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[l] at 9/23/26 2:50pm
Ten lions have been found dead in the Ngorongoro conservation area in Tanzania, one of Africa’s most famous natural regions. A preliminary investigation points to poisoning. The tragedy has once again highlighted a problem that is becoming increasingly acute in East Africa: people, livestock and wild animals are being forced to share the same territory. The dead lions were discovered on September 18 in the Ndutu area. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority said the animals were believed to have died after ingesting poison. An investigation has been launched to establish the exact cause of death and identify those responsible. Ngorongoro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of Africa’s unique natural ecosystems. Around 25,000 large wild animals live there, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and endangered black rhinos. The area has one of the highest densities of lions in the world.

[Category: Animal] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 2:21pm
A wave of concern has suddenly swept through Western military circles over the possibility of Russian tanks breaking deep into Ukrainian defenses. The trigger was a real incident that Western observers have so far been reluctant to believe. That, however, has not stopped them from being alarmed. All it took was for foreign observers to see a couple of television reports about the daily reality faced by Russian tank crews on the front. Journalism can truly work wonders, and when words are backed by real footage, they can make such an impression on Western military experts that established military concepts may be sent to the trash bin in an instant. The issue here is the underestimation of tanks and, consequently, the overestimation of drones in modern warfare. How combat footage frightened Western experts As films often put it, this story is based on real events. Our protagonists are the crew of a tank from the 228th Motor Rifle Regiment of the 90th Guards Tank Division: tank commander Denis Dmitriev, call sign Krepysh (can be translated as 'strong lad') a young man with a stern, masculine face. He is the main narrator of this story, while his driver-mechanic helps recall the details of what was, without exaggeration, an epic ordeal experienced by the tank crew.

[Category: Opinion] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 1:49pm
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has once again failed to return to her own country, despite making three attempts within 24 hours and at least seven attempts over the past several months. Washington is not allowing Machado to return to Venezuela Over the past 24 hours, Machado’s team made three attempts to get her from Panama to Venezuela. The first option was by sea. According to people close to her, the vessel’s departure was canceled because of a technical malfunction. Machado then planned to fly to Aruba and continue the journey by sea, but the aircraft did not take off. The third option was a flight to Curaçao, an island located about 80 kilometers off the Venezuelan coast. That plan also fell through. Machado’s team says this brings the total number of attempts to return to at least seven. At the same time, it remains impossible to establish with certainty who stopped each of the three latest attempts. One thing is known, however: U.S. officials themselves had asked Machado to postpone her return.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 1:17pm
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has raised India's concerns with U. S. Senator Marco Rubio regarding the proposed Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, focused on how the legislation could impact India's foreign policy and existing bilateral ties. Jaishankar detailed India's position, arguing for a balanced regulatory approach to ensure that new sanctions do not disrupt India's economic interests or diplomatic engagements. The discussion served as a direct channel to communicate India's requirement for strategic autonomy amid shifting U. S. legislative priorities. The two officials also discussed geopolitical developments in West Asia and Russia. While acknowledging the volatility of these regions, both agreed on the necessity of continued dialogue to manage global pressures without compromising national interests.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 1:09pm
Navigating Vietnam's diverse climate requires a nuanced approach for travelers, particularly during the transitional months of September and October. National weather forecasts fall short; instead, visitors must consider regional meteorological patterns to avoid disappointment and ensure a pleasant trip. Regional Weather Patterns in September and October Central Vietnam, including popular destinations like Da Nang and Hoi An, faces increasing rainfall as October progresses, with the heaviest downpours typically occurring in October and November. Nha Trang presents a similar challenge, enduring its wettest months from September through December, marked by persistent rain and choppy seas that can disrupt beach activities. In the North, the monsoon season, which generally spans from May to October, begins its retreat by October. This offers a window of improving conditions. Conversely, the South, including the island of Phu Quoc, remains under the influence of heavy rains from May through October or November. Phu Quoc's weather during this period is characterized by unpredictability, with sunshine interspersed with cloud cover. While sea temperatures remain warm, consistent beach-friendly conditions are not yet assured.

[Category: Society] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 12:40pm
The United States and 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries have agreed on joint sanctions against the region's largest criminal organizations. The list includes Brazil's two most powerful gangs — Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV). But Brazil itself has not joined the initiative. Just weeks before the presidential election, the fight against crime is becoming one of the main lines of confrontation between Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro — and, at the same time, a new source of conflict between Brasília and Donald Trump. The "Shield of the Americas" coalition was created by the Trump administration in spring 2026 to fight drug trafficking and transnational crime. The latest joint statement was signed by the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 12:38pm
High inductive reasoning capacity in early adolescence correlates with a lower risk of dementia and chronic diseases in old age. Researchers from the University of Gothenburg tracked 10,539 Swedish citizens born in 1948, analyzing cognitive test results from age 13 and cross-referencing them with national health and mortality registries over a 60-year period. Among the cohort, 2.7% developed dementia. Using Cox proportional hazards models, the team found that for every standard deviation increase in inductive reasoning scores at age 13, the risk of dementia dropped by 16% (HR 0.84). The protective effect extended to somatic health. Higher adolescent cognitive scores were associated with a reduced risk of general severe diseases (HR 0.90), cardiovascular disorders (HR 0.88), and diabetes (HR 0.85).

[Category: Science] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 12:25pm
In Tursunzoda, a 15-year-old boy named Khusrav was tied to the back of a car by his own father. The intent was to punish him; the result was death. This incident, occurring in July 2025, is one of over 1,400 registered crimes against minors in Tajikistan for the year. According to the Office of the Ombudsman, this represents an increase of 419 cases compared to the previous year. The figures encompass a spectrum of violence ranging from physical assault and sexual abuse to homicide. The vulnerability of Tajikistan's youth is a demographic reality: children make up 40% of the population. However, the gap between legislative intent and the reality in rural and urban households remains wide. In June 2025, Madina Halimova survived an attempt to drown herself and her four children in a river; her children did not survive.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 12:13pm
The Indian Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth ₹810.79 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to procure 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW). The procurement falls under the 'Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)' category, with the delivery schedule set for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 financial years. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the SAT-SAAW is a precision-guided air-to-ground glide bomb. It is compatible with Jaguar, Hawk, and Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. The weapon targets reinforced infrastructure, specifically enemy runways, bunkers, radars, and hangars. The system integrates 60% indigenous content. Localisation extends to critical sub-systems, including the Initial Measurement Unit, Long Impact Delay Fuse, and Twin Store Carrier.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 11:57am
The European Union has removed prominent Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list. Personal sanctions against both men were imposed in 2022. They included asset freezes and a ban on entering the European Union. France traded Usmanov for its citizens in Azerbaijan The most unusual story is connected with Usmanov. Paris officially cites national security considerations, but Western media have reported a different motive. Two French citizens are being held in Azerbaijan. One of them, Martin Ryan, was sentenced to ten years in prison on charges of spying for France. The second, Anass Derraz, received a 12-year sentence in a corruption case. France allegedly coordinated a deal with Azerbaijan through Uzbekistan — Usmanov has Uzbek citizenship as well, while Paris and Baku have very poor relations — under which Usmanov would be removed from the European sanctions list and President Ilham Aliyev would pardon the French citizens. Azerbaijan categorically rejects this interpretation. However, it is known that Aliyev had previously spoken up for Usmanov, as had Turkey. Azerbaijani diplomacy portrays him as a "well-known philanthropist and public figure” who makes a major contribution to developing ties between the West, Central Asia and the Turkic world.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 11:49am
At first glance, watermelon and carrot seem like an odd pair. However, they create a natural equilibrium: the watery, bright sweetness of the melon cuts through the dense, earthy depth of the carrot. Because a ripe watermelon acts as a natural sweetener, there is no need for added sugar or syrups. The final result-whether it is a thin thirst-quencher or a thick dessert-depends entirely on how you process the vegetables and fruit. Choosing Your Texture Depending on your goal, you can manipulate the ingredients to achieve three distinct consistencies: The Light Refreshment: Use carrot juice and watermelon flesh. This creates a smooth, fluid liquid that is ideal for rapid hydration and quick preparation. The Hearty Smoothie: Replace the juice with fresh carrot (grated or diced). This adds fiber and volume, resulting in a thicker, more textured drink that feels more like a snack than a beverage. The Smoothie-Sorbet: Freeze a portion of the watermelon cubes before blending. This transforms the liquid into a creamy, semi-frozen treat that stays cold longer without needing ice, which would otherwise dilute the flavor. The Science of the Blend A few small additions change how the drink hits the palate. Lemon juice isn't just for acidity; it stabilizes the vibrant color and balances the natural sugars. For a more seamless transition between the sweet melon and the earthy carrot, orange juice can be added as a bridge to soften the contrast.

[Category: Recipes] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 11:23am
Lithuania is closing its residence permit application centers in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Interior Minister Martinas Katelinas announced the move on September 23, according to BNS. These offices acted as intermediaries, collecting residency applications and initiating migration procedures for foreign nationals before forwarding them to Lithuanian authorities. The decision stems from security risk assessments. Katelinas stated that Lithuanian intelligence identified individuals from Central Asia with radical views or links to terrorism, prompting the shutdown of these processing hubs.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 11:08am
Cortisol enhances the retention of emotionally charged events by altering the interaction between neural networks in the brain, according to a Yale University study published in Science Advances. Researchers used a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Participants received either hydrocortisone-a synthetic cortisol-or a placebo before viewing images inside an fMRI scanner. The study tracked two specific endpoints: the subjective emotional intensity of the images during viewing and the participants' ability to recall those images the following day. fMRI data, captured with a five-second temporal resolution, revealed two distinct dynamic networks: one governing the perception of emotional intensity and another responsible for memory formation. Cortisol affected these systems differently.

[Category: Science] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 10:47am
India's refinery sector faces a critical tension between maintaining immediate energy security and meeting net-zero emission targets, according to industry experts at The Hindu Sustainability Summit in Chennai. The primary challenge lies in decarbonising heavy industry without triggering supply disruptions or compromising national energy stability. Panellists at the 'Fossils to Net Zero' session argued that while renewable energy is gaining ground, the transition cannot be abrupt. For a refinery-dependent economy, any misalignment between the phase-out of fossils and the scale-up of green alternatives creates a systemic risk to fuel availability. The discussion highlighted how geopolitical volatility continues to threaten crude oil imports, making the shift to sustainable energy not just an environmental goal, but a strategic necessity to reduce external dependence. However, the experts warned that sustainability goals must not override the immediate requirement for uninterrupted energy flow.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 10:25am
A breeding ram of the Arashan breed has been sold in Kyrgyzstan for $1 million. According to local media reports, the buyer was a breeder from Kazakhstan. At first glance, the price seems almost unbelievable: how can a farm animal be worth a million dollars, and what kind of return does its new owner expect to make? The secret lies not in the value of the meat, but in genetics and future offspring. The animal comes from Frankel, a ram famous among Central Asian sheep breeders. In 2023, Frankel himself was sold to Kazakhstan for $150,000. He became one of the best-known breeding rams of the young Kyrgyz Arashan breed.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 9:59am
Substituting wheat flour with rolled oats fundamentally alters the texture of vegetable fritters. This swap ensures a stable structure and a crispier exterior. The success of the dish relies on two critical factors: removing excess moisture from the vegetables and allowing the grain base sufficient time to hydrate. This method produces tender zucchini fritters that hold their shape on the pan and flip easily without the need for yeast or starch. The Secret to Flourless Texture A common issue with vegetable fritters is the excess juice, which often forces cooks to add large amounts of flour, making the dish heavy. Using quick-cooking oats solves this: they absorb residual moisture to create a dense yet delicate base. Similar to the technique for making latkes, the batter requires a resting period to allow the dry components to act as a natural binder.

[Category: Recipes] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 9:35am
Finding silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) in your bathroom isn't a reason to panic, but it is a clear signal. These wingless insects don't care about your decor; they care about high humidity and organic debris. While they aren't harmful to humans, their presence usually means your ventilation is lacking or your surfaces need a deeper clean. Silverfish aren't magic; they enter through shared building infrastructure-ventilation shafts, gaps in floor slabs, or plumbing. Occasionally, they hitch a ride in cardboard boxes or belongings brought from common areas. In the bathroom, they gravitate toward tile grout, peeling silicone sealants, and especially the drains. The drain is their buffet, offering a mix of hair, skin cells, soap residue, and microscopic fungi. To get rid of them, stop relying on chemicals first. You need to dismantle their habitat. Here is the tactical approach:

[Category: Home] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 9:23am
An unusual incident took place in Spain’s Congress of Deputies: pepper spray was accidentally released inside the building after a heated parliamentary dispute. Several rooms had to be temporarily closed, and some people inside the building required medical attention. It all began during a speech by Ana Belén Vázquez, an MP from the opposition People’s Party (PP). While discussing the security situation in Ceuta with Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, she took out a canister of pepper spray and displayed it in the chamber. Congress President Francina Armengol ordered her to put the canister away and called on the MP to leave the chamber.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 9:07am
INEOS is suspending operations at all three of its major chemical plants in Hull, UK, after energy prices rose to 12 times the level seen in the United States. These three plants are the last remaining world-scale acetyls production facilities in Europe, producing raw materials used across a wide range of critical industries on the continent, including pharmaceuticals, clothing, cosmetics, detergents, construction materials and military explosives. Their closure therefore affects not only the chemical industry itself but also a much wider network of European manufacturers that depend on these materials. Europe’s last major acetyls plants The Hull facilities produce chemicals such as acetic acid, acetic anhydride and ethyl acetate, which serve as basic building blocks for products ranging from medicines and food-related applications to adhesives, coatings and consumer goods. INEOS says the three plants support almost 4,000 highly skilled jobs, including associated apprenticeship programmes, while their products are supplied to customers across Europe. The company has described the Hull operations as among the most efficient chemical plants in the world.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 8:29am
St John's Anglican Church near London's Hyde Park was transformed into a fashion runway for several hours. Models in hijabs and niqabs walked through the church. In modern Britain, this proved to be an entirely acceptable use of church space. The episode raises a broader question: what is happening to Christian churches across Europe, and why are buildings that served primarily as places of prayer for centuries increasingly becoming concert halls, exhibition centres and venues for secular events? Modest Fashion Week London took place on September 12 at St John's Church on Hyde Park Crescent. The organisers promised collections from British and international designers, appearances by invited guests, retail stands, professional photography and opportunities for fashion-industry representatives to connect.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 9/23/26 7:21am
Indian Railways has moved Kavach 4.0 from the testing phase to active operation, commissioning the upgraded Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system on a 108-route kilometre stretch of the Malkajgiri-Kamareddi section within the Hyderabad Division of South Central Railway (SCR). This deployment replaces the previous Version 3.2, which had been installed across 1,465 route kilometres on the SCR network. The transition to Version 4.0 integrates technical refinements derived from the operational data of the earlier rollout. The technical architecture of Kavach 4.0 introduces four specific systemic changes to improve rail safety and signaling integration:

[Category: World] [Link to media]

As of 9/24/26 2:35am. Last new 9/23/26 3:38pm.

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