🦟 16yo student's malaria model wins $50k

Sixteen-year-old Rajarshi Mandal developed a mathematical model to optimize mosquito net distribution for malaria prevention. He is a rising junior from Lexington, Massachusetts, who built the ordinary differential equation simulation. His optimized allocation prevented twice as many infections as standard population-based methods using the same supply. This suggests better allocation, not just more nets, can boost public health impact. Mandal received a $50,000 Davidson Fellows Scholarship for his innovative research.

🎬 India's 'Angh' Bags Toronto Film Festival Award

The film 'Angh' has secured a Platform Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. This recognition was given to the movie by the festival organizers in Toronto. The film was screened during the festival which concluded on October 29, 2023. This award automatically qualifies 'Angh' for consideration at the Academy Awards. The filmmakers are now preparing for the next phase of global film promotions. 🎬

🍞 Austrian bakery drops $60 rye loaf in NYC

An Austrian family bakery opened a new shop in Soho, New York, featuring a single 3.3-pound rye loaf priced at $60. The Auer family, whose business has over 40 locations in Austria, brought Graz baking traditions to Manhattan. This specialty loaf uses only organic rye flour, water, and salt, fermenting naturally for up to 24 hours. The high cost reflects premium ingredients, imported German equipment, and the slow, labor-intensive process. Customers can also purchase smaller slices topped with ingredients like caviar. 🍞

🧠 New brain research targets Alzheimer's with immune protein mod

A research team discovered that modulating the immune protein PD-L1 can restore brain immune balance in Alzheimer's disease. This work was done by Taeyoung Park et al at Sungkyunkwan University and Yonsei University College of Medicine. The study, published on September 21, 2026, used Alzheimer’s disease mouse models. Blocking PD-L1 restored impaired microglial function and reduced abnormal neuronal hyperactivity. This suggests brain immune modulation could be a new therapeutic route for the disorder. 🧠

🐴 84yo veteran turns llama ranch into veteran sanctuary

An 84-year-old Navy veteran, Al Ellis, and his late wife Sondra built a 207-acre llama ranch near Boulder, Wyoming. This property, which Ellis transformed from an "eyesore" into a home for about 200 llamas, was donated in 2025. The gift to the Boulder Crest Foundation allows the land to function as a sanctuary for veterans and first responders. The new campus will host programs like PATHH to help people move beyond trauma. The opening ceremony recently celebrated this new chapter for the community. 🐴

🚨 Minor couple harassed, video goes viral in Bihar

A minor boy and girl were molested and harassed by a group of men in Jamui, Bihar. The incident occurred on Saturday evening while they were returning from coaching class near Madwa Pahad. The attack involved physical abuse, and one member captured the entire assault on video. The boy intervened to protect the girl, who was grabbed and subjected to harassment. Police have registered an FIR and are actively investigating to identify the accused individuals. 😥

🌊 Flash flood hits Nilambur, five bodies recovered

A sudden flash flood swept visitors away from the Kottappuzha river near Pookkottumpadam in Nilambur, Kerala, on Sunday evening. Five bodies have been recovered, and search operations are ongoing for Sajitha, a local resident. The recoveries occurred with three bodies found Sunday night and two more on Monday morning. This happened because rain several kilometers upstream caused a rapid surge, despite little local rain. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is scheduled to visit the site on Monday afternoon to pay respects. 😥

🔬 Science helps nail down time of death with fancy tech

Researchers are utilizing UHPLC-MS/MS technology to significantly improve post-mortem interval estimations. This advanced analytical method was applied in forensic science investigations across various case studies. The technology provided precise data points, helping pinpoint the time of death within narrow margins. This application is crucial for legal proceedings and accurate crime scene reconstruction efforts. Future research aims to broaden the scope of this technique for faster and more reliable forensic conclusions.

⚖️ Landlord loses eviction case in Punjab HC

A man in Canada rented his Punjab house for Rs 20,000 monthly to a tenant. He later sought eviction to use it during India visits, filing a petition on April 29, 2021. The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled against the landlord on September 7, 2026, allowing the tenant to stay. The court found his eviction plea invalid because he relied on a repealed legal provision. The landlord can pursue other remedies under the applicable law. 🏡

⚖️ Zoho founder backs IIT Bombay professor against SC/ST charges

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu supported the argument against IIT Bombay Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who faces charges under the SC/ST Act. The case stems from the suicide of 22-year-old student Sahil Ravindra Wakode in his hostel room. Wakode died on Friday evening after allegedly using a phone during an examination at IIT Bombay. His parents claim the professor hurled casteist slurs over three months, leading to the FIR. The case has been transferred to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch for further investigation. 😔

🇯🇵 IIT grad from Bihar plays for Japan cricket team

Bihar-born Abhishek Anand, an IIT Kanpur graduate, has made waves in Japanese cricket. He moved to Japan for work after completing his Chemistry degree and later joined the national team. His T20I debut was on May 9, 2025, where he has played 18 matches, scoring 275 runs. Despite the hype, he is not in the announced 15-member squad for the September 22 fixture. This one-off T20I is part of the Suzuki Cup, prepping for the Asian Games. 🏏