🛡️ Karnataka HC backs DRDO land grab for AI project

The Karnataka High Court has upheld the land acquisition of about 1.27 acres in Bengaluru for the DRDO's Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. This decision ended a long-running legal dispute involving the DRDO and local landowners. The acquisition process, which started with a notification in 1987, was previously set aside in 2014 by a single judge. The Division Bench, comprising Justice D.K. Singh and Justice H. Shanthi Bhushan, validated the acquisition as vital for the protected defence project area. The court clarified that landowners' compensation rights remain protected under the applicable law.

🏥 Kerala's 24x7 specialty care faces political roadblocks

The government's plan for 24x7 specialty care services is facing hurdles in Punalur taluk hospital. Local political pressure has forced the removal of several PG doctors from various institutions like Yeroor and Kundara. The initial phase included specialties like General Medicine and Orthopaedics, announced last month. Despite promises, Punalur currently has only two or three PG doctors per specialty against the promised nine. The Health department has now pushed for the creation of 1,120 specialist and 520 casualty medical officer posts.

🧐 DGP checks Hassan Prison, notes overcrowding issue

DGP Alok Kumar visited the Hassan district prison on Thursday to check the prison administration. He was accompanied by Hassan Superintendent of Police Shubhangi and senior officials while inspecting the facilities. The prison currently holds 334 inmates against a sanctioned capacity of 250 as of September 24, 2026. Kumar stated that the department proposed building a new prison due to the space shortage. Ten inmates involved in fights will be shifted to the Mysuru prison for disciplinary action.

⚖️ ECs challenge CEC on major query

Two Election Commissioners have formally raised a question that requires a response from the Chief Election Commissioner. This matter is currently before the Supreme Court for adjudication. The commissioners have emphasized the need for a proper answer from the CEC regarding their query. The legal team is arguing that the Supreme Court must not dismiss this important appeal. This situation sets the stage for a crucial judicial review on the electoral body's functioning. ⚖️

🎗️ Princess Dina joins Queen Letizia for cancer research milestone

Princess Dina Mired attended the 10th anniversary of World Cancer Research Day in Brussels. She joined Queen Letizia of Spain at the event hosted by the AECC and EORTC. This gathering brought together key figures in cancer research, clinical care, and policymaking. Princess Dina stressed that cancer research is an essential part of cancer care, not a luxury. She also highlighted the importance of international cooperation to help patients globally. 🎗️

🎬 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.