♟️ Germany stops Uzbekistan's streak in chess Olympiad

Germany defeated Uzbekistan with a 2.5-1.5 score in round eight of the 46th Chess Olympiad 2026. This match was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where the two teams shared the lead on 14/16. In the women's section, China took the sole lead after WGM Zhai Mo's checkmate against IM Lela Javakhishvili. Indian hero IM Savitha Shri secured a 7/7 by drawing an endgame against WIM Elnaz Kaliakhmet. Round nine of the tournament is scheduled for Friday, September 24th.

🗳️ Left parties demand CEC removal, halt SIR

Five Left parties demanded the ouster of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and a stop to the SIR of electoral rolls. This joint statement came from the CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation, RSP, and AIFB in Delhi. The protest is set to last a week, running from September 26 to October 2, 2026. The demand follows reports that the CEC made 'collective decisions' alone, without the two Commissioners' input. They also want to reinstate ECI's democratic function and change the appointment system. 🗳️

✨ Avengers Endgame Encore drops with new surprises

Avengers Endgame: Encore is coming to theaters featuring new footage connecting to Avengers: Doomsday. The Russo Brothers are directing this return, urging fans not to spoil the new surprises for others. This version will include a new intro from Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr, an extended ending, and new mid-credit scenes. Fans can catch this on September 25, leading up to Avengers: Doomsday on December 18. The directors plan to experience the film's impact in theaters again. 🎬

⚽ Germany takes the lead vs Netherlands at halftime 🇩🇪

Germany managed to take a 1-0 lead against the Netherlands during the first half of the match. The game is being held at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam on Thursday, September 24th, 2026. The score stood at 1-0 at the break, with Felix Nmecha scoring a rebound goal. This match marks the start of Jürgen Klopp's era with the German national team. Both sides are looking to establish their new managerial styles in this intense fixture.

🙏 Sabarimala readying for season with AI tech

Sabarimala season preparations are set to wrap up by October 31, according to Travancore Devaswom Board president K Jayakumar. Major civil, electrical, and crowd management upgrades are happening at Nilakkal, Thiruvananthapuram. Police will spend nearly Rs 5 crore on crowd control, and the existing shed will be modified for 60,000 pilgrims. AI cameras will monitor movement at Nilakkal, Sannidhanam, and Pamba to ensure smooth pilgrim flow. Production capacity for Aravana will rise to 3.6 lakh tins daily by October 31.

🚨 Election Commission faces major backlash over voter issues

Serious allegations of widespread election rigging and democratic attacks were raised during a recent press conference. The speaker specifically targeted the Election Commission, pointing out issues in states like Haryana, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Concerns were also raised about the deletion of 97 Goa voters, alongside demands for the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. These actions are claimed to systematically subvert the democratic architecture of the nation. Those responsible for compromising the electoral system's sanctity are promised legal scrutiny moving forward.

🚧 Bridge collapses in Bhadradri Kothagudem; traffic rerouted

A section of a bridge at Rajupeta village collapsed on Wednesday night due to heavy rain and a swelling stream. This incident occurred in Mulakalapalli mandal within the Bhadradri Kothagudem district. No injuries were reported, and traffic was immediately diverted via alternate routes. MLA Jare Adinarayana inspected the damage on Thursday and ordered a new bridge to be built for ₹5 crore. Officials also lifted 13 spillway gates at the Taliperu medium irrigation project that evening.

🙏 Sabarimala Aravana stock secured, says TDB chief

The Travancore Devaswom Board confirms there will be no Aravana shortage during the Thulam month puja at Sabarimala. TDB president K. Jayakumar made this announcement during a press meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The board plans to keep eight lakh tins for the puja and 75 lakh tins by November 16, 2026. Plant expansion will boost daily production from 2.6 lakh to 3.6 lakh tins, operational by October 31, 2026. Weekly progress reports will also be submitted to the government to address concerns.

🧐 Kerala Sports Council facing major corruption probe

Vigilance officials conducted a surprise inspection at the Kerala State Sports Council office in Thiruvananthapuram to check corruption allegations. The inspection, codenamed ‘Operation Kalikkalam’, covered the State and district sports councils across Kerala. Findings included ₹1.30 crore diversion from Kozhikode and ₹14 lakh in Alappuzha irregularities as of September 24, 2026. The probe revealed issues like ineligible athlete selections and unauthorized UPI payments from contractors. Moving forward, the VACB will pursue action based on these serious administrative lapses. 🧐

🏡 Newsom's childhood home hits market for $4.5M

Gavin Newsom's San Francisco childhood home, built in 1951, is now listed for $4.5 million after a major renovation. The property, located in Cole Valley, was originally owned by his maternal grandfather and sold by the family in the 1970s. It is a 1,445-square-foot home on nearly a quarter of an acre, featuring views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Current owner Sandra McBride bought it in 2019 for $2.8 million and transformed the wooded refuge. The listing includes a buildable second lot and a finished artist's studio. 🏡

✈️ Trump's over-the-top welcome for Xi

US President Donald Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping on a state visit at Andrews Air Force Base on Thursday. The welcome included a rare planeside red carpet and Trump’s lavish compliments for Xi. The two sides also agreed to extend their trade truce until January to ease tensions. Further events include a White House banquet and a private tea party for the first couples. Observers remain skeptical if the grand gestures will lead to concrete commitments on issues like tariffs and fentanyl. 🤝