Brazil joins South Africa’s genocide case at ICJ against Israel

**Brazil Joins South Africa’s Genocide Case at ICJ Against Israel**

Brazil has officially joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This move is largely symbolic, signifying that whatever construction emerges from the court’s eventual judgment will be equally binding upon Brazil.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva recently engaged in discussions that underscore the country’s growing involvement in international legal matters. During a meeting with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia on March 6, 2024, President Lula emphasized Brazil’s commitment to upholding international justice.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino/File Photo*

By SARAH BEN-NUN
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868287

Osaka High Court Upholds Don Juan of Kishu’s Will

Nozaki, who made his fortune in lending and liquor wholesale, was a prominent figure in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture. He was known for often keeping large amounts of cash and precious metals at his home. In a past interview, he remarked, “This watch cost 4.5 million yen. I usually keep around 700 million yen at home.”

After his sudden death from acute stimulant poisoning in 2018, a handwritten will in red ink was discovered. The will stated, “I bequeath all my personal assets to Tanabe City. Kosuke Nozaki.”

In 2020, his relatives filed a lawsuit contesting the validity of the document. They argued that the handwriting was unnatural and claimed there was no rational motive for Nozaki to donate his estate to the city.

However, the Wakayama District Court ruled in June of last year that the handwriting exhibited characteristics unique to Nozaki and judged the will to be valid.

Dissatisfied with this ruling, the relatives appealed the decision, asserting that the signature could have been traced from another document and forged.

In its ruling on September 19th, the Osaka High Court dismissed the appeal. The court stated that although the signature resembled one on another document, this alone was not sufficient grounds to presume forgery. The court upheld the lower court’s finding that the will was valid.

The case is further complicated by the circumstances surrounding Nozaki’s death. His then 29-year-old wife was indicted on charges of murder and other offenses but was acquitted by the Wakayama District Court in December last year. Prosecutors have since appealed the acquittal, prolonging the legal proceedings.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146957.php

Apple’s next MacBook Pro may feature these 5 upgrades

**Apple’s Next MacBook Pro May Feature These 5 Major Upgrades**

Apple is reportedly working on a significant redesign of its MacBook Pro, marking the first major update since 2021. According to rumors, the revamped MacBook Pro is expected to launch sometime in 2026, bringing several exciting new features and improvements.

**1. OLED Display**

One of the most anticipated upgrades is the introduction of an OLED display for the first time in a MacBook Pro. This change promises improved brightness and better color accuracy, enhancing the overall visual experience for users. Additionally, the new model could eliminate the notch, opting instead for a smaller camera hole cutout for a cleaner look.

**2. Thinner Design**

The 2026 MacBook Pro is expected to boast a thinner design, contributing to a more sleek and portable device. While specific details on the slimmer profile remain scarce, this evolution aligns with Apple’s ongoing commitment to refining the form factor of its devices.

**3. Touchscreen Integration**

Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that Apple may introduce touchscreen capabilities to its Mac lineup as early as 2026. This speculation is supported by increasing evidence of Apple’s interest in incorporating touchscreen technology into future Macs, potentially transforming user interaction.

**4. Cellular Connectivity**

In a notable advancement, the upcoming MacBook Pro could become Apple’s first cellular-enabled Mac. Reports suggest that an in-house modem is in development, which would allow the device to offer cellular connectivity, providing users with internet access on the go without relying on Wi-Fi networks.

**5. Next-Generation M6 Chip**

Powering the new MacBook Pro will be the next-generation M6 chip family, expected to be Apple’s first to utilize TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm technology. This chip upgrade is set to deliver significant improvements in both performance and energy efficiency compared to previous models.

With these anticipated upgrades, Apple’s 2026 MacBook Pro aims to redefine professional laptop performance and user experience. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the official launch.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/oled-to-cellular-connectivity-macbook-pro-may-feature-these-upgrades/story

Brazil joins South Africa’s genocide case at ICJ against Israel

**Brazil Joins South Africa’s Genocide Case at ICJ Against Israel**

Brazil has officially joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This move is largely symbolic, signifying that whatever construction emerges from the court’s eventual judgment will be equally binding upon Brazil.

In a recent development, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia on March 6, 2024. This meeting underscores Brazil’s growing engagement in international legal matters.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino/File Photo*

By SARAH BEN-NUN
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https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868287

Word of the Day: Callous

**Word of the Day: Callous**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 21, 2025 | 05:21 pm*

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### What’s the story?

The adjective **“callous”** describes someone who shows little or no concern for the feelings of others. It is used to characterize a person who is emotionally hardened, unkind, or indifferent to the suffering of others. A callous attitude makes someone appear cold and uncaring.

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### Origin of the Word

The word **“callous”** comes from the Latin word *callum*, which means “thick skin.” When it first entered the English language in the 1500s, it referred to skin that had become hardened from use. Over time, the meaning expanded to describe people who are hardened in spirit—unfeeling or lacking compassion.

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### Synonyms for “Callous”

Words that are often used interchangeably with “callous” include:
– Cold
– Harsh
– Unkind
– Uncaring
– Ruthless
– Indifferent
– Unsympathetic

Each of these words suggests a person who shows little concern for others or who ignores their feelings.

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### Sentence Usage

Here are some examples of how to use **“callous”** in different contexts:
– “His callous remarks hurt her deeply.”
– “The manager’s callous attitude upset the employees.”
– “Ignoring the suffering of others is a callous act.”

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### Why Use the Word?

Using **“callous”** helps describe behavior that is cold, unfeeling, or lacking empathy. It adds sharpness when portraying characters or situations where compassion is missing. Whether in storytelling, reports, or everyday conversations, “callous” clearly conveys emotional hardness.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/word-of-the-day-callous/story

H-1B visa fee hike: Beneficiaries like Musk, Nadella, Pichai silent

**H-1B Visa Fee Hike: Beneficiaries Like Musk, Nadella, Pichai Remain Silent**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 06:25 PM*

Silicon Valley’s tech giants, including Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, and Satya Nadella, have remained notably silent following the announcement of a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. The fee hike was introduced by the Trump administration last Saturday, sparking surprise given that some of these leaders, notably Musk, have previously expressed strong opposition to changes in the H-1B visa system.

**Musk’s Previous Stance on H-1B Visa Changes**

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has been vocal about the importance of the H-1B visa program. In December, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight that many critical contributors to his companies are beneficiaries of the H-1B visa. He went as far as threatening to “go to war” if the system was altered in a way that could harm these professionals.

**Details of the New Rule**

The recent regulation, signed by President Trump, imposes a hefty $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. According to the administration, the goal is to ensure that only “extraordinarily skilled” individuals enter the U.S. workforce, preventing companies from using foreign professionals to replace American workers.

This fee hike predominantly affects Indian professionals, who make up approximately 71% of all H-1B visa holders.

**Clarifications on the Fee**

The administration clarified that this new rule only applies to *new* visa petitions and does not impact existing H-1B visa holders who are re-entering the country. Karoline Leavitt, White House spokesperson, explained on X that “this is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition.”

A petition refers to a company’s request to bring a skilled foreign worker to the U.S. workforce.

—

The response—or lack thereof—by influential tech leaders continues to draw attention as the industry assesses the impact of this significant policy change on talent acquisition and innovation.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/h-1b-visa-s-100-000-fee-what-are-silicon-valley-ceos-saying/story

Is ‘Lokah’ coming to OTT soon? Dulquer Salmaan reveals truth

**Is ‘Lokah’ Coming to OTT Soon? Dulquer Salmaan Reveals the Truth**

*By Isha Sharma | Sep 21, 2025, 05:04 PM*

Dulquer Salmaan, the producer of the blockbuster Malayalam film *Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra*, has addressed rumors regarding the movie’s imminent OTT release. The film, which stars Kalyani Priyadarshan and Naslen, has reportedly become the highest-grossing Malayalam film, amassing over ₹271 crore in global earnings since its release on August 28.

### Official Statement from Dulquer Salmaan

Amid widespread speculation about *Lokah* potentially streaming on Netflix in multiple languages, Dulquer Salmaan took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify the situation. He stated clearly,

> “Lokah isn’t coming to OTT anytime soon. Ignore the fake news and stay tuned for official announcements! #Lokah #WhatstheHurry.”

In addition, his production house, Wayfarer Films, echoed this message across its social media platforms, urging fans to rely only on verified updates.

### About the ‘Lokah’ Franchise

*Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra* marks the beginning of an ambitious five-part franchise directed by Dominic Arun. In this installment, Kalyani Priyadarshan plays the role of a yakshi/vampire named Chandra/Neeli.

Looking ahead, the second chapter will feature Tovino Thomas portraying a goblin named Chathan. Dulquer Salmaan himself is rumored to take on the role of Charlie, an odiyan (shapeshifter).

Additionally, legendary actor Mammootty lent his voice to the character Moothon in this film; however, it remains unclear whether he will reprise this role in future installments.

—

Stay tuned for more official updates about the *Lokah* franchise and its release plans.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/dulquer-salmaan-clears-air-on-lokah-ott-release/story

VinFast India taps Hyundai executive as its CEO

**VinFast India Taps Hyundai Executive as Its CEO**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 02:58 PM*

—

**Vietnamese EV Maker VinFast Appoints New CEO in India**

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast is set to appoint Tapan Ghosh, currently Vice President and Head of Sales at Hyundai India, as the CEO of its Indian operations. Ghosh has already submitted his resignation to Hyundai and is expected to join VinFast India on October 16.

This leadership change comes shortly after VinFast launched its two new electric SUVs, the VF6 and VF7, in the Indian market.

—

**VinFast’s Growing Presence in India**

So far, VinFast’s strategy in India has been overseen by Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia. The company has established an assembly plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, with plans to initially produce 50,000 cars. Production capacity is expected to scale up to 300,000 units over time.

VinFast has also committed to investing nearly $2 billion in India over the next few years to strengthen its operations and expand its local footprint.

—

**Tapan Ghosh’s Industry Experience**

Tapan Ghosh brings extensive automotive industry expertise to VinFast. Beginning his career with Hindustan Motors in 1995, Ghosh has worked with several major companies, including Honda Cars, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki India, and Tata Motors. Since joining Hyundai in 2013, he has played a key role in driving sales growth.

His appointment as CEO is expected to add significant value to VinFast’s ambitions in India by leveraging his deep understanding of the local market.

—

**VinFast’s Market Entry Strategy vs Tesla**

VinFast’s approach to entering India contrasts with Tesla’s. Tesla entered the Indian market in July with showrooms in Mumbai and Delhi but maintains limited operations and remote leadership.

VinFast, on the other hand, is focusing on local manufacturing and leadership, a strategy experts believe is vital for success in India’s competitive EV segment.

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**Challenges Ahead for VinFast in India**

While VinFast has surprised many by pricing its cars competitively alongside established Indian brands like Tata and Mahindra, gaining consumer trust remains a significant challenge.

According to Puneet Gupta from S&P Global Mobility, “Customers already have inhibitions about EVs, so an added uncertainty about a relatively unknown brand in the Indian market will not make things easy for VinFast.”

The appointment of a seasoned Indian automotive leader like Ghosh is seen as a critical step in overcoming these challenges and building confidence among Indian buyers.

—

**Conclusion**

VinFast’s aggressive investment and localization efforts, combined with Tapan Ghosh’s leadership, mark a pivotal moment in the company’s journey to establish itself as a strong player in India’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/vinfast-to-appoint-hyundai-s-tapan-ghosh-as-india-ceo/story

GST rate cuts take effect tomorrow: What’s getting cheaper

**GST Rate Cuts Take Effect Tomorrow: What’s Getting Cheaper**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 03:39 PM*

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council’s decision to cut rates on nearly 375 items will come into effect from tomorrow, September 22. This move is set to make a wide range of products—including kitchen staples, electronics, medicines, and automobiles—more affordable for consumers across the country.

### Sectoral Impact: Price Cuts Expected Across Consumer Goods

The GST rate cut will benefit multiple sectors. Daily-use food items such as butter, namkeen, ketchup, jam, dry fruits, coffee, and ice cream are expected to become cheaper. Electronics like TVs, air conditioners, and washing machines will also see price reductions. Several FMCG companies have already begun revising their prices in anticipation of the lower tax burden on these products.

### Healthcare: Medicines to Become More Affordable

The healthcare sector stands to gain significantly. Most medicines, formulations, and medical devices—such as glucometers and diagnostic kits—will now attract a GST rate of 5%. This reduction is expected to ease medicine costs for households. Pharmacies have been directed to either revise maximum retail prices or sell medicines at rates reflecting the new lower tax.

### Construction, Automotive Sectors to Benefit

Builders and homebuyers will also benefit from the GST rate cut, with cement’s tax rate reduced from 28% to 18%. The automobile sector is among the biggest beneficiaries: buyers of small cars will now pay 18% GST, while bigger models will attract 28%, a notable reduction from previous rates. This move is expected to boost demand in the automotive market.

### Services: Tax Cuts for Everyday Services and Household Staples

The services sector will also see benefits. Salons, beauty parlors, yoga studios, gyms, and health clubs will now be taxed at 5% without input credit, down from the earlier 18% with credit. Household staples such as hair oil, soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, and toothpaste are also expected to become more affordable due to the lowered tax rate.

### Simplified GST Structure: Moving to a Two-Rate System

Alongside the rate cuts, the GST Council has simplified the tax structure into a largely two-rate system — 5% and 18%. Ultra-luxury goods will continue to attract a higher tax of 40%, while tobacco and related products will remain in the 28% slab with an additional cess. This marks a shift from the current four-slab system of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, simplifying compliance and rate management.

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Overall, the GST rate cuts coming into effect tomorrow aim to lighten the tax burden on consumers and businesses alike, promoting affordability and stimulating demand across various sectors. Stay tuned for more updates on pricing changes as companies revise their rates in line with the new GST norms.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/new-gst-rates-on-375-items-come-into-effect-tomorrow/story

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