🍷 CA wine giants face financial meltdown

California's wine industry is facing a major financial crisis as two long-standing wineries hit hard. Signorello Estate and Gundlach Bundschu are in trouble in Napa Valley. Signorello faces foreclosure on October 2, while Gundlach Bundschu has filed for bankruptcy. The downturn is due to debt taken during boom times, followed by pandemic, wildfires, and weak demand. Lenders are also increasing interest rates, leaving both wineries with limited options. 🍷

🤝 Karnataka ready to share loan waiver cost with Centre

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that Karnataka is willing to share the financial burden of a farm loan waiver if the Union government announces it. This statement was made in the Legislative Assembly in Bengaluru on Thursday amidst demands from the Opposition. The Chief Minister proposed a potential Centre-State ratio of 60:40 for the waiver. He urged for unity to plead with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce the relief measures. Shivakumar also mentioned that the state has fodder stock for 33 weeks. 🌾

😔 Stalin slams TVK over Veeramani case claims

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin rejected claims from TVK that the DMK government shielded granite baron R Veeramani in a POCSO case. The case involves allegations against Veeramani, who is linked to disturbing visuals of minors. An expanded probe, after a special court rejected a closure report, has identified over seven minor survivors. Stalin asserted that no DMK order existed to protect anyone in this high-profile matter. He called the TVK allegations false and defamatory, emphasizing justice for the victims. 😔

🎮 GTA 6 Collector's Edition drops with huge swag

Rockstar Games unveiled the "Grand Theft Auto 6: The Goodtime State – Vice City Collection" for pre-order. This special edition is for fans and is available from the official Rockstar Store. It costs $399.99 and is scheduled to release on November 19, 2026. The hefty package includes over a dozen themed physical items, like a 6" figure and sunglasses. Shipping is confirmed for numerous countries, though Asia and Australia will get access later.

⛽ Oil prices pull back on US-Iran deal buzz

Crude oil traded near $94 per barrel on Thursday, cooling a peak of $97 amidst hopes of a US-Iran deal. Negotiators were exploring lifting naval blockades and easing sanctions on the Iranian economy. Recent strikes and pipeline attacks caused GCC oil exports to nearly halt. This supply crunch forced OPEC members to cut production, with Saudi output hitting a low since 1990. Lower Chinese stocks and low US SPR reserves add to the market pressure. ⛽

🏏 Lawrence century crushes Somerset's title hopes

Dan Lawrence scored his sixth Rothesay County Championship century while Surrey dominated the first day of the final Division One match at Taunton. Surrey posted a total of 327 for 4, with Lawrence leading the charge with an unbeaten 105 runs. This performance effectively snuffed out Somerset's chances of winning the Championship title. Dom Sibley scored 72 runs, and Ben Foakes added 64 not out to the strong total. The match continues as Surrey builds a commanding lead against the visitors.

📜 Assam mandates Muslim marriage registration rules

The Assam Cabinet approved new rules making Muslim marriage registration compulsory across the state on September 24, 2026. This action operationalizes the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Act, 2024, replacing an older 1935 legislation. The new law sets minimum ages at 18 for women and 21 for men, shifting registration to government officials. The framework ensures formal State documentation and protects the rights of married individuals. Additionally, a special ₹1,500 Puja bonus was announced for Arunodoi scheme beneficiaries in October.

😠 VIP chief slams CEC over election body controversy

Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani strongly criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Sahani made these explosive remarks while speaking to media in Patna regarding the controversy surrounding electoral roll procedures. He stated that if pardoned for murder, the first person he would target is Mr. Kumar. Sahani further predicted that in 2029, Gyanesh Kumar would be imprisoned under a Congress government led by Rahul Gandhi ji. He accused the Election Commission of becoming an arm of the BJP and undermining democracy. 😠

🎤 Blind singer Suneel Lodhi's journey to Bollywood

Suneel Lodhi, the soulful voice of the 'Maine Tere Hi Bharose Hanuman' song, never received formal music training. Hailing from Bundelkhand, he sang Bundeli folk songs on local trains starting at age 10-11 despite his visual impairment. His music gained traction online via Bundeli Duniya, eventually leading to a call from filmmaker Pankaj VRK in Mumbai. Lodhi later recorded tracks which included the song featured in the ₹2 crore devotional film, Hanuman Ansh. The film is directed by Vishal Chaturvedi and is inspired by the life of Neem Karoli Baba.

⚖️ Supreme Court curbs child abuse law misuse in divorce cases 🚨

The Supreme Court ruled against immediate arrest for child abuse allegations in matrimonial disputes. This decision, made by Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan, mandates a psychological evaluation of the child first. The court noted that false accusations are rising, often fueled by ego or bad advice. Specifically, if a family member living under the same roof is accused, police must verify a matrimonial dispute exists. Authorities must consult child psychiatry experts before deciding on arrest.

🛢️ Import duty cut on edible oils ahead of festivals

The Union government cut the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on major imported crude edible oils on Thursday, September 24, 2026. This move was made to moderate domestic edible oil prices and ease inflationary pressures. The BCD for crude sunflower oil dropped from 10% to nil, while crude soybean and palm oil duties fell from 10% to 5%. This rationalization aims to lower landed costs and help consumers during the festive season. The government advised industry bodies to ensure the benefit reaches the consumers. 🛢️