🐘 Kerala to boost wildlife conflict compensation

The Kerala government is likely revising compensation for victims of human-wildlife conflict following significant crop damage in Kozhikode. This proposed enhancement will be announced after the state-level conclave scheduled for September 29 at Thiruvambady. Compensation for fatalities could rise from ₹14 lakh to ₹21 lakh, with assistance for injuries also set to increase. This move addresses mounting issues, as crop losses in Kozhikode surpassed ₹1.35 crore during the first eight months of this year. The government is also looking at tech solutions like AI and bio-fencing to prevent future incidents. 🐘

🔥 Greater Noida bus fire: Driver said, 'I won't stop'

A double-decker tourist bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The Bihar-registered bus, traveling from Delhi to Mahoba, carried over 35 people on September 24, 2026. Nine people died in the tragic incident, and many others were injured amidst the blaze. Passengers reported a burning smell and objected to the driver and conductor smoking inside. Preliminary findings suggest the fire started from an air conditioning blast, and the driver and conductor were detained.

⚡ NJ slaps $1.07M fine on AI data center over illegal generators

New Jersey slapped a record $1.07 million fine on DataOne after inspectors found 62 large natural-gas generators operating without permits. This happened at DataOne's massive AI data center in Vineland, New Jersey, during a July 29 inspection. These generators, each with a 1,982 kilowatt capacity, represent nearly 123 megawatts of power. The penalty highlights the challenge of regulating rapidly expanding AI infrastructure and energy demands. DataOne has disputed the findings but plans to apply for the necessary permits while moving to fuel cells. 😟

⚕️ US adds $267M to fight Ebola in Central Africa

The US State Department pledged an extra $267 million to combat the Ebola outbreak in central Africa. Senior officials announced this funding during the UN General Assembly, aiming for a total of $2 billion. The outbreak was first detected in May and is now the second deadliest on record. This new pledge boosts the Trump administration's total commitment to $886 million. The aid will help countries build treatment facilities and provide medical countermeasures.

🗳️ Priyanka Gandhi calls for Gyanesh Kumar's prosecution

Priyanka Gandhi has demanded criminal prosecution for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter roll tampering. She made these strong allegations while in Wayanad, Kerala, concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Reports indicated that Commissioners Sandhu and Joshi raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months regarding SIR decisions. Gandhi stated that tampering with 13 crore voters is a criminal act against the Constitution and the nation. She firmly believes he should be tried for treason if illegal actions occurred. 🗳️

💥 Pakistan hits 10 Afghan drone sites with air strikes

Pakistan conducted air strikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan used for storing and launching drones. These strikes targeted southeastern Khost province amid rising tensions between the two nations. The action followed cross-border attacks by armed groups, reigniting conflict after a relative calm. Islamabad accused Kabul of harboring fighters, while the Taliban denied supporting such activities. This escalation threatens peace mediation efforts led by China, Turkiye, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

💡 Schneider Electric eyes Shelly Group in huge acquisition

Schneider Electric is set to launch a bid for the Shelly Group in a massive $1.4 billion deal. This potential acquisition targets the Shelly Group, which operates within the smart home technology sector. The deal valuation stands at $1.4 billion, marking a significant corporate move in the industry. Schneider Electric aims to expand its presence in the growing smart control market through this purchase. Further developments on this major business transaction are expected in the coming months. 💡

🧐 Granite Baron Aide Arrested in POCSO Case

The CCB arrested Ganesan, a longtime aide of granite businessman Veeramani, in a POCSO case regarding alleged sexual abuse of minor girls. This arrest took place in Tamil Nadu, where Veeramani was initially arrested on August 29 with two accomplices. Investigators found video clips on Ganesan's phone purportedly showing Veeramani in an obscene act with a minor from 2019. The CCB is now looking into how Ganesan got the clips and any alleged financial influence on the probe. The ruling TVK is now questioning the handling of this case when the DMK was in power. 🧐

🏛️ High Court allows resigned MLAs to contest bypolls

The Madras High Court dismissed a PIL petition seeking to halt byelections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram. The petition was filed by advocate K. Suthan in Chennai against the practice of MLAs resigning to rejoin politics. The court ruled that Parliament, not the judiciary, should decide on cooling-off periods or expense rules for resigned MLAs. Six MLAs, including Kumaravel and Sathyabama, resigned after winning elections as AIADMK candidates before joining TVK. The ECI confirmed there is no rule forcing resigned MLAs to cover bypoll costs.

👓 Meta drops cameras, unveils new $349 smart glasses

Meta has unveiled new camera-free smart glasses to tackle rising privacy backlash against AI gadgets. These Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses, made through EssilorLuxottica, ship starting October 13 for $349. The glasses feature an expanded Muse AI assistant for voice commands, though they still record audio without a clear bystander warning. Critics suggest that audio-only recording issues might not fully ease public privacy concerns. This move positions Meta in the AI device race, aiming for the next major computing platform. 👓

🎬 Arif Zakaria on his 40-year acting journey

Actor Arif Zakaria reflected on his extensive 40-year career across various mediums. He shared insights about directors like Karan Johar and Yashraj, noting they treat actors well. Zakaria started by doing theatre for just Rs 100 and later appeared in the hit TV show Chunauti in 1987. He mentioned earning Rs 750 per episode for his first TV serial, which was substantial then. He continues to act in films like My Name is Khan and War, showcasing his versatile talent.