India

Daisha Auda, 15, becomes first Torres Strait Islander to reach The Voice Australia final

Daisha Auda, a 15-year-old self-taught singer from Logan, Queensland, has made history as the first Torres Strait Islander artist to reach the grand final of The Voice Australia. Her journey to the finale was not straightforward, as she faced elimination during the knockout rounds before being saved by a judge. The teenager's milestone has been celebrated widely among First Nations communities across Australia. Her achievement is seen as a source of inspiration for young aspiring artists, particularly those without formal musical training.

Two SC Justices call for permanent 5-judge Constitutional Bench; why it matters

Libra Season 2024: What It Means for Every Zodiac Sign

Libra season has begun, bringing a focus on balance, relationships, and personal reflection for all zodiac signs. Aries are encouraged to evaluate fairness and mutual effort within their partnerships. Taurus may benefit from reassessing and restructuring their daily routines during this period. Gemini could experience the return of past relationships and are advised to proceed carefully with old connections.

Election Commission Defends Unanimous Decisions Amid Internal Dissent Reports

The Election Commission of India has responded to reports of internal dissent within the body, asserting that all its decisions are taken unanimously by the full commission. The poll body acknowledged that differing views are a natural part of deliberation in any institution. The statement came as a clarification amid media reports suggesting disagreements among commissioners. The Election Commission emphasized that such internal discussions do not undermine the collective and binding nature of its final decisions.

Texas artificial reef spanning 1,650 acres found harboring 24.4 tonnes of fish

Researchers have made a significant discovery off the Texas coast, finding that a man-made reef supports around 24.4 tonnes of fish biomass. The reef was constructed using repurposed materials such as old boats and concrete blocks, creating varied habitats for marine species. Scientists used sonar surveys to measure fish activity and estimate biomass across the site. Findings revealed that the height and shape of reef structures played a key role in attracting fish. The study highlights the broader ecological value of artificial reefs in supporting marine life.

BJP appoints incharges and co-incharges for 28 states, 8 UTs: Full list

India's REIT Market Expands, Offering Investors Accessible Real Estate Exposure

India's Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are experiencing significant market growth, attracting both individual and institutional investors. REITs allow investors to gain exposure to real estate by purchasing shares in publicly traded trusts, without directly buying property. Portfolio diversification is also possible through REIT-focused mutual funds and ETFs. The sector's expansion is being driven by rising office space supply and robust demand from multinational corporations.

Syria's Al-Sharaa Caught Scrolling Phone During Erdogan's UN Speech

A video of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has gone viral on social media, apparently showing him browsing short video reels on his phone inside the UN General Assembly hall. The footage was captured while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was delivering his address to world leaders. The clip quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing widespread attention and commentary. The incident occurred during the high-profile UN General Assembly session, where heads of state had gathered to hear key speeches.

Pennsylvania buyer’s $4 painting hid a 1776 Declaration copy worth $8.14m

Andhra Woman Rescued After Getting Stranded in River Amid Heavy Rain

A woman in Andhra Pradesh was rescued after being stranded in a river due to heavy rainfall in the region. The rescue operation was prompted by rapidly rising water levels caused by the intense downpour. The severe weather was linked to a deep depression forming over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal. The weather system was tracking toward the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coastline. Authorities mobilized in response to the dangerous conditions created by the approaching depression.

Telangana lecturer arrested for killing engineering student by forcing her to drink pesticide

A 20-year-old engineering student, Tandhra Akshitharani, was killed in Telangana after being forced to consume pesticide by her former lecturer, Jetty Naveen Kumar. The incident followed the exposure of her sexual exploitation by Kumar's colleague, Bommakanthi Ravikumar. Kumar attempted to pass off the act as a suicide before fleeing the scene, having first informed the victim's father. Akshitharani later died from her injuries at a government hospital. Both Kumar and Ravikumar have since been arrested and are currently in police custody.

BJP Gains 8 UDP Legislators, Becomes Second Largest Party in Meghalaya

Eight MLAs from the United Democratic Party (UDP) have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Meghalaya, significantly boosting the party's presence in the state assembly. The move elevates BJP to the position of second largest political party in Meghalaya. This development is expected to alter the state's political balance and affect the existing ruling alliance. The shift could carry significant consequences as the state looks ahead to the 2028 Assembly elections.

Rajnath Singh to Keynote NDTV Defence Summit 2026 on September 27

NDTV will host its Defence Summit 2026 on September 27, bringing together key figures from India's defence and security landscape. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the opening session of the event. The summit is expected to feature multiple sessions with prominent speakers across the defence sector. The event will serve as a platform for discussions on critical issues related to India's national security and defence policy.

German Envoy Calls EU-India Free Trade Deal a Necessary Agreement After 19 Years

German Ambassador Jasper Wieck has highlighted the EU-India Free Trade Agreement as a top priority on his diplomatic agenda. The deal marks the conclusion of negotiations that stretched over nineteen years, often stalling and restarting during that period. Wieck described the agreement as one of necessity, underscoring its strategic importance for both sides. The landmark trade pact is seen as a significant milestone in EU-India economic relations.

Kerala bank ordered to pay Rs 13.87L after blocking widow's matured FD access

A cooperative bank in Kerala prevented a widow from withdrawing her funds after her fixed deposits matured and were transferred. The woman urgently required the money to cover her mother's medical expenses and repay a gold loan. The bank cited irregularities to justify the restrictions, but the district consumer commission found the explanation insufficient. The commission ruled in the woman's favour, ordering the bank to pay Rs 13.87 lakh along with additional compensation for the hardship caused.

'Judges appoint judges' is a myth: SC split over CEC appointment law

Melania Credentialed CNN While White House Kept Ban on Network

Melania Trump's office granted access to CNN and Politico reporters to cover her event in New York, despite the White House maintaining a press ban on both outlets. The move highlighted a notable divergence between the First Lady's office and President Trump's administration on media access. Trump has been openly hostile toward CNN, frequently attacking the network publicly. The contrasting decisions drew attention to the separate press policies operating within the Trump administration.

Gujarat Teacher Assaults Student Over Love Note, Family Demands Rs 25 Lakh

A student in Gujarat was physically assaulted by a teacher following an incident involving a love note on September 19. The note had been thrown at a female classmate, who then handed it over to the teacher. The teacher reportedly struck the boy upon discovering the contents of the note. Following the assault, the family of the affected student has filed a claim demanding Rs 25 lakh in compensation. The incident has drawn attention to the issue of corporal punishment in schools.

Election Commission Defends Internal Dissent as Part of Deliberative Process

The Election Commission of India issued a formal statement amid controversy over reported disagreements within the body. According to an Indian Express report, two Election Commissioners raised objections to the Commission's decisions 14 times over a 10-month period. The dissent was reportedly linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The Commission responded by stating that differing views among members are a natural and accepted part of its deliberative functioning. The statement appeared aimed at downplaying concerns about internal divisions within the constitutional body.

India upgrades 54,600 km of rail tracks for 130 kmph speeds, yet punctuality stays at 77%

India has upgraded approximately 54,600 km of railway tracks between 2014 and February 2026, according to data released by the Ministry of Railways. The upgrades have enabled a fivefold increase in tracks capable of supporting speeds of 130 kmph over a 12-year period. Track renewal decisions are based on factors including the age, traffic load, and physical condition of the infrastructure. Despite the significant infrastructure investment, train punctuality currently stands at only 77%, highlighting a gap between capacity improvements and operational performance.