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Merriam-Webster has added 1,400 new words and definitions in its latest dictionary update, bringing terms such as looksmaxxing, vibe coding, meme coin and parasocial into its online collection as internet culture, AI and everyday speech continue to reshape English. Merriam-Webster new words reflect changing English Merriam-Webster announced the update on September 15, saying the new entries represent words and meanings that have demonstr

India remains on the US list of major drug transit or illicit drug-producing countries for fiscal year 2027, but President Donald Trump has also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anti-opium efforts and called for continued cooperation under the US-India Drug Policy Framework. Trump praises Modi’s anti-opium drive US President Donald Trump welcomed India’s efforts to curb illicit opium poppy cultivation while issuing his admini

A new Israel settler poll has exposed a sharp divide over violence in the West Bank as the October 27 election approaches. The JPPI survey on Qusra, growing diplomatic pressure over settlements and Gaza’s humanitarian strain are all shaping a tense campaign. Qusra poll shows split over settler violence The Jewish People Policy Institute surveyed Israelis from September 1 to 3 after violence in Qusra, where dozens of masked Israeli civi

The Russia sanctions bill has raised fresh concerns for India and other major buyers of Russian energy, with the legislation giving President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% under specified conditions. The move comes as India-Russia ties remain strong in energy and strategic cooperation. Russia sanctions bill clears US House The US House of Representatives has passed the

The Mecca drone row has intensified Saudi-Houthi tensions after Riyadh said its air defenses intercepted a drone approaching the holy city. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca and separately claimed they shot down a Saudi F-15 over Yemen’s Marib province. Mecca drone row raises security concerns Saudi Arabia condemned what it described as an attempt by Yemen’s Houthis to target Mecca after t

Russia and Ukraine intensified attacks on industrial, transport and energy infrastructure in mid-September, with Moscow saying it struck Ukrainian steel facilities and cargo vessels while Kyiv reported drone attacks on Russian industrial sites. The exchanges underline how both sides are increasingly targeting economic assets beyond the front line. Russia Ukraine industrial strikes hit major steel facilities

Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted the Syzran Oil Refinery in Russia's Samara region overnight on September 15, extending Kyiv's campaign against Russian energy and industrial infrastructure. Monitoring channels reported fires at several points inside the complex, although the full scale of damage was not immediately independently confirmed. Ukraine Syzran refinery strike targets Russian energy

Libya's role as a regional drug trafficking hub is attracting renewed attention after authorities announced the seizure of 100,000 ecstasy tablets hidden inside a cargo vehicle. The case comes as United Nations research warns that Libya's fractured political and security environment has helped trafficking networks expand routes linking North Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Libya ecstasy seizure exposes expanding drug routes

Israel is facing widening diplomatic pressure over Gaza, settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and its relations with traditional allies. The debate intensified after Jared Kushner said the Trump administration used Israel's isolation following the Doha strike to help advance a Gaza deal.    Doha strike Gaza deal increased diplomatic pressure Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and s

A Stockport husband has admitted 60 offences against his wife after pleading guilty to the remaining charges in a case involving more than two decades of sexual abuse. The man, who cannot legally be identified because doing so could reveal his wife's identity, remains in custody while related proceedings continue. Stockport husband guilty plea reaches 60 offences The man, who is in his 60s and

A new UK breakup independence push has brought Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland into an unusually coordinated constitutional debate, with nationalist leaders arguing that decisions over their political futures should rest with voters in their respective nations. The development places fresh pressure on Westminster while raising difficult questions over how any future referendums would legally proceed. Scotland independence bid gain

The Equal Earth map has gained global attention after the UN backed a push for a fairer world map that reflects Africa’s true size. The move challenges Mercator map distortion and supports an African-led campaign for more accurate geographic representation. Equal Earth Map Wins UN Support The United Nations General Assembly has endorsed a resolution encouraging wider use of the Equal Earth pr

BRICS Summit 2026 arrives at a moment of unusual geopolitical pressure, placing India's chairmanship under a global spotlight. Wars, tariff threats, energy risks and India-China tensions will test New Delhi's ability to preserve BRICS unity while protecting strategic autonomy. SCO 2026 Sets the Stage for BRICS India will host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12

Israel baby names 5786 data reveals Mohammed, Ariel and Avigail as the leading choices ahead of Rosh Hashanah. New Population Registry figures also show 179,398 babies registered, while Jerusalem recorded the highest number of births among Israeli cities. Top Boy Names in Israel Mohammed ranked as the most common name for boys across Israel's overall population during Hebrew year 5786, accordin

Iran says an Iran-Oman Hormuz shipping corridor could be formalized within days as Tehran prepares a new restricted maritime zone around the strategic waterway. The proposals could reshape Gulf shipping while tensions with the United States continue to disrupt commercial traffic. Iran Oman Hormuz Shipping Corridor Nears Agreement Iranian officials say Tehran and Muscat have agreed on maps for a

Labor Day is more than a long weekend marking the end of summer. The history of First Amendment Labor Day connections shows how worker speech, peaceful assembly, labor organizing and petition rights helped Americans demand better conditions and greater recognition. How Labor Day Began in America Labor Day is observed on the first Monday of September and honors the social and economic contributi

India opened September 4 with a major space achievement as ISRO successfully launched EOS-05 aboard GSLV-F17 from Sriharikota. The day also brought major geopolitical developments involving Trump’s backing for a Syria-Hormuz alternative, pressure on Iran and Venezuela’s new oil arrangements. ISRO EOS-05 launch succeeds from Sriharikota The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully com

The US-Iran conflict has entered another dangerous phase after Tehran launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks against American-linked military facilities across the Gulf. The retaliation followed renewed US strikes on Iranian military targets, while President Donald Trump warned that Washington remains ready to attack again. Iran strikes US bases after renewed American attacks Iran l

Carlos Alcaraz recovered from a slow start while Aryna Sabalenka delivered another commanding performance as the defending champions advanced to the third round of the US Open 2026. Jessica Pegula, Daniil Medvedev, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe were also among the notable winners in New York. Alcaraz rallies past Faria after slow opening Carlos Alcaraz had to work through early frustration bef

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Egypt has placed China’s expanding role in West Asia under the spotlight as regional governments reassess security partnerships amid the continuing US-Iran conflict. In Cairo, Xi called for regional countries to resist external interference and explore a new security architecture while deepening economic and strategic cooperation with Egypt. Xi Jinping Egypt visit sends regional security mess