Adfactors wins PRovoke Media’s 15 Global Agency of the Year award
PRovoke Media has revealed the 15 agencies that will be honored with Global Agency of the Year awards at the upcoming PRovoke Media Global Summit in Chicago.
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Delhi gastroenterologist, now 74 kilos, opens up about drastic weight loss
Delhi gastroenterologist Dr Shubham Vatsya lost 36 kg over three years, from 110 kg to 74 kg, after health worries and a patient’s frank question prompted him to change his habits. He said steady daily choices made the gradual process sustainable. A physician noted that practical diet and activity changes can reduce metabolic risks, even with 5–10% weight loss.
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Experts Explain | What UN sea level declaration means for the world — and India’s coast
The UN General Assembly adopted its first declaration on rising seas, affirming that threatened island nations can retain statehood, sovereignty and maritime boundaries even if their territory becomes uninhabitable. With substantial erosion affecting its coastline, India should strengthen no-build rules, protect and support displaced communities, and press for greater climate-adaptation finance.
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52 seconds, one arrow: How Sahil Jadhav won Asian Games gold
India beat South Korea 20-19 in a shoot-off after a 157-157 tie to win the Asian Games mixed team compound archery gold. Sahil Jadhav’s 10 put pressure on Korea, whose final arrow scored nine. The victory secured India’s first archery quota for the LA 2028 Olympics. Jadhav also won men’s team gold, capping years of family sacrifice and coach Pravin Sawant’s support.
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Rajamouli on working with Prabhas, Jr NTR and Mahesh Babu: ‘I don’t choose a star’
At Penn State University, SS Rajamouli said Mahesh Babu exceeded his expectations in *Varanasi*, delivering 200 percent when the director expected 100. Rajamouli said he casts actors for their fit with a character, not their stardom. The epic also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran and is scheduled for a worldwide release on April 7, 2027.
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Who were the Koders : how a fire at a house in Kochi dented Keralam’s Jewish heritage
A September 29 fire gutted the top floor of Fort Kochi’s Koder House, destroying its ancient roof, columns and historical artefacts, including family photographs and paintings. Experts estimate the Dutch-era building is 200–300 years old. Renovated by Paradesi Jewish businessman SS Koder, it formed part of a complex with a guest house, wooden bridge and rare ritual bath.
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Big blow for India vs Brazil as Raphinha leaves squad, set to miss Kolkata clash
Barcelona forward Raphinha withdrew from Brazil’s squad on Wednesday after a scan revealed minor swelling in his right thigh, making him unlikely to play Saturday’s friendly against India in Kolkata. His absence, following Joao Pedro’s withdrawal with a knee injury, is a major disappointment for Indian fans ahead of the match against fifth-ranked Brazil.
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CISF jawan kills colleagues: Inside the high-stress life of paramilitary forces
A CISF head constable allegedly killed an Assistant Commandant and three colleagues in Kathua on September 29, renewing concern about suicides and fratricide in the Central Armed Police Forces. From 2017 to 2025, 64 personnel died in fratricidal incidents and 1,126 by suicide. A 2022 government task force cited difficult postings, denied leave, long hours, and weak grievance redressal systems.
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When actor MR Radha shot MGR: How a 1967 assassination attempt reshaped Tamil Nadu
On January 12, 1967, actor MR Radha shot fellow actor and Tamil star MG Ramachandran (MGR) at the latter's home; both survived. Their accounts differed, but forensic tests linked the recovered bullets to Radha’s gun. Convicted and sentenced to seven years, Radha’s term was reduced to five, and he was released in 1971. The shooting left MGR’s voice impaired and preceded his electoral victory.
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Why a Chinese doctor with a PhD quit her job to become a delivery rider
A Chinese doctor with a PhD in Medicine has stepped away from a conventional hospital career to work part-time as a delivery rider and pub singer, saying the change has allowed her to live with less pressure while earning enough to cover her expenses.
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‘Frontal lobe breakup’: Why your late 20s can make you rethink your relationship
The “frontal lobe breakup” is a social-media label, not a recognised psychological phenomenon: experts say brain maturation does not suddenly cause breakups. As people grow older, they may assess emotional safety, shared values and compatibility more carefully, alongside life changes and shifting priorities.
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How Chikitha persisted after she was defrauded for 1.5 lakh paid for first compound bow
Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav won compound mixed-team gold at Nagoya, securing India’s first archery quota for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after beating South Korea 20–19 in a shoot-off. Taniparthi’s journey began with a recreational bow in her Telangana village; her farmer father sold equipment and took loans to support her training.
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OpenAI’s Dots explained: How its ‘always on’ AI agents work, what they can do
OpenAI has introduced ‘Dots’, its own line of always-on, personal AI agents designed to do personal tasks like booking restaurant reservations as well as more complex, multi-step work processes such as invoicing. In a livestreamed presentation at its annual developers’ conference, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other executives outlined how Dots is “built to handle everything.”
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‘Disgusting’: Soni Razdan calls out trolls for passing ageist comments
Soni Razdan, 69, condemned ageist trolling as “disgusting,” calling her age a “badge of honour” and saying people should not be expected to look young forever. Her comments followed criticism of Katrina Kaif’s postpartum weight.
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From Dante’s Inferno to desert dunes: The 7 most beautiful train stations in the world
Prix Versailles named seven equal finalists for the world’s most beautiful train stations in 2026, selected by an international jury for architecture, innovation, cultural relevance and sustainability. The projects are in Naples, Rome, Riyadh (two stations), Melbourne, Lyon and Los Angeles. Three will receive additional World Titles—Prix Versailles, Interior or Exterior—in December.
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5/3/1 workout explained: How the popular four-week strength programme works
Jim Wendler’s 5/3/1 strength programme centres on squats, bench presses, deadlifts and overhead presses. Its four-week cycle progresses from sets of five reps to three, then heavier sets of five, three and one, before a deload week.
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How recreating Asian Games archery venue in Sonepat helped India win mixed team gold
At the Sports Authority of India centre in Sonepat, Indian compound archers spent 15 days training in a replica of the Asian Games environment they would encounter in Japan. The same screens, music system, targets, podium, flags and colour scheme were recreated, so that when they eventually arrived at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park, there would be as little that felt unfamiliar as possible.
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What’s ‘automatic’ about Gurugram’s new garbage cleaning machine? Internet isn’t convinced
The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has rolled out a compact street-cleaning machine, but a video of the equipment in action has sparked debate online over whether it can really be called “automatic”. The white, scooter-like machine, which carries the MCG logo, is being used to collect litter from roadsides.
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Sanjeev Kumar convinced Jaya Bachchan to work with Amitabh, Rekha; she had 1 condition
Under pressure after several box-office failures, Yash Chopra recast Silsila shortly before filming, replacing Parveen Babi and Smita Patil with Rekha and Jaya Bachchan. Jaya was wary of the casting amid rumours about Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan, but Sanjeev Kumar—her close friend—persuaded her; she agreed on condition she remain on set. Chopra later said Amitabh supported the change.
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In more trouble for Veeramani, police say girl he sexually abused in 2004 died by suicide
Police expect to file a chargesheet within two weeks in a POCSO case against granite businessman R Veeramani, 84. Investigators have also booked him, co-accused Shanthi and others over the alleged sexual abuse and suicide of a minor in 2004, and are checking reports of payments to her family. The probe is examining large financial transfers.
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Ex-IAS officer found with throat slit at Bhopal home; police look for missing caretaker
Retired IAS officer Rakesh Agrawal was found with his throat slit at his Suraj Nagar home early Wednesday. Police suspect the murder occurred between 2 and 3 a.m. and are searching for Varun Kumar, a caretaker hired three days earlier who has since disappeared.
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Karan Johar confirms Koffee With Karan to end
Karan Johar announced that the ninth season of *Koffee With Karan*, streaming on JioHotstar from October 14, will be his last. Reflecting on the show’s 22-year history and 161 episodes, he said it transformed his life and thanked viewers for their support through memorable moments and controversy.
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20-day salary cut for ‘misconduct’, Delhi court staffer cites 10,000-case workload
A Rohini court has stayed an order directing Assistant Ahlmad Kalpana to forfeit 20 days’ salary over alleged misconduct, including issuing incorrect court processes and creating false reports in more than 121 cases. Her appeal argued she was overburdened and denied a chance to respond. The Sessions Court stayed the penalty pending the next hearing.
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Scientists identify a new penguin species for the first time in more than 100 years
Scientists have identified a new penguin species for the first time in more than 100 years. The southeastern gentoo penguin, Pygoscelis kerguelensis, lives on the remote Kerguelen Islands and looks almost identical to other gentoos. DNA analysis of 64 penguins revealed that what was thought to be one species is actually four genetically distinct species.
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Badshah thanks fans in a reel shortly after ex-wife Isha Rikhi’s Bigg Boss 20 eviction
Isha Rikhi was evicted from *Bigg Boss 20* after three weeks, describing the experience as emotionally challenging and thanking her supporters. Her ex-husband, Badshah, later posted a video thanking fans, sparking speculation it was about her, though he did not name her. On the show, Rikhi accused him of emotional, physical and social cheating.
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Hanuman Ansh box office day 54:Neem Karoli Baba film Rs 17cr away from surpassing Border 2
Hanuman Ansh earned Rs 3.10 crore net in India on its 54th day, a 37.8% rise from Monday and a record for an eighth Tuesday, despite playing on 43% fewer shows than the previous Tuesday. Its worldwide gross stands at Rs 408 crore. The film needs about Rs 17.05 crore more to beat Border 2’s domestic net total of Rs 329.43 crore.
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Why an Indian man felt ‘embarrassed’ after meeting a Swiss retiree in Vietnam
An Indian investment professional’s four-night holiday in Vietnam left him questioning why a three-week break seemed “short” to a retired Swiss lawyer, and why he felt embarrassed admitting how little time he had taken off work. In a LinkedIn post, Manuraaj Garg wrote that he was in Hanoi with his wife when he met the Swiss couple in "their late 60s" while waiting in a hotel lobby.
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Why Gyanesh Kumar row marks crucial reckoning in BJP vs INDIA bloc battle
Protests have intensified over allegations that voter-roll revisions deleted more than 13 crore names, with demonstrators demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The Election Commission addressed some concerns but left disputes about registration rules and database access unresolved.
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Priyanka Chahar Choudhary calls ex-Ankit Gupta ‘marriage material’: ‘A very good guy’
Priyanka Chahar Choudhary has confirmed that she and Udaariyaan co-star Ankit Gupta were in a relationship and have since broken up. On a podcast, she said she does not regret the split, respects his independence and called him a good person. In a rapid-fire round, she said she would marry Ankit, describing him as “marriage material.”
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‘You’re not a court’: Delhi HC stays order asking 80-year-old to plant 21 trees
The Delhi High Court stayed an order requiring 80-year-old Gurmail Singh Bhatia to plant and maintain 21 trees for seven years after a storm uprooted a neem tree he had planted in 1991. Bhatia said the MCD removed most of the fallen tree and that proceedings followed a complaint by his estranged son.
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‘UN in Reality’: Iran mocks world body with ‘Sholay’ Thakur meme
Iran has turned to Bollywood and Hollywood pop culture to take a swipe at the United Nations, accusing the world body of being ineffective in responding to major international conflicts.
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‘Ranvir Shorey hit Pooja Bhatt, I broke his car, ribs,’ says Rahul Bhatt: ‘I overreacted’
Rahul Bhatt says he regrets assaulting Ranvir Shorey in a 2002 dispute involving Pooja Bhatt, admitting he overreacted and should not have taken the law into his own hands. He praised Shorey for helping resolve the case without bitterness. The remorse contrasts with Rahul’s recent vow to assault anyone who hurt his sister.
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Producer Vashu Bhagnani hospitalised a day after IT raids on him, Rakul Preet Singh
Film producer Vashu Bhagnani has reportedly been hospitalised in London; the reason has not been disclosed. The news follows reported IT searches at locations linked to Bhagnani, Rakul Preet Singh and Panorama Studios over suspected fund irregularities, including alleged overseas transfers. The probe is ongoing.
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Why postpartum bodies take time to recover
Katrina Kaif’s post-pregnancy appearance prompted nutritionist Amita Gadre to explain that postpartum changes involve more than weight gain. Pregnancy stretches abdominal muscles and alters energy storage, while post-birth hormone shifts can affect sleep, mood, appetite and energy. Recovery and weight loss vary; There is no fixed timeline. Disrupted sleep and breastfeeding can slow progress.
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What India’s new CAFE-III fuel-efficiency norms mean for carmakers, small cars and EVs
India’s CAFE-III fuel-efficiency rules take effect in April 2027 and tighten fleet-wide targets through 2032, with permitted consumption based on each manufacturer’s average vehicle weight. The final rules remove a proposed extra concession for petrol cars under 909 kg, while giving electric vehicles the strongest compliance benefit.
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Gold Rate Today, September 30: Check 18, 22 and 24 carat gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai…
On September 30, 2026, Indian gold prices were ₹14,957 per gram for 24-carat, ₹13,710 for 22-carat and ₹11,218 for 18-carat gold. Vikram Subraj added that markets consequently reduced the probability of an October hike to around 50%, from nearly 70% earlier following relief noted by New York Fed president John Williams.
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IISc highest-ranked Indian institute at 254: THE World University Rankings 2027
IISc topped India in THE World University Rankings 2027, placing 254th globally with an overall score of 57.0 and a particularly strong research environment score of 98.0. Saveetha ranked 326–350, Shoolini 451–500, and Jamia Millia Islamia and KIIT 501–550. Oxford retained first place for the 11th year.
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Prahaar trailer: Rajkummar Rao’s Ujjwal Nikam takes on Kasab’s ‘I am 17’ claim in court
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched the trailer for Avinash Arun’s *Prahaar*, starring Rajkummar Rao as prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam in the 26/11 Kasab trial. The courtroom drama depicts Nikam building the case, Kasab’s legal representation and a late claim that he was 17—potentially shifting the trial to juvenile court. Produced by Maddock Films, the film opens October 16.
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‘Ketan Agarwal case ‘watertight’; technical, witness evidence establish chain’
Pune Rural SP Sandeep Singh Gill said investigators uncovered suspected foul play in Ketan Agarwal’s death through CCTV, call records and other evidence, later filing a 5,000-page chargesheet against three accused. He also cited rising land disputes, drug use, weapon-related crime and extortion near industrial clusters, and described police efforts to protect children and engage communities.
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Mira joins Kareena on What Women Want; fans say, ‘Collab even Shahid didn’t think of’
Mira Kapoor will appear on Kareena Kapoor Khan’s radio show, What Women Want, for their first conversation together. Both shared a warm exchange on Instagram, prompting surprised and enthusiastic fan reactions. The collaboration draws attention because Kareena dated Mira’s husband, Shahid Kapoor, from 2004 to 2007. Kareena is married to Saif Ali Khan, while Shahid and Mira have two children.
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Casteist slurs on social media can attract SC/ST Act: What Calcutta HC said
The Calcutta High Court ruled that casteist abuse on social media can meet the SC/ST Act’s “public view” requirement, which extends beyond physical spaces. It overturned a lower court’s rejection of a complaint and said police should pursue specialist cyber-forensic investigations after obtaining screenshots and statements. The ruling follows Supreme Court guidance.
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68% fall in donations: AAP looks towards its MLAs, MPs as Punjab goes to polls in 2027
AAP reported donations of about rs 12.1 crore in 2025–26, down 68% from Rs 38.1 crore the previous year, and is seeking funds from its MLAs and MPs ahead of Punjab’s 2027 election. Trident Ltd, founded by former AAP MP Rajinder Gupta, gave Rs 5 crore—over 41% of the total—before he joined the BJP. Party leaders also made smaller contributions.
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As Trump calls Sundar Pichai a ‘monster’, Google CEO responds
US President Donald Trump called Sundar Pichai a “monster” in an unusual compliment to the Google and Alphabet CEO, before praising him for maintaining a low public profile despite his enormous influence in the technology industry.
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Apple Pay comes to India: How it works, where you can use it, and more
Apple has officially launched its flagship payments service, Apple Pay, in India, marking its entry into one of the world’s largest digital payments markets. The tap-to-pay service is available to users in India starting today (September 30) across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, with support for Mac coming soon. The iPhone-maker has partnered with Axis Bank, Visa, and Mastercard for the rollout.
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Your kitchen haldi isn’t a curcumin supplement; Should not be viewed as diabetes treatment
Culinary turmeric is a whole-food spice with small, variable amounts of curcuminoids, while supplements provide concentrated extracts that may be formulated for better absorption; they are not interchangeable or disease treatments. High-dose supplements may cause side effects and require medical advice.
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Vvaan box office Day 5: Discounted tickets lift Sidharth Malhotra’s film to Rs 57.95 crore
Vvaan: Force of the Forrest earned Rs 6 crore net on Tuesday, taking its five-day domestic total to Rs 44.85 crore net (Rs 53.45 crore gross) and worldwide total to Rs 57.95 crore. The film has surpassed The Kerala Story 2 domestically and may cross Rs 60 crore worldwide on Wednesday.
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‘Can’t you demolish?’: Bombay High Court to Mumbai civic body over illegal meat shops
The Bombay High Court directed the BMC to submit within two weeks a comprehensive plan to stop unauthorised meat, poultry and fish shops operating within 10 km of Mumbai airport. The court questioned why shops reopened between enforcement drives and said it may order police protection for civic officers.
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India retain Asian Games women’s Compound Archery team gold, beat China in final
India won its seventh gold at the 2026 Asian Games as Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep and Chikita Thaniparthi defeated China 238-234 in the women’s compound archery final. The team retained its Hangzhou 2023 title and matched the world and Asian record. India beat South Korea by one point in the semifinal, continuing its medal streak in the event.
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In drought-hit Maharashtra, Mumbai civic body moves to revive wells for water
Amid El Niño-related drought concerns and warmer weather, Mumbai’s BMC is restoring groundwater wells as a backup to the city’s seven lakes. It plans to desilt and reopen natural flows in 3,000 wells, build about 10,000 recharge structures, and assess seawater intrusion in groundwater.
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Dubai’s first Etihad Rail passenger train starts: Ticket booking, fares and routes
Dubai's first Etihad Rail passenger train service started on Wednesday, September 30, connecting the city with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The new service is expected to improve connectivity between the three cities while supporting tourism, business and commercial activities. It will also strengthen economic growth between the emirates.
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Is Chris Hansen a hero or villain? Primetime explores his god complex to get to the answer
Lance Oppenheim’s Primetime, starring Robert Pattinson, examines Chris Hansen’s rise on To Catch a Predator and the ethical costs of turning stings into television spectacle. While predators must face justice, the review argues Hansen’s ratings-driven methods sometimes undermined law enforcement, ignored victims’ and families’ needs, and caused lasting harm—including a participant’s suicide.