Navi Pillay’s story is one of grit. Her parents, Santhama and Narrainsamy Naidoo, had little money and the family lived with the racial and economic barriers that Black and Indian-origin communities often faced. She still finished school and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Natal in 1963, followed by a law degree two years later. She later completed a doctorate at Harvard University.

Also Read | Navi Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight to hold war criminals accountable

A life lived against the rules

In 1965, Navi Pillay married Gaby Pillay, a lawyer who was also of Indian descent. The couple adopted two children, Isvari and Kamini. She once told a South African media outlet that she took her daughters to a public park even though she knew the swings were meant for white children only.

Two years after her marriage, she became the first woman of colour to start her own law firm in Natal. Working from a small office, she spent years defending anti-apartheid activists and political prisoners.

She also championed women’s rights. In 1992, she co-founded the group Equality Now with human rights leader Jessica Neuwirth, which campaigned against practices such as female genital mutilation and forced child marriage.

From Durban to the world stage

When apartheid ended, Pillay was appointed to the High Court of South Africa in 1995, becoming the first non-white woman to sit on that bench.

That same year, she was elected a judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, which was set up to try those behind the 1994 genocide. Lakhs of Tutsis were killed by nationalist militias in the violence and thousands of women were reportedly raped. The killings are believed to have been triggered by the assassination of then Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana.

She spent eight years on the tribunal, including four as its president from 1999 to 2003. She later served as a judge at the International Criminal Court.

In 2008, she became the first woman to head the UN human rights office, serving as High Commissioner for Human Rights until 2014. More recently, she chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which concluded that genocide was taking place in Gaza.

In a major setback for Indians, the United States has suspended several major companies, including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro and HCL, from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme (PERM). The move could delay green card applications for Indian employees working in the US on H-1B visas. The US government said the decision was aimed at protecting American jobs, arguing that hiring foreign workers through such programmes could affect employment opportunities for US citizens. Read full news here

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The Pentagon has announced that the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, who killed 13 people and injured 32 others in a 2009 shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, will be livestreamed. This would be the first US military execution in more than 65 years and the first military firing-squad execution since World War II. The Army has scheduled Hasan’s execution for December 3 at Fort Hood. He was convicted of killing 13 unarmed soldiers at the military base in 2009. Read complete news here 

Navi Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight to hold war criminals accountable

Former South African judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award in Oslo on Friday. The committee honoured Pillay for her work in support of peace and international law. In its statement, it said she played a key role in making sure that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are brought to justice. Read complete news here 

CJP protest tomorrow: Delhi turns into fortress; 57 metro stations to remain shut, Delhi-bound trains cancelled

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Nana Patekar death: Goa Police register case of unnatural death, claim 'he was brought dead to hospital'

Goa Police have registered an Unnatural Death (UD) case following the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, and further investigation is underway, ANI reported. Panaji Police registered the case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). According to police records, the actor was brought dead to the casualty ward of Manipal Hospital in Bambolim from his residence at Ocean Park, Dona Paula. Police officers visited the hospital, spoke to the attending doctor and informed senior officials about the matter. The case has been officially registered as UD No. 62/2026. Police Sub-Inspector Nitin Naik is conducting the further inquiry. Read complete news here

Gaurav Yadav appointed regular Punjab DGP, four years after additional charge

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SC judge Justice Sheel Nagu recuses from hearing Punjab govt's plea challenging CBI probe into corruption allegations

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What Tanushree said

In a video on Instagram on Thursday, Tanushree said she had heard the news about Nana but was busy with an event in Lucknow. She also seemed to say that by evening the media’s focus might move to “evil dead”. She added that she would give her reaction once she figured out what her reaction should be and sent condolences to the family, but the clip ended mid-sentence after “but…”. Many viewers questioned her choice of words and the timing of the video.

Tanushree Dutta reacts on... Actor Nana Patekar demise at the age of 75… ????

She said ????️:

"I had my entire day planned out.

I wanted to do all these lives and post content and now I'm worried that in the evening, 

that's all the media is going to be interested in is Evil Dead" https://t.co/EBESDDnQ6k

— Sagar_H ???? (@SagarH62) October 8, 2026

What AICWA said

AICWA founder and president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta issued a sharp statement. The body said it condemns her remark, calling it objectionable, insensitive and shameful. It also accused her of seeking cheap publicity.

The association said using such words for someone after his death goes against basic humanity. According to the statement, no one in the film industry has said something like this before, and it hoped she would be the last. “You should have kept a check on your tongue,” it told her.

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A post shared by All Indian Cine Workers Association (@aicwaofficial)

AICWA also criticised her for talking about her own work. She had said it was a work day and that she was heading to Lucknow for a big event. The association said that on a day when the country was mourning a legend, speaking about her own plans showed a very small mindset.

It also paid tribute to Nana, recalling his Padma Shri, his work with the Naam Foundation to support the families of distressed farmers and his service during the Kargil War.

How Nana Patekar died

Nana had a cardiac arrest early on Thursday at his home in Goa. Doctors tried to revive him for around 45 minutes, but he was declared dead at about 5:10 am. A medico-legal case has been registered and the Goa Police have also filed an Unnatural Death (UD) case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The history between the two

Tanushree and Nana have a long-running dispute. In 2018, she accused him of sexual harassment on the sets of the 2008 film Horn Ok Pleassss and her claims became a major talking point during India’s #MeToo movement. She said she had complained to the Cine & TV Artists Association (CINTAA) in 2008 but nothing happened. An FIR was filed against Nana, who denied the allegations. The case was closed in 2019 for lack of sufficient evidence. In 2025, a Mumbai court in Andheri formally dismissed the criminal proceedings because the complaint had been filed after the legal time limit.

ਸਾਲ 2026 ਦੇ ਨੋਬਲ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰਾਂ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨ 5 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਨੂੰ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ, ਜਿਸਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਮੈਡੀਸਨ ਤੋਂ ਹੋਈ ਸੀ। ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਭੌਤਿਕ ਵਿਗਿਆਨ ਅਤੇ ਰਸਾਇਣ ਵਿਗਿਆਨ ਲਈ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਦਿੱਤੇ ਗਏ। ਹੁਣ ਸਾਹਿਤ ਲਈ ਨੋਬਲ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ।

ਨੋਬਲ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਐਨ ਕਾਰਸਨ ਦਾ ਸਾਹਿਤ ਆਪਣੀ ਦਲੇਰ ਸ਼ੈਲੀ ਅਤੇ ਨਵੀਨਤਾਕਾਰੀ ਪ੍ਰਯੋਗਾਂ ਲਈ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਉਸਨੇ ਸਾਹਿਤਕ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਵੇ ਦੇ ਨਵੇਂ ਰੂਪ ਅਤੇ ਢੰਗ ਵਿਕਸਤ ਕੀਤੇ ਹਨ,ਜੋ ਕਲਾਸੀਕਲ ਸਾਹਿਤਕ ਪਰੰਪਰਾਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਧੁਨਿਕ ਲਿਖਤ ਨਾਲ ਜੋੜਦੇ ਹੋਏ। ਐਨ ਕਾਰਸਨ ਕੈਨੇਡਾ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਮੁੱਖ ਸਮਕਾਲੀ ਲੇਖਕਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਇੱਕ ਹੈ। ਉਸਦਾ ਕੰਮ ਕਵਿਤਾ, ਅਨੁਵਾਦ, ਕਲਾਸੀਕਲ ਸਾਹਿਤ ਅਤੇ ਆਧੁਨਿਕ ਲਿਖਤ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਸੰਵਾਦ ਦੀ ਪੜਚੋਲ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ।

1950 ਵਿੱਚ ਕੈਨੇਡਾ ਦੇ ਟੋਰਾਂਟੋ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਨਮੀ ਐਨ ਕਾਰਸਨ ਨੇ ਆਪਣਾ ਪੂਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਤਕ ਕਰੀਅਰ ਕਵਿਤਾ ਲਿਖਣ, ਅਨੁਵਾਦ ਕਰਨ ਅਤੇ ਪੜ੍ਹਾਉਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਿਤਾਇਆ ਹੈ। ਉਸਦੀ ਲਿਖਤ ਇੱਕ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦਾਂ ਦੀ ਡੂੰਘੀ ਖੋਜ ਅਤੇ ਇੱਕ ਕਵੀ ਦੀ ਨਵੇਂ ਅਰਥਾਂ ਦੀ ਖੋਜ ਦੇ ਸੁਮੇਲ 'ਤੇ ਅਧਾਰਤ ਹੈ। ਕਾਰਸਨ ਨੇ ਖੁਦ ਵਿਉਤਪਤੀ ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੀ ਲਿਖਤ ਦਾ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤੀ ਬਿੰਦੂ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਹੈ।

ਕਾਰਸਨ ਨੇ ਕਲਾਸੀਕਲ ਯੂਨਾਨੀ ਸਾਹਿਤ ਦਾ ਅਨੁਵਾਦ ਵੀ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ। ਉਸਦੀਆਂ ਪ੍ਰਮੁੱਖ ਰਚਨਾਵਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਈਰੋਸ ਦ ਬਿਟਰਸਵੀਟ (1986), ਗਲਾਸ, ਆਇਰੋਨੀ, ਐਂਡ ਗੌਡ (1995), ਆਟੋਬਾਇਓਗ੍ਰਾਫੀ ਆਫ਼ ਰੈੱਡ: ਏ ਨੋਵਲ ਇਨ ਵਰਸ (1998), ਦ ਬਿਊਟੀ ਆਫ਼ ਦ ਹਸਬੈਂਡ (2001), ਨੋਕਸ (2010), ਫਲੋਟ (2016) ਅਤੇ ਰੋਂਗ ਨੌਰਮਾ (2024) ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹਨ ।

ਨੋਬਲ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਕਾਰਸਨ ਨੇ ਕਲਾਸੀਕਲ ਅਤੇ ਆਧੁਨਿਕ ਸਾਹਿਤ ਨੂੰ ਵੱਖਰਾ ਰੱਖਣ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਇੱਕ ਸੰਵਾਦ ਸਥਾਪਤ ਕੀਤਾ। ਉਸਨੇ ਕਵਿਤਾ, ਛੋਟੀਆਂ ਕਹਾਣੀਆਂ, ਲੇਖਾਂ, ਅਨੁਵਾਦਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਹੋਰ ਕਲਾਤਮਕ ਸ਼ੈਲੀਆਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਸੀਮਾਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਨਵੀਨਤਾਕਾਰੀ ਤਰੀਕਿਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਵੀ ਵਰਤਿਆ। ਉਸਦੀਆਂ ਲਿਖਤਾਂ ਨੇ ਸਮਕਾਲੀ ਸਾਹਿਤ ਲਈ ਨਵੇਂ ਰੂਪ ਖੋਲ੍ਹੇ।

ਆਪਣੀ ਮਸ਼ਹੂਰ ਰਚਨਾ,"ਆਟੋਬਾਇਓਗ੍ਰਾਫੀ ਆਫ਼ ਰੈੱਡ: ਏ ਨਾਵਲ ਇਨ ਵਰਸ" ਵਿੱਚ ਉਸਨੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਚੀਨ ਯੂਨਾਨੀ ਕਵੀ ਸਟੇਸੀਕੋਰਸ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ ਮਿਥਿਹਾਸਕ ਪਾਤਰ ਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਆਧੁਨਿਕ ਸੰਦਰਭ ਵਿੱਚ ਦੁਬਾਰਾ ਕਲਪਨਾ ਕੀਤੀ। "ਦ ਗਲਾਸ ਐਸੇ" ਵਿੱਚ, ਕਵਿਤਾ, ਗਲਪ ਅਤੇ ਸਾਹਿਤਕ ਆਲੋਚਨਾ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਸੀਮਾਵਾਂ ਧੁੰਦਲੀਆਂ ਦਿਖਾਈ ਦਿੰਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ।

ਸਾਹਿਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਨੋਬਲ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਸਵੀਡਿਸ਼ ਅਕੈਡਮੀ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸਦੀ ਸਥਾਪਨਾ 1901 ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋਈ ਸੀ। ਉਦੋਂ ਤੋਂ ਇਹ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ 118 ਵਾਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਜਾ ਚੁੱਕਾ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ 2025 ਤੱਕ ਕੁੱਲ 122 ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਹੈ। ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਸਨਮਾਨਿਤ ਵਿਅਕਤੀਆਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਅਠਾਰਾਂ ਔਰਤਾਂ ਹਨ। ਸਾਹਿਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਨੋਬਲ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਦੋ ਜੇਤੂਆਂ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਚਾਰ ਵਾਰ (1904, 1917, 1966 ਅਤੇ 1974 ਵਿੱਚ) ਸਾਂਝਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ।

ਪਿਛਲੇ ਸਾਲ 2025 ਦਾ ਸਾਹਿਤ ਦਾ ਨੋਬਲ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਹੰਗਰੀ ਦੇ ਲੇਖਕ ਲਾਸਜ਼ਲੋ ਕ੍ਰਾਸਜਨਾਹੋਰਕਾਈ ਨੂੰ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ "ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਸ਼ਾਲੀ ਅਤੇ ਦੂਰਦਰਸ਼ੀ ਸਾਹਿਤਕ ਲਿਖਤਾਂ ਲਈ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ ਜੋ ਕਿ ਅਤਿਵਾਦੀ ਦਹਿਸ਼ਤ ਦੇ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਕਲਾ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਕਤੀ ਨੂੰ ਮੁੜ ਸੁਰਜੀਤ ਕਰਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ।"

ਸਾਲ 2026 ਲਈ ਨੋਬਲ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਵੱਖ-ਵੱਖ ਸ਼੍ਰੇਣੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨ 5 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਨੂੰ ਸਰੀਰ ਵਿਗਿਆਨ/ਮੈਡੀਸਨ ਲਈ, 6 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਨੂੰ ਭੌਤਿਕ ਵਿਗਿਆਨ ਲਈ, 7 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਨੂੰ ਰਸਾਇਣ ਵਿਗਿਆਨ ਲਈ ਅਤੇ 8 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਨੂੰ ਸਾਹਿਤ ਲਈ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ। 

ਕਿਉਂ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਨੋਬਲ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ 

ਐਲਫ੍ਰੇਡ ਨੋਬਲ ਇੱਕ ਖੋਜੀ, ਉੱਦਮੀ ਅਤੇ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰੀ ਸੀ। ਆਪਣੀ ਮੌਤ ਦੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਉਸਨੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਵਸੀਅਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਪਣੀ ਇੱਛਾ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਕੀਤੀ ਕਿ ਉਸਦੀ ਜਾਇਦਾਦ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੇ ਸਨਮਾਨ ਲਈ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਵੇ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਕੰਮ ਦੁਆਰਾ, ਮਨੁੱਖਤਾ ਲਈ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡਾ ਯੋਗਦਾਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਦ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਟੀਕੋਣ ਦੇ ਆਧਾਰ 'ਤੇ ਭੌਤਿਕ ਵਿਗਿਆਨ, ਰਸਾਇਣ ਵਿਗਿਆਨ, ਸਰੀਰ ਵਿਗਿਆਨ ਜਾਂ ਦਵਾਈ, ਸਾਹਿਤ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਨੋਬਲ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਸਥਾਪਤ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ ਸਨ।

ਨੋਬਲ ਦੀ ਮੌਤ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਉਸਦੀ ਇੱਛਾਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪੂਰਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਹੋਈ ਅਤੇ 1901 ਵਿੱਚ ਪਹਿਲੇ ਨੋਬਲ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਦਿੱਤੇ ਗਏ। ਬਾਅਦ ਵਿੱਚ 1969 ਵਿੱਚ ਆਰਥਿਕ ਵਿਗਿਆਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਨਵਾਂ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਸਥਾਪਤ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ, ਜਿਸਨੂੰ ਅਧਿਕਾਰਤ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਅਲਫ੍ਰੇਡ ਨੋਬਲ ਦੀ ਯਾਦ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਰਥਿਕ ਵਿਗਿਆਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਵੈਰੀਗੇਸ ਰਿਕਸਬੈਂਕ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਵਜੋਂ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਸਵੀਡਨ ਦੇ ਕੇਂਦਰੀ ਬੈਂਕ ਦੀ 300ਵੀਂ ਵਰ੍ਹੇਗੰਢ ਨੂੰ ਮਨਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਸਥਾਪਿਤ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ। ਨੋਬਲ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਜੇਤੂਆਂ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨ ਹਰ ਸਾਲ ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ।

What Amazon has said

Amazon has accepted that a reduction is happening, but it calls it a change involving a "small number" of roles. The company says most of the changes are in its stores business, which handles its main online shopping operations.

The timing has drawn attention. The layoffs came just as the Great Indian Festival sale got underway. Some employees shared the news with colleagues on internal channels such as Slack.

Which teams are affected

The cuts are not limited to one kind of job. Reports say teams working on customer service, selling partner services and marketplace support have been hit. Engineers in the retail division have also lost roles.

Also Read | Nana Patekar's last public appearance: Played the shamel, danced with Goa's artists and said 'I don't know If I'll be here tomorrow'

Why Amazon is cutting jobs again

This round follows a much bigger clean-up. Between late 2025 and January 2026, Amazon removed around 30,000 corporate jobs as it tried to cut costs and make the company simpler to run. The new layoffs are smaller, but they show that the restructuring is still not over.

At the same time, Amazon is betting big on artificial intelligence. The company plans to spend about $220 billion on data centres, chips and other infrastructure needed to run AI.

What it means for India

The cuts come even though Amazon keeps investing in India. In March, it opened a new Bengaluru campus, which it calls its second-largest office in Asia. The 1.1-million-square-foot building is expected to hold more than 7,000 employees working across e-commerce, payments, technology and seller services.

So the layoffs do not mean Amazon is leaving India. It looks more like the company is moving people and money to the areas where it wants to grow.

Great Indian Festival 2026: Offers to know

• The sale began at 12 am on October 8 for all customers. Here are the main offers:
• Up to 65 per cent off on home appliances such as TVs, refrigerators and washing machines
• 10 per cent instant discount on SBI debit and credit cards, including credit card EMI transactions
• Unlimited 5 per cent cashback for customers using the Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card
• Extra Rs 250 cashback for Prime members on select devices
• 10 per cent cashback on Amazon Pay Later EMI transactions

The family, who are from Uttar Pradesh, were visiting Shaktipeeths in Himachal Pradesh. On the way, they stopped at a dhaba in the Dhusara area of Amb in Una district for tea and breakfast. Once they were done, everyone climbed back into their Tempo Traveller and the journey resumed. Nobody seems to have noticed that the boy had stayed behind.

People at the dhaba soon saw the boy sitting by himself. When no one came back for him and he began to cry, they called the police.

A local resident said the family had stopped for tea and breakfast before leaving in the Tempo Traveller. He said the child was left behind, and when they saw him crying, they informed the police, which arrived quickly and got in touch with the family.

Cops scanned CCTV footage from Amb Chowk and other nearby spots, checking which vehicles had left the dhaba. The cameras picked up the Tempo Traveller.

From its registration number, the police reached the owner and then spoke to the driver over the phone. That call was how the family learned that their son was still at the dhaba.

By then, they had already covered around 80 km. They turned the vehicle around and drove back to collect him.

Amb DSP Anil Patiyal explained how the police traced them. Using the vehicle number, they first contacted the owner and then the driver. The family was told that their child had been left at the dhaba, after which they realised what had happened and returned for him.

After the required paperwork and legal formalities, the boy was handed over safely to his parents.

Also Read | Big breakthrough in Mad Sandhu killing: Gangster Parminder Kaka, close aide of Goldy Dhillon, arrested in Ahmedabad

He told the audience he did not know whether he would still be around the next day. The veteran actor died early Thursday at his home in Dona Paula, Goa. He was 75.

A Sunday spent with Goa's folk artists

Nana Patekar was present at the Goa Tourism Day celebrations on Sunday, October 4, where he spent time with local performers before addressing the gathering in Marathi. Video clips from the event show him playing the shamel, a traditional percussion instrument, and taking part in the dekhni, a Goan folk dance.

Also Read | Nana Patekar's last public appearance: Played the shamel, danced with Goa's artists and said 'I don't know If I'll be here tomorrow'

'I don't want to do anything else'

On stage, he went back to his early years in theatre. He recalled taking part in a state-level play competition and said the recognition he got there gave him the confidence and direction he needed at that stage of life.

His love for the stage, he made clear, had not faded. He said he did not wish to do anything else and wanted to keep doing theatre. 

The words that now carry a different weight

Patekar then turned to a more reflective note. He said everyone has to go one day, that he did not know if he would be there tomorrow and that such a time comes in every person's life. He wondered aloud whether he had managed to do what he wanted and whether he had truly tried before that moment arrived.

At the time, it sounded like the thoughts of a man in his seventies looking back. After Thursday's news, it reads very differently.

What happened on the morning of his death

Nana Patekar was found unconscious at his apartment and taken to a private hospital. Dr Shekhar Salkar, a senior doctor there, said CPR was given for about 45 minutes, but the actor could not be revived. He was declared dead at 5.20 am.

Dr Salkar shared what a friend of the actor had told the medical team. Patekar reportedly messaged the friend at around 3.30 am to say he was unwell. The friend noticed the message at about 4 am and hurried to the house, where Patekar lived with a caretaker.

The caretaker then called the hospital and an ambulance was sent. According to the doctor, treatment started inside the ambulance itself.

Postmortem and legal procedure

His body was shifted to Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim for a postmortem to establish the exact cause of death. A medico-legal case has also been registered, which is the standard step in such cases.

A career that belonged to two languages

Patekar was among the few actors who commanded equal respect in Hindi and Marathi cinema, with a screen presence that no one else quite matched. His best-known Hindi films include Parinda, Prahaar, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Khamoshi and Welcome.

He won three National Film Awards, several Filmfare Awards, the Maharashtra State Film Award and Filmfare Awards Marathi. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, one of the country's highest civilian awards.

Also Read | Nana Patekar dies at 75: Veteran actor collapses with chest pain in Goa, cremation tonight in Pune with state honours

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the decision on October 7, after the three-day meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The RBI also changed its policy stance to "calibrated tightening".

First, what is the repo rate?

The repo rate is the interest rate at which banks borrow from the RBI. The logic is simple. When the RBI lends to banks at a higher cost, banks pass that on and charge people more for loans. Borrowing becomes expensive, so people take fewer loans and spend less. Lower spending means lower demand and that helps keep inflation under control.

Why did the RBI raise it?

Governor Sanjay Malhotra said rising crude oil prices, global pressures and bad weather have increased the risk of food inflation. The RBI wants to act early to rein in prices and keep the economy stable.

The central bank has also raised its inflation forecast. For 2026-27, inflation is now expected at 5.2%, up from the earlier estimate of 5.0%.

Rate cuts are off the table for now

The change in stance to "calibrated tightening" carries a bigger signal than the hike itself. It means the door to rate cuts has been shut for the time being. In the coming meetings, the RBI will either keep rates where they are or raise them further if needed.

Experts feel controlling inflation is now the RBI's first priority.

On the other hand, there is some relief on the economic front. The RBI has raised its GDP growth forecast for 2026-27 from 6.7% to 7.1%. By quarter, growth is expected at 7.2% in Q2 and 6.9% in Q3. The Q4 estimate is unchanged at 6.8%.

What changes for you

Around 7 out of 10 borrowers have loans linked to the repo rate, so the decision will affect most loan customers quickly. If your loan is on a floating rate, meaning it is linked to the repo rate, banks are expected to raise interest rates within a few days. Either your EMI will go up or your loan tenure will become longer.

A new home loan or car loan will cost more in the coming days. Once banks apply the new rates, loan eligibility may also come down a little.

When could the repo rate come down again?

If inflation stays under control and economic conditions allow it, the RBI could cut rates later. At every meeting, it decides on rates after looking at inflation, economic growth and domestic and global conditions.

Knowledge box: where did repo rate idea come from?

The concept goes back to 1917, during the First World War. Banks were facing a heavy tax burden, which made borrowing costly and difficult. To ease this, reduce the tax burden and make money easily available to banks, the US central bank (the Fed) introduced the repo system for the first time.

It has changed a lot since then. At first, only select member banks could use the facility. Primary dealers joined in the 1950s and today both banks and dealers use it. It was earlier based on a fixed discount rate. Later it was linked to market rates and now the US FOMC committee decides it. Initially, only government and war bonds were pledged against the loan. Later, treasury securities were accepted and after 1999, mortgage-linked bonds too.

The whole structure has changed since 1917. Today it is one of the biggest and most effective tools for controlling the flow of money (liquidity) in banking systems across the world, including India.

Also Read | Loans to get costlier as RBI hikes repo rate to 5.5 %, cites inflation; first raise since 2023

ਨੋਬਲ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਜੇਤੂਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਦਸੰਬਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਵੀਡਨ ਦੀ ਰਾਜਧਾਨੀ ਸਟਾਕਹੋਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਨਮਾਨਿਤ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਵੇਗਾ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਤਗਮਾ, ਇੱਕ ਡਿਪਲੋਮਾ ਅਤੇ ਇਨਾਮੀ ਰਾਸ਼ੀ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਜਾਵੇਗੀ। 2026 ਦਾ ਨੋਬਲ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ ਲਗਭਗ ₹11.5 ਕਰੋੜ ਰੁਪਏ ਹੈ।

ਆਓ ਇਸਨੂੰ ਸਰਲ ਸ਼ਬਦਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਮਝਦੇ ਹਾਂ। ਸਾਡੇ ਦੋਵੇਂ ਹੱਥ ਲਗਭਗ ਇੱਕੋ ਜਿਹੇ ਦਿਖਾਈ ਦਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਪਰ ਖੱਬਾ ਹੱਥ ਸੱਜੇ ਹੱਥ ਦੀ ਥਾਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਲੈ ਸਕਦਾ। ਕੁਝ ਅਣੂ ਵੀ ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਹਨ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਦੋ ਰੂਪ ਹਨ। ਦੋਵੇਂ ਇੱਕ ਦੂਜੇ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਤੀਬਿੰਬ ਹਨ। ਹੁਣ ਸਮੱਸਿਆ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਝਦੇ ਹਾਂ। ਜਦੋਂ ਵਿਗਿਆਨੀ ਅਜਿਹੇ ਅਣੂ ਬਣਾਉਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਤਾਂ ਉਹ ਕਈ ਵਾਰ ਦੋਵੇਂ ਰੂਪ ਇਕੱਠੇ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ। ਪਰ ਦਵਾਈ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਕਿਸੇ ਦੀ ਵੀ ਲੋੜ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁੰਦੀ। ਇੱਕ ਦਵਾਈ ਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਰੂਪ ਸਰੀਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਿਸੇ ਬਿਮਾਰੀ ਦੇ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਕੰਮ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ, ਜਦੋਂ ਕਿ ਇਸਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਤੀਬਿੰਬ ਘੱਟ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਸ਼ਾਲੀ ਜਾਂ ਨੁਕਸਾਨਦੇਹ ਵੀ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਲਈ ਵਿਗਿਆਨੀ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਲੋੜੀਂਦੇ ਅਣੂ ਪੈਦਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦੇ ਸਨ, ਦੂਜੇ ਨੂੰ ਨਹੀਂ।

ਸਾਡੇ ਸਰੀਰ ਅਮੀਨੋ ਐਸਿਡ ਤੋਂ ਪ੍ਰੋਟੀਨ ਬਣਦਾ ਹੈ। ਅਮੀਨੋ ਐਸਿਡ ਦੋ ਰੂਪਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੌਜੂਦ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ, ਜੋ ਕਿ ਇੱਕ ਦੂਜੇ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਤੀਬਿੰਬ ਹਨ। ਪਰ ਸਰੀਰ ਪ੍ਰੋਟੀਨ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਇਹਨਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਸਿਰਫ ਇੱਕ ਰੂਪ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਵਿਗਿਆਨੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਸਵਾਲ ਇਹ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਜਦੋਂ ਦੋਵੇਂ ਰੂਪ ਬਣ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ, ਤਾਂ ਸਰੀਰ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਇੱਕ ਹੀ ਕਿਉਂ ਚੁਣਦਾ ਹੈ।

1986 ਵਿੱਚ ਹੈਨਰੀ ਬੀ. ਕਾਗਨ ਨੇ ਇਸਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਜਵਾਬ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਉਸਨੇ ਇੱਕ ਵਿਧੀ ਦੀ ਖੋਜ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਿਸ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਦੋਵੇਂ ਰੂਪ ਬਰਾਬਰ ਮਾਤਰਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੈਦਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਸਨ। ਇਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਰੂਪ ਦੂਜੇ ਨਾਲੋਂ ਕਾਫ਼ੀ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਸੀ। ਇਸਦਾ ਮਤਲਬ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਜੇਕਰ ਵਿਗਿਆਨੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਕਿਸੇ ਖਾਸ ਅਣੂ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਉਹ ਇੱਕ ਅਜਿਹਾ ਸਿਸਟਮ ਬਣਾ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਹ ਅਣੂ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ ਮਾਤਰਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੈਦਾ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਦੂਜਾ ਅਣੂ ਘੱਟ ਮਾਤਰਾ ਵਿੱਚ।

ਫਿਰ ਕੇਨਸੋ ਸੋਆਈ ਨੇ ਕਾਗਨ ਦੇ ਕੰਮ ਨੂੰ ਅੱਗੇ ਵਧਾਇਆ। ਉਸਨੇ 5-ਪਾਈਰੀਮੀਡਲ ਐਲਕੇਨਾਇਲ ਨਾਮਕ ਇੱਕ ਰਸਾਇਣ ਨਾਲ ਪ੍ਰਯੋਗ ਕੀਤਾ। ਉਸਨੇ ਇੱਕ ਵਿਧੀ ਤਿਆਰ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਇੱਕ ਅਣੂ ਬਣਨ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਆਪਣੇ ਵਰਗਾ ਦੂਜਾ ਅਣੂ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਮਦਦ ਕਰੇਗਾ।

ਇਸਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਸਮਝੋ, ਜੇਕਰ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਕਿਸਮ ਦੇ ਕੁਝ ਅਣੂ ਥੋੜੇ ਜਿਆਦਾ ਬਣ ਗਏ ਤਾਂ ਉਹ ਹੋਰ ਸਮਾਨ ਅਣੂ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਮਦਦ ਕਰਨਗੇ। ਫਿਰ ਨਵੇਂ ਬਣੇ ਅਣੂ ਵੀ ਇਹੀ ਕਰਨਗੇ। ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਇੱਕ ਕਿਸਮ ਦੇ ਅਣੂਆਂ ਦੀ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਵਧਦੀ ਰਹੀ।

1995 ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਯੋਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਕਿਸਮ ਦੇ ਅਣੂ ਦੀ ਮਾਤਰਾ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਿਰਫ 2% ਵੱਧ ਸੀ। ਪਰ ਜਿਵੇਂ-ਜਿਵੇਂ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ ਅੱਗੇ ਵਧਦੀ ਗਈ, ਇਹ ਵਾਧਾ 87% ਤੱਕ ਪਹੁੰਚ ਗਿਆ। ਇਸਦਾ ਮਤਲਬ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਵਿੱਚ ਛੋਟਾ ਜਿਹਾ ਅੰਤਰ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ।

ਫਿਰ 2003 ਵਿੱਚ ਸੋਆਈ ਨੇ ਇਸ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਹੋਰ ਅੱਗੇ ਵਧਾਇਆ। ਉਸਨੇ ਇੱਕ ਪ੍ਰਕਿਰਿਆ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਕਿਸਮ ਦੇ ਅਣੂ ਦੀ ਮਾਤਰਾ 99.99% ਤੱਕ ਵਧ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ। ਇਸਦਾ ਮਤਲਬ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਅੰਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਗਭਗ ਸਾਰੇ ਅਣੂ ਇੱਕੋ ਕਿਸਮ ਦੇ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ।

Benda shared the video online and called it his "small way of saying thank you" to Smit Machchhar and to Indians around the world. The song, originally sung by Roop Kumar Rathore, comes from the 2008 film 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', which starred Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma.

Social media users were quick to praise the effort. One person wrote that it was the most fitting song to thank Captain Smit. Another thanked Benda on behalf of all Indians. A third said his Hindi was good and that his Indian friends were grateful.

I'm impressed by this Israeli- American's Hindi pronunciation when he sings a tribute to Captain Smit Machchhar. ???????? ????????

Enjoy the voice of Itay Benda. ❤️ https://t.co/VEQ6xR77yM

— Dina Shakti ???????? ???????? (@Dina_Shakti) October 3, 2026

What happened on the Flydubai flight

Smit Machchhar was in the spotlight after the mid-air emergency on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. He was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him and tried to crash the aircraft. Even with severe injuries and heavy blood loss, the Indian captain managed to open the cockpit door. That gave crew members and passengers the chance to enter the cockpit and overpower the alleged attacker. A few pilots who were travelling as passengers also helped keep the aircraft steady until it made an emergency landing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Machchhar a "hero" and praised his courage and determination despite his injuries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also described him as a "true hero".

Also Read | MP Vikram Sahney announces Rs 25 lakh bravery award for Captain Smit Machchhar after flydubai cockpit attack

Also Read | 'Proud, showed immense courage': PM Modi praises Indian pilot for thwarting co-pilot's hijack bid on Flydubai flight

Who is Smit Machchhar?

Machchhar is from Mumbai. His LinkedIn profile shows that he joined flydubai in June 2022. Before that, he spent more than 11 years at SpiceJet, where he rose to the rank of Commander.

Flying was not his first plan. He studied Man-Made Textile Chemistry, Apparel and Textiles at the SASMIRA Institute of Man-Made Textiles and later completed a BBA at Welingkar Institute of Management. Reports say he first thought of joining the family business, but his interest in aviation grew after he attended an aviation seminar as a teenager.

"I was simply doing my duty"

Despite the praise, Machchhar has stayed humble. In a post, he reportedly said he was only doing his duty as a pilot. In a 2025 YouTube podcast, he was asked whether a smooth landing or an on-time arrival mattered more. His answer was that safety comes before everything and that pilots should never chase punctuality at the cost of a safe flight.

An unforgettable conversation with Captain Smit, filled with pride and emotions. https://t.co/CCf46PKOWR

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2026

Mad Sandhu, who had more than 2.61 lakh followers on social media, was cremated after his post-mortem. He was allegedly shot dead on Loharka Road on October 3 by two motorcycle-borne assailants.

Amid the grief, Sandhu’s younger brother has raised an emotional question about the people who were close to the influencer during his lifetime. He alleged that some friends frequently enjoyed Sandhu’s company and generosity but were absent when the family gathered to perform his last rites.

According to his brother, Mad Sandhu would often spend money on friends, take them shopping and pay for food and outings. He alleged that despite this close association, those friends did not come to the funeral.

The absence, he said, has made the loss even more painful for the family, which is already struggling to come to terms with Sandhu’s sudden death.

Remembering his elder brother, Mad Sandhu’s brother said he had always been a source of strength and support.

He recalled that even when he expressed a small wish, his brother would make an effort to fulfil it. He said he now has to face life without the protective presence of the sibling he relied on most.

Mad Sandhu murder

The attack took place at around 6 pm on October 3 along Loharka Road in Amritsar. The police said two men travelling on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire at Sandhu. He suffered critical injuries and died while being taken to hospital.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Prabhjot Singh Virk said the investigation was in progress and police teams were working to identify and arrest those responsible.

Investigators are analysing Mad Sandhu’s phone records, digital information and other evidence to establish his movements before the shooting and determine whether he had any prior connection with the suspected attackers.

Gangsters claim responsibility

The case gained another dimension after foreign-based gangsters Goldy Dhillon and Lucky Johal separately claimed responsibility for Sandhu’s killing.

The police have not confirmed the claims and said they are being verified as part of the investigation. Officials are also examining whether Sandhu had been followed before the shooting.

Investigators are reportedly looking into his movements on the day of the incident. According to information being examined by the police, Mad Sandhu had visited Starbucks with friends on Saturday evening. Security arrangements and barricading linked to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s visit allegedly prevented the attackers from carrying out an attack at that location.

Family says Sandhu never mentioned threats

Sandhu’s family has said he never told them that he was receiving threats. They said he was primarily occupied with his salon business and his work on social media. The police are also examining his online activity as part of the probe. Some of Sandhu’s videos had reportedly attracted criticism from gangsters and sections of Nihang groups. He was allegedly warned by some individuals to change or “mend” his ways.

Also Read | Amritsar influencer Mad Sandhu shot dead on Loharka Road; Goldy Dhillon claims responsibility in viral post

Gola, a 75-kg community dog from the SDA Market area of Hauz Khas, has been declared the “fattest dog of Delhi” after defeating Googoo from Saket in the final of the city’s quirky ‘Fat Dogs of Delhi’ contest.

Gola, who was also known by, names including Kebab and Rajpal Singh, won the final by 39,904 votes, according to the contest organisers.

What made the victory particularly unusual was that Gola had died during the competition. Her supporters, however, continued the campaign in her memory, helping her make it all the way to the final.

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From 64 dogs to one champion

The contest started with 64 community dogs from different parts of Delhi.

As the rounds progressed, neighbourhoods rallied behind their local favourites. Supporters took to Instagram and other social media platforms, creating posters, memes, reels and campaign messages to attract votes.

The playful competition gradually began to resemble a real election, with each dog developing its own local fan base.

Gola eventually reached the final, where she faced Googoo of Saket. Googoo had secured a place in the final after defeating Tara in a closely fought semi-final.

Delhi gets real polling booths

The contest was not limited to online voting. Organisers also arranged physical polling booths at cafes in areas, including Vasant Vihar, Kamla Nagar and Punjabi Bagh. People could turn up, cast their votes on paper ballots and even have their fingers marked, adding another touch of election-day drama to the event. People of different age groups took part, with young voters arriving alongside elderly residents. Some supporters even brought campaign material promoting their favourite dogs.

The result turned what started as a light-hearted contest into a citywide celebration of Delhi's community dogs and the people who care for them.

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More than just a fun contest

While the competition was meant to be entertaining, it also gave animal lovers and volunteers a chance to talk about the lives of community dogs across Delhi.  The organisers said the attention generated by the contest would also be used to support animal welfare initiatives, including contributions towards animal shelters, food, beds and collars.

For supporters, the contest became as much about celebrating familiar neighbourhood dogs as it was about finding Delhi's “fattest” one. And after weeks of campaigning, voting and plenty of social media buzz, Gola emerged as the winner.

Her posthumous victory has given the unusual contest an emotional ending , proving that in Delhi, even a chonky community dog can bring thousands of people together.

His actions have drawn comparisons with Neerja Bhanot, who showed extraordinary courage during the 1986 hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73.

Also Read: Who is Indian pilot Smit Machchhar? Flydubai Captain who helped save 174 lives

On September 5, 1986, Bhanot was the senior flight purser on Pan Am Flight 73, which had landed in Karachi while travelling from Mumbai to Frankfurt and New York. Four armed men hijacked the Boeing 747, leading to a 17-hour crisis involving hundreds of passengers and crew.

Bhanot quickly understood what was happening and alerted the pilots using the hijack warning code. This allowed the pilots to escape through the cockpit hatch and prevented the hijackers from taking control of the aircraft. She then took charge of helping the passengers and crew.

Also Read: Flydubai terror attack scare: Indian national was Flydubai Captain who fought off co-pilot during mid-air attack

During the rescue, Bhanot was shot while trying to protect three children from the attackers. She died just two days before her 23rd birthday. In 1987, she was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, becoming the youngest and first woman to receive India's highest peacetime gallantry award.

Machchhar also showed courage despite being seriously injured. He managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the attacker. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar was taken to hospital. All passengers survived.

Although the two incidents happened nearly four decades apart, both involved Indian aviation professionals facing extreme danger and putting the safety of passengers ahead of their own.

Machchhar was seriously injured after he was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot, who was accused of trying to crash the aircraft. Despite suffering severe injuries and losing a significant amount of blood, the Indian captain managed to open the cockpit door.

His action gave crew members and passengers a chance to enter the cockpit and restrain the alleged attacker. Other pilots who were travelling as passengers also stepped in to help stabilise the aircraft before it made an emergency landing.

Also Read | Screams, blood, sudden dive & emergency code: Inside Flydubai flight that sent Israel's jets into the air

The incident has since brought widespread attention to Smit Machchhar, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly praising his courage.

PM Modi described Machchhar as a “hero”, saying the pilot showed courage and determination despite being seriously injured. Netanyahu also referred to him as a “true hero”.

Who is Smit Machchhar?

While his actions during the emergency have made headlines, Machchhar has spent years building a career in commercial aviation.

According to his LinkedIn profile, he joined flydubai in June 2022. Before that, he worked with SpiceJet for more than 11 years, including as a Commander.

Machchhar is from Mumbai. According to reports, his career in aviation was not necessarily the path he had initially planned.

Before moving into aviation, he studied Man-Made Textile Chemistry, Apparel and Textiles at the SASMIRA Institute of Man-Made Textiles. He later pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration at Welingkar Institute of Management.

Reports suggest that Machchhar had initially considered joining his family business. His interest in flying reportedly grew after he attended an aviation seminar when he was in his late teens.

‘As a pilot, I was simply doing my duty’

Machchhar has remained modest about his actions. In a post, he reportedly described what he did simply as part of his responsibility as a pilot.

His approach to flying was also reflected in a 2025 YouTube podcast, where he was asked whether he considered a smooth landing or an on-time arrival a bigger achievement.

His response was that safety mattered above everything else, saying pilots should not be focused on being on time at the expense of a safe flight.

Friends remember him as calm and composed

Machchhar's childhood friend Prateek Gandhi has described him as someone who was calm and composed even during his younger years.

Gandhi recalled growing up with Machchhar and playing cricket together. He described his childhood friend as one of the most level-headed people in their neighbourhood.

Today, Machchhar is being recognised internationally after his actions during the Flydubai emergency.

The 26-year-old Haryana shooter produced a brilliant performance in the final, finishing with 28 points. Her score also broke the previous Asian record of 24.

Neeru Dhanda had already helped India secure a silver medal in the women’s trap team event before winning the individual title.

Also Read | Asian Games 2026: Vithya Ramraj breaks PT Usha’s 42-year record with bronze; Gulveer Singh wins silver in 1500m

Her gold is another major milestone in a breakthrough year. In July, Dhanda became the first Indian woman to win a World Cup gold in the trap event when she topped the podium at the Shotgun World Cup in Italy.

Dhanda entered the eight-shooter final after finishing joint first in qualification with Qatar’s Ray Bassil. Both shooters recorded 118 points, a Games qualification record.

India also had Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer in the women’s trap competition. The Indian trio finished second in the team event with a combined score of 328. China won the team gold with 346 points, while Kuwait took bronze with 325.

Ahlawat and Keer could not make the individual final after finishing 16th and 23rd respectively in qualification.

Historic achievement for Indian women shooters

Before Dhanda, no Indian woman had won an individual medal in trap or skeet at the Asian Games.

India’s previous individual Asian Games gold medals in trap-related events came in the men’s competition. Randhir Singh won the men’s trap title in 1978, while Ronjan Sodhi won gold in men’s double trap at the 2010 Games.

Shapath Bharadwaj reaches men's final

India's men’s trap team finished sixth among 10 teams, but Shapath Bharadwaj made it to the individual final.

The 24-year-old from Meerut finished eighth in qualification and secured the final spot after winning a shoot-off for the last two places against Qatar’s Mohammed Al-Rumaihi.

Bharadwaj, Kynan Chenai and Ahvar Rizvi combined for 339 points in the team event.

Kuwait won the men’s team gold with 355 points, followed by Qatar with 349 and Kazakhstan with 348.

India had won the men’s trap team gold at the last Asian Games in China, where Kynan Chenai, Zoravar Singh Sandhu and Prithviraj Tondaiman formed the gold-winning team.

Boxing: Parveen Hooda in final after 5-0 win over Xu Li

India’s Parveen Hooda stormed into the women’s 65kg boxing final after defeating China’s Xu Li 5-0 in the semifinal.

All five judges ruled in Parveen’s favour as she put up a dominant performance to secure her place in the title clash.

Parveen is now assured of at least a silver medal and will fight for gold in the final against Chen Nien-chin of Chinese Taipei.

Squash: India beat Iran 3-0, win all group matches

India completed a 3-0 victory over Iran in the squash team event, winning all three of their group-stage matches.

Joshna Chinappa defeated Iran’s Najmeh Boushehrizadeh 3-0, winning 11-1, 11-3, 11-9.

With the win, India finished the group stage unbeaten and advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will face Singapore tomorrow.

The incident unfolded early Sunday after hundreds of protesters gathered at the private university in Phagwara following reports that a student had allegedly been raped on campus by an outsider.

Also Read: From Chitkara to LPU: Why private universities in Punjab hit by protests just ahead of assembly elections

The substantial evidence however has not been established yet to fully corroborate the allegations levelled by the students. Police said that an FIR on the sexual assault complaint has been registered and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the matter. 

#WATCH | Jalandhar, Punjab: Students hold protest at Lovely Professional University (LPU)

Dr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Vice Chancellor of LPU, says, "The police registered an FIR based on the students' allegations. All necessary support will be provided. Five students have been… https://t.co/IEWXNrr3Rz pic.twitter.com/EJlAYzYRvs

— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2026

What are the students demanding?

• Accused must be arrested
• Accountability and investigation into rape-suicide cases
• Appointment of only female staff in girls hostel
• Apology from warden and resignation
• Appointment of student president

Campus unrest

Videos from the university campus showed large groups of students protesting and raising slogans. Other footage showed broken window panes and damaged flower pots, while some objects and parts of a university building appeared to be on fire. Some campus shops were also allegedly vandalised.

Police said the unrest began near the university’s girls’ hostel at around 1 am.

Students alleged that a university student was raped on September 24. They claimed the alleged assault involved a plumber or construction worker and that the hostel warden had been informed but no action was taken.

Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora said police initially found that rumours had led to the gathering of students. He said officers also spoke to students who had grievances against the LPU administration and were working to address their concerns. He added that the situation was under control.

Later, Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla said police had received the student’s statement and registered a case in connection with the allegation.

“We have now received the information and her statement, and a case has been registered,” he said.

The burglary took place at VIP Garden in Thammathukonam, where YouTuber Vinoth Kumar lives with his wife, Madhumitha. According to police, unidentified burglars broke open the rear door of the house during the night, entered the premises and escaped with the valuables.

The theft was discovered later, following which Rajakkamangalam Police reached the spot and started an investigation. Police are examining CCTV footage from the house and surrounding areas to identify the suspects and track their movements before and after the burglary.

Investigators are also trying to find out how the burglars entered the locality and whether surveillance cameras captured them.

Police are examining the couple’s social media posts as part of the investigation. Their videos reportedly showed large amounts of gold jewellery and cash, and investigators are checking whether these posts may have unintentionally revealed details about the valuables kept at their home.

The investigation is ongoing as police work to identify the burglars and determine exactly how the break-in was carried out.

Police said around 120 sovereigns of gold and diamond jewellery, along with Rs 50,000 in cash, were stolen from Madhumita’s family home in Nagercoil.

The family had gone out shopping on Thursday when burglars reportedly broke into their house at VIP Garden and escaped with cash and valuables worth around Rs 1 crore.

The theft was discovered after the family returned home and found the locker open and the valuables missing.

In an old social media reel, Madhumita had spoken about knowing how to keep her valuable belongings safe. However, burglars still managed to enter the house and steal the valuables.

Her earlier social media posts may now be useful to investigators. Police are examining whether the influencer’s online activity could have helped the burglars track the family’s movements.

Investigators are also looking at posts and reels in which Madhumita displayed gold jewellery and cash, including a video showing cash being showered on a child. Police are checking whether such content may have unintentionally revealed information about the family’s valuables or routine.

Baljinder Singh, a resident of Sujanpur in Pathankot district, has been in custody in Saudi Arabia since February 6, 2024, according to his family. He had worked as a truck driver in Dubai for around a decade and regularly transported goods between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Family says he was unaware of the drugs

According to Baljinder's family, an acquaintance in Dubai asked him to take a package to Saudi Arabia, claiming that it contained medicines for his elderly father.

Baljinder's father, Jaswinder Singh, said his son initially refused twice because he did not know what the package contained. The family claims he eventually agreed after being shown a video of the man's sick father.

The family says narcotics were later found in the package during scanning at the UAE-Saudi border, following which Baljinder was arrested.

His relatives maintain that he had no knowledge of any drugs being carried in the package.

Also Read | Punjab truck driver sentenced to death in Saudi drug case; family seeks urgent intervention from Indian govt

Family seeks govt intervention

According to the family, a Saudi court convicted Baljinder in a drug trafficking case and sentenced him to death. His wife said the sentence was upheld by higher courts and that an appeal seeking royal clemency was also rejected.

Neither Saudi authorities nor the Indian government has publicly confirmed the death sentence based on the information available to the family.

On September 21, his wife Sunil Lata submitted a representation seeking intervention to former MP and BJP leader Avinash Rai Khanna in Hoshiarpur. Khanna subsequently forwarded the representation to the Ministry of External Affairs and urged the Centre to take up the matter with the Saudi authorities.

The Great Khali appeals for support

The issue gained wider attention after Baljinder's family shared a video appealing for help.

The Great Khali later posted a video on Instagram asking people to support the family and raise their voice over the case. He referred to the family's claim that Baljinder had been wrongly implicated.

Diljit Dosanjh also addressed the matter during an Instagram Live session after fans asked him about it. He said he did not have complete information about the case but urged the government to ensure that the matter is properly investigated and that no innocent person is punished.

Family appeals for clemency

Baljinder's parents, Gurmeet Kaur and Jaswinder Singh, have been approaching the Punjab government and the Ministry of External Affairs for help.

The family describes Baljinder as an Amritdhari Sikh and says he has no connection with drugs. They say he is the main earning member of the family and that his wife and two children are currently living in India.

The family is seeking every possible legal and diplomatic intervention, including commutation of the death sentence, and is hoping that Baljinder can eventually return home.

Opposition leaders and the Cockroach Janata Party have levelled serious allegations against Kumar, while the Election Commission has maintained that its decisions were taken according to law and that differences of opinion among commissioners are part of the normal functioning of a multi-member institution.

At the heart of the controversy is an investigation by The Indian Express, which reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded at least 14 formal objections over a 10-month period on issues connected with voter registration, deletion of names, electoral-roll databases and the SIR process.|

Also Read | CJP gives CEC Gyanesh Kumar 48-hour resignation deadline over SIR, threatens nationwide protest

Also Read | ‘One-man rule’ at Election Commission? Opposition demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s removal; SIR at centre of dispute

So, what exactly happened? And who are the key people involved?

Where did the controversy begin?

The SIR exercise began in Bihar in June 2025 and was subsequently expanded to other states and Union Territories. The exercise was aimed at checking and updating electoral rolls.

According to The Indian Express, more than 13 crore names were removed from draft electoral rolls across 30 states and Union Territories during the process. The scale of the exercise turned voter-list revision into a major political issue.

The latest controversy, however, is not only about the number of names removed. It concerns questions raised from within the Election Commission itself.

The newspaper reported that Sandhu and Joshi objected to several decisions and, in some instances, alleged that actions had been taken without their knowledge.

What were the five major issues?

1. The Form-6 controversy

Form-6 is used by citizens to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll. According to the Indian Express investigation, a new question linked new voters to the electoral roll from the previous SIR, asking whether the applicant or their parents or grandparents appeared on that earlier list.

The report said Joshi objected to the change, arguing that the form could not be altered in that manner without changing the relevant rules. Sandhu subsequently recorded his objection as well and described the change as unauthorised and illegal.

2. Who controls the voter database?

Another dispute concerned access to the digital voter database. Electoral Registration Officers, or EROs, are responsible for preparing electoral rolls at the constituency level. Sandhu and Joshi reportedly raised concerns that access to the database was becoming increasingly centralised.

Joshi called for an audit to establish that only authorised statutory officials could make changes to voter records. Sandhu later raised similar concerns about access available to state-level election officials.

The issue is significant because the Election Commission has traditionally described electoral-roll preparation as a decentralised process.

3. The West Bengal appeal controversy

West Bengal became another major point of contention. The Election Commission had earlier told the Supreme Court that 27.16 lakh voters were removed during the SIR process after cases involving alleged “logical discrepancies” were examined. More than 22 lakh of those voters subsequently filed appeals seeking restoration of their names.

The Commission also reported another 16.10 lakh appeals seeking deletion of voters whose names had been included following judicial scrutiny.

According to the Indian Express report, Sandhu questioned who had authorised these appeals and who had actually filed them on behalf of the Commission. He reportedly said that he, Joshi and the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer had not been informed about the process.

4. The Goa software problem

The fourth issue involved Goa. Following Supreme Court directions, voters flagged for discrepancies were supposed to receive an opportunity to submit documents and make their case before the final electoral roll was published.

According to the Indian Express investigation, local officials found 97 voters eligible for inclusion but the software did not provide an option to restore their names. The Goa CEO's office reportedly wrote repeatedly to senior election officials seeking a technical solution, but the necessary option was not enabled before the final list was published.

5. Who has the final say inside the ECI?

This is perhaps the larger institutional question behind the entire dispute.

The Election Commission is a three-member constitutional body comprising the CEC and two Election Commissioners. The recent reports have raised questions about whether important decisions were being taken with the knowledge and approval of all three members.

The Indian Express reported that Sandhu and Joshi invoked provisions of the 2023 law governing the Commission and objected to communications being issued in the name of the ECI without the required approval.

Who are the five key figures?

Gyanesh Kumar: The current Chief Election Commissioner and the central figure in the controversy.

Sukhbir Singh Sandhu: Election Commissioner who, according to the investigation, recorded seven of the reported objections independently and joined Joshi in others.

Vivek Joshi: Election Commissioner who also raised objections concerning voter registration, database access and other SIR-related matters.

Seema Khanna: Director General of IT at the Election Commission, whose division oversees the digital systems involved in electoral-roll management.

T V Somanathan: Cabinet Secretary, to whom Sandhu and Joshi reportedly wrote regarding concerns over changes in the functioning and oversight of the Commission's IT systems.

What does the Election Commission say?

The Election Commission has rejected the suggestion that the reported objections indicate an institutional breakdown.

Its position is that differences, suggestions and objections are normal in a multi-member constitutional body. The Commission has maintained that its decisions, including those concerning SIR, were taken with the required approval and in accordance with legal procedures.

That leaves the central issue unresolved: whether the objections reported by the two commissioners were simply part of internal deliberations before decisions were finalised, or whether they point to deeper disagreements over how the Commission was functioning.

For now, the controversy is moving beyond the question of voter-list revision and into a larger debate over transparency, institutional decision-making and the management of India's electoral rolls.

Dhilla, a resident of Badli in Jhajjar, was extradited from Cambodia last year after being on the run for several years. He has been allowed to leave the jail from 8 am to 8 pm for his wedding, which will be held at a farmhouse near the jail.

The wedding has attracted attention because Chan is a Cambodian national. Dhilla reportedly met her after fleeing to Cambodia while he was out on parole. The two later began living together and have four children.

#WATCH | Jhajjar, Haryana: Gangster Mainpal Badli arrived at the venue under police security for his wedding. The court has granted him 12-hour parole to marry his Cambodian partner. pic.twittser.com/A10WvsnRBM

— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2026

Chan has travelled to India for the wedding with three of their children, while their fourth child has remained in Cambodia.

Dhilla's criminal record

Dhilla has 22 criminal cases registered against him, including murder cases. He was serving a life sentence in Hisar jail after being convicted in three cases registered in 2007 and 2010. He has also been accused of killing a person while in prison.

In July 2018, Dhilla was released on six-week parole. He allegedly fled India the following month using a fake identity, travelling under the name Sonu Kumar.

After reaching Cambodia, he reportedly changed his identity and started a business there.

Investigating agencies later received information about his whereabouts. At the request of Haryana Police, the CBI facilitated an Interpol Red Notice against him in November 2024.

With assistance from Cambodian authorities, Dhilla was traced and arrested in July 2025. He was subsequently extradited to India in September 2025 and brought back to face the cases against him.