🩺 Medical student stipend ruled tax-free by ITAT Delhi

A postgraduate medical student received an Rs 18.34 lakh stipend from Aligarh Muslim University during her PG Medical course. The Income Tax Department initially treated this amount as taxable salary, leading to a notice being issued to the student. However, the ITAT Delhi ruled in her favour on July 30, 2026. The tribunal determined the stipend was directly connected to her MS (General Surgery) education, not compensation for services. Therefore, the Rs 18.34 lakh stipend was allowed to remain exempt under Section 10(16).

👵 Dying dementia patients briefly regain awareness

An 81-year-old woman with advanced Alzheimer’s showed sudden clarity before passing away in Iceland. This phenomenon, called terminal lucidity, involves a brief return of cognitive function near death. Studies suggest this happens in 6% of hospice deaths, indicating it isn't super rare. If true, it could change how science views memory storage in damaged brains. However, observer bias raises questions about whether these moments are truly meaningful. 🧠

🚀 India can take down satellites, but is it ready for space war?

The US recently acknowledged deploying 'space control weapons' in orbit, signaling a new era of space warfare. This development puts India's readiness against global powers like China and Russia into question. While the US announced this in 2024, India successfully demonstrated its ASAT capability during Mission Shakti in 2019. This mission saw the DRDO launch a Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mark-II from Odisha's APJ Abdul Kalam Island. This capability confirms India possesses the know-how to intercept and destroy orbiting satellites if needed. 🛰️

💰 Gold hallmarking fee jumps before festive rush

The Bureau of Indian Standards increased the gold hallmarking fee from ₹45 to ₹75, effective immediately. This change affects jewellers across India ahead of the upcoming festive season. The revision was formally notified via the BIS (Hallmarking) Amendment Regulations, 2026, dated September 14, 2026. Industry groups like the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council expressed concern over the nearly 67% cost hike. They are urging BIS to review this decision pending further stakeholder consultations.

🛡️ Houthi threat looms over Saudi's Mecca, MBS faces pressure

Saudi Arabian air defenses intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca on Tuesday, which the Saudi military declared a 'red line.' This incident occurred as Houthi fighters gained control of key Yemeni coastal areas near the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The Houthis' actions threaten Saudi Arabia's stability and MBS's economic vision, recalling the 2015 Yemen intervention. MBS is now tested on protecting Mecca, maintaining oil revenue, and avoiding major military escalation. Future moves will determine if allies step in or if another diplomatic deal is reached.

🚨 Journalist arrested over nasty remarks about anchor

Journalist Damodaran Prakash was arrested by Chennai police for making derogatory remarks against a woman anchor. The arrest took place in Chintadripet, Chennai, after allegations surfaced. These remarks were made in a January video titled ‘HIV Savukku — Kalyanam’ on YouTube. The woman filed a complaint, leading to his arrest under BNS and IT Act sections. The Chennai Press Club is questioning the timing of this action against the journalist. 😟

🏫 CJP launches tribal school campaign in Gadchiroli

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke announced the 'Adivasi School Thik Karo' campaign starting September 17 from Gadchiroli. This initiative targets the neglect faced by tribal schools across India over the last 80 years. The campaign aims to draw government attention to issues faced by tribal students and their discrimination. Dipke highlighted that over 590 tribal students died in Maharashtra in the past two years due to various causes. He stressed that the government must prioritize tribal education, noting only 130 ST applicants got IIT admissions. 😔

🗣️ China asks Iran, US to calm down on Hormuz Strait

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian FM Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday. China urged both Iran and the United States to exercise restraint and return to the Islamabad memorandum. Wang Yi called for effective measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz quickly to safeguard global energy supplies. The Chinese side expressed concern that regional tensions might spill over into Yemen and the Red Sea. These talks happened just before a planned meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.

🤸‍♀️ Pranati Nayak: India's lone gymnast for Asian Games

Pranati Nayak, a 31-year-old from West Bengal, is the only Indian gymnast selected for the 2026 Asian Games. Her journey began when she left home at age eight to pursue gymnastics, leading her to compete at the Olympics. She previously won Asian Championships bronze in 2019 and 2022, becoming the first Indian gymnast with two such medals. After an injury in 2026, she made a comeback winning silver at the FIG World Challenge Cup in Tashkent in May. Now, she focuses on the Asian Games to prove the worth of her early sacrifices. 🤸‍♀️

😠 Woman Confronts Cheating Boyfriend in Lucknow

A woman confronted her boyfriend who was with another woman at Janeshwar Mishra Park in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. An argument erupted after she caught wind of the situation on September 16, 2026. In an intense display, she jumped onto the car bonnet and screamed at him to stop. The man continued driving, and eventually, she rolled off the front of the vehicle. Police have filed a complaint and are searching for the accused using the car's registration number.

🐗 Boar attack leaves man injured in Kozhikode

A 59-year-old man, M.K. Abdul Khader, was attacked by a wild boar while reading on his veranda in Thamarassery, Kozhikode, on Wednesday morning. The attack happened around 6 a.m., causing leg injuries that required hospitalization at Thamarassery Taluk Hospital. This incident highlights rising wild boar activity in Kozhikode's residential zones. Earlier on September 7, a couple was injured near Mukkam after a boar crossed the road. Locals note that culling efforts are slow due to a shortage of licensed shooters. 🐗