Kerala has reported 80 cases and 21 deaths due to Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and fatal brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri. The state health minister Veena George mentioned that the cause of encephalitis cases is still unknown. However, Kerala has developed testing facilities in all microbiology labs and issued guidelines in 2024 for early detection and treatment.

A controversy erupted at Surat’s New Civil Hospital after staff members were filmed performing an aarti and paying respects to a photograph of Asaram Bapu, a convicted rapist. The incident, which took place at the stem cell building's entrance, led to the removal of a security guard and a Class 1 officer.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh has criticised PM Modi's «GST Bachat Utsav,» alleging it burdens the common people while benefiting the rich. Singh claimed the Centre has collected Rs 127 lakh crore through GST, with a disproportionate burden on the lower income population. He further alleged demonetisation led to the closure of numerous small-scale industries.

The Delhi High Court has modified an order regarding Patanjali Ayurved's advertisement for its chyawanprash. Patanjali can now use the phrase «why settle for ordinary Chyawanprash,» but must remove the phrase «made with 40 herbs» deemed disparaging to Dabur. The court noted that the remaining statement is permissible puffery and unlikely to deter consumers from buying Dabur Chyawanprash.

Asaduddin Owaisi, the AIMIM president, is set to launch his party's Bihar Assembly election campaign with a four-day «Seemanchal Nyay Yatra» from September 24-27, focusing on the Seemanchal region. The Yatra aims to unite people for the development of the backward region, with Owaisi criticizing the BJP's caste politics. In the 2020 elections, AIMIM won five seats from Seemanchal and plans to contest more in 2025.

A political uproar erupted in Dombivli after a Congress worker's morphed image of PM Modi triggered BJP protests. In Delhi, over 200 people fell ill from suspected food poisoning during Navratri fasting. Kolkata faced deadly floods, leading to political accusations. An Uttarakhand man studying in Russia was allegedly coerced into joining the Russian army in Ukraine.

Kolkata is grappling with severe flooding after record rainfall, leading to eight electrocution deaths and widespread disruption. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has blamed poor dredging and the CESC for the crisis, announcing advanced Puja holidays and virtual inaugurations.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has intensified his support for the Centre's 'Swadeshi campaign', criticizing those allegedly dividing society and opposing the initiative. He highlighted PM Modi's call for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', urging citizens to prioritize 'Made in India' products to boost the economy and support local businesses.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has advised caution regarding the recent Saudi-Pakistan defence pact, emphasizing the importance of trusting India's diplomatic efforts. He acknowledged the agreement as a continuation of a long-standing relationship, while also noting some concerning elements, particularly the mutual defence clause. The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that it will closely study the agreement’s implications.

Kolkata faced immense disruption as torrential overnight rainfall led to widespread flooding, paralyzing the city. Public transport, including trains and Metro services, was suspended, and streets became submerged, stranding vehicles. Tragically, at least three people died due to electrocution in the rain-affected areas. The IMD has warned of continued heavy rainfall in several South Bengal districts.

The Karnataka High Court has temporarily suspended the state government's order that capped cinema ticket prices at Rs 200. This decision follows petitions from multiplexes, theatre owners, and film producers who argued the cap was arbitrary and detrimental to their business. The court's intervention puts the price regulation on hold, pending further deliberation on its validity and impact.

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hailed the next-generation GST reforms, which came into effect from Monday, calling these reforms a historic milestone set to bring prosperity, growth, and opportunities for all citizens under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rahul Gandhi criticized the Modi government, linking rising unemployment and corruption to alleged electoral malpractices. He accused the BJP of prioritizing image management and corporate interests over youth employment, highlighting a split-screen video contrasting police action against protesting students with the Prime Minister's public relations activities. Gandhi asserted that young Indians will no longer tolerate «job theft» or «vote theft.»

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres supports UNSC reform to mirror current global dynamics, acknowledging India's growing influence. While the decision on permanent membership rests with member states, India actively seeks a seat, emphasizing its qualifications. The UN also voices concerns about rising global protectionism and its detrimental effects on global development and economic stability.

Security forces have launched extensive search operations in the Kathua district following reports of two suspected terrorists. Simultaneously, top military officials are reviewing ongoing anti-terror efforts in the Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar regions. These operations intensified after a soldier's death and subsequent gunfights, with aerial surveillance and ground combing underway to locate the militants.

Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav's united show during the «Voter Adhikar Yatra» showcased Mahagathbandhan's unity against the BJP and Election Commission. Despite the apparent bonhomie and mutual endorsements, seat-sharing negotiations reveal underlying tensions. Parties like VIP are demanding significant concessions. RJD and Congress face pressure to accommodate the smaller alliance partners.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York amidst escalating trade tensions. The US has imposed significant tariffs on India, including a 25% charge for Russian oil purchases, and remained silent on the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense treaty.

A security incident occurred at Delhi Airport on Sunday when a 13-year-old Afghan boy was found after secretly boarding a Kam Air flight in Kabul by hiding in the landing gear. The boy, from Kunduz, was discovered wandering near the aircraft after it landed. Following questioning and procedures, he was sent back to Kabul on the same day.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a cashless medical treatment scheme providing up to Rs 10 lakh coverage for all families in the state. Registrations will commence on September 23 in Tarn Taran and Barnala, with camps set up for easy enrollment requiring only Aadhaar and voter ID.

Sudha Murty, a Rajya Sabha MP, has reported a cybercrime. She received a threatening call from an unidentified individual. The caller posed as a telecom employee. He claimed her mobile number wasn't linked to Aadhaar. He also mentioned the circulation of obscene videos. The caller threatened to halt her mobile services. Murthy filed a police complaint in New Delhi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Morocco resulted in a military cooperation agreement, marking the first trip by an Indian defence minister to the country. The agreement aims to enhance collaboration in counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber defence, and capacity building. This initiative strengthens the growing ties between India and Morocco, building upon momentum gained since 2015.

The Indian government has extended the ban on the Naga rebel group NSCN(K) for another five years, citing its violent activities and alliances with anti-India forces. The Home Ministry highlighted the group's secessionist agenda, involvement in extortion, and procurement of arms with foreign assistance.

In a move to enforce fiscal discipline and prevent wasteful spending of public funds, the finance ministry has directed all Union ministries, departments, Central public sector enterprises, and public sector banks to refrain from spending on gifts for Diwali and other festivals. This decision, effective immediately, aims to promote prudent use of public resources.

Sanjay Raut questioned PM Modi's decision to deliver his national address at 5 pm, instead of the usual 8 pm, suggesting it was to accommodate BJP workers wanting to watch the India-Pakistan cricket match. During the address, PM Modi urged citizens to embrace Swadeshi products as the GST reforms rolled out.

Prime Minister Modi engaged with local artisans and entrepreneurs in Tripura and Itanagar, highlighting the benefits of new GST reforms and the 'GST Bachat Utsav' for key sectors. He laid the foundation for development projects in Arunachal Pradesh and inaugurated the redeveloped Tripureswari Temple in Tripura, emphasizing the importance of 'Made in India' products and Northeast development.

Prime Minister Modi announced the 'GST Bachat Utsav,' highlighting the benefits of reduced GST rates for households and businesses. The reforms, effective from September 22nd, feature primarily 5% and 18% tax slabs, lowering taxes on essential goods. These changes, combined with income tax cuts, aim to save citizens approximately Rs 2.

Isha Gramotsavam's 17th edition concluded at Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, uniting 63,220 participants from 35,000+ villages across seven states and one Union Territory. Union Sports Minister Mandaviya, impressed by the event's scale, expressed interest in supporting rural athletes and partnering with Isha Foundation. Sadhguru aims to expand Gramotsavam nationwide by 2028, fostering vibrancy in rural India.