🎮 Free Play Days: Games are on deck this weekend

Several games are available during Free Play Days running from September 24 until September 27. XBOX Game Pass members can try The Escapists 2 and Young Suns on console and PC. PGA TOUR 2K25 and The Division 2 are free for all Xbox members without a subscription. These free trials offer chances to play intense tactical shooters and golf simulations. Players can purchase the games later with limited-time discounts while keeping their progress.

⚽ FC Mobile season 27 update drops new modes

The EA Sports FC Mobile season 27 update has launched featuring a visual refresh and major gameplay additions. This update introduces the pseudo-roguelike Gauntlet Mode and the tactical Game Plans feature. Gauntlet Mode challenges players through multiple matches with limited player appearances. Game Plans grant users enhanced control over team attack, defense, or balanced play mid-match. Additionally, new PlayStyles like Incisive Through Pass and Dead Ball are now available.

🌳 Wendell Berry, farmer and writer, passes away

American farmer and novelist Wendell Berry passed away on August 31 at the age of 92. He farmed in Port Royal, Kentucky, for over 40 years, emphasizing community and planetary care through his work. His writings included *The Unsettling of America* from 1977 and *Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer* in 1987. Berry criticized consumer culture, urging people to love the world and prioritize forests over endless consumption. His legacy fuels the growing interest in agroecology and the 'georgic' writing genre.

🥊 Tyson vs Holyfield wait was wild

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield had a massive wait before their boxing clash. The two heavyweights first started talks in the late 1980s, aiming for a June 18, 1990, fight in Atlantic City. Despite initial plans, the fight stalled due to Tyson's title loss on February 11, 1990, and later his 1991 arrest. After Tyson's 1995 release and championship win in 1996, the fight was finally set for November 1996 in Las Vegas. Ultimately, Holyfield shocked Tyson in the 11th round, leading to an infamous rematch in 1997.

💻 InfoQ launches High-Performing Teams certification

InfoQ has officially opened enrollment for its Certified High-Performing Teams Program, which is a five-week live online course. This program is being facilitated by InfoQ Java Editor and InfoQ Podcast co-host Olimpiu Pop. The cohort runs from November 17 to December 17, 2026, with sessions held every Tuesday and Thursday. Participants will develop a target operating model by examining engineering structure, delivery flow, and AI-enabled work. The certification requires consistent attendance and successful completion of a group capstone presentation. 🚀

🚶 5000+ Health Officers March to Bengaluru

Over 5,000 Community Health Officers (CHOs) from Karnataka plan a padayatra on September 28. The march, announced in Kalaburagi, will start at Siddaganga Mutt in Tumakuru and end with a dharna at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. The CHOs are protesting the government's decision to require a B.Sc. Nursing qualification for certain posts. Union leaders demand job regularisation and the withdrawal of this new qualification requirement. They also seek better salary revision and protection of their current service conditions.

🚩 BJP protests state govt in Shivamogga

BJP workers held a protest against the State Government on Thursday in Shivamogga. The protest was organized by the Shivamogga district unit, led by district president N.K. Jagadish. They alleged the State Government, under CM D.K. Shivakumar, has no funds left for welfare schemes as of September 24, 2026. Jagadish claimed the government lacks money for drought-affected farmers and is misleading the public. The party also raised concerns about delayed pensions and corruption in school supplies. 💸

💳 Govt says banks won't let UPI merchants hike prices

Government sources clarified that banks will monitor merchants to prevent them from passing Merchant Discount Rate charges onto consumers. This is happening in New Delhi, with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) expected to create a monitoring mechanism. The new MDR framework starts from October 15, 2026, with transactions above Rs 2,000 attracting a 0.4% charge. The Finance Ministry will discuss these MDR concerns with the IBA, merchants, and the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). The GST Council is also anticipated to review the 18 per cent GST on merchant fees.

⚖️ House husbands should be normal, say HC judges

The Madras High Court stated that if housewives exist, house husbands should also be accepted as a new normal. This view was expressed by Justices G.R. Swaminathan and M.D. Sumathi at the Madurai Bench. The court noted that women are increasingly career-oriented, impacting relationships, especially in the IT sector. This shift could be remedied if husbands chose to become homemakers, preserving the institution of marriage. This judgment was delivered while hearing civil miscellaneous appeals from a doctor couple on September 24, 2026.

✈️ Ace Combat 8 trailer drops for new action game

The official opening cinematic trailer for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has been released, showcasing the game's intense action. Players will step into the world of Strangereal as the legendary ace pilot of the Wings of Theve. The game is slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam on October 2, 2026. This highly anticipated flight action title promises epic aerial combat experiences for gamers. Fans can now get a sneak peek at the massive scale of the upcoming adventure.

📚 Booker Prize 2026 Shortlist Drops

The shortlist for the Booker Prize 2026 has been announced, featuring six compelling literary works. These selected novels explore themes of hidden selves, lost love, and the universal search for belonging. The announcement revealed the final contenders on a specific date. The stories represent a diverse range of human experiences and internal journeys. Attention now turns to the judging process leading up to the final award ceremony. 📚