India
Italy PM Meloni Wishes PM Modi on His Birthday, Calls Him a Friend
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended birthday wishes to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She wished him good health, energy, and success in her message. Meloni referred to Modi as a 'friend,' reflecting the warm bilateral ties between Italy and India. The gesture underscores the growing diplomatic rapport between the two leaders.
Teen brothers grew a $4K junk pickup into a $3M business in four years
Massachusetts brothers Kirk and Jacob McKinney launched Junk Teens in 2021 while still in their teens, investing just $4,000 in a used pickup truck to get started. The venture focused on junk removal and reselling discarded items. By 2025, the business had completed over 5,500 jobs and brought in $3.04 million in revenue. The brothers are now setting their sights on reaching $5 million in annual revenue by 2026.
India, Russia, China respond cautiously to new US sanctions bill on Russian energy
The United States has introduced a new sanctions bill that authorizes tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy. India, a significant buyer of Russian oil, has indicated it is closely watching developments while prioritizing its energy security and economic interests. Russia has condemned the move, warning that such sanctions could obstruct ongoing peace efforts related to the Ukraine conflict. China has firmly rejected what it calls US 'long-arm jurisdiction' over its legitimate trade dealings with Russia. The bill broadly expands Washington's sanctions and tariff powers targeting Russia and nations that continue to engage with its energy sector.
Tata Trusts Calls Chandrasekaran's Reappointment as Tata Sons Chairman Illegal
Tata Trusts has declared the reappointment of N Chandrasekaran as Tata Sons chairman legally invalid, citing opposition from Noel Tata during the board resolution. The trusts contend that this opposition renders the board's decision a legal nullity. The dispute follows the Reserve Bank of India's rejection of Tata Sons' attempt to relinquish its core investment company status. Separately, the Tata Sons board has moved forward with plans to list the company on the stock market. The developments have cast significant uncertainty over the conglomerate's leadership succession and could trigger prolonged legal battles.
Fever Coach White Credits World Cup Role in Shaping Caitlin Clark's Growth
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White has acknowledged Caitlin Clark's notable development during the FIBA World Cup campaign. Clark played a supporting role alongside more experienced Team USA players, gaining valuable experience throughout the tournament. White believes the lessons Clark absorbed internationally will strengthen her performance when she returns to the Fever. With both Clark and teammate Aliyah Boston back from international duty, White has emphasized maintaining high standards as Indiana eyes a championship run.
Queensland Family Transforms 120-Acre Farm Into Native Habitat and Eco-Venue
An Australian family has converted their 120-acre farm in Queensland's hinterland into a thriving native habitat known as Bower Estate. The property now functions as an eco-friendly event venue, offering couples a natural setting for weddings surrounded by regenerated bushland. The estate actively supports environmental initiatives, including bush regeneration programs aimed at restoring local ecosystems. Visitors can also experience guided eco-tours and locally sourced cuisine as part of the property's sustainable tourism offering. The venue is in high demand, with event bookings already being accepted years in advance.
Fortis Healthcare appeals to Supreme Court against Delhi HC forensic audit order
Fortis Healthcare has approached the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court directive ordering a forensic audit of its financial dealings with IHH Healthcare and RHT Health Trust. The dispute originates from Japanese pharma firm Daiichi Sankyo's ongoing efforts to enforce an arbitral award against Fortis's former promoters. Fortis contends that the high court's order unfairly affects its public shareholders and partner IHH Healthcare. The company is seeking relief from the apex court against the audit mandate.
UN finds US guilty of war crimes in Iran strikes that killed 150, including children
A UN mission has concluded that two US military strikes on a school and a sports facility in Iran in February constituted war crimes. The attacks resulted in the deaths of more than 150 people, among them schoolchildren. In the same investigation, Iranian authorities were also accused of committing crimes against humanity, including unlawful killings and torture of civilians during protests. The findings from the UN mission are set to be formally presented to the UN Human Rights Council.
Sanjukta Parashar becomes first woman to head CRPF's elite CoBRA unit
Sanjukta Parashar, widely known as the Iron Lady of Assam, has been appointed as the first female Inspector General to lead the CoBRA unit of the Central Reserve Police Force. CoBRA is considered one of the CRPF's most elite and specialized formations. Parashar brings an extensive background in national security and field operations to the role. Her appointment marks a historic milestone for women in India's paramilitary and defense establishment. The development is being seen as a significant step toward greater female representation in frontline combat leadership.
Indian Homebuyers Shift Toward Premium Homes Despite Rising Property Prices
India's real estate market is experiencing growing buyer interest, with demand increasingly tilting toward larger and newly developed properties. Budgets are climbing, with a notable share of buyers targeting homes priced between Rs 90 lakh and Rs 1.5 crore. Despite concerns over escalating property prices, most prospective buyers remain committed to going ahead with their purchases. The trend reflects a broader shift in buyer preferences toward premium housing segments across the country.
China Rejects US Tariff Threat on Russian Oil Buyers as Unlawful
China has strongly pushed back against a US legislative proposal that would impose tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas. Beijing argued the threatened sanctions have no basis in international law and lack United Nations backing. The US measure is seen as an attempt to pressure countries that continue purchasing Russian energy. India, also a significant buyer of Russian oil, is closely monitoring the proposed legislation while prioritizing its energy security. New Delhi has signaled it is prepared to take steps to protect its trade interests if the tariffs move forward.
Three wild dogs set Africa's longest mammal dispersal record at 4,126km
Three African wild dog brothers completed a 4,126-kilometre journey across Zambia, setting a new record for the longest documented mammal dispersal on the African continent. The siblings traversed a variety of landscapes, including protected natural reserves and human-affected areas. Their extraordinary trek has drawn attention to the importance of maintaining habitat connectivity that extends well beyond national park boundaries. Conservationists say the journey underscores the challenges faced by wide-ranging species that depend on large, uninterrupted territories to survive.
Lost for a week, 70-year-old hiker rescued alive on Michigan's Isle Royale
Craig Berg, a 70-year-old hiker, was found alive on September 12 after going missing for a week on Isle Royale, a remote Michigan island. Berg was discovered by fellow backpackers during an extensive multi-agency search and rescue operation. He was suffering from injuries and hypothermia at the time of his rescue. Following his discovery, he was airlifted to receive urgent medical attention.


