Tara A. Berman, MD, MS, a Medical Gynecologic Oncologist with Inova

Having already assured himself of a landmark medal, Jay Meena capped off a memorable campaign with a bronze after a fighting semifinal performance.

Poompuhar: Underwater exploration at Poompuhar, a 2,000 year old Chola port city, has found over 200 potsherds and the first torpedo jars linked to Persian Gulf trade dating to the 3rd century BCE. Glazed Iranian pottery, Gangetic ware, and a 40m stone structure add proof of erosion and tsunamis burying this ancient Tamil trading hub.

Republican candidates in competitive US midterm races are increasingly distancing themselves from Donald Trump on issues such as immigration, the Iran war and campaign branding as his approval ratings weaken. The challenge is balancing that separation with the need to retain Trump’s core supporters, making the strategy more about selective independence than a full break with the president.

AI-generated political ads are proliferating ahead of the US midterms, with candidates and outside groups using deepfakes and synthetic video to attack rivals and draw attention. While the tools make campaign content cheaper and more creative, experts warn they could further erode trust by making voters doubt both fake and authentic political material.

Republicans are entering the final stretch of the US midterms on the defensive, pouring money into traditionally red states as voter anger over living costs, fuel prices and the Iran war weighs on the party. Some GOP candidates are distancing themselves from Trump on immigration and foreign policy, while Democrats are increasingly competitive in states such as Texas, Ohio, Iowa and Alaska.

Senator Roger Wicker has publicly criticized President Trump for the warm reception planned for Chinese President Xi Jinping. Wicker expressed that he would have advised against the lavish welcome and the state dinner scheduled for Xi. He urged Trump to address issues like China's military buildup and human rights concerns during their discussions. The summit between Trump and Xi is expected to focus on trade and artificial intelligence rivalry.

Jay Meena created history at the Asian Games in Nagoya, becoming the first Indian to bag a soft tennis medal at the continental showpiece.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said BRICS countries need to ensure their views are reflected in the new global tax rules, as decisions taken in the next few years could shape cross-border taxation for a generation.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has raised concerns about Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's support within the Election Commission. He claims that two Election Commissioners objected to irregularities during the Special Intensive Revision process. Sibal argues that decisions should be taken by majority voting among the commissioners, which did not occur. Several political leaders have echoed these concerns regarding the conduct of the Election Commission.

Rescue operations continue for the Virgo Transport 8 ferry that capsized in the Java Sea. Official reports state that the death toll has risen to 20 after the tragedy. Authorities are focused on searching the ship's cabins and recovering more bodies. There are still 115 individuals reported missing from the incident. Efforts to right the ship are ongoing but have faced challenges due to adverse conditions.

Jay Singh Rathore has become a viral name on X after an alleged eye-surgery fundraiser for his minor sister reportedly raised Rs 1.5 lakh. The controversy grew after Shroff Eye Centre flagged allegedly fake medical documents, while Rathore faced questions during lengthy X Spaces. Vijay Mallya references and memes have since flooded social media.

During an interview with Chinese state television network CCTV, Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk hailed Chinese President Xi Jinping as a "great leader." Musk highlighted the progress he saw in China, which he attributed to Xi's governance. The American enterpreneur also commented on his team working at Tesla's Shanghai plant, noting them to be "talented, hardworking and trustworthy" and called the factory a "gem."