⛽ Oil prices pull back on US-Iran deal buzz

Crude oil traded near $94 per barrel on Thursday, cooling a peak of $97 amidst hopes of a US-Iran deal. Negotiators were exploring lifting naval blockades and easing sanctions on the Iranian economy. Recent strikes and pipeline attacks caused GCC oil exports to nearly halt. This supply crunch forced OPEC members to cut production, with Saudi output hitting a low since 1990. Lower Chinese stocks and low US SPR reserves add to the market pressure. ⛽

🏏 Lawrence century crushes Somerset's title hopes

Dan Lawrence scored his sixth Rothesay County Championship century while Surrey dominated the first day of the final Division One match at Taunton. Surrey posted a total of 327 for 4, with Lawrence leading the charge with an unbeaten 105 runs. This performance effectively snuffed out Somerset's chances of winning the Championship title. Dom Sibley scored 72 runs, and Ben Foakes added 64 not out to the strong total. The match continues as Surrey builds a commanding lead against the visitors.

📜 Assam mandates Muslim marriage registration rules

The Assam Cabinet approved new rules making Muslim marriage registration compulsory across the state on September 24, 2026. This action operationalizes the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Act, 2024, replacing an older 1935 legislation. The new law sets minimum ages at 18 for women and 21 for men, shifting registration to government officials. The framework ensures formal State documentation and protects the rights of married individuals. Additionally, a special ₹1,500 Puja bonus was announced for Arunodoi scheme beneficiaries in October.

😠 VIP chief slams CEC over election body controversy

Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani strongly criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Sahani made these explosive remarks while speaking to media in Patna regarding the controversy surrounding electoral roll procedures. He stated that if pardoned for murder, the first person he would target is Mr. Kumar. Sahani further predicted that in 2029, Gyanesh Kumar would be imprisoned under a Congress government led by Rahul Gandhi ji. He accused the Election Commission of becoming an arm of the BJP and undermining democracy. 😠

🎤 Blind singer Suneel Lodhi's journey to Bollywood

Suneel Lodhi, the soulful voice of the 'Maine Tere Hi Bharose Hanuman' song, never received formal music training. Hailing from Bundelkhand, he sang Bundeli folk songs on local trains starting at age 10-11 despite his visual impairment. His music gained traction online via Bundeli Duniya, eventually leading to a call from filmmaker Pankaj VRK in Mumbai. Lodhi later recorded tracks which included the song featured in the ₹2 crore devotional film, Hanuman Ansh. The film is directed by Vishal Chaturvedi and is inspired by the life of Neem Karoli Baba.

⚖️ Supreme Court curbs child abuse law misuse in divorce cases 🚨

The Supreme Court ruled against immediate arrest for child abuse allegations in matrimonial disputes. This decision, made by Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan, mandates a psychological evaluation of the child first. The court noted that false accusations are rising, often fueled by ego or bad advice. Specifically, if a family member living under the same roof is accused, police must verify a matrimonial dispute exists. Authorities must consult child psychiatry experts before deciding on arrest.

🛢️ 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. 😥