India news Live Updates, 22 September 2026: Karnataka Assembly rejects Western Ghats conservation report, urges Centre to address ‘deficiencies’

The Assembly urged the Centre to exclude agricultural and horticultural land, plantations, human settlements and public-use areas from the Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA), except those already approved or sanctioned.

The Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution rejecting the K Kasturirangan report on conservation of the Western Ghats in its present form and urged the Centre to address its “deficiencies”. The resolution said the Centre’s July 27 draft Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) notification covers around 20,668 sq km and 1,449 villages across 10 Karnataka districts, including forest areas, agricultural land, plantations and houses.

The Assembly urged the Centre to exclude agricultural and horticultural land, plantations, human settlements and public-use areas from the ESA, except those already approved or sanctioned. It also sought a physical survey of forest boundaries and a one-year extension for Karnataka to complete the exercise, along with guidelines for alternative livelihoods and economic assistance for people affected by ESA restrictions.

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Water cannons used as farmers clash with police over paddy procurement in Haryana

Farmers protesting over their demand for the commencement of paddy procurement by the government clashed with police in Shahabad, Kurukshetra, on Tuesday. Barricades were placed to stop their march, and police used water cannons to disperse the protesters. Recent reports confirm farmers had announced a protest over the procurement delay.

Supreme Court notice to Centre on Vande Mataram plea by TM Krishna

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre’s response to a plea by Carnatic vocalist T M Krishna challenging the law mandating the singing of six stanzas of Vande Mataram.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s new announcement for school students

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday launched the expansion of the breakfast scheme for school students at a government middle school in Thiruvanmiyur. He launched the scheme at the government middle school in Gandhi Gramam, served food to the students and also ate with them. He later visited the classrooms and interacted with the students. The officials said that about 15.30 lakh additional students studying in 15,454 government and state-aided schools will be benefited with expansion of the breakfast scheme.

Three infants die as fire breaks out in Telangana hospital

A massive fire broke out at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Telangana’s Adilabad district last night, killing three infants. The blaze, according to news agency ANI, broke out at 11:50 pm; one fire tender was rushed to the spot, and firefighters brought it under control. Twenty-eight children admitted to the ward were rescued. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. The police registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident, ANI reported, citing a fire official.

Speeding Thar crushes scooter in Greater Noida, kills rider

A speeding Mahindra Thar hit a scooter on September 21 within the jurisdiction of the Bisrakh police station in Greater Noida, according to the Noida police. The crash left the scooter rider—40-year-old Neeraj, a resident of Chipiyana—and his wife injured.

The couple was rushed to a nearby hospital, where Neeraj succumbed to his injuries during treatment. His wife remains hospitalised. Police have impounded the vehicle, and efforts are underway to trace the absconding driver.

Four European nations back India’s bid for permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council

Four European nations, including Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, on Monday, backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Slovakia’s Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar said that India, being the leading country of the Global South and an emerging power in the Indo-Pacific, should have a place at the UN’s top decision-making body. The remarks come as the External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, took part in the first high-level Visegrád Group (V4) meeting.

Live Updates
Sep 22, 2026 05:31 PM IST
Karnataka Assembly rejects Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats in present form

The Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution rejecting the K Kasturirangan report on conservation of the Western Ghats in its present form and urged the Centre to address its “deficiencies”. The resolution said the Centre’s July 27 draft Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) notification covers around 20,668 sq km and 1,449 villages across 10 Karnataka districts, including forest areas, agricultural land, plantations and houses.

The Assembly urged the Centre to exclude agricultural and horticultural land, plantations, human settlements and public-use areas from the ESA, except those already approved or sanctioned. It also sought a physical survey of forest boundaries and a one-year extension for Karnataka to complete the exercise, along with guidelines for alternative livelihoods and economic assistance for people affected by ESA restrictions.

- With PTI Inputs

Sep 22, 2026 05:28 PM IST
Five Adani Group companies settle alleged disclosure violations with Sebi

Five Adani Group companies have settled proceedings with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) over alleged violations related to the disclosure of related-party transactions, according to a settlement order.

- PTI

Sep 22, 2026 03:30 PM IST
Festive season airfares won’t be capped, airlines to be advised to keep fares reasonable

The government will not cap airfares during the upcoming festive season but will advise airlines to keep fares reasonable, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said on Tuesday.

He said operating costs for aviation companies have increased due to higher fuel prices.

(PTI)

Sep 22, 2026 02:52 PM IST
RPI (A) activists detained outside IIT-Bombay gate over student's death

RPI (A) activists protesting outside the IIT-Bombay gate over the death of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode have been detained by police.

Sep 22, 2026 02:15 PM IST
Haryana farmers clash with police in Shahabad over paddy procurement

Farmers protesting the delayed start of paddy procurement clashed with police in Shahabad, Kurukshetra, on Tuesday after barricades were placed to stop their march. Police used water cannons to disperse the protesters. Recent reports confirm farmers had announced a protest over the procurement delay.

Sep 22, 2026 01:57 PM IST
iPhone langar in Chandigarh: Raja D King says 10 phones being given

Amritsar businessman Raja D King said 10 phones are currently being distributed at the ‘iPhone Langar’ after a large number of calls disrupted plans to form WhatsApp groups.

"We are giving 10 phones right now... We received so many calls, which is why we could not create WhatsApp groups. We were supposed to give 100 phones... People of Chandigarh can come and take the phones anytime," he said.

Sep 22, 2026 01:51 PM IST
Kerala govt recommends probe against Pinarayi Vijayan in case involving daughter’s firm

Shaju Philip from Kerala reports that the Congress-led Kerala government has recommended a preliminary probe against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena, and son-in-law Muhammed Riyas under the Prevention of Corruption Act, following an Enforcement Directorate (ED) report alleging their involvement in a money laundering case. The ED claims that Veena’s IT firm, Exalogic Solutions, received illegal payments—totalling Rs 3.28 crore—from Kochi-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) under the guise of consultancy services, a charge Vijayan has denied. The state’s crime branch will conduct an initial investigation to determine if a formal FIR should be registered, while both Vijayan and Riyas have stated they are prepared to fight the allegations legally and politically.

Sep 22, 2026 01:44 PM IST
Jamui harassment case: Priyanka Gandhi says women ‘unsafe’ on streets

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, reacting to the Jamui harassment case, said crimes against women are increasing and called for stronger measures to ensure women’s safety.

"It's horrible. Crimes against women are just increasing. It's become unsafe for women. It was always unsafe, but it's become more and more increasingly violent towards women. I think that there's no point in talking about big schemes and programs if we can't even ensure the safety of women on our streets. So it's really something that all of us need to think about. Wherever there are state governments and especially the central government, they need to think about how they are going to ensure that women feel safe," she said.

Sep 22, 2026 01:13 PM IST
Bangladesh’s foreign secretary, Asad Alan Siam set to be appointed as new High Commissioner to India

Bangladesh foreign secretary Asad Alan Siam is set to be appointed as the country’s new high commissioner in New Delhi, with the formal process currently underway, according to sources.

Sep 22, 2026 12:51 PM IST
Key accused in Bihar molestation shot, injured in police encounter

The key accused in a Bihar molestation case was reportedly injured in a police encounter, with the main accused allegedly suffering a gunshot wound to the leg.

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Sep 22, 2026 12:30 PM IST
All 3 accused in Kalkaji gangrape case apprehended

One of the men, Asif, was nabbed after an early morning encounter on Tuesday in Amar Colony. Police said the other two are a law graduate named Hemant and his brother, a BSc student.

Police officers said the three approached the victim and her friend and used ‘lawyer’ and ‘police’ lingo to scare them. They then asked their age and told them that what they were doing in the park was ‘wrong’.

“They said we know what you are doing here, and police action could be taken against you,” said Joint CP (Southern) Vijay Kumar.

Sep 22, 2026 12:21 PM IST
UP Rajya Sabha polls for 10 seats set for October 16; Bengal by-election on same day

The Election Commission has announced that elections for 11 Rajya Sabha seats—comprising 10 from Uttar Pradesh and one from Uttarakhand—along with a bye-election for a West Bengal seat, will take place on October 16 to fill vacancies arising from upcoming term expirations and recent resignations. Following this update from Damini Nath, Sandeep Singh has directed the team to publish the report

Sep 22, 2026 11:46 AM IST
SC seeks response of Centre on plea by vocalist T M Krishna challenging law mandating singing of 6 stanzas of Vande Mataram

The Supreme Court sought the Centre’s response to Carnatic vocalist T M Krishna’s plea challenging the law mandating singing of six stanzas of Vande Mataram.

Sep 22, 2026 11:39 AM IST
Tata Trusts Row: Sharad Pawar calls for due process, dialogue

Sharad Pawar, commenting on the Tata Trusts leadership issue, said the institutional role and rights of Tata Trusts should be respected under the established governance framework.

"The Tata Group’s legacy is rooted in the belief that business should serve society. Tata Trusts’ institutional role and rights must be respected under the established governance framework. The current leadership issue should be resolved through due process, dialogue and adherence to the Articles of Association. Protecting the Tata Group’s trust-based legacy is essential to preserving its contribution to India’s development," he said.

Sep 22, 2026 11:30 AM IST
Maharashtra Legislative Council polls for 5 seats on October 23

Biennial Maharashtra Legislative Council polls for five seats from Graduate and Teachers’ constituencies will be held on October 23.

Sep 22, 2026 11:11 AM IST
Bird strikes up 3.5 times, Delhi airport panel flags waste, illegal meat shops near IGI

Mahender Singh Manral from Delhi reports that bird strike incidents around Indira Gandhi International Airport have surged approximately 3.5 times during 2025 and 2026, prompting the Airfield Environment Management Committee to flag significant safety concerns related to illegal waste dumping, unauthorized meat shops, and bird-feeding spots near the airport. In a review meeting chaired by Special Secretary (Urban Development) Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, authorities highlighted specific problematic areas such as Rangpuri Pahadi, Indra Market in RK Puram, and Dwarka, where waste and illegal activities are attracting wildlife—including peafowl, monkeys, and dogs—that threaten aircraft operations. Consequently, the committee has directed the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) to coordinate with civic bodies like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Delhi Development Authority, and the Delhi Jal Board to enforce waste management protocols, increase penalties, and relocate animals to restore safety.

Sep 22, 2026 10:23 AM IST
S Jaishankar meets Ukraine FM Andrii Sybiha, discusses recent developments

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Ukraine Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha again and discussed developments over the past few weeks, he said in a post on X.

Sep 22, 2026 10:00 AM IST
Monkey attack leaves 91-year-old woman dead in Karnataka's Koppal

A 91-year-old woman died after allegedly being attacked and pushed by a monkey outside her house in BT Patil Nagar, in Karnataka's Koppal district on Monday.

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Sep 22, 2026 09:39 AM IST
Teen raped by 3 men posing as cops at Delhi park

Pragynesh from Delhi reports that a 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped by three men posing as police officers in a Southeast Delhi park on Monday evening after visiting the Kalkaji Mandir with a friend. The attackers, who were between 25 and 30 years old, confronted the teenagers under the guise of questioning them before threatening the pair and assaulting the victim. Following the registration of a case under the POCSO Act, police have arrested one suspect, Asif, after an encounter that left him with a leg injury, while the search continues for the remaining two perpetrators. This incident occurs amid a concerning rise in reported rape cases involving children and teenagers in the national capital.

Sep 22, 2026 09:28 AM IST
Speeding Thar crushes scooter in Greater Noida, kills rider

Drishti from Delhi reports that the Noida police officers said that an accident took place on September 21 in Greater Noida under the Bisrakh police station, where a Thar hit a scooter, after which the scooter rider, Neeraj, a 40-year-old resident of Chipiyana and his wife were injured in the accident. They were immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. During treatment, Neeraj succumbed to his injuries, while his wife is undergoing treatment.

The car has been taken into custody, while the driver is yet to be traced.

Sep 22, 2026 09:27 AM IST
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay launches expansion of breakfast scheme for school students

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the expansion of the breakfast scheme for school students on Tuesday.

The officials said that about 15.30 lakh additional students, studying in 15,454 schools, will be benefitted with expansion of the breakfast scheme.

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Sep 22, 2026 09:21 AM IST
Three infants die as fire breaks out in Telangana hospital, 28 children rescued

A massive fire broke out at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Telangana's Adilabad district last night, killing three infants. The blaze, according to news agency ANI, broke out at 11:50 pm; one fire tender was rushed to the spot, and firefighters brought it under control. Twenty-eight children admitted to the ward were rescued. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. The police registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident, ANI reported, citing a fire official.

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Sep 22, 2026 09:20 AM IST
Four European nations back India's bid for permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council

Four European nations, including Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Czech Republic, on Monday, backed India's bid for permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Slovakia Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar said that India being the leading country of the Global South and an emerging power in the Indo-Pacific, should have a place at the UN's top decision-making body.

The remarks come as the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took part in the first high-level Visegard Group (V4).

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