🩺 NEET-PG 2026 results are out; check the cut-offs

The NBEMS officially released the NEET-PG 2026 results after 2,65,960 candidates took the exam in two phases. The qualifying cut-off for the General and EWS categories was set at 262 marks out of 720. This exam was held on August 30th for 2026-27 admissions to various PG medical courses. The percentile criteria remained the same as last year, with different marks for PwBD and SC/ST/OBC candidates. Scorecards and the answer key will be available for download from the NBEMS website starting October 1st.

🏫 School Infra Woes Cause Shutdown in Arunachal Capital

A 12-hour shutdown paralyzed Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, on September 24, 2026, due to education-related issues. The All Nyishi Students' Union (ANSU) members organized the protest in Itanagar, which includes Naharlagun town. The protest demanded renovation of 56 schools and a special needs school in Pakke Kessang district. Authorities declared the shutdown illegal under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita due to public safety concerns. The State Education Department noted several infrastructure proposals are already in advanced stages of implementation. 🏫

🏥 Ayushman Bharat hits 8 years: huge reach

Eight years after its launch, Ayushman Bharat now covers over 60 crore beneficiaries for affordable healthcare. This massive scheme, spearheaded by the government, has seen over 13 crore people avail treatment worth more than Rs 2 lakh crore across 39,000+ hospitals. The scheme provides an annual health cover of Rs 5 lakh to these beneficiaries. Furthermore, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have recorded over 500 crore visits, expanding care closer to citizens. This journey shows the government's commitment to accessible healthcare for millions.

🛠️ BEST launches campaign for smart meter bill complaints

BEST has started a special redressal campaign to handle consumer complaints about inflated bills after smart meter installation. This initiative is being rolled out across all customer care wards in Mumbai. The campaign runs on September 28 and 29 in A & E Ward, with other dates scheduled until October 9. This is a direct response to consumer queries regarding unexpected bill hikes post-modernization. BEST plans to offer on-site testing and install check-meters to verify consumption accuracy. 🛠️

🔬 Blood test spots breast cancer way earlier than scans

A personalized blood test named Pathlight detected circulating tumor DNA up to 13.8 months before metastatic breast cancer was clinically visible. This study followed 136 patients across various cancer subtypes at Lund University. Data collected over six years, including nearly 1,497 blood samples, showed early signs in some cases up to four years before visible symptoms. Persistent tumor DNA strongly predicted later recurrence and poorer survival outcomes for these patients. Researchers still need clinical trials to confirm that acting on this early blood test actually improves patient results. 🔬

🚨 30+ arrested at UN protest against Netanyahu

At least 30 people, including actors and politicians, were arrested during a protest outside the UN headquarters on Thursday. The demonstration took place in New York City against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just before his address at the UN General Assembly. Around 200 people gathered, carrying slogans like “Fund people not bombs,” as the protest intensified. This action came amidst international backlash concerning Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The activists continued to chant slogans even after being escorted onto police buses. 😔

🏙️ Anyang city's vibe linked to its built environment

A study investigated how the built environment relates to urban vitality in Anyang, China, using advanced data analysis. Researchers analyzed the main urban area of Anyang, China, over various metrics. The findings showed urban vitality peaked in the eastern core area, with specific data points recorded around September 24, 2026. This research emphasizes that coordinated urban functions are key for effective city renewal strategies. Future efforts should focus on differentiated renewal plans based on these insights. 🏙️

🗳️ EC might revise voter rolls in key states this October

The Election Commission is expected to order a Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls in UP, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa, and Manipur this October. This specific revision will use January 1, 2027, as the qualifying date for these states. Currently, a nationwide SSR is unlikely because SIR Phase 3 is ongoing in 19 states/UTs and the Census is happening. SSR in these five poll-bound states aligns with Section 21 of the RP Act, requiring updates before the Feb-March 2027 polls. Updated rolls will subsequently need to be published in January 2027. 🗳️

📈 UP Trade Show 2026 aims to be a global sourcing hub

The UP government announced that the U.P. International Trade Show 2026 will position Uttar Pradesh as a Global Sourcing Hub. This event will gather global buyers, domestic businesses, investors, and consumers at the India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida. The show is scheduled for September 25–29, 2026, with an expected attendance of five lakh visitors. Key international partners from six countries will attend to boost business partnerships and market access for local enterprises. The event will be inaugurated by Shri Amit Shah, alongside Shri Yogi Adityanath. 🌐

🌊 Nantucket cottage perilously close to ocean drop

A 1951 Nantucket cottage was purchased by Charles Fotopoulos in September 2021 for $899,000, despite known coastal risks. The home is located on Sconset Bluff, and five years later, only a few feet separate it from a 40-foot drop into the Atlantic. Fotopoulos initially felt safe with the purchase, banking on the structure and geotubes, stating he was good if it lasted five years. The property has generated rental income, with recent summer rentals hitting $29,500 per month. This single property is now part of a larger debate on Nantucket regarding coastal erosion and protection methods. 🌊

⛈️ Mexico battered by Polo; Hawaii braces for Nolo 🌪️

Category 5 Hurricane Polo brought heavy rain and flooding risks to Mexico's Pacific coast on Thursday. Authorities deployed 15,000 personnel and opened shelters in areas like Lazaro Cardenas. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Nolo strengthened south of Hawaii's Big Island, threatening heavy rain starting Thursday. Forecasters expect Nolo could bring over 2 feet of rain to parts of Hawaii, with potential hurricane-force winds by Saturday. Hawaii Governor Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation as preparations ramped up against the incoming storm.