India

India's Tier-2 Cities Record Housing Price Growth Double That of Top 8 Markets

Residential property prices in eleven emerging Tier-2 Indian cities have grown at nearly twice the pace of the country's top eight real estate markets, according to a new report. Improved infrastructure and rising consumer spending are cited as key drivers behind the accelerated price appreciation in these smaller cities. Commercial activity is also picking up across these developing urban centres, further boosting their real estate appeal. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are increasingly being seen as the next major frontier for India's property sector growth.

Beach Boys' Mike Love puts 40-year-old Lake Tahoe estate on sale for $43M

Beach Boys singer Mike Love has listed his Lake Tahoe estate for $43 million. The property has been in his family for more than four decades. Love originally acquired the land when it was undeveloped, and it has since been transformed into an expansive estate. The property is noted for its sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains, offering a secluded retreat.

Boko Haram Used ChatGPT and Grok to Plan Attacks, Former Members Reveal

Former members of Boko Haram have disclosed that the militant group used AI tools, including ChatGPT and Grok, to assist in planning attacks. The findings come from interviews conducted with 27 ex-members belonging to two factions of the group — ISWAP and JAS. The research was reported by Al Jazeera and sheds light on how extremist organizations are increasingly leveraging mainstream AI technologies. The two factions represent distinct but related branches of the Nigeria-based jihadist network. The revelations raise fresh concerns about the potential misuse of publicly available AI platforms by terrorist groups.

ITAT grants full relief to taxpayer who mistakenly declared EPF amount in ITR

An Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has granted complete relief to a taxpayer who had incorrectly reported Rs 9.6 lakh as EPF income in his Income Tax Return. Tax authorities had added the amount to his taxable income based on the ITR entry, leading to a dispute. The tribunal ruled that the addition was unjustified as there was no evidence the taxpayer had actually received or withdrawn the amount from his EPF account. It was also noted that no corresponding credit for the sum appeared in the taxpayer's bank account. The ruling underscores that a mere erroneous ITR entry cannot be treated as proof of actual income received.

HAL Delivers Tejas Twin-Seater and HTT-40 Trainer Aircraft to Indian Air Force

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has formally handed over two indigenously developed aircraft — the Tejas twin-seater and the HTT-40 basic trainer — to the Indian Air Force. The ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. Both aircraft were displayed at the event, which also included a traditional pooja marking the occasion. The handover reflects India's continued push to strengthen its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities under the self-reliance initiative.

Big oil shock for Europe: 'No crude next month', Saudi Aramco tells some refiners

California man built $4.3m portable toilet business from a single truck in two years

Daniel Tom, a 31-year-old entrepreneur, launched Bay Area Sanitation in California in 2023 with just one truck and 100 portable toilets. The company turned profitable within its first year of operation. By 2025, the business had grown to nearly 2,000 toilets and 12 trucks, generating $4.3 million in revenue. Tom attributes the growth to a strategy focused on long-term rentals, consistent maintenance, and reinvesting profits back into the business.

Detection dogs made Georgia weasel survey 33 times more effective

Blowing Out Birthday Candles: A Tradition Rooted in Ancient Rituals

The practice of blowing out birthday candles has ancient origins, tracing back to Greek rituals before evolving through 18th-century German customs. In Germany, the celebration known as Kinderfest featured candles placed on cakes to represent a child's age and to bring good fortune. The act of extinguishing the flames became associated with making wishes, adding a symbolic layer to the ritual. During the 19th century, migration and the spread of popular culture carried the tradition across the globe. Today, it remains a widely observed and cherished way of marking life's milestones.

Assam TMC Candidate Withdraws from Nagaon Bypoll After Party Symbol Frozen

The Election Commission of India has frozen the 'All India Trinamool Congress' name and its 'flowers and grass' symbol ahead of the October 6 by-elections. The decision affects polls scheduled across multiple states, including Assam. As a direct consequence, the Trinamool Congress candidate in Assam's Nagaon constituency has withdrawn from the bypoll. The symbol freeze prevents the party from contesting under its established identity and branding.

India's Metro Network Spans 26 Cities, Set to Surpass US in Total Length

India's urban metro network has grown substantially, now covering 26 cities across the country. The nation currently ranks close behind the United States in total metro network length, with only China ahead globally. Most of this expansion has taken place within the past decade, marking a period of rapid transit development. Hundreds of kilometres of additional metro lines are presently under construction nationwide. Going forward, authorities plan to prioritise network integration and align growth with actual passenger demand to ensure long-term sustainability.

Nestlé India defends infant nutrition products after FSSAI files three legal cases

Nestlé India has asserted that its infant nutrition products are fully compliant with applicable regulations. The company submitted a detailed response to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) addressing concerns over promotional claims. FSSAI initiated legal proceedings against Nestlé India, filing three adjudication cases related to alleged regulatory violations in infant nutrition products. Additionally, a sample of one of Nestlé's follow-up formula products was independently found to be sub-standard.

Vijay Promises Free Gold Rings for Women, Children Before Tamil Nadu Bypoll

Actor-turned-politician Vijay has announced a scheme called 'Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram', which translates to 'Maternal Uncle Gold Ring', targeting women and children. The initiative is set to be formally launched on September 28, ahead of the October 6 bypoll. The announcement appears timed to build electoral goodwill among voters in the constituency. The scheme is part of Vijay's broader political outreach as he seeks to establish his presence in Tamil Nadu politics.

BLA claims 43 Pakistani personnel, ‘death squad’ members killed in Balochistan

Putin Orders Seizure of Nestle and Auchan's Russian Assets

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order late Thursday placing the local assets of Nestle and Auchan under temporary state control. The Kremlin described the measure as temporary, with oversight transferred to another company. Both Nestle, the Swiss food giant, and Auchan, the French retail chain, are among the Western multinationals with significant operations in Russia. The move appears to be part of Russia's broader response to Western business activity amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Delhi Police Raid 3 Fake International Call Centres, Arrest 23 People

Delhi Police dismantled three fraudulent international call centres operating in the city on September 17. The simultaneous raids were carried out at locations in Meenakshi Garden, Ajay Enclave, and Kirti Nagar. The operations were based on specific intelligence and technical inputs gathered by the police. A total of 23 individuals were arrested in connection with the crackdown.

California funds Northern Chumash Tribe's $18m bid to restore 357 coastal acres

California has committed $5 million to help the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe acquire 357 acres of coastal land in Cayucos. The site previously hosted the largest abalone farm in the United States. The tribe is working to raise a total of $18 million to complete the purchase. Plans for the property include restoring native habitats, reviving aquaculture, and conducting research on endangered white and black abalone species.

India beat Australia by 7 runs in rain-hit U19 match at Niranjan Shah Stadium

India defeated Australia by seven runs in a rain-curtailed under-19 match at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. The game was reduced to 20 overs per side after rain interrupted play, with Australia's captain Jack Czosnek opting to field first. India posted a competitive total of 182 for six, driven by Chauhan's 54 off 34 balls. Anvay Dravid, son of former India captain Rahul Dravid, also contributed a brisk 38 off 18 balls to the innings.

PM Modi to Hand Out 51,000 Job Appointment Letters at Rozgar Mela

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to distribute over 51,000 appointment letters to newly selected government job candidates at an upcoming Rozgar Mela event. The initiative is part of the government's ongoing effort to provide employment opportunities to youth across the country. Modi will also address the newly recruited candidates virtually during the event. The Rozgar Mela serves as a platform to onboard fresh recruits into various central government departments and ministries.

Anthropic Opens Wet Lab to Advance AI-Driven Drug Discovery Efforts

Anthropic, the AI safety startup, has established a dedicated biology wet lab as part of its expanding ambitions in drug discovery. The lab's existence was confirmed by Eric Kauderer-Abrams, Anthropic's head of life sciences. The move signals the company's intent to go beyond software-based AI research and engage directly in hands-on biological experimentation. This development positions Anthropic more firmly in the growing field of AI-assisted pharmaceutical and life sciences research.