India

SpaceX Starship Reaches Orbit for First Time, Carrying 26 Starlink Satellites

SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket into orbit for the first time, marking a major milestone for the program. The vehicle, the largest and most powerful rocket ever constructed, carried 26 next-generation Starlink satellites as its payload. These satellites are set to join a constellation of over 11,000 existing Starlink units currently providing internet service globally. However, the flight concluded earlier than planned, cutting the mission short before full completion of its objectives.

Omar Abdullah Defends Autonomy Resolution Amid BJP Protests in J&K Assembly

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sparked controversy after the state assembly passed a resolution referencing the 2000 demand for autonomy. The BJP staged protests against the resolution, objecting to its political implications. Abdullah responded sharply to critics, warning that allowing armed force to determine statehood would effectively hand that power to Pakistan. He defended the resolution as a legitimate political expression rather than a security threat. The exchange highlighted ongoing tensions between the ruling dispensation and BJP over J&K's constitutional status.

Prescription Drug Abuse Surges in Chennai as Traffickers Evade Law Enforcement

Chennai authorities are grappling with a sharp rise in prescription drug abuse, particularly involving Tapentadol and Nitrazepam. Police have found injection marks on young individuals, pointing to widespread misuse of these controlled substances. Despite more frequent seizures, existing enforcement laws have proven inadequate in curbing the problem. Traffickers have shifted to underground networks to avoid detection, complicating police efforts. Authorities are now working to strengthen the legal framework and tighten supply chain monitoring for these drugs.

India's Kaveri Engine Clears Russia Trials, Set to Power Stealth Drones

India's indigenously developed Kaveri dry engine has successfully completed high-altitude and flight trials conducted in Russia. The engine recorded a peak dry thrust of 48.5 kilonewtons, surpassing its original design target of approximately 46 kilonewtons. The successful trial marks a significant milestone for India's defence aviation programme. The Kaveri engine is now expected to be used in India's upcoming stealth drone platforms.

Heart Disease Cases Triple Among Young Indians Between 2017 and 2025

A recent survey has recorded a threefold rise in cardiovascular disease cases among younger Indians between 2017-2018 and 2025. The trend is alarming as it affects a demographic previously considered low-risk for heart-related conditions. Contributing factors include the growing prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among younger age groups. Notably, some individuals are experiencing serious cardiac events without any prior risk factors or warning signs. The surge has led to a significant increase in urgent medical interventions required for younger patients.

Maryland couple turns 116-acre hunting land into protected wildlife habitat

12,000 fossils in 1.7B-year-old Australian rocks reveal clues to complex life

Mumbai Police uses Ranbir Kapoor's 'Love & War' poster to push seatbelt awareness

Mumbai Police creatively leveraged the first-look poster of upcoming film 'Love & War' to promote road safety on social media. The campaign drew a clever connection between the film's title and the importance of wearing seatbelts. The post gained public attention for its witty approach to spreading a life-saving message. 'Love & War' stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, who will share the screen together for the first time.

Mumbai Civic Chief Outlines 2-3 Year Plan to Complete Metro and Road Projects

Mumbai's civic chief Ashwini Bhide shared a development timeline at the NDTV Yuva event, addressing ongoing infrastructure projects in the city. She stated that remaining work on metro networks and concrete roads is expected to be completed within the next two to three years. Bhide expressed confidence that these upgrades would significantly transform the commuting experience for Mumbai residents. The projects represent a major push to modernize the city's transport infrastructure.

J&K Top Bureaucrats Urge Speaker to Block Statehood Resolution

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Duloo and Law Secretary Achal Sethi have written separate letters to the Assembly Secretariat opposing a statehood resolution. The letters call for the resolution to be disallowed, marking an unusual instance of senior bureaucrats formally challenging a legislative move. The resolution was introduced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and had already been admitted by the House. The bureaucrats' intervention came three days after the resolution was moved in the assembly.

Adani, Four Group Firms Settle Sebi MPS Violation Case for Rs 1.48 Crore

Gautam Adani and four Adani Group companies have reached a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Board of India over alleged violations of minimum public shareholding norms. The case originated from complaints lodged in 2020 concerning non-compliance with shareholding regulations. As part of the settlement, the group agreed to pay Rs 1.48 crore to resolve the matter. While the parties involved denied any wrongdoing, Sebi has agreed to take no further enforcement action unless similar violations occur in the future.

Goa senior citizen accuses BJP MLA’s son of road rage, CM Pramod Sawant orders probe

Red Wings Reject Bruins' Offer for Dylan Larkin as Captain Eyes Fresh Start

The Boston Bruins made a trade offer to acquire Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, but the deal was turned down. Reports suggest Larkin is seeking a fresh start with a new team rather than joining Boston. The Red Wings center reportedly submitted a list of preferred teams he would be willing to join, with the Bruins notably absent from that list. Boston, meanwhile, continues its search to bolster its center position ahead of upcoming competition.

MIT-designed artificial reef doubles Maldives beach size by 90 feet

A Marriott resort in the Maldives has deployed an artificial reef system to combat beach erosion, resulting in the beach doubling in size by approximately 90 feet. The project involves strategically placed concrete blocks that encourage sand accumulation along the shoreline. Beyond erosion control, the reef structure also supports the growth of local marine ecosystems. A company called Coastal Assembly used satellite imagery and ocean current data to determine the most effective reef placement. The initiative is being seen as a model for sustainable coastal management practices globally.

AAP sees 68% fall in donations, BJD declares zero contributions

Delhi HC Sends Courage Note to 10-Year-Old Rape Survivor, Assures Convict Will Die in Jail

The Delhi High Court has directed that a message of courage be delivered to a 10-year-old rape survivor within two weeks of the order. The bench, comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Dinesh Bhutt, passed the order on 22 September 2026. The court assured the child that the perpetrator would spend the rest of his life behind bars. The message is to be delivered along with a compensation amount awarded to the survivor.

From containment to commerce? Trump's 'arms sales pitch' to Xi stuns Washington

Bruce Willis sells Parrot Cay estate for record $27M Caribbean deal

Actor Bruce Willis has completed the sale of his 7.3-acre beachfront compound on Parrot Cay for $27 million. Willis originally purchased the land in 2000 and spent four years developing three custom-built homes on the property. The estate features 12 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, and multiple swimming pools across its sprawling grounds. The transaction has set a record for residential real estate sales in the Caribbean. The sale is part of Willis's broader effort to consolidate his property holdings.

Bay of Bengal Depression Triggers Odisha Floods, Over 1 Lakh Evacuated

A depression forming in the Bay of Bengal has caused widespread flooding across Odisha, forcing large-scale evacuations. More than one lakh people were relocated to safer areas as 13 districts were affected by the flooding. Authorities established over 500 relief centres to accommodate and assist the displaced residents. The weather system has also influenced rainfall patterns beyond Odisha, with its effects reportedly extending as far as Delhi.

India Real Estate Equity Investment Hits Record $9.5bn in Q3 2026

India's real estate sector attracted a record $9.5 billion in equity investment during the July–September 2026 quarter, more than doubling the $4.4 billion recorded in the same period the previous year. Data centres emerged as the dominant asset class, accounting for 57 percent of total inflows, signalling a major shift in investment priorities. Foreign investors drove much of this growth, contributing nearly 59 percent of the capital, reflecting strong global confidence in Indian real estate. The surge highlights India's growing appeal as a destination for both domestic and international real estate capital.