🏛️ VIP voters skip lines, common folks wait

Kannada actor Shivarajkumar's record was flagged as 'No mapping' during the SIR process in Bengaluru. However, he was not served a notice because he is a VIP voter in the 152-Byatarayanapura Assembly constituency. The disparity is evident as VIPs get home visits while ordinary voters queue for hours at hearing venues. Officials visited his residence to update his name, which will be processed after the final roll publication. A new directive on September 11 allows family members to attend hearings for vulnerable voters.

🚗 Hyundai sales numbers drop but some models boom

Hyundai registered 54,396 domestic sales in August 2026, showing a 23.62% YoY growth. Creta led the sales chart in India, accounting for 29.94% of total volumes. Venue saw a massive 40.15% YoY jump, while Exter increased by 61.17% YoY. The company announced new Lounge Editions for Creta and Alcazar. Hyundai is also prepping two new SUVs for the current financial year. 🚗

😠 Advertisements for Convicted Rapist Shock Public

A full-page advertisement featuring a convicted rapist has surfaced, causing widespread public outrage. This incident involved the individual being featured in print media without public consent. The specific details regarding the ad's placement and date were not immediately disclosed. This has sparked intense debate about media ethics and the rights of victims. Authorities are reportedly investigating the circulation of this disturbing advertisement. 😠

🛡️ Xi Jinping's Delhi Visit: High Security Mode On 🛡️

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi for a one-day BRICS Summit visit, marking his first trip to India in seven years. He is accompanied by a delegation and PM Modi will hold talks with him on Saturday evening. Security for the 24-hour stay is massive, involving over 15,000 police and 200 paramilitary units. The hotel area is a no-fly zone with checks for nuclear and biochemical threats. Xi's high-tech Boeing 747-8 and Limousine were part of the elaborate arrangements.

🛰️ Pioneer Eknath Chitnis: Builder of Indian Space

Professor Eknath Vasant Chitnis, a foundational figure in India's space program, passed away on October 22, 2025, at the age of 100. He was a close associate of Dr Vikram Sarabhai and helped shape INCOSPAR, which evolved into ISRO. Chitnis was instrumental in selecting Thumba for India's first rocket launch on November 21, 1963. He also recognized the potential of a young APJ Abdul Kalam and supported the SITE project in 1975–76. This experiment broadcasted educational content to 2,400 remote villages across India. 🛰️

🚢 US tightens aerial protection for tankers in Hormuz Strait

The United States has restricted the windows of aerial protection for tankers navigating through the Strait of Hormuz. This action impacts shipping routes in the region, affecting global energy transit. The changes were implemented following recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The move reflects a shift in US military strategy regarding maritime security in the Gulf. Further updates on the revised protection schedule are expected in the coming weeks. 🚢

🏡 Can bespoke luxury villas scale up?

Isprava Group is challenging conventional luxury by crafting unique, history-rich villas in Goa. The company, founded by Dhimaan and Nibhrant Shah, has expanded from a boutique developer into a lifestyle brand spanning homes, rentals, and a private club. They insist no two properties are alike, incorporating salvaged architectural fragments and handcrafted elements. This model blends global design expectations with local materials, prioritizing air, light, and low-density construction. The business now offers comprehensive management services, blurring the line between private residence and luxury hotel.

🚫 Anti-superstition group pushes back on govt's astrological clocks

The Anti-superstition body, Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti, requested the cancellation of the Maharashtra government's plan to install astrological time devices. This decision concerns the State Secretariat and the State Legislature in Maharashtra. The initial plan involved spending close to ₹11 Lakh for two such instruments, as per the September 4 order. The group argues this legitimizes astrological beliefs and violates the Constitution's mandate for scientific temper. They demand a clear separation between genuine astronomy and unscientific astrology in government spaces. 🏛️

🎖️ Major Rishabh Sambyal on sacrificing personal life

Rishabh Sambyal, a retired Major, revealed that he chose not to marry due to his role as the President's ADC. He served for 12 years in the Army, including his time with President Droupadi Murmu. He stated that the ADC role mandated him to put personal relationships and marriage on hold. Sambyal explained that this constant service meant having no life outside of his duties. Moving forward, he continues to use moments of solitude for self-reflection. 🫡

🤔 Same iPhone, Lakh More in India?

The price difference for the same iPhone model in India has sparked major discussion among consumers. This pricing gap has been observed across various tech gadgets within the Indian market. Specific figures show a noticeable premium when compared to international pricing structures. This raises questions about local market dynamics and potential import duties affecting consumers. Authorities are expected to look into these disparities to ensure fair pricing moving forward. 🧐

🏛️ Bharat Mandapam hosts BRICS Summit in Delhi

World leaders are gathering in New Delhi for the 2026 BRICS summit, which will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam. This massive venue, located in Pragati Maidan, was built across 123 acres at a cost of Rs 2,700 crore and opened in 2023. The summit will see crucial discussions on global issues like the Russia-Ukraine war and AI over the next two days. The complex, inspired by Indian civilization, can host delegates from over 150 countries. Hall No. 14 will specifically host the BRICS Business Forum with PM Modi and Vladimir Putin. 🇮🇳