🌸 Local flowers are booming in south-west England

Demand for homegrown cut flowers has caused a huge growth in businesses across south-west England. Flowers from the Farm noted that about 240 of its 1,100 members were from Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. This sector is estimated to contribute £30m annually to the UK economy as of recent times. Customers are now prioritizing high quality and sustainability, boosting local farms. These local efforts help keep money in rural communities and support biodiversity. 🌸

📉 Oracle deepens layoffs amid AI spending crunch

Oracle is increasing its planned job cuts as it faces a cash crunch linked to developing large AI data centres. The company announced a new share trading program for Chairman Larry Ellison, allowing him to sell 50 million shares until October 24. The total estimated cost for the '2026 Restructuring Plan' is now around $2.8 billion, up from $2.1 billion already accrued. This financial pressure stems from the expensive build-out of AI infrastructure for major clients like OpenAI. As of the end of May, the company had approximately 49,000 US workers and 92,000 international employees.

🌍 Africa is now the world's top terrorism hotspot

Africa has emerged as the globe's most active terrorism theatre, according to a new US House Homeland Security Committee report. Seven out of ten countries with the highest terrorism deaths are located in Africa, with five centered in the Sahel region. During the first half of 2025, over two-thirds of ISIS's global activity was recorded on the continent. This shift poses new challenges for US counterterrorism as it moves away from Middle East focus. The report suggests a shift towards preventing attacks based on individual behavior. 🌍

🇮🇳 Ethiopia, Malaysia want stronger ties with India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meetings with Ethiopian and Malaysian leaders boosted India's relations in defense and business. Ethiopia and Malaysia expressed interest in deeper defense cooperation, including joint training and equipment procurement. Discussions covered defense partnerships, semiconductor sector collaboration, and investment opportunities in both nations. India aims to expand its defense exports and economic reach, particularly within the Global South. This push positions India as a key, cost-effective defense and economic partner globally. 🤝

♟️ Ganges Grandmasters dominate chess in Bengaluru

Ganges Grandmasters and APL Pipers secured strong positions in the Global Chess League after big wins in Bengaluru. On Friday, Ganges Grandmasters beat Mumba Masters 16-1, while the Pipers won 9-7 against American Gambits. Both teams now have 18 match points, with Ganges leading in game points at 88. Magnus Carlsen was POTM but gave the trophy to Vidit Gujrathi for his decisive victory. The teams need a win on Saturday to qualify for the final clash. 🏆

🚢 India opens Odessa consulate after years of delays

India officially opened its consulate in Odessa in November 1962, a milestone celebrated at the Black Sea port. This mission was established in Odessa, which is located in the Soviet Union. The opening followed years of bureaucratic delays, despite earlier diplomatic discussions in 1955. The consulate's main role was to boost trade and logistics, especially for the Bhilai Steel Plant expansion. Ultimately, the move addressed logistical headaches and strategic needs for New Delhi. 🚢

🤝 Modi and Ethiopian PM meet at BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali to boost their strategic partnership. The meeting took place at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on September 12, 2026. They reviewed progress in economic cooperation, defense, and capacity building, building on a December 2025 visit. The leaders also discussed regional matters and pledged continued cooperation in global forums. PM Modi is set to meet the UAE Crown Prince on the morning of September 12, 2026. 🤝

🎬 Karthik Subbaraj's 'Dorothy' gets standing ovation at TIFF

Karthik Subbaraj’s new film, Dorothy, premiered globally at the Toronto International Film Festival 2026. The movie stars Keerthy Suresh, Sananth, and Rishikanth and was screened at Toronto’s Scotiabank Theatre. This film is the first Tamil feature to debut at TIFF in the last decade, happening on September 12, 2026. The story explores friendship and prejudice in rural Tamil Nadu with a soundtrack by Illaiyaraaja. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 25.

🔬 Global insights on kidney cancer treatment at VIRO 2026

VIRO 2026 concluded its two-day virtual congress discussing the evolving landscape of renal oncology. Experts from various regions shared knowledge about kidney cancer care at the event organized by OncoDaily. Sessions covered treatments from adjuvant therapy to non-clear cell histologies, spanning from dates in 2026. The discussions emphasized personalized care, moving beyond surgery, and exploring new avenues like radiotheranostics. Future focus remains on refining treatment selection using biomarkers and lifestyle interventions. 🔬

💰 Hanuman Ansh crosses Rs 200 crore mark

The movie 'Hanuman Ansh', based on Neem Karoli Baba's life, has achieved a major box office success. It features Shobhinaw Satya and Vihaan Shedge, chronicling Lakshminarayan's spiritual quest across North India. As of now, the film has grossed Rs 205.73 crore domestically since its release on August 7. Initially slow, the film gained massive traction via positive word-of-mouth, leading to an expansion from 250 to 2,000 screens. The nett collection for the movie is reported to be over Rs 170 crore.

🌍 BRICS leaders meet in India amidst global tensions

Leaders of the BRICS nations convened in New Delhi for a summit focusing on trade and global conflicts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted counterparts from Russia, China, Iran, and South Africa on September 11, 2026. The bloc, which now has 11 members, faces challenges from wars and rising US-China tensions. Discussions will cover economic cooperation, energy, and reducing reliance on the US dollar. India is navigating a delicate balance between its ties with Russia and the US during this high-stakes meeting. 🇮🇳