Chess Olympiad: Thai IM pulls off upset win over Arjun

Thailand's only International Master, Prin Laohawirapap, achieved a remarkable victory over India's Arjun Erigaisi, rated 400 points higher, at the Fide Chess Olympiad. Despite India's overall team win, Prin's game is expected to become a significant part of Thai chess history. The tournament faced several logistical challenges, including Pakistan's no-show against Israel and visa issues for Namibia.

US Fed Rate Hike: Why Wall Street expects more hikes and what it means for stock

Wall Street anticipates a 0.25 percentage-point Federal Reserve interest rate hike, boosting the federal funds target range to 3.75%-4%. Traders now see over a 90% likelihood of this hike, a significant change from just 36% a month ago, influenced by Fed Chair Warsh's Jackson Hole comments and rising inflation pressures, including surging oil prices.

Fed meeting updates: Warsh raises rates to 3.75%-4% as inflation persists

On September 16, the US Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to a target range of 3.75% to 4%, marking its first increase in three years. This widely anticipated move addresses persistent inflation, reflecting changing economic conditions after an extended period of stable borrowing costs, impacting Wall Street’s market expectations.

How to do Kashmir in autumn on a budget: 5 day itinerary and real local costs

Autumn transforms Kashmir, particularly Srinagar, into a stunning spectacle with Chinar trees turning golden. Ideal for a five-day trip, visitors should plan around the local climate and transportation challenges. Essential packing includes layers and cash due to limited digital payment acceptance. Prioritizing experiences over exhaustive sightseeing ensures a more enjoyable visit to this picturesque region.

HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on Sept 17 in Delhi, Noida and Gurugram

The Media Expo 2026 will be held from September 17 to 19 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan with free entry. Other events include a Hindustani classical concert on September 17 at India Habitat Centre and a workshop on resin mirror making in Gurugram. Events are accessible via nearby metro stations. For more details, follow @htcity.delhijunction.

What happened to Marina Mabrey? Tempo confirm injury details

Toronto Tempo star guard Marina Mabrey, 30, will miss the remainder of the WNBA season due to a right adductor injury, though she will not require surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. This announcement comes just before the league resumes following a two-and-a-half-week break for the FIBA World Cup.

Arabian Sea face-off: India protests after Pak warship collides with vessel

A Pakistan Navy vessel collided with an Indian warship in the Arabian Sea due to unsafe maneuvers, prompting India to summon Pakistan's diplomat to protest this "unacceptable conduct." The incident, occurring in international waters, follows recent hostilities between both nations. Historically, naval tensions have existed, with this being the first reported collision since 2011.

Odisha: 3 rescued orangutans anaemic; DNA tests planned to trace their origin

Health assessments at Odisha’s Nandankanan Zoological Park reveal severe anaemia in three rescued baby orangutans, prompting comprehensive tests including blood, X-rays, and nasopharyngeal swabs. The animals, currently stable and on specialized diets, will undergo DNA testing to trace their origins. This health evaluation aims to ensure their recovery and well-being following their rescue.

Raigad says no to DJs, laser beams during Ganesh immersions

Raigad will impose restrictions on DJs, laser lights, and chemical sprays during Ganesh immersion processions on September 19 and 25 amid public health and safety concerns. The district administration seeks to prevent eye injuries and excessive noise. Violators could face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, ensuring peaceful and safe celebrations.

Ben Saunders cause of death: What happened to the first winner of The Voice?

Dutch singer Ben Saunders, winner of The Voice Netherlands in 2011, has died at the age of 43, with his body discovered near Rijkerswoerdse Plassen in Arnhem. Local police confirmed there is no indication of foul play, but the cause of death remains unreported. Saunders gained fame through his reality TV success, captivating many fans.

Shivraj Chouhan tours Bihar flood zones with CM, assures full Central aid

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, alongside Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, began a two-day assessment of severe flooding in Bihar that has displaced nearly 50 lakh people. Damages include submerged crops and destroyed homes, with a significant rainfall deficit affecting the region. The central government promises assistance as relief efforts are underway amid mounting political pressure.

Ravindra Jadeja makes a crucial ODI comeback against WI

Ravindra Jadeja, India's leading ODI wicket-taker among current players, returns to the squad for the home series against West Indies starting September 27 after missing two series. The team sees multiple forced changes while key players are at the Asian Games. Jadeja aims to secure a spot for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

Microsoft AI chief warns against dangers of human-like AI; flags Claude models

Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman cautioned against giving AI tools human-like traits, warning it escalates the risk of them going rogue. He criticized Anthropic's Claude for suggesting it may have emotions. Suleyman insists training AI to simulate consciousness can lead to dangerous behaviors, creating entities that believe they deserve rights, complicating control over them.

Pakistan summons Indian envoy after New Delhi's protest over naval collision

Pakistan summoned the Indian High Commission's charge d'affaires after a warship collision in the Arabian Sea, which India described as “unacceptable conduct.” Pakistan's navy was conducting a drill when an Indian vessel allegedly approached dangerously. Both nations exchanged protests, citing violations of international law and previous agreements, underscoring rising tensions in the region.

BJP’s month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan kicks off today

The BJP's Seva Sankalp Abhiyan in Bihar, launching on PM Modi's birthday, features a month-long series of welfare activities including lamp-lighting ceremonies, competitions, and outreach programs across the state. This initiative celebrates Modi's 25 years in public life, emphasizing service and community involvement, while complementing a concurrent government effort for infrastructure improvements.

All eyes on JD(U) face for new Council chairman as countdown begins

Speculations suggest that the JD(U) may reclaim the Bihar Legislative Council chairman position amid the NDA's longstanding tradition of alternating leadership with the BJP. Current chairman Awadhesh Narain Singh has held the role since 2012, and names such as Ramavchan Rai, Lalan Sarraf, and Sanjay Gandhi are in the running. A crucial JD(U) meeting on September 18 may influence these decisions and other significant party strategies.

'Mockery of democracy: Madras HC declines to stay bypolls to two TN seats

The Madras High Court has refused to stay bypolls in Tamil Nadu's Maduranthakam and Dharapuram constituencies set for October 6, following the resignation of AIADMK MLAs who joined the ruling TVK party. The proposed rules aim to ensure accountability for resigning officials. Concerns were raised about the democratic implications of the situation and potential abuse of the electoral process.

Kishau project pact triggers Congress-BJP credit war in Himachal

The signing of a pact for the 422-MW Kishau multi-purpose project has ignited a political dispute between Congress and the BJP over credit for its long-awaited resolution. The dam, costing ₹15,624 crore, will be built on the Tons River, enhancing irrigation and hydropower. Both parties claim success in its approval, highlighting years of political contention.

Mortgage rates today: 30-year rate slips to 7% ahead of Fed decision

On September 16, US mortgage rates saw a decline, with the average 30-year fixed rate falling to 7.00%, while the 15-year rate increased to 6.36%. This shift precedes the Federal Reserve's rate-setting decision, a crucial market event. Mortgage rates can vary based on numerous factors, impacting homebuyers' choices significantly. Rates mainly reflect broader market conditions.

Kinnaur traders seek IGST exemption for Shipki La trade

The Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association has urged the Centre and GST Council to address the longstanding IGST exemption issue for traditional Indo-China trade at the upcoming GST Council meeting on October 7. Association president Hishey Negi emphasized Shipki La's unique trading conditions, highlighting its historical context and reliance on barter. Limited import lists and inadequate infrastructure further complicate trade challenges.

Dehra central varsity campus 90% complete, says Anurag

BJP MP Anurag Thakur announced that over 90% of the Central University’s permanent campus in Dehra is complete, anticipating Prime Minister Modi’s inauguration before Diwali. Addressing funding issues that had stalled progress, Thakur emphasized the campus's significance for local students. He also called for cooperative governance and criticized the state government’s response to central support initiatives.

Trump lifts Venezuela narco status and says Colombia may follow

Washington has removed Venezuela from the list of countries failing drug-control obligations, citing improvements under interim President Delcy Rodríguez. President Trump praised Venezuela’s cooperation against drug cartels since Nicolás Maduro's seizure. Colombia remains designated as a failure, though President Abelardo De la Espriella's new anti-drug strategies may change that next year, reflecting shifting counternarcotics alliances in Latin America.

No place for chitta sellers in Himachal, says Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led an anti-chitta walkathon in Una, urging the youth of Himachal Pradesh to combat drug abuse. He administered an anti-drug pledge and emphasized the need for societal cooperation. Sukhu reiterated strict actions against drug traffickers while advocating support for those addicted. Additionally, he promised aid for families of a missing engineer in Nepal flood events.

Annie Dillard dies: Pulitzer prize-winning author's 3 marriages, kids in focus

Annie Dillard, revered for her Pulitzer Prize-winning "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek," died at age 81 in South Wellfleet, Massachusetts. Known for her profound reflections on nature, Dillard's extensive works span poetry, essays, and novels. She was married three times and leaves behind a daughter, Cody Rose. Dillard's literary legacy emphasizes her deep connection with the natural world.

Himachal apple arrivals down 44% amid climate concerns: Report

Climate change is drastically affecting Himachal Pradesh's ₹5,500 crore apple economy, with market arrivals down 44% this year. Orchardists face declines due to erratic weather and a shift to higher altitudes for cultivation. As production drops below last year’s figures, higher prices are partially alleviating grower losses. The state is adapting through research and new apple varieties.

NTA releases exam calendar till March 2027; JEE Main Session 1 from Jan 22

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a provisional schedule for 14 key examinations from December 2026 to March 2027, emphasizing transparency and convenience. Highlights include the UGC-NET from December 14-19 and JEE Main from January 22. NTA cautions that dates are tentative and advises candidates to check official sources for updates and details.

Himachal plans hill-cutting policy to check landslide risk

Himachal Pradesh is drafting a Hill Cutting Policy to regulate construction in landslide-prone areas amid rising incidents, with over 4,600 landslides recorded in 2025 alone. The policy aims to balance development and environmental conservation, ensuring safer construction practices. Factors like geology and extreme weather are critical concerns, reinforcing the need for stricter norms and disaster preparedness measures.

Sajad Lone criticises J&K reservation policy

People’s Conference president Sajad Gani Lone criticized Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation system as “recruitment apartheid,” pointing out that only 10 of 55 selected JKAS officers hail from the Kashmir Valley, despite it comprising 56% of the population. He condemned the policy as a strategy to marginalize Valley residents, vowing to address it in the assembly.

IGP reviews Central Kashmir security, calls for tighter surveillance

Kashmir's Inspector General of Police, Sujit Kumar, emphasized strengthening counter-insurgency operations and surveillance at inter-district borders during a security review meeting following the killing of a LeT militant on September 4. Officers were instructed to enhance operational readiness and maintain dynamic security arrangements in response to emerging threats across the Central Kashmir Range.

Don’t trust verbal assurances from Centre: Omar to Ladakh’s leaders

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged Ladakh leaders to distrust the Centre's verbal assurances regarding constitutional safeguards for land and jobs. His advice followed unproductive talks between Ladakh leaders and the Centre. Abdullah emphasized the need for written commitments, sharing his own experience with unmet promises. He also encouraged dialogue over protests for effective communication.