⏸️ Kerala Govt pauses minimum marks rule for school exams

The Kerala government has decided to temporarily halt the implementation of minimum marks for classes VIII, IX, and X starting in the 2026-27 academic year. This rule, approved by the previous LDF government in 2024, mandated a 30% minimum in theory for better education quality. It was already being phased in from 2024-25 and 2025-26 for lower grades. The decision means SSLC students won't need to meet the 30% minimum in any theory paper. Teacher unions are concerned this rollback will negatively impact overall education standards. 📉

⚽ Arsenal stumbles against Brighton; player ratings drop

Arsenal unexpectedly lost their first game of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion in an ugly match. The Gunners were playing away at the South Coast on September 19, 2026. Key ratings included David Raya at 3.5/10 and Gabriel at 4/10, while Kai Havertz scored 6/10. The loss exposed weaknesses in Arsenal's defense and midfield cohesion. Moving forward, the team will need to address these performance dips to secure their standing. 🧐

🏏 Dottin out, Henry in for Zimbabwe tour

Deandra Dottin will skip the West Indies tour of Zimbabwe due to personal leave. Captain Hayley Matthews will only participate in the three ODIs before also taking leave. Chinelle Henry is returning to the squad after an injury sustained during the T20 World Cup in June. Eboni Brathwaite replaces Dottin in the lineup for the upcoming series. The matches are scheduled for September 24 and 27, 30 for ODIs, and October 3, 5, 7 for T20Is. 🏏

🤔 Kejriwal's name absent from Delhi voter list, AAP claims

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has claimed that Arvind Kejriwal's name is missing from the Delhi voter list. This issue was brought up by the party regarding the electoral roll in Delhi. Specific details about the discrepancy or the exact dates of the issue were not provided in the initial report. The Election Commission of India's official body has responded to the claims made by the AAP. Further action will depend on the official verification of the missing entry.

🚕 Bengaluru passengers cheer end to advance tipping

Bengaluru passengers welcomed the CCPA's move against pre-ride tipping prompts on ride-hailing platforms. This action was taken by the Central Consumer Protection Authority targeting companies in Bengaluru. The government directed aggregators to stop pre-booking tips following a ₹10 lakh penalty on Rapido on September 16, 2026. While passengers see this as bringing transparency, drivers worry about reduced earnings amid high platform commissions. Drivers are also pushing for a sustainable fare structure using regulated metered fares. 🚕

🧹 Cyberabad clears 201 encroachments in big drive

The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation conducted a 'Walk-Free' drive on Saturday, September 19. This operation targeted 201 encroachments across 9.9 km of road stretches in its three zones. The clearing activity took place across 16 circles in Serilingampally, Kukatpally, and Quthbullapur zones. Quthbullapur Zone saw the most removals with 78 clearances, while Kukatpally Zone cleared 67. CMC officials plan to continue field monitoring to stop encroachments from coming back. 🚧

😠 CPI won't just watch if LDF faces political heat

Binoy Viswam stated that the Communist Party of India will not remain a spectator if the CPI(M) and LDF are politically hunted. He addressed reports that the Advocate General advised the UDF-led government to accept the ED letter regarding an FIR. This potential FIR concerns Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and P.A. Mohamed Riyas in the CMRL-Exalogic case. Initially, Viswam mentioned the party would study the situation before responding to media queries. He later confirmed the CPI has a clear position on the matter, which doesn't require daily clarification.

🧐 US-Iran War Casualties Disputed

Reports suggest that the death toll from the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran might be higher than the official Pentagon figures. This discrepancy has been brought to light by recent investigative reports. Specifically, the reported figures are currently under scrutiny regarding their accuracy. The situation is unfolding amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. Further clarification on the true casualty numbers is expected from involved parties soon. 🧐

🏆 SA sweeps T20I series against Zimbabwe

South Africa secured a 13-run victory over Zimbabwe in the final T20I match held in Bulawayo. The South African team achieved a clean sweep, completing a 5-0 series win against Zimbabwe. South Africa posted a score of 164 for 6, while Zimbabwe was restricted to 151 for 8 on the date of the match. The series context saw South Africa dominating the T20I competition against the Zimbabwean side. Moving forward, South Africa maintains its dominance in the T20I fixtures.

🚌 BMTC eyeing 200 small buses for Metro connectivity

BMTC is inspecting models for 200 seven-metre midi/mini-buses to boost city connectivity. This move is aimed at serving first-and-last-mile needs near Namma Metro stations in Bengaluru. The plan follows a directive from Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh, part of the 4,500 electric buses under the PM E-DRIVE scheme. Past fire incidents in 2022 and revenue struggles are making BMTC cautious about this fleet expansion. Despite hurdles, the increasing Metro expansion demands better feeder services for neighborhoods. 🚌

💧 Maharashtra faces drought as CM announces relief

A drought-like situation has emerged across several Maharashtra districts due to prolonged rain breaks damaging standing crops. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed this during a cabinet meeting on Saturday, directing ministers to start preliminary assessments immediately. The government plans to complete this initial review within one week, followed by official crop surveys and immediate assistance. Furthermore, three lists have already been issued for the ongoing farm loan waiver process, and fodder/water supplies are being arranged. 🌾 The state is also providing extra evening power supply to farmers while anticipating a weather-linked crisis.