🎬 Iran mocks Trump's threat with Telugu movie clip

Iran responded to Donald Trump's threat to "annihilate" the Islamic Republic by sharing a scene from a Telugu movie. The Iranian Embassy in Zimbabwe posted the 58-second clip shortly after Trump spoke at the UN General Assembly on September 22. The clip showed a character using a manhole cover as a shield against attackers. This was meant to convey that Iran would not be without defense against a US attack. Meanwhile, talks continued between Iranian and US officials regarding a possible deal.

🤢 Pickle unit sealed in Bengaluru for hygiene issues

Food Safety officials sealed a pickle manufacturing unit due to unhygienic conditions found during an inspection. The unit, S.P. Malenadu Enterprises, is located in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru. The inspection took place on Tuesday, September 24, 2026, by the Food Safety Officer of the Rajajinagar division. Rotten ingredients like carrots, mangoes, lemons, and amla were allegedly discovered, posing a public health risk. The department seized products and is now initiating further legal action against the operator. 🤢

🏅 Asian Games 2026: Day 7 schedule is live in Japan 🇯🇵

The Indian campaign continues on Day 7 of the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, featuring 14 disciplines. Events for India include athletics, shooting, equestrian, and weightlifting participation. On Friday, various events are scheduled across swimming, athletics, badminton, and more, with times listed in IST. Athletes are competing in multiple rounds and finals across different sports throughout the day. The schedule provides a detailed look at India's involvement across the diverse sporting events.

🧪 Seawater turns into two valuable chemicals at once

Researchers developed a Janus catalyst that converts seawater into hydrogen peroxide and active chlorine simultaneously. This innovation was achieved by a team from East China Normal University and The University of Queensland in the United States. The catalyst showed high efficiency, producing 9.34 mol g_cat⁻¹ h⁻¹ of H₂O₂ and 9.26 mol g_cat⁻¹ h⁻¹ of active chlorine in the Bohai Sea. This solves the problem where chloride ions usually poison catalysts in seawater electrolysis. This breakthrough opens a path for coastal regions to make chemicals locally and sustainably. 🧪

🌧️ Collector pushes for faster relief amid heavy rain in Vizag

District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore has directed all departments to remain highly alert and expedite relief operations due to continuous heavy rain in Visakhapatnam. He chaired a teleconference with officials from GVMC, Police, and Electricity on Thursday regarding the ongoing situation. Between September 21 and September 24, the district received 321.6 mm of cumulative rainfall, affecting 11 houses and 4 hectares of banana crops. The Collector ordered immediate field assessments for crop and property damage and urged residents to stay indoors. Emergency contacts are available, including the Collectorate control room at 0891-2590100.

🚨 Notorious red sanders smuggler shot and arrested in Kadapa

A notorious red sanders smuggler, Simpathi Jakeer, was shot and subsequently nabbed during a police operation. This incident took place at the Mydukur police station in Kadapa district on Thursday. Jakeer, aged 32, had 99 cases against him, including 82 for red sanders smuggling. He was known for violently attacking police officials on numerous occasions. Authorities plan to tackle red sanders smuggling as an organized crime and investigate financial transactions.

🧠 Humidity-sensitive chip gets neuromorphic computing closer

Researchers developed a humidity-sensitive memristive device using a Au/Ni₂P₂O₇/FTO architecture. This tech was built by teams from Jeju National University, Queensland University of Technology, and Shivaji University. It showed non-contact synaptic responses while tested between 42% and 82% RH levels. The device can emulate memory and sensing using just moisture from a finger, which is super cool. This could lead to touch-free interfaces and smarter IoT nodes.

🚨 CBI nabs Mahadev betting app kingpin in Hyderabad

The CBI arrested Abhishek Kumar, the alleged kingpin of the Mahadev Online Betting Application, upon his arrival from Dubai at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on September 24, 2026. The agency claimed Kumar actively ran betting operations under Mahadev Book and managed funds in Dubai using illegal proceeds. Seized material reportedly confirms his involvement and close ties with Saurabh Chandrakar and Shubham Soni. The Mahadev app allegedly generated ₹80,000 crore since 2019, leading to 13 FIRs being transferred to the CBI. Efforts are ongoing to bring the main promoters back to India for trial.

⛽ Oil tensions spike amid US-Iran talks

Global energy markets are currently very unsettled due to rising oil flows from the Persian Gulf. US and Iran are exploring a phased deal in New York to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the US blockade. Brent crude futures rose despite the pipeline restart, fueling fears over high gasoline and diesel prices worldwide. An Iranian advisor warned that US or Israeli attacks could expand the conflict to the Indian Ocean. This delicate situation is influencing global bond yields as markets react to Fed policy uncertainty.

🔬 Scientists decode how preservatives kill bacteria 🔬

Researchers discovered that preservatives like sodium benzoate cause cellular shrinkage and collapse in bacteria. This study, involving the Institute of Nano Science & Technology and Unilever R&D in Bengaluru, looked at two pathogens. Findings from September 24, 2026, showed preservatives perform a coordinated multi-target assault on microbes. Specifically, sodium benzoate works better in acidic settings, while phenoxyethanol affects the membrane differently. This knowledge helps industries optimize preservative use to reduce waste.

🚧 Mysuru roads are a total mess, protest erupts

CPI(M) activists demonstrated outside the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) office on Sayyaji Rao Road on Thursday. The protest was against the deplorable condition of roads across various parts of the city. Protesters cited numerous neglected streets, unfinished drainage, and potholes across areas like Kuvempunagar Complex to Andolana Circle. They demanded quality material development instead of just seasonal patching, citing safety risks from submerged potholes. The party urged authorities to immediately repair roads and remove unscientifically placed road humps. 🚧