animal rescue, animal welfare, cat care, community support, homelessness

‘She went from homeless to homeowner’: Purrson finds two tiny kittens in distress, successfully saves one from near peril, and shows off her glorious glow up fur all to enjoy

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Kitties find us when they need us the most. That’s the meowgic of the Cat Distribution System (CDS) — it always works just when the time is right.

Maybe they are brought to you in the middle of a thunderstorm. Perhaps you found them hiding under your car after a purrticularly tough day at work. Or they appeared outside your window in the night, meowing to come inside and join you in your warm bed.

Now, just because there are some seriously meowsterious forces working with the CDS, doesn’t mean that it’s purrfect. Not every kitten brought to you by the CDS can be saved. We just have to do everything we can and hope for the best.

One purrson found two tiny kittens outside their house and immediately took them inside, seeing as they were too young to survive alone, let alone in the wilderness. They unfortunately couldn’t save one of the kittens, but the remaining kitten did survive—and now she’s happy, healthy, and a homeowner!

No, we’re not talking about the dollhouse in the picture below — she bought that for her hoomans as a thank you gift. She owns the real house, obviously.
https://cheezburger.com/42588165/she-went-from-homeless-to-homeowner-purrson-finds-two-tiny-kittens-in-distress-successfully-saves

business, energy, environment, policy, technology

India’s first deep-sea mineral auction indefinitely postponed: Here’s why

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**India’s First Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Indefinitely Postponed: Here’s Why**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 05:20 PM*

India’s maiden auction of deep-sea mineral blocks, which are rich in critical minerals, has been indefinitely postponed. The decision follows a lukewarm response from potential bidders, according to government officials who spoke to Moneycontrol.

### Initial Auction and Response

The auction was launched in November, offering 13 mineral blocks, which included three lime mud blocks, three construction sand blocks, and seven polymetallic nodule blocks. As this was India’s first attempt at such an auction, some companies submitted numerous queries, highlighting the novelty and complexity of deep-sea mineral exploration.

### Schedule Changes and Extensions

Originally, the bidding deadline was set for February 27. However, the deadline was extended multiple times—to April 2, May 1, and then August 22. Despite these extensions, the auction did not take place on August 22 as planned. A government official confirmed that the postponement aims to attract wider participation in the auction. Currently, a new date for the event has yet to be finalized.

### Strategic Importance of the Mineral Deposits

The auctioned mineral blocks cover a vast area stretching from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Andaman Sea in the east. These blocks are rich in critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel. Such resources are essential components for electric vehicles (EVs), defense equipment, and renewable energy technologies.

### Environmental and Local Concerns

Despite the strategic importance, political parties in Kerala and local fishing communities have voiced concerns regarding the environmental risks of undersea mineral exploration. These apprehensions have added complexity to the auction process.

### Technological Challenges

Experts have highlighted technology as the biggest hurdle in India’s deep-sea mineral exploration efforts. Arvind Virmani, a member of NITI Aayog, noted during the India Mining Summit on September 18 that the entire global supply chain, including technology, is highly concentrated, with countries worldwide racing to develop new technologies to access these resources.

### Addressing China’s Dominance

China remains the world’s largest producer of critical minerals, including rare earth elements vital for electronics, EV batteries, and defense systems. Beijing’s export restrictions on certain critical minerals have raised global concerns over supply security.

In response, India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission in January. This strategic initiative aims to boost exploration activities, enhance domestic processing capabilities, and promote recycling of critical minerals to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen India’s position in the global supply chain.

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India’s deep-sea mineral auction marks an important step towards securing essential resources for future technologies. However, challenges related to bidder participation, technology, and environmental concerns must be addressed to move forward successfully.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/india-s-first-deep-sea-mineral-auction-postponed-amid-poor-response/story

animal rescue, animal welfare, cat care, community support, homelessness

‘She went from homeless to homeowner’: Purrson finds two tiny kittens in distress, successfully saves one from near peril, and shows off her glorious glow up fur all to enjoy

Leave a comment

Kitties find us when they need us the most. That’s the meowgic of the Cat Distribution System (CDS) — it always works just when the time is right.

Maybe they are brought to you in the middle of a thunderstorm, you find them hiding under your car after a purrticularly tough day at work, or they appear outside your window in the night, meowing to come inside and join you in your warm bed.

Now, just because there are some seriously meowsterious forces working with the CDS, doesn’t mean it’s purrfect. Not every kitten brought to you by the CDS can be saved. We just have to do everything we can and hope for the best.

One purrson found two tiny kittens outside their house and immediately took them inside, knowing they were too young to survive alone, let alone in the wilderness. Unfortunately, they couldn’t save one of the kittens, but the remaining kitten made it. Now she’s happy, healthy, and a homeowner!

No, we’re not talking about the dollhouse in the picture below—she bought that for her hoomans as a thank you gift. She owns the real house, obviously.
https://cheezburger.com/42588165/she-went-from-homeless-to-homeowner-purrson-finds-two-tiny-kittens-in-distress-successfully-saves

artificial intelligence, child safety, family, privacy, technology

OpenAI adds parental controls to ChatGPT: How they work

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**OpenAI Adds Parental Controls to ChatGPT: How They Work**
*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 04:42 PM*

OpenAI has introduced new parental controls for its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, designed to give parents more oversight and control over their children’s usage. The latest update enables parents to link their accounts with their teens’ and implement various restrictions such as quiet hours and content filters.

### Enhanced Parental Controls
With this update, parents can connect their accounts to their teen’s ChatGPT profile, allowing them to manage settings like quiet hours, disable voice mode and image generation, and restrict memory usage and model training. Notably, these controls can only be adjusted by parents—not by teens themselves—ensuring the settings remain enforced as needed.

### Stronger Protections for Teens
Teen accounts linked to parents automatically receive enhanced safeguards aimed at reducing exposure to graphic content, viral challenges, romantic or violent roleplay, and extreme beauty ideals. While parents have the option to disable these protections, teens cannot opt out independently.

### Self-Harm Detection and Alerts
OpenAI has incorporated a self-harm notification system that alerts parents if ChatGPT detects signs suggesting their teen may be considering self-harm. In critical situations where there is an imminent threat, emergency services or law enforcement may be involved to ensure the teen’s safety.

### Additional Resources and Future Plans
To support families, OpenAI has launched a dedicated parent resource page offering information on how ChatGPT works, setup guides for parental controls, and ideas for encouraging positive use in schoolwork, creativity, and family activities. This page will be expanded over time with expert advice and tips for facilitating healthy conversations.

Looking ahead, OpenAI is developing an age prediction system that will automatically apply teen-appropriate settings for users under 18, further enhancing safety and customization.

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These new parental control features mark an important step in ensuring a safer and more manageable ChatGPT experience for young users while giving parents peace of mind.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/openai-rolls-out-parental-controls-for-chatgpt/story

business, energy, environment, policy, technology

India’s first deep-sea mineral auction indefinitely postponed: Here’s why

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**India’s First Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Indefinitely Postponed: Here’s Why**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 05:20 PM*

India’s inaugural auction of deep-sea mineral blocks, rich in critical minerals, has been indefinitely postponed due to a lackluster response from potential bidders, government officials informed Moneycontrol.

### Background of the Auction

Launched in November last year, the auction featured 13 mineral blocks. These included three lime mud blocks, three construction sand blocks, and seven polymetallic nodule blocks. These blocks are located from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Andaman Sea in the east and are abundant in valuable minerals such as cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel — all crucial for electric vehicles (EVs), defense equipment, and renewable energy technologies.

### Schedule Changes and Extensions

The original bidding deadline was set for February 27 but was extended multiple times — first to April 2, then May 1, and later August 22. However, as confirmed by an official, the auction did not take place on August 22 as initially planned.

Officials cited the need for broader participation in the auction process as the main reason behind the indefinite postponement. They also mentioned that some companies submitted several inquiries due to the novelty of this auction format. Currently, no new date has been finalized for the auction.

### Environmental and Political Concerns

Despite the strategic importance of these mineral resources, there has been opposition from certain quarters. Political parties in Kerala and local fishing communities have raised concerns about the potential environmental risks associated with undersea mineral exploration.

### Technological Challenges in Deep-Sea Exploration

Experts acknowledge that technology remains the biggest hurdle for India’s deep-sea mineral mining ambitions. At the India Mining Summit held on September 18, Arvind Virmani, a member of NITI Aayog, highlighted the challenge: “Basically, the entire supply chain, including technology, has become concentrated. Now the whole world is scrambling to create new technologies.”

### Strategic Importance Amid Global Supply Chain Dynamics

China dominates global production of critical minerals, including rare earth elements vital for electronics, EV batteries, and defense. Its export restrictions have heightened concerns worldwide about supply security.

In response, India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission in January to enhance domestic exploration, improve processing capabilities, and promote recycling of these key minerals to reduce dependency on imports.

—

India’s postponement of its first deep-sea mineral auction underscores the complexities involved—from technological and environmental challenges to geopolitical considerations—in securing critical resources essential for the country’s green and defense initiatives. The government continues to work towards creating a conducive environment for wider participation and successful execution of this strategic auction in the near future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/india-s-first-deep-sea-mineral-auction-postponed-amid-poor-response/story

general

‘Black Panther’: The film that put Africa on futuristic map

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The 2018 blockbuster *Black Panther* redefined the portrayal of African culture and technology in mainstream cinema.

The film offered audiences around the world a captivating glimpse into an Afro-futuristic vision, blending traditional African elements with advanced technology.

Through its rich storytelling and innovative design, *Black Panther* challenged stereotypes and showcased the possibilities of African heritage intertwined with futuristic innovation.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/how-black-panther-redefined-afro-futurism/story

general

Vodafone Idea files amended petition in SC seeking AGR relief

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Vodafone Idea (Vi) has filed an amended petition in the Supreme Court, seeking a waiver of interest and penalty on its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues.

The petition highlights the company’s request to alleviate the financial burden stemming from the interest and penalties applied to its AGR liabilities. This move is part of Vi’s broader efforts to manage its dues and negotiate terms that support its operational viability.

The Supreme Court will now review the amended petition and consider Vodafone Idea’s plea for relief on the AGR-related charges. Further updates are expected as the case progresses.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/vodafone-idea-files-amended-petition-for-agr-relief-in-sc/story

general

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub hits record low in T20I cricket: Key stats

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Pakistan opener Saim Ayub endured a challenging time during the recently concluded Men’s T20 Asia Cup.

Despite high expectations, his performance with the bat fell below par throughout the tournament. Fans and analysts had hoped for a stronger contribution from the young opener, but unfortunately, he struggled to find form.

As Pakistan looks ahead to upcoming matches, Ayub will be eager to bounce back and prove his potential on the international stage.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-s-saim-ayub-hits-record-low-in-t20i-cricket/story

adventure, exploration, nature, travel

Top destinations for waterfall rappelling

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**Top Destinations for Waterfall Rappelling in Africa**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 29, 2025, 10:56 am*

Waterfall rappelling is an adventurous activity that perfectly blends the thrill of climbing with the serene beauty of nature. For those eager to explore new heights and challenge themselves, Africa offers some of the most breathtaking waterfalls for this exhilarating experience. From towering cascades to lush landscapes, these destinations provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying an adrenaline-pumping challenge.

Here are some of the top African destinations for waterfall rappelling enthusiasts:

### Tugela Falls: A Majestic Descent
Located in South Africa’s Royal Natal National Park, Tugela Falls stands as one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Its multi-tiered cascade presents a challenging descent ideal for experienced rappellers. Surrounded by the stunning Drakensberg Mountains, this spot offers not only physical and mental challenges but also spectacular panoramic views. The best time to visit is during the rainy season when the falls are at their most powerful and impressive.

### Kagera River: A Hidden Gem
Flowing through Tanzania and Rwanda, the Kagera River features several lesser-known but equally thrilling waterfall rappelling spots. With multiple cascades plunging into lush forests, this region offers rappellers a chance to descend amidst pristine natural beauty. Less crowded than other popular destinations, the Kagera River area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in an adventurous, peaceful setting.

### Victoria Falls: Iconic Adventure Spot
One of Africa’s most iconic landmarks, Victoria Falls straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Beyond its grandeur and fame, Victoria Falls offers thrilling rappelling opportunities along some of its lesser-explored sections. Descending here means taking in spectacular views of the mighty Zambezi River below, making it a must-visit destination for any adventure seeker aiming to combine natural wonder with an adrenaline rush.

### Lushoto Mountains: Scenic Rappelling Experience
The Lushoto Mountains in Tanzania provide a more serene yet exciting setting for waterfall rappelling. Hidden within dense forests are several beautiful waterfalls where you can rappel down into tranquil pools. This destination is ideal for adventurers seeking scenic beauty alongside their thrill, far from crowded tourist paths. It offers a peaceful environment with plenty of natural charm for a memorable rappelling experience.

Whether you’re an experienced climber or an adventure lover seeking new thrills, these African destinations promise unforgettable waterfall rappelling journeys filled with nature’s beauty and exhilarating challenges.

*Get ready to gear up, embrace the rush, and explore these stunning waterfalls on your next adventure!*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/top-destinations-for-waterfall-rappelling/story

government, human rights, politics, protests, security

Ousted Nepalese PM KP Sharma Oli says he won`t flee amid political turmoil

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Former Prime Minister of Nepal and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has dismissed rumours that he plans to flee the country, accusing the current government of attempting to strip him of his security and official privileges, according to a report by Dhaka Tribune.

Speaking at a gathering of the party’s youth wing, Yuwa Sangh Nepal, in Gundu, Bhaktapur, Oli made it clear that he intends to stay and continue the political struggle. “Do you think we will flee by handing over the nation to this groundless government?” he asked his supporters. Oli emphasized his determination to “restore peace, good governance, and constitutional order.”

Oli recently vacated the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar on September 9, following weeks of Gen Z-led protests that culminated in the fall of his government. Since then, he has relocated to a rented home in Gundu after his personal residence in Balkot was set on fire by demonstrators, Dhaka Tribune reported.

He accused the Sushila Karki-led administration of lacking legitimacy, claiming it rose to power not through the will of the people but through “vandalism and arson.” Oli also challenged the government to release any communications he had with state officials during the protests. “Publish them with courage. Make public the instructions I gave,” he said, suggesting he has nothing to hide.

Expressing concern over threats of fresh attacks, Oli criticized the government for failing to ensure his security. “On social media, there are open calls to attack my residence. What is the government doing? Just watching?” he questioned.

Oli also objected to reports that the government has decided to withhold passports of several leaders, including himself, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Arzu Rana Deuba, Ramesh Lekhak, and Deepak Khadka. The former prime minister accused the Karki government of “throwing the country into insecurity” by targeting political opponents, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.

Oli’s government was toppled on the second day of the Gen Z protests. Rights groups have held him and then-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak responsible for the excessive use of force that resulted in dozens of deaths during the unrest.

A monitoring report by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) released on Friday stated that the government’s failure to anticipate the intensity of the protests and the declining morale of security forces contributed to heavy casualties and damage. The report noted that while the first day of protests on September 8 remained peaceful, police shootings triggered widespread violence the following day.

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*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, or reliability of the content. Mid-day management reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) content at its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/ousted-nepalese-pm-kp-sharma-oli-says-he-wont-flee-amid-political-turmoil-23596281

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