The Allahabad High Court directed Uttar Pradesh police to ensure the safety and protection of a Hindu-Muslim lesbian couple who feared threats from their families. The two women, who were in a consensual same-sex relationship, approached the court seeking protection after facing harassment and opposition from relatives. The court upheld their right to live together as consenting adults, citing constitutional freedoms of life, liberty, and personal choice. This landmark order reinforced individual autonomy regardless of gender or religious identity.

Russia launched three days of voting in parliamentary elections aimed at solidifying the Kremlin's dominance. The ruling United Russia party, loyal to President Vladimir Putin, sought to maintain its supermajority in the State Duma. Critics and opposition figures, including allies of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, denounced the elections as rigged, citing suppression of dissent, barring opposition candidates, and restricted independent monitoring. Voting spanned September 17-19, 2021, amid allegations of fraud and limited political competition.

A Delhi-based nutritionist highlighted how a common café coffee loaded with sugar, cream, and syrups can pack around 460 calories, offering little nutrition or satiety. Instead, she recommends swapping it for a wholesome 415-calorie breakfast featuring eggs, whole-grain toast, fruits, and nuts. This balanced meal provides protein, fiber, and healthy fats, keeping you fuller for hours and stabilizing blood sugar levels. The nutritionist emphasized that mindful morning choices significantly impact energy, metabolism, and overall health throughout the day.

India-born cheetah Aasha gave birth to four cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in India's cheetah reintroduction program. Aasha was born to Namibian cheetah Jwala, making these cubs second-generation cheetahs born on Indian soil. The births boost hopes for establishing a self-sustaining cheetah population in India, decades after the species was declared extinct in 1952. Officials are closely monitoring the mother and cubs, ensuring their health and safety in the wild habitat.

India's net direct tax collections surged 13.6% year-on-year to ₹12.1 trillion as of January 2025, reflecting robust economic activity and improved compliance. Gross collections crossed ₹16.9 trillion, with refunds of ₹4.8 trillion issued. Corporate tax and personal income tax contributed significantly, with advance tax collections showing strong growth. The figures indicate the government is on track to meet its full-year direct tax target of ₹22.07 trillion set in the Union Budget, supported by widening tax base and digitization efforts.

Massive wildfires in Indonesia, largely caused by illegal slash-and-burn farming to clear land for palm oil plantations, have devastated vast areas of rainforest, displacing critically endangered orangutans. Rescue teams from organizations like International Animal Rescue have been racing to save starving, dehydrated, and injured orangutans found wandering into villages or stranded in shrinking forest patches. The toxic haze also caused respiratory problems for both wildlife and millions of people across Southeast Asia, sparking international outrage over environmental destruction.

A 13-year-old boy in Bengaluru was abducted and murdered by his neighbour, who plotted the crime to raise ransom money to pay off personal debts. The accused, known to the victim's family, lured the boy away and demanded ransom from his parents. When the situation escalated, the kidnapper killed the child to avoid being caught. Police investigated and arrested the neighbour, uncovering the financial motive behind the horrific act. The case has shocked the community.

Taiwan conducted live-fire missile and drone military exercises amid escalating tensions with China, ahead of a highly anticipated summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The drills showcased Taiwan's defense readiness against potential Chinese aggression, featuring advanced weaponry and unmanned aerial systems. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has intensified military pressure in the region. The exercises signal Taiwan's determination to defend its sovereignty while global leaders seek diplomatic solutions to reduce cross-strait tensions.

Lawyer representing Disha Salian's father accused former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray of being the prime accused in the case, alleging that suspended cop Sachin Waze was reinstated to cover up circumstances surrounding Disha's death. Disha, manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died on June 8, 2020, days before Sushant's death. The lawyer demanded a thorough investigation, claiming political interference obstructed justice. These allegations intensified the political controversy surrounding both deaths.

# नेपाल के नए भारत राजदूत: निश्चल नाथ पांडे

नेपाल सरकार ने निश्चल नाथ पांडे को भारत में अपना नया राजदूत नियुक्त करने का निर्णय लिया है। पांडे एक अनुभवी राजनयिक और विदेश नीति विशेषज्ञ हैं। उन्होंने नेपाल के विदेश मंत्रालय में कई महत्वपूर्ण पदों पर कार्य किया है और अंतरराष्ट्रीय संबंधों में गहरी समझ रखते हैं। उनकी नियुक्ति ऐसे समय हुई है जब नेपाल-भारत संबंधों में कई मुद्दे जैसे सीमा विवाद, व्यापार और ऊर्जा सहयोग पर चर्चा जारी है। पांडे से उम्मीद है कि वे दोनों देशों के बीच राजनयिक संबंधों को और मजबूत बनाएंगे।

Severe flooding has devastated northern Vietnam, leaving thousands of residents stranded as relentless rains caused rivers to overflow. Triggered by typhoon impacts and prolonged monsoon downpours, floodwaters submerged homes, roads, and farmland across multiple provinces. Authorities evacuated vulnerable communities while rescue teams deployed boats to reach isolated areas. Landslides compounded the crisis, claiming lives and destroying infrastructure. Schools and businesses shut down as the disaster disrupted daily life. The government mobilized military support and emergency aid.

Rediff.com, the veteran Indian internet company, is set to launch its IPO, drawing investor attention amid India's evolving digital payments landscape. A key growth catalyst is the government's new UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) rules, which allow payment service providers to charge merchants a small fee on UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000. This policy shift opens a significant additional revenue stream for Rediff.com, which operates digital payment and e-commerce services. Analysts highlight that with UPI transactions surging across India, even a modest MDR can generate substantial income. The company aims to leverage its established brand and technology infrastructure to capitalize on this opportunity, strengthening its financial outlook ahead of the public listing.

The Supreme Court was informed by the Government that shifting NEET-UG 2027 to a computer-based format remains under "active consideration." This move aims to address recurring issues like paper leaks, malpractice, and logistical challenges associated with the pen-and-paper mode. The NTA and Education Ministry are evaluating infrastructure readiness, digital accessibility, and ensuring fairness for rural students. The SC had earlier urged reforms following the NEET-UG 2024 controversy involving alleged irregularities. A final decision is awaited.

BJP chief Nitin Nabin donated three months of his MP salary to the Bihar Chief Minister's Relief Fund as a gesture of solidarity and support for the state's relief efforts. This contribution reflects the party leader's commitment to aiding those affected by crises in Bihar, including floods or other natural disasters that frequently impact the region. Nabin, serving as a Member of Parliament, emphasized the importance of public representatives stepping forward during difficult times. His act aims to inspire others to contribute toward relief and rehabilitation efforts in the state.

India's Gen Z is increasingly embracing alcohol but with distinct preferences. Unlike older generations favoring whiskey and beer, young Indians are gravitating toward craft cocktails, flavored spirits, ready-to-drink beverages, and premium brands. Social media, urbanization, and evolving social norms are driving this shift. Health-conscious choices lead many to prefer low-calorie, low-alcohol options. Moderation and experience matter more than heavy drinking. This trend is reshaping India's beverage industry, pushing brands to innovate with unique flavors and stylish marketing targeting younger consumers.