Live Wire
Gas Found off Konark as ONGC Expands Deepwater Exploration
ONGC has found natural gas in a deepwater well 43 km off Odisha’s Konark coast, offering fresh evidence of the Mahanadi Basin’s potential. The company says the initial flow is encouraging, but reserve size, commercial viability and any production timetable still require more testing and appraisal.
US Prepares Sweeping Sanctions Targeting International Criminal Court
The United States is preparing sweeping sanctions against the International Criminal Court, potentially targeting the institution itself. The measures could disrupt its banking, payroll and technology services as Washington presses it to abandon cases involving American and Israeli officials.
Tata Trusts Declares Chandrasekaran’s Reappointment "void ab initio"
Tata Trusts has declared N Chandrasekaran’s reappointment as Tata Sons chairman invalid, arguing that the board vote lacked the mandatory support of both Trust-nominated directors. The dispute exposes a deeper battle over leadership, listing and control of the Tata Group.
Pakistan Strikes Afghanistan’s Kunar, Killing at Least Three as Tensions Rise
Pakistan has reportedly struck Afghanistan’s Kunar province, killing at least three people. The attack brings the TTP insurgency, Taliban–Islamabad tensions and the unresolved Durand Line drawn through the Pashtun homeland back into dangerous focus.
Trump Unveils ‘AI Force’ and New AI Czar, Rejecting Calls to Slow Development
Donald Trump has announced plans for a new “AI Force” and AI czar, comparing the initiative to Space Force while rejecting calls to slow artificial intelligence development. The White House has not yet explained the new body’s structure, powers or whether it will be civilian or military.
On France’s Tiny Atlantic Outpost, Macron and Carney Make a Bigger Point
France’s Emmanuel Macron and Canada’s Mark Carney are meeting in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French territory just off Canada’s coast. The summit will focus on defence, energy and technology, but its location gives it added weight amid mounting tensions with Washington.
US Military Death Toll in Iran War May Be Higher Than Pentagon Has Disclosed
The Washington Post says at least 22 US service members have died in the Middle East since the Iran war began, compared with 18 publicly listed by the Pentagon. Pete Hegseth calls the report a “complete lie,” while the Pentagon has not publicly explained the reported discrepancy.
Deadly Car Bomb and Gun Attack Hits Police Complex in Northwest Pakistan
At least 31 people are reported dead and more than 100 wounded after a suicide car bomb and armed assault on a police compound in Kohat, northwest Pakistan. Security forces fought militants for nearly 20 hours before clearing the complex, as the country faces a renewed surge in militant violence.
India’s Net Direct-Tax Collections Rise 13% to ₹12.1 Lakh Crore
India’s net direct-tax collections rose nearly 13% to ₹12.12 lakh crore by September 17, led by stronger corporate tax and advance-tax payments. Gross collections climbed 15%, while corporate advance tax jumped 18%, keeping revenue growth ahead of the government’s FY27 budget assumption.
CNN and Politico Vow to Fight After Trump Announces White House Ban
Donald Trump has announced a White House ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico, accusing them of repeatedly reporting “fake news” and warning that other outlets could follow. The decision is expected to trigger a fresh First Amendment fight over whether governments can restrict access based on coverage.
Putin Accuses Ukraine of Election Interference and Blocking Peace Talks
Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of interfering in Russia’s parliamentary election and deliberately obstructing peace talks. Kyiv rejects the vote, particularly in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory, as illegal, while US-backed negotiations remain stalled over territory and security guarantees.
UN Bypasses US Visa Ban, Allows Abbas to Address General Assembly by Video
The UN General Assembly voted 152-3 to allow Mahmoud Abbas to address world leaders by video after the US denied him a visa for a second year. The decision does not overturn Washington’s ban, but ensures the Palestinian president can still participate in the annual UN debate.