India
Former Elite Runner Turned Nun Raises $2.6M via Chicago Marathon for Families
Sister Stephanie Baliga, who once aspired to be an elite runner, chose a religious vocation instead and found a way to merge both worlds. She has participated in the Chicago Marathon as a fundraising platform, raising over $2.6 million in total. The funds have benefited Mission of Our Lady of the Angels, an organization that provides food support to families in need. Baliga continues her efforts through Team OLA, combining her passion for running with charitable fundraising.
Uttar Pradesh Flash Floods Kill 81 as State Records 775% Excess Rainfall
Uttar Pradesh was struck by extreme rainfall over a 48-hour period, recording 775% above normal precipitation levels. The disaster claimed 81 lives and left 62 others injured across the state. The districts of Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich were among the worst affected areas. Rescue teams have been deployed and are currently assessing the scale of damage to property and agricultural land. State officials are working to provide relief and assistance to those impacted by the floods.
Ravi Kishan quips 'Joined SP?' after BJP councillor raises Gorakhpur waterlogging concern
A phone call between Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan and BJP councillor Vishwajit Tripathi has gone viral on social media. The conversation centred on severe waterlogging in Gorakhpur caused by heavy rainfall, a situation the city reportedly has not faced in nearly two decades. Tripathi raised concerns about malfunctioning irrigation regulators and urged the MP to intervene. Ravi Kishan responded with a quip asking if the councillor had 'joined SP', before assuring him that he was keeping a close watch on the situation. The MP stated that addressing public grievances remained his priority.
30 Students, 2 Faculty Injured in Clash at Satyajit Ray Film Institute in Kolkata
Around 30 students and two faculty members of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkata were injured in a clash involving members of the RSS-affiliated ABGP. The confrontation broke out when ABGP members approached students who were protesting an event held at the institute's auditorium. Several of the injured required hospital treatment, with some sustaining serious injuries. Both the students and the ABGP members accused the police of failing to intervene during the incident. Multiple FIRs have since been filed by parties on both sides of the clash.
LPU suspends classes for 10 days after violent protests sparked by false rape-suicide rumour
Lovely Professional University was hit by violent protests after rumours spread about an alleged rape and suicide of a student on campus. University officials swiftly denied the claims, calling them false and fabricated. Police registered an FIR following student unrest and launched a formal investigation into the matter. As a precautionary measure, classes were suspended for ten days and mid-term examinations were postponed. Students were directed to either return home or stay in their hostels until the situation normalises.
Akali Dal Sees Waris Punjab De as Rising Political Threat Before Elections
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal has been consistently attacking Amritpal Singh and his organization Waris Punjab De at political rallies. The repeated targeting signals that the SAD views the group as a significant electoral challenge in Punjab. Badal's campaign has made Waris Punjab De a central focus ahead of the upcoming polls. The emergence of the group appears to be reshaping the political landscape in the state, posing a new competitive dynamic for the established party.

Bhopal's BHEL Township Roads Battered by Monsoon, Residents Demand Lasting Fixes
BHEL township in Bhopal has seen significant road deterioration following recent monsoon rains. Residents are contending with potholes, waterlogged stretches, and muddy patches on a daily basis. The poor road conditions have led to a rise in vehicle breakdowns and accidents among commuters. Civic authorities have pledged repairs, but locals say the temporary measures are inadequate. Residents are now pressing for comprehensive, long-term restoration of the area's roads.
San Francisco mansion linked to Larry Ellison sells for $45M, city's priciest in 2025
Private equity investor Chuck Esserman has purchased a San Francisco mansion for $45 million, marking the most expensive residential sale in the city this year. The property was previously owned by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, who originally acquired it for $3.9 million nearly four decades ago. Over the years, the estate underwent significant renovations and is noted for its sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The sale highlights the dramatic appreciation in value of the property, which has grown more than tenfold since Ellison's purchase in the late 1980s.
Israeli Finance Minister Calls for Annexation of Parts of Gaza and Lebanon
Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly called for Israel to annex territory in both Gaza and Lebanon. He specified that Israel should extend its control at least up to the 'yellow line' in Gaza and as far as the Litani River in Lebanon. Smotrich framed the move as a deterrent, arguing it would discourage enemy states and groups from initiating conflict with Israel. The statement reflects the hardline position held by a faction within Israel's current governing coalition. Such calls for territorial annexation are likely to draw significant international scrutiny and criticism.

Lufthansa Lisbon-Bound Flight Diverted to Lyon After Powerbank Catches Fire
A Lufthansa flight heading to Lisbon was diverted to Lyon after a powerbank caught fire onboard. The crew responded swiftly by securing the burning battery in a protective bag specifically designed to contain lithium battery fires. The quick action by the crew ensured that the situation was brought under control without any injuries to passengers or staff. A Lufthansa spokesperson confirmed the incident and noted that no one was harmed during the emergency.

Suvendu Adhikari Vows Cow Protection and Legal Action for Insulting Monks in Bengal
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari made bold promises regarding the protection of religious sentiments in West Bengal. Speaking at a Bhagavad Gita recital event organised by the Bangur Jagaran Mancha at Netaji Indoor Stadium, he pledged that cows would be protected and that those who insult monks would face imprisonment. Adhikari sought to reassure attendees that there was no reason to fear practising or promoting one's faith. The remarks were made in the context of ongoing political and communal tensions in the state.

Federal Judge Orders EPA to Revive $7B Solar for All Program After Unlawful Cancellation
A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the reinstatement of the $7 billion Solar for All program after the Trump administration's EPA canceled it in August 2025. Judge Mary S. McElroy ruled that the EPA exceeded its legal authority in terminating the initiative. The program was originally launched under the Biden administration with the goal of expanding solar energy access to low-income households across the United States. The court's decision marks a significant legal setback for the EPA's move to wind down the clean energy initiative.
Coimbatore constable rides atop speeding SUV for 40km to stop gutka smugglers
A police head constable in Coimbatore foiled a gutka smuggling attempt on Sunday morning after an SUV carrying over 100kg of contraband refused to stop. During the chase, the constable clung to the roof of the moving vehicle for nearly 40 kilometres. The pursuit ended when a highway patrol team intercepted the SUV. Three smugglers were arrested following the interception. Police officials praised the constable for his exceptional bravery during the operation.
BJP Wins 204 Civic Boards in Rajasthan; Congress Manages 96
The BJP has emerged as the dominant force in Rajasthan's civic body elections, securing control of 204 urban local body boards against Congress's 96. The results have surprised many political observers, particularly due to BJP's strong showing in traditionally challenging regions. In the tribal belt spanning Banswara, Dungarpur, and Pratapgarh districts, the BJP won seven of nine urban local bodies. This performance marks a notable inroad for the party into tribal-dominated areas where it has historically faced tougher competition.

Tamil Nadu Withdraws Order That Would Have Shielded Police from RTI Scrutiny
The Tamil Nadu government has revoked a September 21 general order that sought to exempt law enforcement agencies from the Right to Information Act. The order attempted to classify police as an intelligence body, which would have placed them beyond the reach of transparency laws. Public backlash intensified after Minister C T R Nirmal Kumar's clarification failed to address widespread concerns. Had it stood, the order would have blocked citizens from accessing information on custodial deaths and police violence.
Three-Day Bank Strike Called Off After UFBU-IBA Talks
The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has deferred a planned three-day nationwide bank strike that was scheduled to commence on Monday. The decision came after last-minute negotiations between the UFBU and the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) held on Sunday night. The strike, if it had gone ahead, would have disrupted banking services across the country. The deferral suggests both sides reached a provisional understanding during the talks, though a final resolution is yet to be announced.
