India

India takes back tax power, rewrites treaties with Mauritius, Singapore & Cyprus

Utah restored 3,873 acres; treated areas later helped slow a 33,000-acre wildfire

Ukraine War Spurs Europe to Seek Affordable, Large-Scale Missile Production

The ongoing war in Ukraine has significantly increased European demand for larger and more cost-effective missile arsenals. Traditional defence procurement methods are struggling to meet the scale and speed required by modern warfare. A new wave of defence startups has emerged, claiming they can address this gap through innovative approaches. These companies are focused on developing cheaper missiles and interceptors specifically engineered for mass production. The shift signals a broader transformation in how European nations are approaching military readiness and defence industry strategy.

Jaishankar Visits Bhutan to Review Bilateral Ties and Explore Cooperation

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is visiting Bhutan as part of a diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring countries. The visit is aimed at reviewing the current state of India-Bhutan bilateral relations. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet senior Bhutanese leadership during the trip. The discussions are expected to focus on identifying and strengthening areas of continued cooperation between the two nations.

J&K Grants NOC to Coach Bilquis Mir After Supreme Court Intervention

The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a no-objection certificate to international coach Bilquis Mir following a Supreme Court directive. The clearance comes after nearly a year of legal proceedings initiated by Mir to secure the permission. With the NOC in hand, Mir is now eligible to coach India's kayaking and canoeing team in preparation for the 2026 Asian Games. The Supreme Court stressed the need for prompt action, warning against delays that could harm national sporting interests.

Delhi Police Officer Suspended for Filming Reels with LMG at BRICS Summit Venue

A Delhi Police officer has been suspended after videos surfaced of him filming social media reels at the BRICS Summit venue while carrying a light machine gun. In one of the clips, the officer, identified as Bangar, was seen dressed casually in a black shirt while holding the weapon. The incident raised serious concerns about security protocol and professional conduct at a high-profile international event. Authorities acted swiftly, suspending the officer following the circulation of the videos.

Indonesia Faces Worst Wildfires in 11 Years, May Persist Until November

Indonesia is currently dealing with its most severe wildfire outbreak in over a decade. The blazes have been intensified by 'super El Nino' weather conditions, which have left forests and fields extremely dry. The country's Forestry Minister has warned that the fires could continue burning until early November. The prolonged dry spell driven by El Nino is being cited as the primary factor behind the scale and persistence of the crisis.

Solar Energy Gains Ground in Hydro-Dependent Bhutan

Bhutan, long reliant on hydropower, is beginning to expand its solar energy capacity. The country currently generates approximately 3,700 MW of electricity from hydropower sources. However, this output drops by around 80 percent during winter months, exposing a significant seasonal vulnerability. This reliability gap is driving interest in solar power as a complementary energy source to stabilize year-round supply.

Rinku Singh set to wed Priya Saroj in December 2026 at Rs 3.5 cr Aligarh home

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh is preparing to marry politician Priya Saroj in December 2026. The couple's upcoming wedding has drawn attention to Rinku's six-bedroom bungalow in Aligarh, valued at Rs 3.5 crore. The residence features modern interiors, a private swimming pool, and cricket memorabilia reflecting his journey in the sport. The home stands as a symbol of Rinku's rise from modest origins to professional success. The wedding marks a significant milestone in both his personal and cricketing career.

Oracle reuses identical termination email in second round of layoffs this year

Oracle has conducted its second round of job cuts in 2025, sending employees the same termination email used during its March layoffs. The message, signed 'Oracle Leadership' and delivered at 6am, informed staff that their roles were eliminated and that the day was their last. Employees shared both versions of the email on platforms including Reddit, Blind, and X. In India, between 1,000 and 1,500 mid- to senior-level employees are reportedly affected by the latest cuts. Oracle's total restructuring costs have now climbed to $2.8 billion.

UPI Zero MDR Retained for Small Merchants Under New Payment Framework

India's updated UPI payment framework maintains zero Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for small merchants receiving up to Rs 1 lakh per month via QR code payments. The new rules are set to take effect from October 15, bringing structured changes to how UPI transactions are processed. The policy aims to protect small businesses from additional transaction costs while potentially revising fee structures for larger merchants. Users and merchants are advised to familiarise themselves with the updated guidelines before the deadline.

Messi match row: Kerala police raid TV channel office

Woman dragged on car bonnet after confronting partner over suspected infidelity

A woman was injured after being struck by a car and carried on its bonnet following a heated dispute with her partner. The driver accelerated into her and continued moving forward despite the collision. After the woman fell, the car was driven toward her a second time, worsening her injuries. The driver then fled the scene, leaving the victim behind. Police have launched an investigation and are reviewing evidence to identify and apprehend the accused.

Gurgaon Hit-and-Run Accused Sent to 2-Day Police Custody Amid Murder Charge

Two accused in the Gurgaon hit-and-run case were produced before a local court and remanded to police custody until September 18. Footage retrieved from the victim's bike camera captured the moment she was knocked down by the vehicle. Based on the video evidence, police added an attempt-to-murder charge against the accused. The suspects had fled across the border into Rajasthan following the incident.

9-Year-Old Madrasa Student Beaten by Teacher, Found Wandering 30 km Away in Jammu

A 9-year-old boy studying at a madrasa in Jammu was severely beaten by his teacher, prompting him to flee the institution. The child, whose father works as a shepherd, escaped alone following the assault. He was later discovered wandering approximately 30 kilometres away from the madrasa. Authorities were alerted and the boy was subsequently rescued and taken to safety.

Weakened Gaza Apartment Block Collapses, Killing 10 Including Children

A six-storey residential building collapsed overnight in Gaza City, killing at least ten Palestinians, among them young children. The structure is reported to have been previously weakened by Israeli airstrikes, making it vulnerable to collapse. Rescue teams are currently working through the rubble to locate survivors and recover bodies. Fears are growing that many more individuals may still be trapped beneath the debris.

Pakistan Pleads Ignorance on Saudi Request Amid Houthi Threat to Mecca

Pakistan's Defence Minister stated he was unaware of any formal outreach from Saudi Arabia seeking Islamabad's assistance. This comes amid escalating Houthi threats that have reportedly extended toward Mecca, raising regional security concerns. The minister, however, reaffirmed that Pakistan remains bound by existing bilateral agreements to respond or assist if called upon. Pakistan has been cautious about openly committing to military involvement, citing ongoing domestic operations as a constraint. The situation has drawn attention to the delicate balance Islamabad must maintain between its treaty obligations and its capacity to engage externally.

Sudan Gold Mine Collapse Kills 60, More Missing in West Kordofan

At least 60 people have been killed after a gold mine collapsed in Sudan's West Kordofan region. The disaster occurred at the Al-Zaraa mine, located near the town of El-Nahud. Shafts began caving in on Tuesday, and recovery teams had retrieved 60 bodies by Wednesday morning. Several individuals remain unaccounted for following the collapse.

Oracle India Reportedly Planning to Cut Around 3,000 Jobs

Oracle India is reportedly planning to lay off approximately 3,000 employees, according to recent reports. The cuts are said to primarily affect routine IT sector roles within the company's Indian operations. Discussions about the layoffs have emerged on social media platforms including X and Reddit, where users claiming to be Oracle India employees shared their experiences. Some affected workers reportedly received little to no advance notice before being told their positions had been eliminated.

Delhi Man Stabbed to Death After Refusing to Share Matchstick for Cigarette

A 30-year-old man was killed in northwest Delhi following a dispute that began over a refusal to lend a matchbox to light a cigarette. The minor disagreement rapidly escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in a fatal stabbing. A second person was also injured in the incident. Delhi Police confirmed the incident and provided details on Wednesday. The case highlights how trivial conflicts can turn deadly in urban settings.