India

IIT Ropar grad leaves Netherlands job, clears UPSC with AIR 629 after multiple attempts

Dev Prabhakar Singh Tomar, whose grandfather was a Chambal dacoit, has cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination with All India Rank 629. A graduate of IIT Ropar in Electrical Engineering, Tomar had been working in the Netherlands before resigning to focus on his UPSC preparation. His path to success was not straightforward, as he faced several failures before finally breaking through. Tomar now serves in the Ministry of Railways. His story has drawn attention as an example of resilience and determination rooted in a complex family background.

1,500 Submerged Christmas Trees Boost Aquatic Biodiversity in Finnish Lake

Researchers in southeastern Finland conducted an experiment by sinking 1,500 spruce trees into Lake Saimaa to study their impact on aquatic life. Over a three-year period, scientists monitored how the submerged trees affected the lake's ecosystem. The study found a significant increase in benthic organisms, indicating a positive shift in underwater biodiversity. The findings suggest that discarded Christmas trees could be repurposed as a tool to enhance aquatic habitats. The experiment also offers broader insights into sustainable waste management practices.

California teen turns eco-anxiety group into 700-member nonprofit, wins $10K

India sweeps kabaddi gold in both men's and women's finals at Asian Games

India claimed a golden double in kabaddi at the 2026 Asian Games, winning both the men's and women's finals. The men's team defeated Iran 40-34 in a closely contested match, while the women's team triumphed 37-34. Both victories saw India successfully defend their titles from the previous edition of the Games. The results pushed India's overall medal tally to 28, placing the country within the top 10 in the standings.

‘No longer trust Washington’: Iran draws red line on peace talks with US

PM Modi Urges Indians to Cut Gold Purchases, Festival Season Tests Appeal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi first called on Indians in May to defer non-essential gold purchases for one year, citing the need to conserve foreign exchange amid economic pressures from the Iran war conflict. He repeated the appeal in September, asking citizens to limit gold buying to genuine needs. The upcoming festival season, traditionally a peak period for gold purchases in India, will serve as a key test of public response to these appeals. Gold demand during festivals like Diwali and Dhanteras typically surges, making it a critical moment for the government's conservation push.

Train ticket booking: IRCTC responds after complex math CAPTCHA image goes viral

Nani's 'The Paradise' collects Rs 54.36 cr in first three days at Indian box office

'The Paradise', directed by Srikanth Odela and starring Nani, has posted strong box office numbers in its opening weekend in India. The film earned Rs 34.65 crore net on its premiere day, followed by Rs 14.90 crore on day two and Rs 4.81 crore on day three. The cumulative three-day collection stands at approximately Rs 54.36 crore net. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Secunderabad, the Telugu-language film explores the hardships faced by an underprivileged community. The steady audience turnout indicates sustained interest in the film beyond its opening day surge.

Odisha Man Arrested for Wife's Murder in Bengaluru After Body Found in Plot

An Odisha native, Sagar Chandra Rawat, has been arrested in connection with the murder of his wife in Bengaluru. The victim's highly decomposed body was discovered at a vacant plot in the MS Nagar area of the city. Rawat was taken into custody more than three weeks after the body was first found. Authorities launched an investigation following the grim discovery, which eventually led them to the accused.

Watch: Indian diplomat’s reaction to Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif’s UN speech goes viral

Ghost Rumour Goes Viral, Sparks Large Student Protests at Punjab University

Hundreds of students at Chitkara University in Patiala, Punjab, staged protests after a video alleging the presence of a ghost on campus spread rapidly on social media. The rumour reportedly originated from claims of screams heard near a girls' hostel. The viral content triggered widespread unrest among the student population, leading to demonstrations on campus grounds. Authorities have not confirmed any paranormal activity, and the incident appears to have been fuelled entirely by social media speculation.

Delhi Holds Special Voter Registration Camps Sunday to Cover Draft Roll Gaps

Delhi's election authorities are organizing special camps on Sunday to register eligible voters who were left out of the draft electoral rolls. The initiative follows a recent voter registration drive during which 1,21,224 Form-6 applications for name inclusion were submitted. These applications were received between August 31 and September 24, according to data released by the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer. The camps aim to ensure that no eligible voter is excluded from the final electoral rolls.

Why is Russia sending dead princes, saints into Ukraine battle

Thawing Permafrost Turns Alaska's Rivers Orange With Toxic Metal Levels

Rivers across Alaska are turning orange as thawing permafrost triggers natural acid rock drainage, releasing metals and sulfates into waterways. Researchers studied six watersheds in the Brooks Range to evaluate changes in water color and chemistry over recent years. The acidic runoff carries metal concentrations comparable to or exceeding those found near mine waste sites. Downstream ecosystems and local communities are being affected by the deteriorating water quality. Scientists are continuing to monitor the rivers to better understand the long-term environmental consequences of climate change.

SkyStriker Loitering Munition Showcased at India-US Yudh Abhyas 2026 Exercise

India's SkyStriker loitering munition was demonstrated during the Yudh Abhyas 2026 joint military exercise, conducting a precision strike at the Mahajan Field Firing Range. The exercise is designed to strengthen interoperability between Indian and US armed forces. The SkyStriker drew attention for its quiet operation and advanced target acquisition capabilities, enabling accurate engagement of targets. The demonstration highlighted India's growing emphasis on indigenous defence technology and unmanned systems in contemporary warfare.

Maharashtra Declares Drought in 265 of 358 Talukas Amid Severe Rainfall Deficit

Maharashtra has officially declared drought conditions across 265 of its 358 talukas, covering approximately 74% of the state. The declaration follows the activation of 'Trigger-1', the first stage in the state's drought assessment framework. This stage is initiated when a region records a rainfall deficit exceeding 25% alongside a continuous dry spell lasting at least 21 days. The widespread drought signals serious concern for agriculture and water availability across the majority of Maharashtra's administrative subdivisions.

Eggs hurled, car window smashed as Kunal Ghosh heads to Mamata rally: Watch

Peter Thiel says Germany's fear of success stifles world-class entrepreneurship

Venture capitalist Peter Thiel recently expressed concern about Germany's failure to produce globally influential entrepreneurs like Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg. Speaking on a podcast, Thiel observed that German founders tend to exit their startups too early rather than scaling them into major enterprises. He also pointed to a notable decline in Germany's standings on competitiveness and innovation indexes. These remarks come as Germany's automotive industry faces significant turbulence, with leading companies undergoing restructuring and large-scale layoffs. Together, these trends paint a challenging picture for the long-term health of the German economy.

AI Scam Drains Italy's Largest Bank of $120M; Half Recovered So Far

Italy's largest bank fell victim to a sophisticated AI-powered scam call that resulted in a loss of approximately $120 million (Rs 1,034 crore). Fraudsters used artificial intelligence to deceive bank officials into authorizing the large transfer. Authorities have managed to recover roughly half of the stolen funds. The remaining money has proven difficult to trace after being routed through multiple overseas accounts. The funds were subsequently converted into cryptocurrencies, further complicating recovery efforts, according to Reuters sources.

Angel One Founder Dinesh Thakkar Buys Entire Juhu Tower for Rs 711 Crore

Dinesh Thakkar, founder of broking firm Angel One, has acquired a full residential tower in Juhu, Mumbai, for Rs 711 crore. A Class 12 dropout from a business-oriented family, Thakkar began his career in textile trading before shifting to stockbroking. After suffering significant financial losses early on, he founded Angel One in 1996 with the support of investors. The firm grew to become a prominent player in India's evolving investment sector, particularly through its adoption of digital platforms. Thakkar's latest real estate purchase has brought renewed attention to his remarkable entrepreneurial journey.