India
Apple launches first foldable iPhone Duo in India at Rs 2,99,900
Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable smartphone, priced at Rs 2,99,900 in India. The device features a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer screen, powered by the A20 Pro chip. It carries dual batteries offering up to 24 hours of usage and uses Touch ID instead of Face ID. The iPhone Duo is eSIM-only, with pre-orders beginning October 16 and retail sales starting October 23.
Sea otters restored to California estuary drive 600% eelgrass growth
Sea otters were reintroduced to Elkhorn Slough, a California estuary, in 1984 after pollution had severely degraded the local ecosystem. Their return set off a cascade of ecological changes throughout the food web. Over time, eelgrass beds in the slough expanded by an impressive 600%. A subsequent study also found that marsh-edge erosion decreased by an average of 69%, as the otters kept populations of root-eating crabs in check.
Mamata Banerjee Mulls Contesting Bypoll as Two Bengal Seats Fall Vacant
Two West Bengal assembly seats are set to go to bypolls in the coming period. The first is Rejinagar, vacated by Trinamool legislator Humayun Kabir, who also won the Naoda constituency. The second seat is Nandigram, which has also fallen vacant. There is speculation over whether Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee may contest one of these bypolls, with political observers assessing her prospects.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 go on sale in India from Rs 56,900
Apple has launched the Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 in India, with prices starting at Rs 56,900 and Rs 1,09,900 respectively. Both models are powered by the new S11 chip and feature a redesigned health sensing system capable of reading heart rate every five seconds. A daily Readiness score has also been introduced across both devices. Audio Intelligence features are expected to roll out later in the year. Pre-orders are open immediately, with retail sales set to begin on September 18.
Amritsar Traffic Cop in Critical Condition After Being Hit by Car on Duty
Assistant Sub-Inspector Pawan Kumar was struck by a car while performing traffic duties in Amritsar. The officer had been in the process of stopping a motorcyclist when the incident occurred. A vehicle hit him from behind, throwing him onto the road and causing serious injuries. Kumar was subsequently rushed for medical attention and his condition is reported as critical.

Ferry Fire Near Palawan Kills 5, Coast Guard Rescues 42 Survivors
A passenger ferry, M/V June Aster, caught fire near Coron, Palawan, in the Philippines, killing at least five people. The vessel had departed from Manila and was carrying passengers and crew at the time of the incident. Philippine Coast Guard teams launched rescue operations promptly in response to the blaze. Authorities confirmed 42 people were successfully rescued from the burning ferry.
Apple Launches iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max; India Price Starts at Rs 1,64,900
Apple has unveiled its latest iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max smartphones, featuring the new A20 Pro chip and running iOS 27. The devices come with notable camera upgrades and enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities through Apple Intelligence. Pre-orders for the new models will open on September 12, with global sales beginning on September 18. In India, the iPhone 18 Pro is priced starting at Rs 1,64,900.
India Takes Over BRICS Chair in 2026 with Focus on Resilience and Innovation
India assumed the chairship of BRICS on January 1, 2026, marking a significant leadership role within the bloc. The theme chosen by New Delhi for its chairship is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'. BRICS, which originally began as a 2001 economic concept grouping Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has since evolved into a broader geopolitical grouping. The bloc has expanded over the years, now referred to as BRICS+, reflecting its growing membership and global influence.

Crane Collapse at Gandhinagar Construction Site Leaves Several Feared Trapped
A crane collapsed at a construction site in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, leaving several people feared trapped. Emergency services, including ambulances and fire engines, have been deployed at the scene. Rescue operations are currently underway to assist those affected. Further details regarding casualties and the cause of the collapse are yet to be confirmed.

Nixon's 'Western White House' La Casa Pacifica Marks 100 Years Amid Development Battle
La Casa Pacifica, the seaside Spanish-Colonial estate that served as President Richard Nixon's informal West Coast base, is marking its 100th anniversary this year. The property gained historical prominence as Nixon's 'Western White House,' hosting several significant moments in American political history. Current owners of the estate are committed to preserving its legacy against potential development pressures. Their efforts aim to ensure that the site's historical and architectural significance remains intact for future generations.
Sukhbir Badal questions Amritpal Singh's commitment to Panthic politics
SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has launched a sharp attack on jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, questioning his political courage. Sukhbir drew a contrast between Amritpal's rhetoric and the legacy of his father, former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal, who repeatedly courted arrest for public causes. He argued that genuine Panthic politics demands commitment and courage, not just slogans. The remarks come as Amritpal Singh, currently in detention, continues to make headlines for his hardline political stance.

Key Suspect Arrested in Punjabi Influencer Manjeet Kaur Murder Case
Chandigarh police from Sector-34 have arrested a 25-year-old man named Parminder Singh, also known as Pinda, in connection with the murder of Punjabi influencer Manjeet Kaur. He is believed to be an associate of the prime accused, identified as Rinku. The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the influencer's killing. Authorities are continuing to probe the case to uncover further details and any additional suspects involved.

CIA Director Ratcliffe May Take Expanded Role in Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks
CIA Director John Ratcliffe is being considered for a more prominent role in US-led peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The White House is reportedly evaluating changes to its current negotiation team amid stalled diplomatic progress. Key sticking points include unresolved territorial disputes and security guarantees between Moscow and Kyiv. Officials believe Ratcliffe's intelligence background could help identify new avenues for dialogue and revive the stalled process.
Under-Construction Building Collapses in Gandhinagar, Over 10 Feared Trapped
An under-construction building collapsed in the Kudasan area of Gandhinagar on Wednesday, leaving more than 10 people feared trapped under the debris. Fire department teams were swiftly deployed to the site to carry out rescue operations. Authorities continued their efforts to locate and free those trapped while further details were still being gathered. The incident comes shortly after a separate building collapse in Delhi that claimed seven lives. The two incidents have together intensified national attention on construction safety standards and building regulation practices.
Channi, Randhawa welcome Sachin Pilot as new Punjab Congress in-charge
Sachin Pilot has been appointed as the new Punjab Congress in-charge, a move welcomed by senior party leaders including former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. Channi praised Pilot as a capable leader who can bring unity among the party's competing factions in the state. The appointment is seen as a strategic step to strengthen Congress ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. As part of the revival effort, the party is also planning a statewide yatra to reinvigorate its organizational presence across Punjab.

