Archive · 18 Sep 2026
India's Evening News: TMC Symbols, NEET Panel, Sports and Films
This evening news roundup covers politics, education, business, sports, law and entertainment in India.
The Election Commission gave two Trinamool Congress factions different names and symbols.
Mamata Banerjee’s faction received the Football Player symbol, while Ritabrata Banerjee’s faction received the Envelope symbol.
Indian intelligence agencies warned about alleged drug-smuggling networks linked to Pakistan’s ISI.
Mamata also supported the Congress candidate in the Nandigram bypoll after her faction’s candidate withdrew.
A panel led by Nandan Nilekani is expected to give the Supreme Court an early report on improving the NEET examination system.
The BCCI will decide what happens to chief selector Ajit Agarkar after his contract ends next month.
The Delhi High Court stopped DUSU victory processions while examining alleged election-rule violations.
The roundup also reports new iPhone sales, an incorrect anthem at the Asian Games, and Gondhal being chosen as India’s Oscar entry.
The Election Commission allotted Mamata Banerjee’s faction the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress” and the “Football Player” symbol, while Ritabrata Banerjee’s faction received “Democratic Trinamool Congress” and the “Envelope” symbol.
Indian intelligence agencies warned of alleged ISI-linked efforts to expand narcotics-smuggling routes into India through Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and other regions.
Mamata Banerjee backed the Congress candidate in the Nandigram Assembly bypoll after her faction’s nominee withdrew, citing the greater interest of the nation.
The Centre told the Supreme Court that the Nandan Nilekani-led NEET reforms panel may submit an interim report by the end of September, while the court seeks a permanent NTA structure.
Other developments included BCCI deliberations on Ajit Agarkar, a Delhi High Court ban on DUSU victory processions, Blinkit’s iPhone 18 Pro launch-day sales, an Asian Games anthem error, and Marathi film Gondhal’s Oscar entry.
- Who
- The developments involve Mamata Banerjee, Ritabrata Banerjee, Indian intelligence agencies, the Nandan Nilekani-led panel, the Supreme Court, the BCCI, the Delhi High Court, Blinkit, Asian Games organisers and the Film Federation of India.
- What
- The roundup reports new Trinamool Congress faction symbols, a narcotics warning, Nandigram bypoll developments, NEET reforms, sports administration and legal actions, a technology product launch, an anthem mix-up and India’s Oscar selection.
- When
- The developments were reported on September 18, 2026; Ajit Agarkar’s contract is due to expire next month and the NEET panel’s interim report is expected by month-end.
- Where
- The events concern India, including West Bengal, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Maharashtra, Nandigram and Assam, as well as the Asian Games venue in Gifu.
- Why
- The updates concern election decisions, alleged narcotics-smuggling activity, examination reforms, sports administration, court enforcement, commercial launches and cultural representation.
- TMC faction symbol
- Mamata Banerjee’s faction received the “Football Player” symbol and the name “Mamata All India Trinamool Congress”.
- Ritabrata faction symbol
- Ritabrata Banerjee’s faction received the “Envelope” symbol and the name “Democratic Trinamool Congress”.
- Narcotics warning
- Indian intelligence agencies alleged that ISI-linked networks were seeking to expand drug routes into India.
- NEET reforms
- The Nandan Nilekani-led panel is likely to submit its first interim report by the end of September.
- BCCI decision
- BCCI office-bearers were authorised to decide Ajit Agarkar’s future as senior selection committee chairman.
- DUSU elections
- The Delhi High Court banned victory processions and sought replies over alleged Lyngdoh Committee violations.
- Oscar entry
- Marathi film Gondhal was announced as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards.