India

Alice Weidel: The banker behind the firewall

Satwik-Chirag win China Masters, eye Asian Games gold defence

Indian doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty claimed their first China Masters title in Shenzhen, defeating Chinese duo He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu in the final. The win came despite the pair having to overcome injuries and a mid-match deficit. The victory helped erase the disappointment of their recent World Championships exit and boosted confidence in Satwik's recovering shoulder. With the Asian Games approaching, the duo now head into the tournament with renewed momentum as they look to defend their gold medal.

Nanobubble tech cuts toxic algae by nearly 90% in China's Taihu Lake trial

A nanobubble technology trial at Taihu Lake in China has achieved close to a 90% reduction in cyanobacteria, as measured by chlorophyll-a levels. The method combines cavitation with ozone nanobubbles to target the toxic algae that has long plagued the lake. Beyond eliminating harmful bacteria, the technology also raises dissolved oxygen levels, improving overall water quality. Researchers say the results suggest the approach could be a viable solution for large-scale ecological restoration of polluted water bodies.

Tom Brady Proud as Daughter Hannah Makes College Volleyball Debut with Ace

Hannah Brady made her long-awaited college volleyball debut for the University of Michigan against Valparaiso. She marked the occasion memorably by serving an ace on her very first attempt. Michigan went on to win the match 3-1. Hannah had not appeared in any match during her freshman year, making this her first competitive college outing. Her father, former NFL star Tom Brady, expressed his pride with a brief 'So proud of you' message on Instagram.

West Bengal to Hold Bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar on October 6

West Bengal will conduct by-elections for the Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly seats on October 6. The Nandigram seat fell vacant after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stepped down from it. The Rejinagar seat became vacant following AJUP founder Humayun Kabir's resignation. Both leaders vacating their respective constituencies triggered the need for these bypolls.

Armless driver Callum Smith, 23, steers with feet at 110mph in pursuit of racing licence

Callum Smith, a 23-year-old British driver born without arms, is pursuing a professional motorsport career by controlling his car with his feet. He has already reached speeds exceeding 110mph on track and is currently working toward obtaining his full racing licence. Smith has joined Team BRIT, a motorsport outfit known for fielding drivers with physical disabilities. He will compete alongside Harvey Phillips, a quadruple amputee, as part of the team's roster. Together, they aim to support Team BRIT's ambitious goal of competing at the historic Le Mans endurance race.

Punjab Anti-Drug Drive Spurs 164% Surge in Govt Rehab Centre Admissions

Government de-addiction centres in Punjab have recorded a sharp rise in admissions following the state's ongoing anti-drug campaign. The number of patients admitted climbed from 9,577 in 2024 to 25,290 in 2025, reflecting a 164 percent increase. The surge is being attributed to heightened awareness and enforcement efforts under the campaign. The significant jump suggests more individuals are seeking or being directed toward formal rehabilitation services. Authorities view the rise as an indicator of the campaign's growing reach and impact on drug abuse in the state.

Rs 1.1 lakh crore military procurements cleared to boost Army, Navy, and Air Force capabilities

Nehra calls Gill and Pandya opposite personalities but equal learners

Former Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra has drawn a sharp contrast between Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya, describing them as polar opposites in terms of personality and leadership style. Pandya co-led GT to the IPL title in their debut 2022 season and another final in 2023 alongside Nehra, before leaving the franchise. Gill subsequently took over the captaincy and steered the team to the IPL final in 2026. Despite their differences, Nehra noted that both leaders share a strong capacity for continuous learning and growth.

Mahomes' Foundation Outshines Kelce's in Profile Despite Both Serving Communities

Kansas City Chiefs stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes each run charitable foundations aimed at community welfare. Kelce's 87 & Running Foundation focuses on nurturing youth potential and creating opportunities through targeted initiatives. Mahomes' 15 and the Mahomies Foundation enjoys a higher public profile, boosted by memorable branding and strong organizational affiliations. Mahomes' foundation leverages these advantages to maintain greater visibility compared to Kelce's effort. Despite the difference in profile, both organizations are recognized for making meaningful contributions to their communities.

Serena Williams vs Carlos Alcaraz: A $350M combined net worth at US Open 2026

Tennis legends Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz teamed up for the US Open 2026 mixed doubles event. Williams holds a net worth of approximately $300 million, significantly outpacing Alcaraz's estimated $50 million. Williams built her fortune through endorsements, business investments, and ventures extending well beyond her playing career. Alcaraz, still early in his career, saw rapid financial growth following his breakthrough US Open title in 2022. Together, the pair represent a combined net worth of $350 million, underscoring the stark contrast between a veteran icon's accumulated wealth and a rising star's early earnings.

‘Before Switzerland, films were made in Kashmir’: Omar Abdullah hopes festival brings shoots back

India Approves Rs 1.1 Lakh Crore Defence Deal for Mine Layers, Radars and Jammers

India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved proposals to procure mine layers, radars, and jammers worth Rs 1.1 lakh crore. The council is headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. These acquisitions are aimed at significantly bolstering India's military capabilities. The approved proposals mark a major step in strengthening the country's defence infrastructure.

Rahul Gandhi hits back at PM Modi's 'Dimagi Naxal' remark, calls it silencing tactic

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has for the first time responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Dimagi Naxal' label, accusing the PM of using such terms to deflect accountability and suppress dissent. Earlier, opposition leaders including Arvind Kejriwal had embraced the term, expressing pride in being called 'Dimagi Naxals'. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had previously clarified that the PM's remarks were not directed at political opponents. However, PM Modi last week doubled down on the phrase, describing it as a 'homoeopathic pill'. The exchange highlights an ongoing war of words between the ruling BJP and opposition over the contentious label.

Delhi's Satya Niketan Struggles With Overcrowding, High Rents and Poor Civic Infrastructure

Satya Niketan, a residential neighbourhood in Delhi, is facing a growing civic crisis driven by rapid and unplanned development. The area has seen a surge in tenant population, placing heavy strain on its existing infrastructure. Landlords have been accused of prioritising profit over livable conditions, contributing to severe congestion. Basic amenities such as adequate sunlight and open space have become scarce for residents. The locality's civic systems have failed to keep pace with the speed of urbanisation, leaving residents to bear the consequences.

Suvendu Adhikari Proposes Dry Day and Grant Cuts for Durga Puja If Voted to Power

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has announced key changes he would implement for Durga Puja if his party comes to power in West Bengal. He proposed declaring a dry day during the festival and cutting state grants given to puja committees. The Trinamool Congress government had previously provided Rs 1.10 lakh to each puja committee during the last festive season. Adhikari argued that a Chief Minister should not use public funds to finance a religious celebration. The announcement signals a sharp policy contrast between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress ahead of elections.

India-China Corps Commanders Meet in Arunachal Pradesh to Review LAC Situation

Indian and Chinese army commanders held talks focused on the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh's eastern sector. The meeting came shortly after Special Representative-level discussions on the boundary dispute were conducted in Beijing. Both sides discussed measures to preserve peace and stability along the shared frontier. The two armies agreed to strengthen border management mechanisms and resolve on-ground issues in a timely manner. The engagement is part of broader efforts to restore bilateral relations strained by past tensions.

Bengal CM Apologises for Government Ad Showing Durga with 11 Hands Instead of 10

A government advertisement in West Bengal depicting Goddess Durga with 11 hands instead of the traditional 10 has sparked controversy. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued a public apology for the error, acknowledging it as incorrect. He assured that officials responsible for the advertisement have been warned. Adhikari also pledged that the government would exercise greater caution in such matters going forward.

Floating Wetlands Cut Methane Emissions by 66% in Australian Wastewater Trial

In 2023, Australia installed a 330-square-metre floating wetland on a wastewater lagoon to test its environmental impact. Over two years, researchers found the system reduced methane emissions by 66%, along with measurable drops in carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide levels. Native plants grown on the floating platforms play a key role by fostering beneficial microbes that break down pollutants and greenhouse gases. The approach marks a significant step forward in sustainable wastewater treatment technology. Similar floating wetlands are now being tested on regional agricultural dams to assess broader applications.

PM travelled to 22 countries in a year: Amit Shah says dialogue helped India withstand global crisis