The US military has deployed high-energy laser weapons in the Strait of Hormuz and is reportedly using them against drones and incoming cruise missiles in the Middle East. According to NDTV, the systems can be operated using reconfigured Xbox-style controllers, allowing operators to track targets and direct the laser beam precisely. The technology converts electrical energy into concentrated photons that heat and disable targets, potentially reducing reliance on costly interceptor missiles. However, the systems are large and heavy, require significant power and perform less effectively in adverse weather. Their effectiveness against multiple simultaneous drone attacks also remains limited. (PC: X)

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on September 24 reiterated his allegations of “vote chori” and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. His remarks followed a report that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months concerning decisions related to electoral-roll revisions and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Gandhi questioned electoral outcomes in Haryana, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh and urged Kumar to become an approver. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of improper functioning, saying differing views are normal and decisions were taken according to legal procedures. (PC: X)

Chinese President Xi Jinping began a three-day visit to the United States, meeting President Donald Trump amid tensions over trade, technology, Taiwan and the Iran war. Xi’s visit comes just two weeks after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, highlighting India’s growing strategic relevance in the US-China relationship. Washington and Beijing have also extended their trade truce by two months. Experts cited by India Today say China’s improving ties with India could influence its wider strategy toward the US, while New Delhi continues balancing relations with both major powers. (PC: Reuters)

Researchers have begun core drilling at Turkey’s Durupinar formation, a boat-shaped geological feature near Mount Ararat that some believe could be linked to Noah’s Ark. The international expedition, led by archaeologist Prof. Cenker Atila of Sivas Cumhuriyet University, is collecting underground core samples and plans to deploy a robot named Gopher to investigate possible internal spaces. Recent surveys reportedly identified unusual structures beneath the formation, but these findings have not established that the site contains an ancient vessel. Geologists have historically regarded Durupinar as a natural formation. Laboratory testing of samples is expected to provide further evidence, with fuller findings anticipated in 2027. (PC: X)

India secured two athletics medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya on September 24. The mixed 4x400m relay team of T.S. Manu, M.R. Poovamma, Vishal T.K. and Vithya Ramraj won silver with a time of 3:14.46, finishing behind Bahrain’s Games-record 3:12.87. Earlier, Seema Kumari won bronze in the women’s 10,000m, clocking 32:50.05. Her medal ended India’s 16-year wait for a podium finish in the event and was only the country’s third Asian Games medal in women’s 10,000m. The results strengthened India’s athletics campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Games. (PC: X)

The parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode began a hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on September 24, demanding the arrest of officials named in the FIR concerning their son’s death. Sahil, a second-year BTech student, died by suicide on September 18 after an examination-related incident. His parents have alleged that he faced caste-based discrimination at the institute, while IIT Bombay has denied the allegation and said the matter is under investigation. The parents had earlier been detained while attempting to protest outside the IIT campus. Police said they had permitted the protest at Azad Maidan. 

As President Donald Trump hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, lawmakers from parties are pressing him to address China’s role in Iran, Taiwan, trade and artificial intelligence. Republican Senator Roger Wicker criticised the state visit and urged discussions on China’s military pressure in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan and AI. Republican senators also pressed for arms sales to Taiwan. Democrats, including Senate leader Chuck Schumer, warned against weakening export controls on advanced semiconductor chips and equipment, citing concerns about China’s AI capabilities. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen urged Trump to confront Xi over Chinese support for Iran, including satellite imagery, weapons components and oil purchases. Congressional concerns contrast with Trump’s welcome for Xi.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed nationwide restrictions on manufacturing and selling non-dairy analogue products as “paneer”, aiming to prevent consumers from being misled about their composition. Under the draft amendment, products registered or licensed as “Analogue in Dairy Context” would have to stop using “paneer” in their names, labels and marketing. FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions for 60 days before proceeding with the regulatory process. Analogue paneer can contain vegetable oils, starches, plant proteins and emulsifiers instead of milk ingredients. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh have already restricted analogue paneer, while Zomato has announced a zero-tolerance policy against dishes containing such products.

India added five medals on Day 5 of the 2026 Asian Games, with athletics contributing silver in the mixed 4x400m relay and bronze from Seema Kumari in the women’s 10,000m. Roshibina Devi won silver in the women’s Sanda 60kg event, while Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal secured bronze in mixed team skeet. Rowers Satnam Singh and Salman Khan also won bronze in men’s double sculls, giving India 17 medals overall. The mixed relay quartet clocked 3:14.46, finishing behind Bahrain’s Games-record 3:12.87. India’s men’s hockey team beat South Korea 8-2, while both kabaddi teams reached the semifinals unbeaten. Several Indian athletes also successfully advanced in squash, table tennis, boxing and athletics. (PC: PTI, AFP & Reuters)

US President Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as “strong” and “vibrant” ahead of their Washington summit in Washington, after personally greeting Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews. Trump described Xi as “better than ever” in a social media post, highlighting the unusually warm welcome for the Chinese leader. Trump also said “Super Intelligence”, his term for artificial intelligence, would be a major topic during their talks. He said he wanted to leave the issue “exactly where it is”, adding that China held the same position. The summit is expected to cover artificial intelligence, alongside trade, Taiwan, Iran and other bilateral contentious issues in US-China relations.