening night of Endgame. The re-release features exclusive footage setting up Doomsday, which is coming on December 18th. This ties into the renewed strength of the theatrical experience after COVID disrupted it. The new scenes add depth to the story while teasing the existential threat in Doomsday.

🤔 Xi tests Trump on 'Thucydides Trap'

Chinese President Xi Jinping suggested that the US and China can avoid a historic conflict often tied to rising powers. This statement was made by Xi at a White House ceremony alongside President Donald Trump. He advocated for the two nations to be "partners, not rivals," rather than adversaries. Xi implied that China's rise does not have to come at America's expense. The situation is being watched closely by global powers like India.

🔥 Punjab Minister vs Bittu Over ED Raid Drama

A political clash erupted between Punjab Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and former Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu regarding the Enforcement Directorate's searches. The confrontation took place in Sahnewal, where Bittu alleged Mundian fled to the US during the raid. The ED searches occurred on a nephew, Gurpreet Singh alias Prince, in Sahnewal. This tension is set against the backdrop of an ED money laundering probe linked to GMADA. Mundian is now publicly challenging Bittu's claims while defending his position. 🤨

😥 Activist claims encounter possible over Ladakh treatment

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk stated he might face an encounter due to the Centre's mistreatment of Ladakhis. He made these comments on the first anniversary of violence in Leh, comparing the situation unfavorably to Tibet. Wangchuk alleged that the September 24 violence was orchestrated to incite communal riots. He demanded Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation and a public inquiry into the events. He insists the Centre is responsible for the unrest because promised benefits like the 6th Schedule were denied. 😥

🏏 Breetzke's ton, Jansen's catch seals SA win

Matthew Breetzke scored a maiden home century, stirring up tensions during the first ODI. The match took place in Durban, South Africa, on a balmy afternoon. South Africa won by 67 runs after Breetzke reached 112 and Jansen sealed the victory. The spin of Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin proved effective against the Australian batting lineup. The rivalry heated up after Breetzke's controversial run and Jansen's subsequent catch. 🏏

💊 FDA upgrades recall for superpotent thyroid tablets 🚨

The FDA has upgraded the recall for Vitruvias Therapeutics' thyroid tablets to Class I due to superpotency risks. This affects approximately 3,655 units from lot number 504950, distributed nationwide between January 31 and September 30, 2025. Superpotent levels risk causing serious issues like rapid heart rate and hypertension in users. Elderly patients, pregnant women, and infants are identified as facing the greatest risk from these excess hormones. Patients with this batch should consult a healthcare provider immediately for next steps.

⚖️ KTU Syndicate rejects Pro Vice-Chancellor appointment

The Syndicate of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University declined the Vice Chancellor's proposal to appoint a Pro Vice-Chancellor. The V-C, Ciza Thomas, had suggested appointing Biju, a retired professor from Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam. The Syndicate members noted that university statutes mandate a candidate panel, not just one name. Since the V-C was not ready with a panel, the recommendation was rejected on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The university will now seek legal advice regarding the appointment procedure.

🤖 Voter lists caught in AI glitch drama

Voters are facing issues due to the Election Commission's logical discrepancy list during the Special Intensive Revision. This system flagged residents like Rajiv Chopra's children in Pitampura, North West Delhi. Currently, 19.33 lakh electors in Delhi and 20.35 lakh in Karnataka received such notices. The criteria for these discrepancies are not officially defined, causing confusion among the public. The EC's centralized AI system, ERONet, is facing scrutiny over its opaque workings. 🧐

🌍 80 nations push for Hormuz Strait reopening at UN

Eighty countries convened at the United Nations to call for the immediate reopening of the vital Hormuz Strait. This diplomatic push was directed at condemning the recent attacks carried out by Iran and the Houthis. The demands were formalized during a session held on Tuesday, March 12th. These nations stressed that the disruption is negatively impacting global trade and energy supply chains. The international community is now monitoring further diplomatic steps to resolve the maritime tensions. 🌍

🧐 ED links AAP leaders to land auction irregularities

The Enforcement Directorate alleged that AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain held unofficial meetings with GMADA officials regarding master plans and land auctions. This was reportedly done with Jain's instructions, leading to a near Rs 10,000 crore loss for GMADA and the Punjab government. The ED conducted searches across 26 premises in cities like Delhi and Mohali under the PMLA, 2002. Investigators found evidence of fraudulently reduced reserve prices for unsold GMADA land banks. AAP has strongly rejected these allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. 🧐