Bitcoin ETF Flows Turn Positive After $4.6B Rebound: $999M Inflow Led by BlackRock IBIT

Institutional investors have returned to the crypto market. After months of heavy selling and pessimism, US Spot Bitcoin ETFs have finally staged a strong comeback.

On Monday, September 21, US Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a net inflow of $998.95 million—approximately $1 billion. This marks the largest single-day inflow since October 6, 2025, when Bitcoin hit an all-time high of $126,200. It is the ninth-largest daily inflow since the ETFs launched in January 2024.

This figure is historic because, just a week prior, the ETFs saw an inflow of only $6.2 million—the lowest weekly figure in 141 weeks of trading. Conditions were even worse in mid-July, with a 30-day average daily outflow of $88.9 million and trading volumes down 80% from the October 2025 peak.

Who bought? BlackRock took the lead.

Monday's entire inflow was driven by institutional giants. There were no outflows from any fund; even Grayscale’s GBTC—previously the primary source of selling pressure during the ETF era—saw a slight inflow, signaling that selling by legacy, high-fee holders has likely concluded.

Breakdown:

BlackRock IBIT: $381.37 million – IBIT alone now holds $68.29 billion in assets, representing 3.91% of Bitcoin's total market capitalization. Its total inflow since launch has reached $64.5 billion. ARK 21Shares ARKB: $289.12 million | Fidelity FBTC: $238.84 million | Morgan Stanley MSBT: $61.67 million

Bitwise BITB: $21.56 million

Three major funds—IBIT, ARKB, and FBTC—accounted for over 90% of the day's inflows.

Trading volume in the Bitcoin ETF market also reached between $4.5 billion and $4.57 billion that day. High turnover indicates that these inflows represented genuine liquidity rather than a fluke in a thin market.

And this wasn't limited to Bitcoin. US Spot Ether ETFs also saw inflows of  $270 million that same day, with BlackRock’s ETHA capturing $110 million. Combined, the single-day inflow for BTC and ETH totaled $1.27 billion.

Why is this rebound so significant?

1. Average investor back in profit:

Bitcoin traded above the $86,000–$86,300 range on Monday. According to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst James Seyffart, the cost basis for the average US Spot Bitcoin ETF holder is $81,722. With BTC rising 5% above this level, the average ETF investor is back in profit for the first time since January.

2. September turnaround, though the year remains negative:

Total inflows for September have now reached $1.31 billion, down from August's $3.52 billion. The year-to-date (YTD) figure remains in negative territory, ranging from approximately -$450 million to -$464 million. Since launch, total cumulative net inflows stand at $56.16 billion, with total Assets Under Management (AUM) at $110.14 billion—representing 6.3% of Bitcoin's market cap.

3. Short squeeze + institutional return:

Analysts believe this rally is driven by two factors: ETF demand and a short squeeze. Short positions worth approximately $448.96 million were liquidated. Bitcoin first gained momentum as macro conditions improved, breaking resistance and forcing out bearish positions; ETF inflows followed. In other words, the rally began first, and institutions joined later.

From a technical standpoint, this is also a significant signal. For the first time in 45 weeks, Bitcoin closed above its 50-week moving average—a level considered indicative of a long-term bullish trend.

What to watch next?

The market is now focused on September 22. According to analysts, if inflows exceed $300 million for a fourth consecutive day, the $90,000 target will be confirmed. Conversely, if outflows resume, it would suggest that Monday’s activity was merely a peak rather than the start of a sustained rally.

Overall, following a $4.6 billion rebound, this $999 million day demonstrates that when a giant like BlackRock buys, every single dollar has a direct impact on the spot market. Institutional capital is returning.

Say Our Name - Naoero: A country of 12,000 people forced the world to say its real name at the UN.

New York: While leaders of the world's powerful nations were debating climate change, war, and trade at the 81st UN General Assembly, the president of a tiny Pacific nation took the microphone and made a brief yet historic appeal to the world: "Say our name. Naoero."

His name is David Ranibok Adeang. He is the president of the country we have long known as *Nauru*. On Tuesday, speaking from the UN podium, he announced that his nation is abandoning its colonial-era pronunciation and returning to its roots. The world must now call it *Naoero*.

"I have traveled a long way," Adeang said at the start of his speech. "There are moments when a nation must remember who it has always been. For us, this is such a moment."

Say "Now-ero," not "Now-roo"

At first glance, *Nauru* and *Naoero* might look like the same word, but Adeang clearly explained the distinction.

He said, "For years, the world has known our country as *Nauru*. *Nauru* was the name heard by those who found our actual name difficult to pronounce, and that is the name the world adopted. But it is not the name our people use among themselves."

For centuries, the island's indigenous people have called it *Naoero*. This name still appears on their national coat of arms. However, English-speaking colonizers began pronouncing it *Now-roo* for their own convenience. The government has now corrected this, restoring the original pronunciation: *Now-ero*.

The president described this not as a name change, but as "an affirmation of the truth."

An 8-square-mile nation of 12,000 people

To understand *Naoero*, you need to look at a map of the world. Located in the Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia, it is a coral island spanning just 21 square kilometers (8 square miles), with a population of only 12,000 people. It is the world's third-smallest republic, after Vatican City and Monaco.

Its history is a story of colonialism. It was first occupied by Germany, and later—following World War I—governed jointly by Australia, Britain, and New Zealand. It gained independence on January 31, 1968.

Vast phosphate deposits discovered here in the 1970s transformed it overnight into one of the world's wealthiest nations. However, excessive mining and poor economic management pushed it to the brink of bankruptcy in the 1990s. Today, the country faces its greatest threat from climate change; sea levels are rising annually, and scientists predict that a large portion of this low-lying island could be submerged in the coming decades.

Why was there no referendum?

The government first announced plans for this name change in February 2025 and made a formal declaration in August 2025.

Initially, President Adeang had stated that a referendum would be held on the matter. However, the government later reversed its decision, issuing a statement that—following extensive discussion—a referendum was deemed unnecessary.

The statement read: "While the purpose of a referendum is to ascertain the will of the people, the name 'Naoero' was never lost; rather, it was simply waiting to be fully embraced. This identity already belongs to the people; it appears on the national emblem, is spoken within the community, and—most importantly—is permitted by the Constitution."

In June 2025, the Naoero government formally notified the UN Secretariat, and the country's name has now been updated on the official UN website. Embassies representing Australia, New Zealand, the US, and China have also begun adopting the new name.

With this change:

1. The country's three-letter international code will shift from *NRU* to *NRO*.

2. Citizens will no longer be referred to as 'Nauruan' but as *dei-Naoero*.

3. The new name will be used by the national airline and in all official documents.

What's in a name? A Great Deal

Over the past century, many countries have shed their colonial names. In 2022, Turkey asked the world to refer to it as *Türkiye* rather than "Turkey." In 2018, the African nation of Swaziland reverted to its original name, *Eswatini*. In 2020, Holland began calling itself the Netherlands.

These are not merely changes of name; they represent a struggle to reclaim one's identity. For a small nation like Nauru—whose very existence is threatened by the climate crisis—getting the world to pronounce its name correctly is a way of keeping its culture alive.

When Adeng stood in that vast UN hall and said, "Say our name," it was not just the voice of 12,000 people. It was the voice of all those communities that want the world to recognize them on their own terms and by their true names.

Con la cara que volviste - Shakira's Ultimate Revenge Comeback in Spain

If you've been watching American news channels, Billboard, People Magazine, or reading the New York Times, one name is everywhere: Shakira. This Colombian diva has now become the queen of Miami. After her painful separation from Gerard Piqué, everyone thought Shakira would break down, but America didn't let that break her; instead, it made her one of the world's richest and most powerful Latin artists. US media is calling it "The Ultimate Revenge Glow-Up."

Why did Shakira choose America after her breakup with Piqué?

 When Shakira and Spanish football star Gerard Piqué broke up in June 2022, it was one of the biggest headlines in the world. An 11-year relationship, two children, and then betrayal. Piqué was accused of having an affair with Clara Chia Marti. Shakira was left alone in Barcelona. The Spanish media harassed her daily.

Then Shakira made a big decision. She said goodbye to Spain and moved to Miami, Florida, with her two sons, Milan (11) and Sasha (9). America welcomed her with open arms.

 Reporting on this, US news channel CNN said, "Miami isn't just a new home for Shakira, it's a safe haven. The Latin American community is the largest here, and there's none of the paparazzi pressure that existed in Barcelona."

How Shakira's fortunes changed in America - The numbers say it all

After coming to America, Shakira's career graph rocketed. According to US Billboard, this is her transformation:

1. Made history in music: "Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53," the song released on Piqué, became the biggest Spanish song in American history. The song broke the YouTube record of 63 million views in 24 hours. It ranked number 1 on Spotify in America. Shakira earned over $5 million from this song alone.

2. Net Worth Dogini: According to US Magazine Forbes' 2024 estimate, Shakira's net worth before the breakup was $300 million. Today, in 2026, it is over $400 million. A jump of $100 million in just two years. The biggest reason for this is her tour, brand endorsements, and music royalties.

3. Rain of Awards: America treated her with great respect. In 2023, she won two Latin Grammys, one MTV Video Vanguard Award—America's highest honor, shared with Michael Jackson and Jennifer Lopez—and the Billboard Women of the Year 2023 award.

People Magazine named her the "Most Beautiful Woman of 2024," and Time Magazine included her in its list of "100 Most Influential People."

"Con la cara que volviste"—now America is changing its meaning.

When Shakira left Spain, Spanish tabloids published photos of her crying. But now that new photos are coming in from Miami Beach, the Met Gala in 2024 and 2025, and her "Les Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour," the American media is saying only one thing: What a transformation!

The New York Post wrote, "Shakira looks 27 at 47. Her face, her body, her confidence—everything is 100 times better than before."

According to American doctors and beauty experts, Shakira has not undergone any major plastic surgery. Her glow comes from three things:

1. Strict Diet and Workout: She spends 1.5 hours daily dancing and weight training. Her diet consists of Colombian fish, avocado, and fresh juice.

2. Mental Peace: After getting out of Piqué's toxic relationship, her stress level decreased. According to US media, the glow returns as soon as stress is relieved.

3. Best Stylists: She now has the most expensive stylists, makeup artists, and designers in Hollywood. Her red dress look at the Met Gala became history.

 A Superstar as a Mother

The American media sees Shakira not only as a singer but also as a super-mom. In Miami, she drops her sons off at school every day and plays basketball with them. In one viral video, she was singing in the studio with her son Milan.

In an interview with ABC News, Shakira said, "America taught me that a woman can do everything. She can be a mother, a businesswoman, and a sexy performer. I'm not judged here."

Where is Piqué in this race?

On the other hand, according to the US media, Piqué's career in America hasn't been as successful. His Kings League didn't achieve the same success there. And his relationship with Clara Chia doesn't seem as strong anymore. While Shakira is the star of every awards show, Piqué is missing from American news.

 That's why US fans have only one comment: Piqué lost the queen with a Grammy-winning, $400 million empire.

New Tour - Every Show in America Housefull

Shakirā is currently on her "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour." All of her shows in more than 20 US cities—Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Miami—are sold out. At SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, she performed in front of 70,000 people, the largest crowd for any Latina artist.

 At the start of the tour, she said, "This tour is for all the women who thought they couldn't live without love. Look, here I am, stronger than ever."

Last Word - America's New Message

So if you were to ask, based on American news, what Shakira's transformation is, the answer is a single line: a journey from pain to power.

Shakir shed tears in Spain, but in America, she transformed those tears into dollars, Grammys, and a new confidence. The glow on her face today isn't from any cream, but from the joy of winning on her own. 

That's why today all of America is saying - Shakira is back, but not as Piqué's girlfriend, she is back as America's Queen.

NSE IPO Listing Tomorrow: GMP dropped, but tomorrow will be a blockbuster entry. Learn everything from allotment to listing price.

The largest and most talked-about IPO in the history of the country's stock market, the *National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) IPO*, is going to be listed tomorrow, September 24, 2026. This is not just a listing, but a historic moment in the market, as the country's largest exchange is listing on its rival, the BSE.

For the past week, every investor has been wondering whether they received allotment, what is the GMP, and what will the listing price be tomorrow? So, let's explain the entire story in simple terms in 900 words.

First - Dates and Details

This NSE IPO opened on September 17 and closed on September 21. Investors invested heavily in this four-day bidding.

 Allotment Basis Final:  Finalized on September 22nd

Refund and Demat Credit:  Processing today, September 23rd

Listing Date: September 24, 2026, Wednesday, on BSE

Price Band:   ₹1,700 to ₹1,785 per share

Lot Size: 8 shares, meaning ₹14,280 per lot

Total Issue Size:   ₹22,569 crore

Total Shares:   12.64 crore shares

It is important to note that this IPO is entirely an Offer for Sale (OFS). This means that the NSE company did not raise funds by issuing new shares, but rather, its existing major shareholders, such as LIC, SBI, and Tiger Global, sold their shares. Therefore, this ₹22,569 crore will go directly to those shareholders.

 Even before listing, NSE had raised ₹6,746 crore from major anchor investors, including big names like LIC, Goldman Sachs, and Fidelity.

Subscription - Who bid how much?

The market welcomed this IPO. Overall, this IPO was subscribed 5.71 times. Demand for 50.58 crore shares came in against a total of 8.86 crore shares.

QIB Category:  12.68 times subscription - Foreign and domestic large institutional investors showed the most confidence.

NII (HNI) Category: 6.55 times - Large investors also bid heavily.

Employee Category: 2.40 times - NSE employees also participated.

Retail Category: 1.39 times - Retail investors showed slightly less enthusiasm, but the number was still full.

This clearly shows that large investors are very bullish on the future of NSE. 

NSE IPO GMP Today - Why is the Grey Market Premium Falling?*

Now let's get to the hottest topic: GMP.

When the NSE IPO buzz began in early September, its GMP in the unlisted market reached around ₹285. People were dreaming of a listing price above ₹2,000.

But as the IPO date approached, the GMP steadily cooled.

According to the latest data from InvestorGain and Moneycontrol:

GMP on September 22: ₹45.50

GMP on September 23 (today): ₹43 to ₹48

What does this mean? If the upper price band is ₹1,785 and the GMP is ₹43, then the estimated listing price would be ₹1,785 + ₹43 = ₹1,828. This translates to a listing gain of approximately ₹2.41% to 2.55%. 

While a 15% gain was initially expected, it has now fallen to 2.5%. There are two major reasons for this: first, the sudden sell-off in the market, and second, the supply pressure due to the large issue size.

*Remember: GMP is not a government figure. It is an unofficial, unregulated market price. It can change at any time before listing and does not guarantee the listing price.*

How to Check Allotment Status? - Step by Step

If you applied, your allotment was finalized yesterday. The money will be returned to your bank account today if you haven't received the allotment, and if you have, the shares will reflect in your Demat account by this evening.

 You can check from three places:

1. From the BSE website:

Go to the IPO Allotment section on the BSE website at http://bseindia.com, select Equity under Issue Type, select National Stock Exchange of India Ltd in the dropdown, enter your PAN or Application Number, and search.

2. From Registrar MUFG Intime:

MUFG Intime India (formerly Link Intime) is the registrar for this IPO. You can check the status by entering your PAN, DP ID, or Application Number on their website.

3. From your broker app:

Allotment status is also displayed in the IPO section on all broker apps like Zerodha, Groww, and Upstox.

What will happen in the listing tomorrow? What are experts saying?

NSE's listing will be on the BSE, as SEBI rules prohibit an exchange from listing on its own platform. A pre-open session will be held between 9 am and 10 am, and the actual price will be revealed at 10 am.

Reports from brokerage firms Angel One, Anand Rathi, and others indicate that NSE's valuation remains attractive. At the upper end of the price band, NSE's P/E ratio is 35.4x, while its rival BSE is trading at a P/E of 54.2x. BSE's stock was listed at ₹1,080 in 2017 and has increased more than 10-fold today.

NSE's business generates revenue not just from trading, but from various businesses such as data fees, colocation services, clearing, and Gift Nifty. Its market share exceeds 90%.

Therefore, even though the GMP has fallen to 2.5%, long-term investors still consider it an opportunity to invest in a monopoly business. There is little hope of a huge rise on listing in the short term, but in the long term it will directly benefit the growth of the stock market.

Dodgers' Brock Stewart to Serve as Opener Today (Tuesday) – A High-Stakes Move Against the Padres

The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced their pitching strategy for the first game of a crucial three-game series against the San Diego Padres. Right-hander Brock Stewart will start as the "opener" on Tuesday night, kicking off what will essentially be a bullpen game.

This matchup at Dodger Stadium is massive for both teams. The Dodgers (96-60) have already clinched the NL West title but are now battling for a top-two seed, which would secure a first-round bye; their "magic number" stands at just three. Meanwhile, the Padres (87-69) are currently the hottest team in baseball, having won 13 of their last 14 games and sitting just two wins away from clinching a playoff spot.

What is the Dodgers' overall pitching plan?

The Dodgers have devised a unique strategy for this game, opting not to extend their starting pitcher for a long outing.

1. Brock Stewart – The Opener:  Brock Stewart will serve as the opener today. His task is to shut down the Padres' top-of-the-order hitters during the first one or two innings. He holds a 2.55 ERA over 24.2 innings this season. While he may have benefited from some luck—given his 3.91 FIP—FanGraphs rates his "stuff" and command highly. Although he does allow hard contact, he is currently in good form.

2. Roki Sasaki – The Bulk Guy: Japanese star Roki Sasaki will handle the bulk of the workload. Sasaki was activated from the injured list today, having recovered from a blister on his hand. He has performed brilliantly since the All-Star break, posting a 3.05 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 15 walks. While his splitter and slider are already exceptional, his fastball velocity has also increased recently. The Dodgers intend to use him as a versatile bullpen weapon capable of stepping in at any moment to cover three or four innings. 3. Justin Wrobleski - Backup: If needed, left-hander Justin Wrobleski is ready to pitch multiple innings. He holds a 3.70 ERA over 136.1 innings this season.

Who is the opponent? The Padres' Michael King

The Padres have moved their ace, Michael King, up in the rotation for this match. The reason is to ensure that if Sunday's Game 162 against the Diamondbacks becomes a "do-or-die" situation, King would be available to pitch that game as well. If not, he is set to pitch Game 1 of the Wild-Card Series.

King has faced the Dodgers three times this year. On May 18, he pitched 7 shutout innings and recorded 9 strikeouts. He allowed 4 runs on June 28, and on July 3, he gave up just 2 runs over 6 innings. His record this season stands at 12-9 with a 3.03 ERA.

Why is this match special?

This isn't just an ordinary regular-season game.

For the Dodgers: Both Andy Pages and Roki Sasaki are returning today. Pages hit a home run against the Brewers and is now back in the lineup. If the Dodgers win this series, they will secure the top seed.

For the Padres: They aren't just aiming for a playoff spot; they want to host the Wild-Card Series. Their record is tied with the Chicago Cubs, but since they lost the season series to the Cubs, they need to finish at least one game ahead of them in the standings.

The Brock Stewart Story

This marks a major comeback for Brock Stewart. His last start was on August 2, when he allowed 2 runs over 4 innings. He also pitched in relief against Arizona on August 10 and has previously performed well against the Pirates. Today offers him the chance to serve as the opener in a rivalry game on his home turf—a significant stage, even if not at a venue like PNC Park.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has clearly stated that he is testing his bullpen in preparation for October. "Bullpen games" are quite common in the playoffs, and today's game is essentially a dress rehearsal for that scenario.

When and where to watch?

The match begins on Wednesday morning at 7:40 AM IST. In the US, it takes place on Tuesday evening at 7:10 PM PT.

All in all, today's game will be like a chess match of pitching strategies. On one side, there is Michael King, who is capable of pitching deep into the game (up to 7 innings), while on the other, the Dodgers will rely on a rotation of 3–4 pitchers to cover the full 9 innings. It will be interesting to see how effectively Brock Stewart, in his role as the opener, can contain big hitters like Tatis, Machado, and Soto of the Padres.

Tesla Reopens Roadster Reservations for $50,000 - 9 Years Later, Still No Car

Tesla has reopened reservations for its fastest and most delayed car, the Next-Gen Roadster. The company quietly made the Reserve Now button live on its website on September 20, 2026. And most importantly, without revealing the car's final price, photos, range, or delivery date, a $50,000 deposit is being requested.

This booking has opened just 11 days before the big reveal event in Waco, Texas, on October 1.

What is the breakdown of the $50,000?

According to the terms on the US website:

First payment: $5,000 immediately by credit card. The company says it is fully refundable.

Second payment: $45,000 by wire transfer within 10 days. Until this amount clears, the booking will not be considered final.

This same structure was in place in 2017 as well. Even back then, Tesla charged $50,000 after showing the prototype.

Global pricing is as follows:

USA: $50,000

Canada: $64,000 CAD (6,000 CAD card + $58,000 CAD wire)

China: RMB 332,000 (approximately $52,120)

The company has not yet published retail prices. In 2017, the base model was reported to be $200,000, and the Founders Series was $250,000. Now, it's believed the price could range from $250,000 to $300,000.

What's coming to Waco on October 1st?

Tesla posted a "Go for launch" teaser on September 12th. The event will be held in Waco, 90 minutes north of Tesla's Austin headquarters and very close to SpaceX's McGregor rocket test site.

The location itself makes it clear that the Roadster isn't coming alone this time. It's also coming with SpaceX's Cold-Gas Thruster package. Elon Musk has repeatedly stated that this optional package will include 10 small rocket thrusters, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 1.1 seconds and hover for a few seconds.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed a Temporary Flight Restriction in the McGregor area from September 18th to October 2nd. This applies when a rocket or high-energy demonstration is scheduled. According to reports, a remote-operated Roadster will be demonstrated at the event, and pricing, specifications, and production targets will be announced that day.

 From 2017 to 2026 - A 9-year-long story

This is the second time Tesla is charging $50,000.

On November 16, 2017, the Roadster was suddenly revealed at the end of the Tesla Semi launch event. Back then, claims were made: 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, a top speed of over 250 mph, a range of 620 miles, and production would begin in 2020.

But 2020 came and went. In 2021, Tesla removed the price from its website and stopped bookings. 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 - delays followed each year. The company remained busy with the Model Y, Cybertruck, Semi, and Optimus.

Websites like ThinkEV wrote, "First-cohort deposit holders from 2017 are still waiting nearly nine years later, yet a second cohort is wiring money anyway."

 This means that those who booked in 2017 are still waiting, yet people are paying for the second time.

Many customers tried to request a refund but had to wait months. This is why many analysts are calling it Tesla's second interest-free loan. If even 10,000 people book, the company will receive $500 million interest-free.

Why are people still paying?

Because the Roadster isn't just a car. It's Tesla's halo product. It will give the company a chance to prove it can build the world's fastest production car. If the SpaceX thruster claims are even half true, it will surpass hypercars like the Bugatti Chiron, Koenigsegg Jesko, and Rimac Nevera.

For Tesla fans, this is like becoming a part of history.

Should you book?

Experts advise against rushing. Wait until the October 1st reveal event. It would only be wise to invest if Tesla provides a firm production timeline, such as production starting by the end of 2027, and shows a live demo of the SpaceX thruster.

The paper says "refundable," but past experience suggests that refunds take time. So, only invest in something you can forget about for a year.

Overall, the Roadster's return could become the auto industry's biggest comeback story, or just another long wait. The answer will be revealed on October 1st in Waco, when the world will see if this rocket car actually flies.

Trucking Companies Bleeding Cash: Long-Term Contracts Force Firms to Absorb Soaring Diesel Costs

.The trucking industry—spanning from the US to Europe, and including India—is currently facing a major crisis. Diesel prices are at record highs, yet many trucking companies are unable to pass these costs on to their customers. The reason lies in long-term, fixed-rate contracts signed years ago. Major trucking companies in both the US and India have revealed that these contracts are causing them monthly losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

What is the full story?

Essentially, there are two types of contracts in the trucking industry: the spot market and dedicated or long-term contracts. In the spot market, rates for each trip are determined daily based on diesel prices and supply-demand dynamics. In contrast, major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Reliance Retail, and D-Mart enter into fixed-rate contracts spanning one to three years.

During 2023–24, when diesel was cheaper and the freight market was sluggish, trucking companies signed 2–3 year contracts at very low margins to remain competitive. At that time, diesel cost $3.20 per gallon in the US and ₹89 per liter in India. Companies assumed that even if rates rose slightly, they could manage the impact.

However, the situation shifted drastically by 2026. Diesel prices have now reached $5.15 per gallon in the US and between ₹97 and ₹102 per liter in India—an increase of 40–60% over two years.

Executives from major firms—such as the US-based Knight-Swift and India’s TCI Express—have stated that 70% of their contracts are still locked in at the older rates from 2024.

What did the company say? The CFO of one of America's top five trucking companies stated on condition of anonymity, "Our fuel surcharge mechanism has failed. Our contracts include a fuel surcharge cap—meaning that even if diesel prices exceed $4 per gallon, we can only charge the customer based on a $4 rate. We are now losing 22 cents for every mile driven. Our fleet of 1,200 trucks is consuming $15,000 worth of extra diesel daily—a cost we have to bear ourselves."

A manager at a major Indian logistics company said, "We signed a three-year contract with a large FMCG company in 2024 at a rate of ₹32 per kilometer. At the time, diesel was priced at ₹89, and we were making a profit of ₹4 per kilometer. Today, diesel is ₹99, and our operating cost has risen to ₹36 per kilometer. This translates to a loss of ₹4 for every kilometer driven—a direct loss of ₹12 lakh per month based on a volume of 3 lakh kilometers."

What is a fuel surcharge, and why is the mechanism failing?

Typically, every contract consists of two components: the base rate and the fuel surcharge. While the base rate remains fixed, the fuel surcharge fluctuates in line with diesel prices.

However, to attract clients, many companies introduced caps or time lags into their fuel surcharge agreements. For instance, the diesel rate might be determined based on the previous month's average, or the surcharge might be restricted so it does not increase by more than 10%. While this formula works when diesel prices rise gradually, it leads to massive losses for the company when prices surge—such as a 30% increase over three months.

According to data from the American Trucking Associations (ATA), diesel costs accounted for 28% of trucking companies' operating expenses in June 2026, up from 19% in 2023.

Who is being affected by this? 1. **Small companies are shutting down:** In the US, 3,200 small trucking companies closed during the first half of 2026. Similarly, in India, the All India Motor Transport Congress reports that 15% of small operators have sold their trucks over the past eight months.

2. Impact on driver salaries: To mitigate losses, companies are cutting driver bonuses and per-mile pay, which is further exacerbating the driver shortage.

3. Pressure on the supply chain: Companies are seeking to terminate existing contracts, leading to rising disputes with retailers. Many firms have attempted to invoke *force majeure* clauses.

Experts believe the industry needs to adopt three key changes:

First, Index-based pricing: Linking diesel prices directly to the weekly indices of the DOE (US) or IOCL (India) without any price caps.

Second, Short-term contracts:** Moving from three-year agreements to six-month or one-year contracts that include quarterly rate revisions.

Third, Investment in fuel efficiency: Many major companies are shifting to CNG, LNG, and electric trucks. Firms like TCI and VRL have added CNG trucks to their fleets, resulting in a 25% reduction in fuel costs.

Long-term contracts, once considered a guarantee of stability for trucking companies, have now become their greatest vulnerability. Diesel prices are not merely a function of commodity markets; they are tied to geopolitics, refinery capacity, and the transition to green energy. Companies still clinging to the old fixed-rate model risk incurring massive losses over the next 12 months. The industry must shift toward flexible pricing; otherwise, the number of trucks on the road will dwindle further, directly impacting inflation and the common man's wallet.

23 september se duniya mein nahin ud payegi koi bhi irani flight, america ki sabse badi dhamki - madad ki to dollar system se bahar

The ongoing tensions between the US and Iran have reached a new and decisive turning point. Amidst the nearly seven-month-long conflict, the US is now preparing to launch the most significant attack on Iran's air services to completely encircle Iran economically. The US government has openly threatened to completely halt Iranian airline operations worldwide starting tomorrow, September 23, 2026.

With this threat, the US has also warned all foreign companies and countries that provide any kind of service to Iranian airlines. The US has clearly stated that any company that assists Iran will face US action.

A major statement from the US Treasury Secretary

This warning was issued by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant. In an interview with the US channel CNBC on Monday, September 22, he said that the US is now going to impose a global shutdown on all Iranian airlines.

 Bessant said, "We will stop all Iranian airlines worldwide. How will we do that? If their plane lands somewhere, you can't provide them with fuel, landing facilities, or sell their tickets. If you do that, you will be taken out of the dollar system."

This directly means that the US is going to impose secondary sanctions. This means sanctions not only on Iran, but also on those who support Iran.

Who will be targeted?

This US plan is not limited to airlines. It covers the entire aviation ecosystem:

1. Airports and ground handling companies: Airports that will allow Iranian planes to land or provide ground services.

2. Fuel supply companies: Those who will refuel Iranian planes.

3. Ticketing companies and travel agencies: Those who will sell tickets for Iranian airlines or provide booking systems.

According to the US Treasury Department, any company providing these services to these banned Iranian airlines risks being excluded from the US dollar system and the international banking system SWIFT. In today's world, being excluded from the dollar system is tantamount to death for any international company.

Why is this action being taken?

The US alleges that Iran is using its commercial passenger airlines for military purposes. The US says these aircraft are transporting Iranian military officials, weapons, drone parts, and military equipment from one country to another.

The US administration is calling this part of its larger campaign, "Operation Economic Outcast." The aim of this operation is to cripple Tehran economically by completely shutting down all financial and trade routes connected to the Iranian government. President Donald Trump has called it "Economic D-Day."

This threat did not come suddenly. Previously, on September 8th, the US Treasury Department took major action against Iran's aviation sector. That day, the Department imposed sanctions on a total of 36 targets, including 27 Iranian airlines. These included major companies like Mahan Air, Iran Air, and Caspian Airlines. The US had warned that those supporting them were being monitored.

China, India, and Russia also under scrutiny

The US is also very strict about China's role in this campaign, as China is Iran's largest economic partner. In July 2026, the US imposed sanctions on companies and individuals in China, India, Russia, and Iran for allegedly supporting Mahan Air.

The US believes that the sanctions on Iranian airlines will have a real impact only when countries like China, India, Turkey, and Russia also abandon their support.

The effects of the US threat have already begun to be felt on the ground:

1. Iraq: Iraq's aviation authority has announced that it is suspending all flights of Iranian airlines.

2. Georgia: Georgia has banned Iranian aircraft from entering its airspace.

 3. Turkey: Following Turkey's request, Mahan Air, Iran's largest private airline, has suspended flights to Turkey.

What will be the impact on Iran's air connectivity?

If the US fully implements its threat, Iran will be virtually cut off from the world. Iran has approximately 27 active airlines, primarily operating flights to Dubai, Istanbul, New Delhi, Moscow, Beirut, and some European cities. These airlines carry millions of passengers annually, especially a large number of Iranian expatriates and workers.

The suspension of flights will not only cause inconvenience to ordinary people but will also severely impact Iran's trade, medicine, and supply of essential goods. The Iranian currency is already under pressure, and this move could further weaken it.

At present, there has been no official response from the Iranian government, but Iranian media is calling it a policy of "economic terrorism" by the US.

 The whole world will be watching what happens on September 23, because this is not just a battle between airlines, but one of America's biggest attempts to control the world with the power of the dollar.

Polo now a Category 1 hurricane! Intensifying into a major hurricane, threatening beach resorts in Mexico, and flood alerts in the US Southwest.

Tropical Storm Polo, which formed last Sunday in the Pacific Ocean, has rapidly strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane. According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), by Monday afternoon, Polo had reached winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) and is now moving toward rapid intensification. This storm will not directly impact the US, but its moisture and outer bands could cause life-threatening flooding along the western coast of Mexico and the US Southwest.

Where is Polo and how strong is it?

According to the NHC's report at 12 noon (1800 GMT) on Monday, Hurricane Polo's center was about 270 miles (435 kilometers) south-southeast of the Mexican port city of Manzanillo and 190 miles (305 kilometers) southwest of the tourist town of Zihuatanejo. The storm is currently moving eastward at a slow speed of 5 mph. Its maximum sustained winds are 80 mph. Mexico's National Meteorological Service has also confirmed this.

The most worrying aspect is its forecast track. Forecasters say that Polo will become a Major Hurricane, a Category 3 or higher, by Tuesday. Some models even predict that it could reach Category 4 (213-215 km/h) by Wednesday, and according to a report by Mexico News Daily, it could possibly reach Category 5. The good news is that its core center is expected to remain away from land, meaning a direct landfall is unlikely. However, this does not mean that the danger is less.

The NHC has clearly stated, "Although the storm's center is expected to remain away from the coast, it is too early to determine where and how much impact it will have. People living in Southwest Mexico should monitor its progress."

Which Mexican states are most at risk?

Polo will have the greatest impact on Mexico's Pacific Coast states. The NHC has issued a Tropical Storm Watch from Tecpan de Galeana (Guerrero) to Punta San Telmo (Michoacan).

Coastal areas of Guerrero and Michoacan states could receive 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) of rain by Thursday, with isolated totals reaching 12 inches (30 cm) in some places. According to Mexico's Weather Service, 75 to 150 mm of rain is expected in Oaxaca and Guerrero, 50 to 75 mm in Michoacan, and 25 to 50 mm in Jalisco and Colima. Private forecaster AccuWeather has warned that some areas could receive 100-200 mm of rain, and isolated totals of up to 300 mm.

This heavy rainfall poses a risk of catastrophic mudslides and flooding in rivers and streams in mountainous areas. Winds will be 10 to 20 km/h, but gusts can reach 30-50 km/h. Waves can reach 1 to 3 meters high, creating dangerous surf and rip currents.

Tourist hubs will also be affected. AccuWeather states that major tourist resorts like Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Southern Baja California Sur, including Los Cabos, will also experience strong winds and rough surf. Areas like Acapulco have already suffered from flooding in the past week, making the threat of Polo even greater. Travel alerts have been issued – roads, boat transfers, airport connections, and outdoor tours are likely to be delayed or canceled.

Why is Polo a flood threat in the US Southwest?

Polo will not make landfall directly in the US, but its tropical moisture is being drawn northward and supercharging the US monsoon. Just a week ago, flooding triggered by another tropical disturbance killed three people near Newcomb, New Mexico. Now, moisture from Polo is increasing the threat again in the same area.

Fox Weather and the National Weather Service in Albuquerque have warned that monsoon thunderstorms will hit New Mexico from Tuesday to Thursday. The Albuquerque NWS stated, "Widespread heavy rainfall will pose a risk of life-threatening flash flooding across the state."

A Level 3 out of 4 Flash Flood Threat has been issued for Tuesday in southern New Mexico, including Las Cruces. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office rescued two motorists trapped in floodwaters in Goodyear by helicopter on September 16th.

AccuWeather has stated that moisture from the Polo will increase the risk of flash floods in Arizona and New Mexico starting Tuesday. El Niño is becoming exceptionally strong this year, with a nearly 100% chance of reaching Super El Niño status. Because of this, the Pacific Basin is already supercharged – with just two months left in the season, 18 named storms have already formed in the Central and Eastern Pacific.

 What is Polo's future timeline?

Monday, Sept. 21: Becomes a Category 1 hurricane, with winds up to 80 mph, moving slowly east-northeast.

Tuesday, Sept. 22: Strengthens into a hurricane, with winds up to 148 km/h. The center will slow south of Mexico and begin to turn northwest.

Wednesday, Sept. 23: Rapid intensification - from Category 2 to Category 3 (200+ km/h). Track will turn northwest, paralleling the Mexican coast.

Thursday, Sept. 24: Forecast indicates a Category 4 (213-215 km/h). The center will remain offshore, but the risk of heavy rain and landslides remains.

Multiple systems active simultaneously

Polo isn't alone. Tropical Storm Odalys is also located in the Pacific, located at 13.5°N, 128.7°W, and could become a hurricane by midweek, although it is far from land. Apart from this, there is an 80% chance of formation of a new system from the remnants of Tropical Depression Fifteen-E in the East-Southeast of Hawaii, which can bring heavy rains to Big Island and Maui. There is also a 40% development chance of a Low Pressure in the South of Gulf of Tehuantepec.

At present, it is most important that the people of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima, Jalisco and Oaxaca in Mexico should follow the advice of Civil Protection, stay away from coastal areas and keep an eye on the official NHC Updates. At the same time, the people of New Mexico and Arizona should not take Flash Flood Warnings lightly. Even though the center of Polo remains in the sea, its Impact Map Center can be dangerous hundreds of kilometers away from the track.

Rams' revenge! Stafford's 4 TDs, Adams' 195 yards, crushed the injured Giants 28-6 - Donald's return after 981 days

At SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the Rams achieved something no one expected after their 27-7 Week 1 thrashing by San Francisco in Australia. They bounced back to level their season record at 1-1 by decisively defeating the New York Giants 28-6. This victory wasn't just about the scoreboard; it marked another career milestone for Matthew Stafford, a vintage comeback for Davante Adams, and a sensational return for Aaron Donald after 981 days away from the NFL.

The Giants' luck ran out as soon as the match began. During their very first drive—with 11:20 remaining in the opening quarter—starting quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a severe left knee injury. He was hit high by the Rams' Byron Young and low by Josaiah Stewart, collapsing to the ground while clutching his knee in pain. Although he limped off the field, the team initially listed him as "questionable" before ruling him out for the remainder of the game during the third quarter.

The night was even bleaker for Jameis Winston, who stepped in for Dart. He completed just 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards, threw one interception, and posted a dismal passer rating of 29.2. The Giants' offense managed only 182 total yards, while the Rams racked up 481. The Giants had 10 possessions and crossed midfield six times, yet the results were: six punts, two field goals, one interception, and one turnover on downs.

The Giants' injury woes didn't end there. Star receiver Malik Nabers injured his shoulder late in the first quarter. He returned in the second quarter—his shoulder taped up—but managed only one catch for one yard throughout the game. Left tackle Andrew Thomas suffered a groin injury, and pass rusher Brian Burns sustained an ankle injury. This was only Head Coach John Harbaugh's second game with the Giants, and his team looked completely disjointed. They had defeated the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, but this time, the team was unrecognizable.

On the other side, the Rams weren't playing at full strength either; their star receiver Puka Nacua missed the game due to a hip injury, and pass rusher Myles Garrett is on Injured Reserve (IR). However, these absences gave Davante Adams the opportunity to shine.

Adams proved that age is just a number. Targeted 10 times, he made 8 catches for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was the fourth-best receiving game of his 11-year career—falling just 11 yards short of his personal best of 206 yards against the Bengals in 2021. With this performance, his career receiving touchdown tally reached 119, putting him just two shy of Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald for sixth place all-time. Adams also made an explosive 61-yard catch that set up his second touchdown.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford also made history. He completed 22 of 31 passes for 327 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception, posting an impressive passer rating of 131.3. His 4 touchdowns in this game brought his career total to 427, allowing him to surpass Philip Rivers (426) and take sixth place in NFL history. He now trails only Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, and Aaron Rodgers. This marked the 22nd game of his career in which he threw 4 or more touchdown passes.

Here is how the scoring unfolded:

With 11 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Stafford threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Adams—7-0. In the second quarter, following a 61-yard catch by Adams, Stafford threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Kyren Williams—14-0. The Giants made the score 14-3 with a field goal before halftime. In the third quarter, Stafford threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Adams—his second of the game—making it 21-6. In the fourth quarter, a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Terrance Ferguson sealed the final score at 28-6.

The biggest story of the match was the return of Aaron Donald. The 35-year-old, three-time Defensive Player of the Year returned to the NFL after 981 days; he had announced his comeback from retirement on August 30. In this game, he recorded 3 tackles and 1 tackle for loss. The Rams' defense held the Giants to just 6 points. Cornerback Trent McDuffie secured the Rams' first interception and broke up four passes.

The Rams' running game was also effective. Kyren Williams rushed for 85 yards on 12 carries and scored a touchdown, though he did commit one fumble. Blake Corum gained 79 yards on 12 carries. The Rams converted 62.5% (5 of 8) of their third-down attempts, while the Giants managed only 21% (3 of 14).

The only bright spot for the Giants was the performance of safety Jevon Holland. He intercepted a pass from Stafford, punched the ball out of Williams' hands to force a fumble, and recorded 8 tackles.

After the game, Rams coach Sean McVay said, "Adams is still No. 1 to me. People might have been surprised, but we knew what he was capable of." Adams remarked, "I never doubted myself." Meanwhile, Stafford said, "We're lucky to have Adams."

Next week, the Rams (1-1) will face the Denver Broncos, while the Giants (1-1) will host the Tennessee Titans. The biggest concern for the Giants is Dart's injury; early reports suggest a possible MCL strain, which could sideline him for 4 to 6 weeks.

Aちゃんがイタリアの大聖堂で結婚式を挙げる！休載中のPerfumeが花嫁となり、かしゆかとのっちが証人となる。

 日本で最も有名なテクノポップガールズグループ、Perfumeのリーダー、西脇彩香（Aちゃん）が、ついに結婚しました。しかも、まるで映画のような、イタリアの美しい大聖堂での挙式です。

Aちゃん自身が自身のインスタグラムでこの嬉しいニュースを発表し、イタリアのアレッツォ大聖堂で撮影した写真を公開しました。写真の中のAちゃんは、白いウェディングドレスを身にまとい、まるで妖精のよう。ファンからは「花嫁姿が本当に美しい」というコメントが寄せられています。

結婚したAちゃんはファンに「10歳の頃からの夢でした」と語りました。

この結婚式で最も特別なのは、Aちゃんの夫です。Aちゃんは、芸能界とは無縁の「一般人」と説明しましたが、彼は決して平凡な人ではありません。

彼女は「彼は私の親友で、Perfumeと私のことを心から応援してくれる人！笑。ファンの方と結婚するのが私の夢だったの。10歳のあやかちゃん、おめでとう！夢を叶えたね！」と綴った。

日本のメディア「スポニチ」によると、彼女の夫は、日本で最も有名なバッグブランド「吉田カバン」の4代目社長、吉田幸弘氏（41歳）だという。慶應義塾大学を卒業後、イタリアでバッグ作りを学んだ。そのため、イタリアでの結婚式は二人にとって特別なものだった。彼は背が高く、俳優の山本浩二さんに似ていると言われている。

Perfumeと吉田カバンは長年の付き合いがある。2023年には、Perfumeのファンクラブ15周年を記念して、吉田氏のブランド「POTR」とコラボレーションし、特別なバッグを制作した。あやかちゃんは以前から吉田カバンのバッグの大ファンだった。

Aちゃんは投稿の中でさらにこう綴っています。「私はAちゃんであり、西脇彩香でもあります。プライベートも仕事も、すべてが合わさって私です。ハッシュタグで自分を表現するなら、#Perfume #歌手 #ダンス #広島…といった感じでしたが、これからは#ママ #母 #赤ちゃん #家族といった言葉も自然と加わるでしょう。もっと深く、もっと愛情深い人間になりたいです。」

また、結婚式の証人は、親友でありバンドメンバーでもあるかしゆかとのっちだったことも明かしました。これ以上の友情があるでしょうか？

Perfumeは25年の活動を経て、2026年からコールドスリープに入ります。

Perfumeは2025年9月に日本中を驚かせる重大発表を行いました。 1999年に広島で結成され、2005年にメジャーデビューを果たして以来、20年間休みなく活動を続けてきたAちゃん、かしゆか（37）、のっち（37）は、疲れ果てたと語りました。

彼女たちは「2026年からPerfumeは再びコールドスリープ（人工冬眠）に入ります。これはメンバー間の衝突によるものではなく、より良く、よりクールなPerfumeとして戻ってくるための休止期間です」と発表しました。最後のライブは2025年12月31日に行われた第76回NHK紅白歌合戦でした。

コールドスリープとは無期限の休止を意味しますが、バンドの活動は終わりではありません。

休止期間中に3人は再会！イタリアでの再会

結婚式に次いで最も感動的な瞬間は、3人の再会でした。

Aちゃんはイタリアで行われた自身の結婚式にかしゆかとのっちを招待しました。グループは活動休止中ですが、3人の友情は変わっていません。

柏由香は今年の言葉に「巡り」を選び、「今年は、どれだけ多くの人々との出会いが私たちをここまで導いてくれたのかを実感しました」と語った。

あちゃんも同じ気持ちで、「奇跡が重なってコールドスリープに入ることになったんです。2025年が始まった頃は、まさか結婚するなんて想像もしていませんでした。すべては運命ですね」と笑いながら話した。

結婚式の写真もSNSで話題になっている。2026年6月に公開されたドキュメンタリー映画『パフューム コールドスリープ 25周年記録』には、肩出しフリルのウェディングドレスを着たあちゃんが、同じく白い衣装を着た愛犬2匹と一緒にポーズをとるシーンがある。キャプションには「パフュームで働いていた頃、こんな未来が待っているなんて想像もしていませんでした。今でも信じられません」と綴られている。ファンからは「世界で一番美しい花嫁」というコメントが寄せられました。

のっちは「絆」をモットーに選び、「コールドスリープのメッセージを送った時、ファンのみんながPerfumeの一員になったような気がしました。私たちの絆は本当に深いんです」と語りました。

ファンの反応

ファンはこの結婚に大喜びです。日本のアイドル文化では、結婚のニュースはネガティブに捉えられることが多いのですが、あちゃんの場合は皆から祝福のメッセージが寄せられました。

あるコメントには「ずっと友達でファンと結婚なんて最高！」とありました。

「ファンと結婚することが夢だったなんて素敵！」

女優の石川蓮は「あちゃん、結婚おめでとう！愛を込めて」と祝福のメッセージを送りました。

AちゃんはPerfumeのメンバーとして初めて結婚した。Perfumeは「ポリリズム」「チョコレートディスコ」「Love The World」などのヒット曲で日本のテクノポップを世界的に有名にしたグループだ。また、2019年のコーチェラ・フェスティバルに出演した初のJ-POPガールズグループでもある。

ファンは今、Aちゃんが母親になるという夢を叶えること、そしてPerfumeがコールドスリープから目覚め、さらにクールになってカムバックすることを心待ちにしている

Amid Putin's election, Ukraine's biggest attack on Moscow: 1,600 drones set oil refinery on fire, Kremlin says it will take revenge on Kyiv

The fifth year of the Russia-Ukraine war has reached a major turning point. On the final day of the State Duma elections in Russia, Ukraine launched its largest drone attack yet on Moscow. The Kremlin described it as an attempt to disrupt democratic will and threatened to intensify attacks on Kyiv.

1,600 Drones Attack on Moscow

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin himself stated that this was the largest attack on the capital since the war began in 2022.

- From Saturday night to Sunday, Russia claimed to have shot down more than 1,600 Ukrainian drones.

- Of these, 450 drones were headed directly toward Moscow.

- Two people were killed in the Moscow region in this attack – a 44-year-old woman and an elderly man. Twenty people are reported injured.

 - A drone crashed into a 21-story apartment building, causing a fire and forcing 400 people to evacuate. A large hole was created in a building in Kotelniki.

- A massive fire broke out at the Moscow Oil Refinery, owned by Gazprom Neft. Plumes of black smoke were visible from several kilometers away. This refinery has been targeted before.

Sobyanin wrote on Telegram, "The largest attack by enemy drones has been thwarted. This unprecedented attack was clearly planned to disrupt the elections. The enemy did not succeed."

Kremlin's response: Attacks on Kyiv will intensify

Russia's Defense Ministry immediately issued a statement.

The Defense Ministry said, "In response to the Kyiv regime's attacks on civilian targets inside Russia, the Russian military will continue and intensify its high-accuracy strikes on military targets in Kyiv."

The Ministry accused Ukraine of trying to "obstruct the democratic will of Russian citizens." It also claimed to have shot down approximately 2,000 drones and eight cruise missiles in the past 24 hours.

Zelenskyy said, "Billions of dollars in damage caused."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the attack. He said, "Our long-range response had a significant impact in the Moscow region last night."

Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine used two new domestically developed weapons in the attack: the Flamingo Cruise Missile and the Pelican Missile/Drone. He added, "A key facility in Russia's oil industry and the attacker's logistics facility were targeted. These are billions of dollars that power the war machine."

Putin's party wins again, but questions remain about the election.

Amid this attack and cyberattack, Russia's three-day parliamentary elections concluded. This was the first Duma election since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Exit polls by government pollsters project Putin's United Russia party to win 49.4% of the vote.

According to state media TASS, with 71% of the vote counted, United Russia has secured 57.5% of the vote. The Communist Party is at 14%, and the LDPR at 8.7%.

With this, United Russia is set to regain a two-thirds majority in the 450-seat Duma, allowing it to amend the constitution.

No anti-war party was allowed to contest the election. The Supreme Court removed the anti-war Yabloko party from the ballot just weeks before the vote.

Voting was also held in occupied Ukrainian territories.

Central Election Commission chief Ella Pamfilova said that despite a cyber attack, voting went smoothly, with turnout at around 57% by evening.

 The Kremlin is preparing to present this victory as proof of public support for Putin's policies and war.

This attack demonstrates that Ukraine is now capable of not just defense, but of striking deep into Moscow, using its own weapons. Meanwhile, Russia has threatened more missile attacks on Kyiv.

There are reports of two deaths, including an election official, particularly in the occupied Kherson region.

The next few days could be difficult for both capitals – Moscow and Kyiv.