Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand is patenting the image of its viral baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng. The zoo made this decision to stop others from making money off the animal’s popularity. The hippo became famous after her videos spread across social media. In August, 20,000 people took part in an online poll to name her. The name Moo Deng means “bouncy pork.” The zoo’s director, Marongwit Chodchoi, said this step ensures only the zoo can use her image for commercial purposes.

Vice President Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump by 1 point in Pennsylvania, 48% to 47%, according to a Washington Post poll. The battleground state shows Harris ahead on issues like abortion (52%-34%), health care (48%-40%), and protecting democracy (48%-45%), while Trump leads on immigration (52%-39%), the economy (51%-42%), and crime (50%-43%). Voters prioritize democracy (90%) and the economy (89%) in their decision-making. Harris is viewed more favorably (47%) than Trump (43%). A separate poll shows Harris with a 4-point lead in Pennsylvania. The poll surveyed 1,003 registered voters with a margin of error of 3.6%.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Thursday, targeting multiple locations to degrade the group's capabilities. The strikes followed Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's televised speech condemning Israel’s alleged involvement in recent pager and walkie-talkie attacks that killed 37 people. The attacks, which shook Beirut with sonic booms, are part of a larger cross-border conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, ongoing since the Gaza war last October. Nasrallah warned Israel that this escalation could be considered a "declaration of war."

Artillery shells from Indian arms makers have been diverted to Ukraine by European buyers, despite Russia’s protests, according to Reuters. The munitions, shipped in small batches since 2022, were modified with explosive-laced batteries. India has not halted this trade, which has been ongoing despite Moscow's concerns voiced during diplomatic meetings. The move is seen as part of India's strategy to expand its arms export sector. While the Indian government claims it has not sold arms directly to Ukraine, customs data reveal a significant increase in ammunition exports to Europe.

An Israeli shell company, BAC Consulting, has been linked to the deadly pager explosions in Lebanon, according to the New York Times. The company, which concealed its operations, is reported to have manufactured pagers with explosive-laced batteries for Hezbollah. These devices, first shipped in 2022, detonated recently, killing at least 20 people and injuring hundreds. The explosions were allegedly planned by Israeli intelligence to disrupt Hezbollah’s communications. The incident has sparked outrage and fears over compromised security in Hezbollah's network, prompting demands for accountability and heightened scrutiny of supply chains.

New reports suggest Israel orchestrated a complex operation involving the creation of shell companies to manufacture explosive pagers for Hezbollah. Contrary to earlier beliefs that Israel infiltrated the supply chain, it is now claimed that Israeli intelligence set up a front company, BAC Consulting, in Hungary to produce and rig pagers with explosives. The pagers, used by Hezbollah for secure communication, detonated across Lebanon on September 17-18, causing numerous casualties. This revelation marks a dramatic escalation in Israel-Hezbollah tensions, with Israel not officially claiming responsibility for the attacks.

At least 32 people were killed and over 3,250 injured following two days of explosions in Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon. The blasts were caused by walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah members, sparking fears of a wider conflict with Israel. Hezbollah accused Israel of responsibility, while Israeli forces have not officially commented. The U.S. and UN have urged restraint, warning of potential escalation in the region. Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in conflict since October 2023, following Hamas's attack on Israeli towns.

London’s Air Ambulance Charity has surpassed its £15M “Up Against Time” appeal target after raising £4M through a partnership with Omaze’s London house draw. This milestone secures two new helicopters to replace its aging fleet, ensuring the charity continues its 24/7 emergency response service. The campaign began in 2022, and Omaze’s community contribution broke fundraising records, pushing the total to £16M. The helicopters will be operational from October 2024, allowing the charity to provide life-saving trauma care to critically injured patients across London for years to come.

Albert Einstein’s 1939 letter, urging President Roosevelt to prioritize nuclear research due to fears of Germany developing nuclear weapons, has sold for $3.9 million (Rs 32.7 crore) at a Christie's auction. This letter, co-signed by physicist Leo Szilard, played a crucial role in the U.S. government’s decision to accelerate nuclear research, leading to the creation of the atomic bomb. Though it changed the course of history, Einstein later expressed deep regret, calling his involvement in nuclear weapons his "one great mistake" after witnessing the devastation caused by atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Germany has paused the approval of new arms exports to Israel as it faces legal and political pressure regarding humanitarian law. A senior official revealed that legal cases challenging these exports have led to a hold on new licenses. Last year, Germany approved €326.5 million in military exports to Israel, a significant increase from previous years. However, approvals for 2024 have drastically fallen to €14.5 million by August. Legal challenges have been brought in the International Court of Justice and in Berlin, though no case has yet succeeded.