🛡️ Microsoft Boosts Bug Bounty for Open Source 💻

Microsoft has expanded its bug bounty program to cover open-source projects and third-party components. This expansion was part of the latest program year running from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The broader scope led to over 300 extra vulnerability reports, with Microsoft paying more than US$800,000 for these findings. This move acknowledges how much modern products depend on open-source software and interconnected cloud services. The company is also shortening NuGet API key lifetimes to further secure the supply chain.

🚇 Fadnavis sets 3-year deadline for mega metro expansion

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis mandated that all state metro rail projects must finish within three years from construction start. The government plans to operationalize over 300 km of new lines by 2029-30, bringing the total network to 683.53 km. Currently, 174 km are running, with Rs 2.81 lakh crore worth of projects underway. This expansion across Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur aims to boost fast and eco-friendly public transport. Fadnavis specifically ordered the completion of Metro Line-10 within this tight deadline. 🚇

📜 Ayodhya's origin story is a recent historical find

Historical research reveals that the city of Ayodhya was not a real place during the time of the Ramayana. Scholars have determined that this city only came into existence around the 5th century CE. This finding challenges long-held narratives regarding the ancient epic's setting. The discrepancy points to a possible later historical embedding of the epic's events. Future research will likely explore how and why this city was mythologized.

🏏 World Cup 2027 Qualifier dates are set

The 2027 ODI World Cup Qualifier is scheduled to take place from February 22 to March 23 next year. The tournament is set to feature 10 teams, with the winner securing a direct spot in the main 14-team World Cup. The top four teams from the Qualifier will advance to the Super Series, which precedes the main event. The main World Cup itself will be held across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October 4 to November 11. The venue for the Qualifier is still undecided as of now. 🏏

🏛️ SC says states can't block judge retirement age hike

The Supreme Court ruled that states cannot cite financial burden to oppose raising judicial officers' retirement age from 60 to 62 years. This decision was made by a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant while hearing the All India Judges Association case. Most states opposed this change citing financial burden and disparity with State Govt officials, as of earlier responses. The Court dismissed these reasons, noting experienced judges are an institutional asset and High Court views are not final. Therefore, all opposing states must revisit this issue and take a fresh decision within two weeks. 🏛️

💥 Houthis strike two Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis claimed they attacked two Saudi oil tankers on Wednesday. These incidents took place in the northern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This marks the eighth and ninth tankers targeted since the blockade began last month. The Houthis stated they will escalate attacks because Saudi Arabia is diverting tankers to the northern Red Sea. This move aims to close all access points amid Iran's Strait of Hormuz blockade. 🚢

♟️ Chess Nationals rescheduled after GM's pushback

The All India Chess Federation has set new dates for the senior National Chess Championship in 2026. This event will now take place from November 29 to December 9, 2026, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This change came after Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta flagged concerns about the initial 2027 deferral. Gupta argued that the March 2027 slot clashed with peak school exams, affecting young players. The tournament will follow the October 2025 championship held in Guntur. ♟️

🌸 Karnataka launches 'Ruthutaare' for women's health

Karnataka is planning a unique health policy called 'Ruthutaare' specifically for women. UT Khader announced this initiative in Bengaluru, noting that current broad policies reduce focus on women's needs. This policy will concentrate on managing health and mental stress during menopause through preventive measures. ASHA workers will start with house-to-house surveys to gather data on women in perimenopause and menopause stages. The state plans to discuss this with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare later.

🌕 SpaceX rocket chunk slams into the Moon

A four-tonne piece of debris from a SpaceX Falcon 9 second stage crashed into the Moon. This impact occurred early Wednesday near the Einstein Crater, traveling at about 8,700 kilometres per hour. The collision generated the force equivalent to roughly three tonnes of TNT. Scientists will now study the crater formation and lunar dust from this high-velocity cosmic event. This is the second known instance of discarded rocket hardware hitting the lunar surface. 🚀

✨ Preity Zinta returns to screen with 'Batwara 1947'

Preity Zinta is making her comeback to acting with the film 'Batwara 1947', ending an eight-year hiatus. She is set to debut in this movie alongside Sunny Deol in Lahore. The film is scheduled for release on August 14, 2026. Zinta stated she didn't miss acting because she was enjoying her family life and motherhood. She feels her experience as a mother helped her understand her character's emotional depth in the film. 🎬

⚠️ Govt warns hotels about illegal service charges

The government has warned all restaurants and hotels across India against automatically adding service charges to customer bills. This advisory comes from the Department of Consumer Affairs after receiving a surge of consumer complaints regarding undisclosed charges. Over 60 notices have reportedly been issued to establishments for this practice, which is unlawful per Delhi High Court orders. The Delhi High Court ruled on March 28, 2025, that mandatory service charges constitute an unfair trade practice. The CCPA guidelines mandate that any such payment must be clearly stated as optional to all paying customers. 🧐