India

Zuckerberg's Superyacht Docks Next to Meta Lawsuit Plaintiff's Vessel in Japan

Mark Zuckerberg's superyacht Launchpad has anchored in Japan alongside Nausicaä, the yacht owned by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa. The two vessels ended up berthed side by side despite an active legal dispute between Maezawa and Meta. Maezawa has sued Meta over the unauthorized use of his name in fraudulent investment advertisements on its platform. There are no reported plans for the two billionaires to meet during this coincidental encounter. Launchpad, which spent the summer in Alaska, is expected to continue its journey toward Singapore.

Ukraine drone strikes hit Russian refinery, train and industrial sites; 10 casualties

Ukraine launched overnight drone attacks targeting multiple sites across Russia, killing two people and injuring eight others. In one region, around 50 drones were intercepted, though a strike forced an oil refinery to temporarily halt operations with no casualties reported there. A separate attack in Ulyanovsk damaged both industrial and civilian infrastructure, injuring eight people. The Ulyanovsk region is notably home to a major electronics plant. The strikes represent one of Ukraine's broader overnight drone campaigns hitting Russian territory.

Colorado researchers grow saffron under solar panels, doubling yield and earning $60K

Researchers at Colorado State University have found that saffron grows more effectively when cultivated under semi-shaded solar panels compared to fully exposed conditions. The study explores how combining rooftop farming with renewable energy generation could help address space limitations in urban food production. Projections indicate that the dual use of solar panels for both electricity and saffron cultivation could generate significant net revenue within five years. However, the researchers acknowledge that challenges around installation costs and ongoing maintenance must be addressed before widespread adoption becomes feasible.

Why Teenagers Often Keep Their Friendships Separate From Parents

During adolescence, many teenagers begin to compartmentalize their social lives as part of their growing need for independence. Keeping certain friendships private is a common behavior among teens and does not necessarily signal a problem. Experts suggest that parents should avoid viewing this privacy as a red flag or a sign of distrust. Instead, fostering open communication at home can help teens feel comfortable sharing aspects of their social world while still respecting their personal boundaries.

Over 2 Crore Gen Z Voters Enrolled in India Since 2025 SIR: Election Commission

India's Election Commission has reported that more than 2 crore Generation Z voters have been added to electoral rolls since the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process began in 2025. The announcement comes in response to concerns that youth voter registration had stalled due to the annual Summary Revision of electoral rolls not being carried out. The poll body's figures appear to counter claims that young voter enrolment had effectively been paused. The data highlights the scale of new first-time voters being brought into the democratic process through the SIR mechanism.

Oregon buys Abiqua Falls and 160 acres for $2 million to enable public access

Oregon has approved a $2 million deal to acquire Abiqua Falls, a well-known 92-foot waterfall that was listed for sale by its private owner in February. The purchase includes 160 acres of surrounding land, bringing the site under state ownership. Officials are now working on plans for the management, maintenance, and public access of the property. The acquisition marks a significant shift for the waterfall, which had previously remained in private hands.

Canada's Carney Flags US Military Threat Risk Amid Ongoing Trade Tensions

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has acknowledged that Canada assessed the risk of a potential US military action against it under extreme circumstances. The statement comes as trade tensions between the two neighbouring countries continue to escalate. Significant disparities exist between the military budgets and resources of the US and Canada, highlighting the imbalance between the two nations' defence capabilities. Canada has reaffirmed its focus on modernising its armed forces and strengthening its Arctic defence strategy in response to these pressures. Despite the tensions, both countries continue to collaborate under NORAD, the joint North American aerospace defence command.

Chirag Paswan Urges Election Commission to Address Credibility Concerns

Union Minister Chirag Paswan has addressed the Election Commission chief amid growing questions about the integrity of the electoral process. An Indian Express report published on Wednesday alleged that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised objections at least 14 times over a 10-month period regarding decisions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The repeated dissents reportedly concerned orders and decisions made during the voter roll revision exercise. Paswan's remarks come as the SIR process faces scrutiny from opposition parties and civil society groups questioning its conduct and transparency.

Shot Putter Krishna Jaisankar Makes Asian Games Debut After 15-Year Wait

Indian shot putter Krishna Jaisankar is set to make her Asian Games debut in Japan after a 15-year journey to earn her national jersey. The 23-year-old overcame injuries and multiple missed opportunities before finally breaking through to represent India. She recently set a new personal best with a national record throw of 17.35 metres, signalling her best form yet. Krishna has set her sights on an 18-metre throw at the Games and is eyeing a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

US returns 36 ancient Syrian artifacts worth over $5 million

Notice outside Chhattisgarh churches asks non-Christians to ‘enter at own responsibility’

Tiger Cub Rescued After Getting Trapped in Fishing Net Near Assam Home

A tiger cub was rescued after becoming entangled in a fishing net near a kitchen garden in Assam. The incident occurred in an area adjacent to the Kaziranga National Park. Local residents believe the young tiger had strayed from the park's sixth addition zone into nearby human habitation. Authorities were alerted and the cub was successfully freed from the net.

‘Problematic if people doubt poll process, CEC should clarify’: NDA ally Chirag Paswan

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan plan meeting to address Houthi threat

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan met in New York on Thursday to discuss the growing threat posed by Houthi attacks. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan were present at the talks. The three officials reviewed the ongoing attacks and explored possible countermeasures under an existing trilateral agreement. Following the New York meeting, the three nations announced plans for a dedicated follow-up meeting to coordinate their response.

Homebuyers Can Claim Interest on Delayed Possession Even After Getting Keys

Indian homebuyers are entitled to seek interest compensation from developers for delays in property possession, even after they have accepted the keys. Recent court rulings have clarified that taking possession of a property does not waive a buyer's right to claim such compensation. The Allahabad High Court recently ruled in favour of a homebuyer who faced a significant delay in receiving their property. Buyers can support their claims using sale agreements, payment records, and provisions under RERA regulations. Legal experts emphasise the importance of homebuyers being aware of these rights when dealing with delayed projects.

Hyderabad Man With Class 12 Education Arrested for Posing as Traditional Healer

A Hyderabad resident named Adnan, who only holds a Class 12 qualification, has been arrested for allegedly practicing medicine without a valid license. He operated alongside his mother Saba Khan, also known as Mohammadi Begum, and his brother Mohd Faizan. The trio reportedly posed as ancestral Hakeems, a traditional form of Islamic medicine, to gain patients' trust. They are accused of treating patients for sexual and chest-related ailments without any legitimate medical credentials. Authorities have taken all three individuals into custody following the expose of their alleged fraudulent practice.

Hormuz To Truce Talks: Inside Iran's New '7-Day' Plan To End War

Araghchi did not disclose whether the new proposal also addresses the nuclear questions during the proposed seven-day process.

FM Sitharaman: Government will not levy MDR charges on UPI transactions

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has clarified that the government will not impose any Merchant Discount Rate on UPI transactions. For transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, the MDR will be borne by merchants and banks, not consumers. NPCI CEO Dilip Asbe noted that 75 percent of UPI transactions remain unaffected by MDR charges. The bulk of fees are associated with larger businesses that already face higher credit card processing costs.

US Regulator Recalls 51,000 Blue Cactus Lithium-Ion Battery Packs Over Fire Risk

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall of around 51,000 lithium-ion battery packs manufactured by Blue Cactus Company. The packs, which were sold through Amazon, have been reported to overheat, smoke, and catch fire. Owners of the affected products are advised to stop using them immediately. Customers should reach out to Blue Cactus directly to obtain replacement units. Due to the fire hazard involved, specific disposal guidelines must be followed when discarding the recalled batteries.

Fresh Landslides Threaten Homes in Sikkim's Rimbi Village Amid Heavy Rain

A series of landslides has been battering Rimbi village in Sikkim since September 12, putting several houses at risk. The mudslides have brought large boulders and debris into the area, causing significant concern for residents. The situation has been worsened by a fresh spell of heavy rainfall across the state. The recurring nature of the slides suggests ongoing geological instability in the region.