The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution supporting the Equal Earth map projection, designed to represent continents and countries more accurately. The move addresses distortions caused by the widely used Mercator projection, which makes regions near the poles appear disproportionately large while shrinking areas around the equator, including Africa. The resolution received 164 votes in favour, while the United States voted against it and six countries abstained. The US criticised the initiative as an ideological distraction from pressing global issues. The resolution is not legally binding but encourages wider use in education, institutions and digital mapping.

Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has filed a complaint with Delhi Police against influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, accusing him of allegedly misusing Paswan’s name and claiming political backing in connection with a Jantar Mantar assault case. Bhardwaj reportedly claimed during an interview that he had “cracked the skull” of a student activist’s father during a CJP protest. Paswan’s party said such claims were false and sought legal action. Meanwhile, Delhi Police detained Bhardwaj in Uttar Pradesh after CJP supporters protested outside Parliament Street Police Station demanding his arrest. Police said the complaint was being examined. (PC: India Today)

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka briefly stopped her third-round US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova after a strong cannabis smell drifted onto the court at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Sabalenka alerted chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore, saying the odour was unusually strong and distracting her during play. The interruption was brief, and the two-time defending champion resumed the match and defeated Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 to reach the fourth round. Sabalenka later urged spectators not to smoke near the courts. Officials investigated the incident, while reports suggested the smell may have been carried from nearby Flushing Meadows-Corona Park by the wind.(PC: X)

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for two separate attacks on Pakistani military forces in Balochistan, alleging that 25 military personnel were killed and three vehicles destroyed. The group said fighters ambushed a military convoy at Ziarat Cross, initially claiming 18 deaths before revising the figure to 25. The BLA also released a 71-second video that it said showed the attack site, burning military vehicles and seized weapons. In a second attack near Hajika in Surab, the group said an explosives-laden vehicle destroyed a military vehicle and killed seven personnel. Pakistan has not independently confirmed the BLA's casualty claims. 

A US airstrike in Kuhestak, southern Iran, reportedly struck a home where dozens had gathered for a wedding, turning the celebration into a tragedy. Iranian state media said four people, including two children, were killed and more than 60 wounded, while other officials initially reported five deaths. The strike occurred during US attacks targeting Iranian military and communications infrastructure near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Weapons experts cited by Reuters assessed that the damage was likely caused by a direct hit from a US munition. The US military said it was investigating the incident and maintained that civilians are not targeted.

US diesel prices have reached a record $5.85 per gallon, driven by prolonged disruptions in global fuel supplies linked to the six-month US-Israel war with Iran. Brent crude oil climbed above $95 a barrel, compared with around $70 before the conflict, while disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have tightened supply. US diesel inventories are also at historically low levels, increasing pressure as autumn harvest and winter heating demand approach. Refinery disruptions and Russia’s restrictions on diesel exports have further strained supplies. Higher diesel costs are raising transportation and production expenses, potentially increasing prices for food, deliveries and other consumer goods. 

The US Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived at Thailand after an extraordinary 286-day deployment, including months of combat and blockade operations against Iran. Images show extensive rust, faded paint and marine growth along the carrier’s hull, drawing widespread attention. Naval experts say such corrosion is expected after prolonged exposure to seawater and cannot be properly treated during active combat operations. The 1,092-foot carrier, carrying around 5,000 sailors and Marines, has now received an opportunity for rest and maintenance. Experts estimate removing the rust and repainting the affected areas could require about 30 days. (PC: X)

Air India has dismissed a pilot who tested positive for a psychoactive substance following a safety-related incident involving a Phuket–Delhi flight. The action came after the pilot underwent a mandatory post-flight examination, which detected the prohibited substance. The incident has raised renewed concerns about aviation safety and strict compliance with rules governing alcohol and psychoactive substance use among flight crew. Air India has taken disciplinary action in accordance with applicable aviation regulations and its internal safety procedures. The case highlights the importance of mandatory testing, medical fitness assessments and strict enforcement of safety standards to prevent impaired crew from operating commercial flights. (PC: Reuters) 

Eight engineering students from Tamil Nadu were killed after their car crashed into a parked lorry at Panambikkunnu in Kaipamangalam, Thrissur, Kerala, around 11:40 pm on Friday. The students were travelling from Guruvayur towards Kodungallur along NH-66 when their car rammed into the rear of the Maharashtra-registered lorry. Police said the lorry was allegedly parked illegally on the right side near a barricaded construction zone, while the car was travelling at high speed. Six victims have been identified, while two identities remain unconfirmed. Police have registered a culpable homicide case against the lorry driver, who fled. 

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could strike Iran’s heavily fortified underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility “very soon” if American officials detect activity there. Located near the damaged Natanz uranium-enrichment complex, the site reportedly contains deeply buried tunnel systems believed to be capable of protecting nuclear equipment. Trump said Washington is closely monitoring movements at the facility and defended the ongoing US military campaign, claiming it has prevented Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. His warning follows recent US strikes on Iranian military targets, including air-defence and radar systems. Iran has condemned the attacks and vowed defensive retaliation. (PC: Reuters)