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)

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)

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.

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.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on China and the United States to ensure artificial intelligence remains under human control and serves people’s interests during his White House meeting with President Donald Trump. Speaking in the White House Grand Foyer on Thursday, Xi said both countries were leading nations in AI and therefore had a special responsibility for managing its development. He urged the two sides to develop and manage AI “for good” while keeping human control over the technology. AI was a key issue in the summit, alongside trade, security and other bilateral concerns. Trump had earlier said “Super Intelligence” would be discussed, while indicating he wanted arrangements to remain unchanged.

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in Washington on September 23 for talks with US President Donald Trump has failed to end recent speculation about his health. Xi was seen walking slowly down the aircraft stairs while holding the handrail and his wife Peng Liyuan’s hand. The rumours intensified after he skipped a BRICS gala dinner in New Delhi and returned to China earlier than other leaders. A Chinese dissident has alleged that Xi suffered a stroke, but the claim remains unverified and has not been supported by credible medical or official evidence. Xi’s participation in the US visit provides no confirmation of the health allegations. 

A Bloomberg investigation, cited by NDTV, reports that an internal Pentagon review found outdated intelligence, incorrect site classification and heavy reliance on AI contributed to the February 28 strike on Shajarah Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran. Two Tomahawk missiles struck the school, killing more than 150 people, including at least 123 children, according to the report. The site had once been part of a military compound but had operated as a school for years, while older intelligence continued to classify it as an IRGC facility. US personnel reportedly relied on Palantir’s AI-enabled Maven system during an accelerated targeting process. The Pentagon investigation remains unpublished. (PC: Reuters)

Saudi Arabia issued emergency warnings on September 24 after its National Early Warning Platform alerted residents in Mecca and several other regions to a “potential danger.” Alerts covered Mecca, Jeddah, Yanbu, Tabuk and Taif. Saudi Civil Defense advised residents and visitors to remain indoors, move to secure interior areas away from windows and glass, avoid open spaces, rooftops and balconies, and follow official instructions. People outdoors were told to seek shelter in nearby buildings or behind solid barriers. The alerts were later lifted, with authorities providing no immediate details about the nature of the potential threat. The warnings came amid heightened regional tensions. (PC: X)

8 US sailors assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide during its lengthy deployment, the US Navy said. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao revealed the figure in a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. The sailors included crew members and personnel from the carrier airwing, destroyer squadron and other units. The carrier had been deployed since November and is now returning to the US. Families had raised concerns about poor conditions and mental health. The Navy said five chaplains and several mental health professionals were available. It also acknowledged temporary plumbing and water problems, while denying a wider mental health crisis.  

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the ban on drinking alcohol in football stands could be removed. He called the rule “unfair” because similar restrictions do not apply to fans at sports such as rugby and cricket. Alcohol has been banned in view of the pitch in England’s top five men’s football leagues since 1985. Burnham said the rule could be changed through trials. The Football Supporters’ Association welcomed his comments. However, the UK Football Policing Unit warned that changing the rules without proper consultation would be “incredibly rash”. Officials said alcohol can contribute to violence and disorder among some football supporters.