⚠️ West Asia Crisis Might Get Worse, Says Puri

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated on Thursday that the West Asia crisis remains ongoing and could potentially worsen. He mentioned this during PAFI’s 13th Annual Forum in New Delhi. Globally, there is currently about 102 million barrels of crude available daily, meeting the 94-95 mbd requirement. The bigger worry is simultaneous disruption of key routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. India is expanding refining capacity to 310-320 million tonnes by 2030, attracting interest from UAE and Saudi Arabia.

🗳️ Manickam Tagore confident about Vijay backing Rahul

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president B. Manickam Tagore expressed high hopes for TVK leader C. Joseph Vijay to endorse Rahul Gandhi for the INDIA bloc's PM candidate. Tagore stated this confidence in Vijay's support ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. He predicted the DMK would not win, even with a national third front, based on past election results. Furthermore, he asserted that the 23 members of the INDIA bloc remain ideologically united despite recent political shifts. The TVK is expected to align with the opposition on issues like delimitation and local Tamil Nadu matters. 🤝

🕊️ Abbas hits UNGA on settlements and US visa issue 🇵🇸

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the 81st UN General Assembly virtually on September 24, 2026. He spoke from Ramallah after the United States denied him a visa to attend the event in New York City. Abbas warned that Israeli settlement expansion threatens the very existence of Palestinians on their land. He heavily criticized the US for the visa ban and called for renewed dialogue and support for a two-state solution. Furthermore, he announced Palestinians are heading toward legislative elections on November 28.

🤖 India's AI combat drone hits 100-hour flight test mark

India's AI warfare company, Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA), has successfully completed 100 cumulative hours of flight testing for its Kaal Bhairava Lite. This indigenous, AI-powered UAV was tested in challenging Bay of Bengal conditions and in J&K. The platform features an 80% indigenisation rate and has a 1,200-km class design with 8-10 hours of endurance. This development is happening as the Indian Navy looks for long-range loitering munitions. FWDA has already secured a $25 million export order from a South Asian nation. 🚀

🏛️ Dozens ditch Netanyahu's UNGA speech 🚶

Dozens of delegates walked out during Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the 81st UNGA in New York City. The walkout was reportedly encouraged by the Palestinian Mission to the UN. Some listed nations whose seats were empty included Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Bangladesh on September 24. Netanyahu called the departing delegates "phony human rights protesters" during his address. He also strongly criticized NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his activism.

⚛️ Helimagnet's Domain Wall Moves & Switches

Researchers investigated current- and field-driven domain wall dynamics within a planar helimagnet structure. This study focused on how chirality switching occurs in this specific magnetic material setup. The investigation utilized advanced physics principles to map out these dynamic behaviors. This research provides key insights into manipulating magnetic textures in next-gen devices. Future work will explore applying these findings for novel memory applications. ⚛️

🔬 Ising and XX models entanglement secrets revealed

Researchers investigated the finite-size scaling of entanglement entropy within the one-dimensional transverse field Ising model and the XX model. This study was conducted by various scientific teams across different institutions. Key findings were presented regarding the scaling behaviors observed in the systems. The research adds significant depth to our understanding of quantum many-body physics principles. Future work will likely explore these concepts in more complex quantum systems. 🔬

💰 $5.99 thrift find turns into $35k watch score

An Arizona man snagged a rare 1950s LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm for just $5.99 at a Phoenix Goodwill store. Zach Norris, in Phoenix, found the vintage watch hidden in a basket of used items. This specific model, reference 857, was produced in fewer than 1,000 units for the US market around 1959. After experts confirmed its authenticity, a collector offered him over $35,000. Norris used the windfall to help fund his upcoming wedding, while also giving some profit back to Goodwill. 🤩

😟 Odisha's revenue worries over new mining act

Odisha legislators raised concerns about potential revenue loss following the implementation of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena stated that the state has not yet quantified the impact of Section 9D on Odisha’s revenue. This assessment is pending until the Central government finalizes the required rules and regulations. Opposition parties allege the state could lose over ₹1 lakh crore in arrears and ₹12,000 crore annually. The BJD has called for protests on September 28 and 29 to demand the Act's repeal. 😟

⚖️ Cal HC criticizes EC over symbol row drama

The Calcutta High Court pulled up the Election Commission regarding the allotment of the 'envelope' symbol. This dispute involved the Indian Secular Front and Democratic Trinamool Congress in Kolkata. The issue arose during the Oct 6 bypoll, contrasting with the 2026 assembly election usage. The court criticized the EC for creating trouble and burdening the judiciary with legal fights. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on Friday. ⚖️

😥 Activist fears 'encounter' over Ladakh allegations

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk voiced fear of an 'encounter' after criticizing alleged atrocities in Ladakh. He made these statements while addressing a gathering on the first anniversary of police firing in Leh, drawing comparisons to Tibet. The incident involved police firing on four protesters on September 24, 2025, amidst protests over unfulfilled promises of statehood. Wangchuk demanded a people's tribunal, asserting the killings were from automatic weapons and not pellets. He expressed readiness for further action, urging the country to wake up to the situation. 😥