In 2025, Spain cleared invasive minnows from two Pyrenees lakes; amphibians returned in 10 months

Scientists have successfully restored two mountain lakes in the Catalan Pyrenees by removing invasive minnows with a biodegradable piscicide. Ten months later, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates returned, showing promising recovery speeds. Continuous monitoring will assess long-term biodiversity restoration. Historically fishless, these lakes had been disrupted by accidental minnow introductions used as live bait.

Drishyam 3 worldwide box office: Ajay Devgn film races to ₹177 crore; beats part 1's lifetime haul

"Drishyam: The Conclusion," directed by Abhishek Pathak and released on October 2, features Ajay Devgn and returning cast members. The film earned ₹93 crore on its opening day and ₹53.50 crore on Saturday, surpassing ₹150 crore in two days, making it one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of the year. Its initial success outperformed previous franchise installments.

HistoriCity: A look at the layered history of Ozene, or Uzain, or what we call Ujjain

Ujjain, in the news for the Shahi Masjid demolition, has a rich historical legacy as a former capital and cultural center, linked to figures like Ashoka and Vikramaditya. Archaeological evidence shows continuous habitation for 4,000 years, highlighting its significance in astronomy and trade. The city’s profound heritage as a scholarly hub persists today.

‘Marry early, have five kids’: BJP MP's advice to Hindus, cites birth rate of ‘other community’

BJP leader Gajendra Singh Patel urged Hindu youth to marry early and have five children each to address declining birth rates, noting Hindus currently average 1.9 children compared to 2.9 for another community. He highlighted demographic changes since Independence and advocated for a cultural revival, including fitness and traditional values, while also addressing drug abuse among youth.

In 1974, red swamp crayfish were brought to Spain to help farming; 50 years later, it is still there

The red swamp crayfish, first introduced to Spain in the 1970s, has become a major ecological threat in Europe, causing declines in native crayfish and damaging ecosystems and farms. Despite its widespread presence, eradication is deemed cost-prohibitive. This highlights the long-lasting impact of species introduction, underscoring the need for careful management of non-native species to prevent future invasions.

Ghazal singer Talat Aziz among 5 suffer suffocation after minor fire at Mumbai’s Juhu building

A minor fire in a Juhu residential building caused suffocation for five individuals, including veteran ghazal singer Talat Aziz. The fire, attributed to a short circuit, broke out late Friday night but was contained quickly, with no serious injuries reported. All affected were treated and discharged, with no significant damage beyond electrical items. The incident occurred near the ISKCON temple.

US intelligence chief Jay Clayton named Trump's AI czar, to head task force

President Trump has appointed Jay Clayton as the AI czar to lead a task force on "super intelligence." Clayton's team will assess AI's risks and opportunities, reporting within 120 days. The task force, including prominent figures like Emil Michael and Condoleezza Rice, aims to ensure U.S. leadership in AI amidst growing global competition. This follows previous AI oversight by venture capitalist David Sacks.

Ukrainian shares 'what type of woman will be happy with an Indian man based on her own experience'

In a thought-provoking video, Ukrainian creator Sandra discusses essential qualities for women seeking happiness in cross-cultural marriages with Indian men, emphasizing a genuine love for Indian culture rather than mere compromise. While she highlights shared interests and acceptance, responses from other women reveal diverse experiences, indicating that love alone may not suffice. Understanding cultural differences remains crucial.

Patient dies after hospital manager performs surgery without doctor in UP's Chandauli

A woman died after allegedly undergoing surgery performed by Indrajeet Prajapati, a 24-year-old hospital manager, at a private facility in Chandauli without a doctor present. Following his arrest for culpable homicide, police revealed that Prajapati severed the wrong vein during the operation on August 19. This incident prompted an investigation initiated by the Chief Medical Officer.

Kartik Subbaraj is ignoring hate, boycott calls for Dorothy, wants more transgender representation

"Dorothy," directed by Karthik Subbaraj and featuring Keerthy Suresh, explores the complexities of friendship and identity in the 1980s amid the backdrop of LGBTQ themes. While receiving acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival and a Telugu release on October 2, the film has sparked controversy for its depiction of queer relationships. Subbaraj aims to foster a positive shift in societal attitudes toward transgender individuals through its narrative.

In 2024, 42 sponges were left in a Spanish marina; 455 days later, only one species survived

A study led by Manuel Maldonado revealed that the chicken kidney sponge can survive in polluted port environments, achieving a 91.7% survival rate over 455 days. In contrast, other sponge species struggled, indicating the chicken kidney sponge’s resilience. Sponges are vital for marine restoration, yet the effectiveness of species varies, necessitating further research on their environmental roles.

In 1931, 4,000 sheep were abandoned on an island, and they changed on their own

In 1931, farming ceased on New Zealand's Campbell Island, leaving over 4,000 sheep to evolve naturally. By the 1960s, their population rebounded, aided by favorable climate and shedding wool traits. Researchers collected a rare flock in 1975 for breeding insights, highlighting the adaptive potential of abandoned livestock in the absence of human intervention. This reflects unexpected natural selection.

Indian envoy on Sheikh Hasina shelter: 'It was our duty...she was still PM'

India had a duty to shelter former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after her August 2024 exile amid protests, as stated by Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi. Hasina, facing extradition demands from the Bangladeshi government, lives in India, impacting bilateral ties. Her televised declaration of intent to return home in December adds to tensions.

March by Imran Khan’s PTI begins today, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM calls for wide participation

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has initiated a long march to Islamabad today, rallying support for the release of jailed PTI leaders, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Afridi emphasized civic engagement in mobilization efforts, criticizing federal policies that he claims have led to violence in the province. The PTI aims for a peaceful protest amid increased security measures and political tension following previous march plans.

‘God made me this way’: What murdered Punjab influencer, vocal about LGBT issues, told trolls

Punjabi influencer Mad Sandhu, known for advocating LGBTQ+ rights, was shot dead in Amritsar by two unidentified assailants. He had discussed his struggles with identity and acceptance in conservative society. With a significant online following, Sandhu used his platform to promote self-acceptance. His tragic death highlights ongoing violence against digital creators in Punjab.

Got a Green Card? Here's when you can apply for citizenship – key rules Indians should know

Green Card holders can pursue US citizenship through various pathways, primarily after five years of permanent residence or through marriage to a US citizen. USCIS details eligibility criteria and a 10-step naturalization process, culminating in the Oath of Allegiance. Indian nationals must consider individual circumstances and available resources before applying for naturalization.

Gulfstream G100 missing jet update: Searchers find ‘debris field’ off the coast of Nantucket

Searchers have located a debris field off Nantucket related to a missing Gulfstream G100 air ambulance, which vanished on October 3 while flying from Bermuda to Boston with six people on board. The US Coast Guard is conducting ongoing search efforts after the jet lost contact with air traffic controllers. Latitude Air Ambulance, which operates the flight, specializes in medical evacuations.

Haryana plans monthly ‘Tiffin meetings’ in villages, natural farming, skill development push

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a comprehensive development strategy focusing on grassroots outreach, natural farming, and solar energy, following discussions with Prime Minister Modi. Key initiatives include promoting girls’ education, empowering farmers with solar technology, and enhancing Gurugram's infrastructure. This plan aims to elevate community engagement and reinforce Haryana's role in India's growth and energy transition.

Husband’s CBI case led wife to study law, fight his legal battle and write a book

In “My Lady in Black,” Pankaj recounts his wrongful imprisonment and the legal battle led by his determined wife, Sweta, who transformed frustration into empowerment by studying law to aid his defense. Their journey spans nearly two decades, culminating in Pankaj’s acquittal and highlights the emotional turmoil and shared dedication within their fight against the system.

Front-load vs top-load washing machines: Top 10 picks for a festive home upgrade

As the festive season approaches, it's an ideal time to upgrade your washing machine, especially if yours is underperforming. Choose between front-load models, known for water efficiency and cleaning effectiveness, and top-load versions, favored for ease of use and lower cost. Consider family size, laundry habits, and space to make the right choice for your home.

Ben Affleck dismisses reports he was set up with Shakira after divorce from JLo: ‘Never heard that’

Actor-director Ben Affleck, 54, asserts that dating isn't a priority in his life post-divorce from Jennifer Lopez, emphasizing his focus on work and children. He dismissed rumors about being set up with Shakira, highlighting the speculative nature of public gossip. Affleck, who values family, recently directed the thriller *Animals*, premiering on Netflix soon.

flydubai co-pilot's shocking online rants while at Uni: ‘Stomp on her head’, ‘cheap meat’

Hamam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani co-pilot, was arrested after allegedly attacking Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar with a crash axe, prompting UAE officials to classify the incident as an attempted terrorist act. His radicalized social media history reveals violent, misogynistic posts. Previously removed from Oman Air for extremist views, Hammami completed an aviation degree remotely from the UK.

Digger will ‘stand the test of time’, Glenn Powell defends Tom Cruise film amid dismal start

Tom Cruise and Glen Powell have strengthened their friendship since co-starring in Top Gun: Maverick, with Cruise publicly supporting Powell’s recent films. However, Cruise's latest release, Digger, has struggled, earning only $3.4 million on opening day amidst mixed critical reviews. Directed by Alejandro Iñárritu, the film revolves around an oil tycoon facing a self-created disaster.

India women rule Asian Games hockey again; IIT-B director quizzed over suicide | Top news

India's women’s hockey team reclaimed the Asian Games championship after 44 years, defeating China 1-0 in a thrilling final in Kakamigahara. This victory marks a significant achievement, ending a lengthy drought for the team. The triumph revives memories of their last win in 1980, reinvigorating national pride in women's sports.

‘Rajpal Yadav wasn't asked to leave Mushtaq Khan's burial’: Content creator sets the record straight

Mushtaq Khan passed away on September 24 after a rapid decline due to cancer, with the funeral attended by many industry figures, including Rajpal Yadav. Controversy arose over videos suggesting Yadav was asked to leave, but creator Nazma Shaikh clarified her anger was aimed at media photographers, emphasizing Yadav's close bond with Khan. Shaikh urged media to share accurate narratives.

Air ambulance from Bermuda declared emergency, ATC replied: Moments before plane vanished

An air ambulance from Bermuda to Boston declared an emergency before disappearing off Nantucket due to potential electrical issues amidst a storm. The Gulfstream G100, with six aboard, sharply dropped from 24,000 to 10,000 feet. Search efforts are underway, with Canadian authorities involved. The NTSB is collecting information on the incident's circumstances.

‘Pakistan don’t offer competition’: BCCI’s verdict after India survive scare in Asian Games final

India secured 21 gold medals at the Asian Games 2026, with the men’s cricket team triumphing over Pakistan by 19 runs in the final. Key performances from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma led to a formidable total of 211. Despite intense pressure from Pakistan's Hasan Nawaz, India's bowlers held firm, showcasing their championship caliber. BCCI president Mithun Manhas acknowledged the team's exceptional performance while noting a decline in competition from Pakistan.

Hungary's dwindling paprika producers battle to save signature spice

Farmers Nikoletta Pajsan Nagy and Laszlo Pajsan struggled against Europe's worst summer drought to salvage their red pepper harvest in Hungary, noting unexpected success despite challenging conditions. The decline of paprika cultivation and labor shortages threaten this traditional industry. Historically a symbol of Hungarian identity, paprika faces competition from imports and changing culinary preferences among younger generations.

Bengaluru woman searches for perfect time to avoid traffic, finds only one solution: WFH

Bengaluru's notorious traffic sparked online conversation as user Kavya humorously lamented her daily commuting struggles, suggesting that the only solution is to work from home. Her relatable video shows her stuck in heavy traffic at 3:20 PM, despite attempts to find better travel times. Users echoed her frustrations, emphasizing the city's traffic unpredictability. The story highlights ongoing commuter challenges.

From Amravati to Asian Games glory: Archer Kumkum's father says her next target is Olympic gold

Kumkum Mohod's remarkable archery skills earned India its first women’s individual recurve gold at the Asian Games in Japan, igniting celebrations in her Amravati neighborhood. The 17-year-old, trained since age eight, aims for Olympic gold in 2028. Her proud family, particularly her parents, emphasize her commitment to balancing sports and academics amid this historic achievement.